The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigerian news

  • EU foreign ministers signal steadfast support for Iran nuclear deal

    EU foreign ministers signal steadfast support for Iran nuclear deal

    Several Foreign Ministers of the European Union ( EU ) on Monday signalled their resolve to keep the Iran nuclear deal intact after U.S. President Donald Trump cast doubt on U.S. support for the deal.

    “The EU does not see any alternatives to the existing deal,’’ foreign ministers said at the sidelines of a meeting in Luxembourg, after Trump refused to certify the deal on Friday, throwing continued U.S. support for it into question.

    However, EU foreign policy Chief Federica Mogherini has said she is not considering alternatives.

    “I’m not considering alternatives, we do not expect the deal to be finished, we expect the deal to be preserved, continued to be implemented by all sides.

    “This is a strong European Union( EU ) commitment,’’ Mogherini said.

    While Trump’s announcement does not mean that the U.S. has withdrawn from the agreement, it is now up to the U.S. Congress to decide if sanctions on Iran will be reintroduced, which would put the deal at risk.

    “We believe that it is wrong to destroy the agreement,’’ German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel noted.

    French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian warned that “an act of rupture would be extremely damaging.”

    He noted, however, that there were issues that remained to be discussed with Iran such as its ballistic programme and the way the country behaves in regional issues.

    NAN

  • Court orders interim forfeiture of N1.96bn linked to Ontario Oil

    Court orders interim forfeiture of N1.96bn linked to Ontario Oil

    A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the interim forfeiture of N1.96 billion allegedly belonging to an oil company, Ontario Oil and Gas, over alleged fraudulent sale of refined petroleum.

    Justice Hadiza Shagari, issued the order, following an ex parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC ) seeking attachment of the funds.

    “That the property mentioned in paragraphs nine of the affidavit viz, Renoir Logistics Ltd currently under investigation be interim attached/forfeited pending the determination of the investigation and possible prosecution of the case.

    “That the said property attached/forfeited, ad-interim be managed and controlled by the EFCC,’’ the judge held.

    In the suit labeled FHC/L/CS/1464/17, the commission joined as first and second respondents respectively, Ontario Oil and Gas Ltd, and Mrs Ada Ugo-Ngadi, Managing Director of the company.

    An affidavit of urgency elicited by an investigating officer of the EFCC, Mr Abdukarim Acheneje in support of the ex parte motion, chronicles as follows:

    “That the EFCC received a petition from Ms Joan Ganadanu, a legal practitioner, against the second respondent, complaining of diversion and conversion of proceeds of sale of refined petroleum products valued at N1.96 billion.

    “That the petition alleged that the first respondent is a customer to Union Bank Plc, of Stallion Plaza branch, Marina Lagos.

    “That union bank granted a loan facility to the first respondent in the tune of 70 million US dollars to import and/or purchase locally refined petroleum products PMS, DPK and AGO.

    “That the loan was to be repaid from sale of the products and the second respondent guaranteed repayment of the said loan personally.

    “That further investigations revealed that the respondent have lifted the product on the order financed by the bank for 10,000 metric tons of AGO, since July 2016.

    “That the respondent have sold same, but have refused to lodge the proceeds in the company’s account, and pay back the facility to union bank among other financial infractions.”

    NAN

  • Nigeria to use reserve players against Algeria-Coach

    Nigeria to use reserve players against Algeria-Coach

    Salisu Yusuf, Assistant Coach of Super Eagles of Nigeria on Monday said that he would use more  reserve players for the 2018 world cup qualifier against Algeria on Nov.11.

    Yusuf made the disclosure in an interview  while speaking on the team’s preparation for the Algeria match.

    He said that the match would enable the coaching crew to not only try the reserves but also select players for the final in Russia.

    “Some of the players have not been opportune to play, so this match will offer them such opportunity

    “We know there is nothing to be scared of because we already have the world cup ticket but our interest now is to have a blended team,“Yusuf said.

    The coach pledged that the super Eagles would not lose any of their matches, adding that they were ready to win the game against Algeria.

    The super Eagles currently lead Group B with 13 points and will slug it out with the Algerian side on Nov. 11, in Algiers.

    FIFA has confirmed Gabonese Eric Castane as the centre referee while Aboubacar Doumbouya of Guinea and Burkina Faso’s Seydou Tiama will serve as his assistants.

    NAN

  • Nigeria moves up in latest FIFA Ranking

    Nigeria moves up in latest FIFA Ranking

    Nigeria moved up to the 41st position in the World and retained the fifth in Africa in the latest FIFA Coca-Cola world rankings.

    The rankings released by the World Football governing body showed that Nigeria moved up three places from the 44th position in  September, but maintained the fifth spot in Africa.

    It said that Nigeria had 721 points compared to the 696 in September.

    The report said that Tunisia became the new number in Africa and 28th in the world with 834 points while the former number on the continent, Egypt came second and 30th in the world with 818 points.

    Senegal is number three in Africa and 32 in the world with 815 points while DR Congo is fourth on the continent and 35th in the world with 751 points.

    African champions, Cameroon is sixth in the continent and 42nd in the world with 718 points.

    In the top 10 ranked countries, Germany retained the number one position in the world with 1631 points while Brazil is second with 1619 points.

    Portugal is third, Argentina fourth, Belgium fifth, Poland sixth and France seventh.

    Osita Okeke, chairman Nigeria football supporters club, South Africa chapter, attributed Nigeria`s improvement to Super Eagles qualification for the Russia 2018 World Cup.

    “From the matches against Cameroon and then Zambia, the Eagles played well and deserve improvement in the latest rankings.

    “I believe that the team will continue to do well, especially in the World Cup,” he said.

    NAN

  • Open defecation: Yobe constructs over 200 public toilets

    Open defecation: Yobe constructs over 200 public toilets

    The Yobe Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency ( RUWASSA ) says it has constructed more than  200 toilets at Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps and other public places to curtail open defecation.

    The General Manager of  the agency,  Alhaji Mohammed Bukar, disclosed this in an interview on Monday in Damaturu.

    Bukar said the agency had also launched a campaign on hand washing, water safety and waste disposal to create awareness on public health and combat open defecation.

    He said the toilets were constructed at Pompomari, Kukareta, Kasaisa and Muhammadu Gombe farm IDPs camps, schools and motor parks, among others.

    According to the general  manager, water facilities were also provided for effective waste management and to support hand washing and personal hygiene.

    He said the agency also  ensured regular evacuation of the toilets in the public institutions to ensure that the facilities were always “functional and  serviceable”.

    “We have a time-table for periodic dislodgment of the toilets and maintenance of the water facilities to maintain efficiency and safety.

    “Our target is to create awareness on effective use of the facilities provided in IDPs camps, schools, markets and motor parks to check outbreak of diseases.

    “The State Government and international donors have also constructed 20 new water facilities and rehabilitated 200 others in communities where the people have returned home,” he said.

    Bukar said with more funding and support from donor agencies, the facilities would be extended to other communities to effectively curb open defecation, improve sanitation and waste management.

    He said this would “put the state of public health on a higher scale in Yobe”.

    NAN

  • N2.6bn fraud: “you have a case to answer” court tells Akpobolokemi, others

    N2.6bn fraud: “you have a case to answer” court tells Akpobolokemi, others

    A Federal High Court Lagos, on Monday, overruled a no case submission by former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency ( NIMASA ), Patrick Akpobolokemi, charged with N2.6 billion fraud.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC ) had on Dec. 4, 2015, arraigned Akpobolokemi alongside five others, for allegedly diverting N2.6 billion from the coffers of NIMASA between December 2013 and May 2015.

    EFCC claimed the funds were approved by ex-President Goodluck Jonathan for the implementation of a security project.

    Also charged along with Akpobolokemi are: Ezekiel Agaba, Ekene Nwakuche, Governor Juan, Blockz and Stonz Ltd and Al-Kenzo Logistic Ltd.

    The accused had pleaded not guilty to the 22 charges pressed against them.
    The prosecution had then opened its case and during trial, called a total of 12 witnesses and tendered 77 exhibits in a bid to establish its case.

    After the prosecution closed its case, the accused, through their lawyers, filed no-case submissions, contending that the prosecution failed to established a prima facie case against them to warrant their entering any defence.

    They had urged the court to uphold the no case submission and discharge the accused.

    Delivering his ruling on Monday, the trial judge, Justice Ibrahim Buba noted that a plethora of cases had been cited by learned counsel in arguing their application for a no case submission.

    Buba, however, pointed out that in delivering ruling on such no case submission the court is enjoined to keep its ruling as short as possible.

    He said:“There are a plethora of cases listed by counsel, but the court is enjoined not to write its ruling as if it is writing its final judgment, but must keep its ruling as short as possible”.

    Buba held that the charge was before the court and its ingredients are clear.

    “The court therefore, cannot see the fuse in the argument that the prosecution has not made out a prima facie case against the defendants.

    “When a judge is faced with a ruling on a no case submission, it is permissible for the ruling to be brief and simply read: “you have a case to answer.

    “Consequently, the no case submission fails and is hereby overruled”.

    The court therefore, adjourned the case to Oct. 30, Nov. 7 and Nov. 9 for the defence to open its case.

    Akpobolokemi’s no-case submission, his lawyer, Mr Joseph Nwobike (SAN), had contended that the EFCC failed to link his client with the alleged diversion of funds from NIMASA.

    He added that his signature to such effect was never shown to the court, as such the first accused could not be held liable because he did not approve the security project and money disbursed.

    Nwobike had also described the evidence given against the accused by prosecution witness, as mere hearsay with no legal weight.

    He, had therefore, urged the court to come to the conclusion, that the first accused cannot be called upon to enter any defence, because no prima facie case had been established against him.

    Other defence counsels had also made their arguments on their no case submission.

    In response, the prosecutor, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, maintained that the testimonies of the 12 witnesses and 77 exhibits tendered had successfully linked Akpobolokemi to the alleged fraud.

    He had argued that being the head and chief accounting officer of NIMASA at the time of the alleged fraud, Akpobolokemi could not by any stretch of imagination, claim to be innocent.

    The prosecutor had further argued that even if it was the former president that approved the security project, Akpobolokemi was the head of NIMASA at the time, and constituted a committee to handle the project and also approved its funds.

    He further submitted that the prosecution had established that, rather than its intended purpose, the funds were illegally converted to the personal use of the accused.

    In the 22 count charges, the EFCC alleged that the accused induced the Federal Government to approve and deliver to NIMASA the sum of N795 million under false pretence and that the sum represented the cost for the implementation of the Security Code in Nigeria.

    The alleged offence contravened the provisions of Section 8 (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.

    NAN

  • Lagosians join Akwa United supporters in celebration

    Lagosians join Akwa United supporters in celebration

    Jubilant supporters of Akwa United FC on Sunday in Lagos took to the streets of Agege and its environs to celebrate their team’s victory over Niger Tornadoes in the AITEO finals.

    The supporters had immediately after the match, took over the streets gleefully dancing, singing and blowing their trumpets to savour the epic win over the Northern opposition, who gave them a run for their money.

    Akwa United emerged winners of the maiden AITEO Cup in the finals played at Agege Township Stadium.

    The Abdul Makaiba-tutored team laboured to a 3-2 penalty shootout win over Niger Tornadoes in the Nigeria’s oldest cup after the regulation time ended in a deadlock.

    Gov. Emmanuel Udom of Akwa Ibom had led an unprecedented crowd to cheer their darling team to victory at the 2017 AITEO Cup, formerly Federation Cup.

    The recent win by Akwa United marked the second time the club will clinch the cup having won it in 2015.

    Akwa United went home with N25 million prize and will be representing Nigeria in the CAF Confederation Cup.

    Niger Tornadoes runners-up, who defeated defending champions, FC Ifeanyi Ubah are also N10 million richer.

    Speaking with NAN, a supporter, Ifem Eden, described the team’s victory over Niger Tornadoes as a well deserved one.

    “This is a tough game for us which we need to celebrate. We are happy with the kind of support we get from our governor.

    “We are very pleased with the win and the support we got from the Lagos fans,” he said.

    Another supporter, Godson Emmanuel, said with the victory the team had made a statement in Nigeria’s football.

    “This is our second win in the space of two years and we are happy; the support from Lagos fans is tremendous, maybe our people here must have prepared the ground for us.”

    NAN

  • FG committed to ending poverty – FCT Minister

    FG committed to ending poverty – FCT Minister

    The FCT Minister Malam Muhammad Bello says that the Federal Government ( FG ) is committed to putting an end to poverty in the country.

    Bello stated this at a charity football match tagged: ‘Kick – Out Poverty’ organised to mark 2017 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on Sunday in Abuja.

    According to him, one of the greatest challenges confronting humanity in the 21st Century is chronic and excruciating poverty that is unsparing of race and creed or even nationality.

    “Combating this obstacle to good quality living has been global issue for as long as the existence of humanity.

    “The present administration through its social safety and economic programmes consisting of the N-Power scheme, the school feeding programme as well as the conditional cash transfer scheme are all geared towards ending poverty.

    “The dispensation is moving towards ending the phenomenon circle in which many Nigerians have unfortunately found themselves,’’ he said.

    The minister said the FCT is keying into all the programmes while embarking on several others of its own.

    “We are, however, all aware that the economic downturn has made it quite clear that government alone cannot meet all its obligations in this regard.

    “That is why when non-governmental organisations such as Elizabeth Foundation come with laudable programmes such as this football match today to partner with us in this anti-poverty fight, we welcome them with open arms.

    “The aim of this football match is to create public awareness on the problems posed by grinding poverty and what we all can do as individuals or group to combat it,’’ he added.

    Bello urged both the spectators and players to leave the match venue with a clear determination to do all that is possible to end the poverty vicious circle.

    He appealed to the legislative arm of government, who happened to be part of the participants of the match to enact laws that will provide succour for the needy.

    “And the celebrities should use their fame to draw attention to the dangers poverty poses to the society,’’ he said.

    Speaking earlier, Mrs Angel Adelami, Founder of Elizabeth Foundation said the foundation is vision of like-minded persons who believe that poverty is neither normal nor acceptable.

    “We are concern with the plight of widows suffering cultural malpractices, children orphaned or displaced by conflicts and products of broken homes.

    “The common denominator for all these groups is that they are all poor. We at Elizabeth Foundation believe that poverty is a disease.

    “Like measles, tuberculosis, malaria and ebola, poverty is curable and can be eliminated. Our present areas of focus are provision of clean potable water, sanitation and skills acquisition,’’ she said.

    She said that without the active collaboration and partnership of the stakeholders like government, NGOs, corporate bodies, the Media and victims of poverty, the goals cannot be achieved

    “Therefore, in partnership with government, we specifically note the place of the legislature as an important branch that can change the course of the ugly trend through purposeful legislation.

    “We must also ensure that government interventions aimed at poverty reduction achieved meaningful results and targets,’’ she added.

    Adelami said that the foundation need to raise at least N200 million to enable them undertake several projects and programmes across the country.

    “We sincerely hope and appeal that you will meaningfully contribute both morally and financially to the fund in order to increase our capacity to kick out poverty in Nigeria,’’ she said.

    Also, the Speaker House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara congratulated the foundation for coming up with such great idea.

    He assured Nigerians that the legislative arm would do all that is beneficial to all Nigerians.

    He called on executive arm of government to do the needful to give the nation the best.

    The novelty match between the Team House of Representatives and the Team Nigeria Media ended two goals to nil in favour of the Team House of Rep.

    NAN

  • Vietnam flood deaths rise to 72 as heavy rains continue

    Vietnam flood deaths rise to 72 as heavy rains continue

    Rescuers have found the bodies of another 13 people following flash floods in Vietnam, raising the death toll to 72, while 33 remain missing, authorities said on Monday.

    “Up to 700 millimetres of rain had fallen as the result of a tropical depression over the previous five days in central and northern Vietnam.

    “It, however, stopped on Friday, but resumed Sunday night and is continuing through Monday.

    “Thirteen of those killed in Hoa Binh province died early on Thursday when their houses were buried by a landslide while they were sleeping,’’ the committee for disaster prevention said.

    The committee added that five people were still missing in that incident.

    According to reports, almost 50,000 homes were still submerged across the centre and north of the country, while floods destroyed bridges and roads, isolating many areas, and several dams have burst.

    Some 9,300 pigs, cows and buffalo have been killed, as well as nearly 300,000 poultry.

    The National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting has warned that more landslides could hit the country’s mountainous central and northern regions, as the land had absorbed too much water.

    “More carnage is also expected as Vietnam braces for Tropical Storm Khanun, which is moving in from the South China Sea,’’ the centre said.

    It added that it is expected to weaken to a tropical depression in the Gulf of Tonkin on Monday.

    “Authorities have instructed 75,000 fishing boats with over 300,000 fishermen to dock at ports or move out of dangerous areas in the South China Sea,’’ the disaster prevention committee said.

    NAN

  • Ekweremadu lauds FG on rehabilitation of Enugu-Ebonyi road

    Ekweremadu lauds FG on rehabilitation of Enugu-Ebonyi road

    The Deputy President of the Senate, Mr Ike Ekweremadu, has commended the effort of the Federal Government on the rehabilitation of the 41-kilometre Ozalla-Akpugo-Amagunze-Ihuokpara-Nkomoro federal road.

    The road, earlier awarded in 2010, stopped due to poor funding, but was re-awarded by the present federal administration following the intervention of Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Ekweremadu, and other federal legislators from Enugu State.

    A statement by Ekweremadu’s Special Adviser (Media), Uche Anichukwu on Sunday in Abuja, quoted Ekweremadu as thanking President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration for making funds available for the project.

    He explained that the road had been awarded as a full project under the Federal Ministry of Power, Works, and Housing.

    Ekweremadu commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for his cooperation with the members of the National Assembly toward ensuring the reactivation of the project.

    He added that the governor mandated them to ensure that no federal road in the State was abandoned.

    “I would, therefore, like to express our special gratitude to the Federal Government for making funds available to continue this project and also call on them to step up efforts on roads in the South East”.

    On his part, Ugwuanyi appreciated the synergy among the federal lawmakers from the State, which he said, contributed highly to the commencement of work on the road.

    “What we are witnessing here is the effect of synergy among the National Assembly Members from Enugu State led by Senator Ike Ekweremadu.

    “On behalf of Ndi Enugu, we appreciate the Federal Government for acceding to the request by the State for the road rehabilitation, which will bring about socio-economic transformation to the people”, he said.

    Earlier, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Works, Hon. Tobi Okechukwu, and Member representing Nkanu East/Nkanu West Federal Constituency, Hon. Chukwuemeka Ujam, said the project would help to boost economic activities in the communities.

    NAN