The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigerian Newspaper

  • Buhari condoles with Olukoyede family

    President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with family of Secretary to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) Ola Olukoyede, over the passing of his mother and the family matriarch, Mrs Moroluke Marian Fakoyede.

    The President, in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Chief Femi Adesina, condoled with family members, friends and Mrs Fakoyede’s close associates over the sad loss.

    He urged them to take solace in the good works of the God-fearing woman, who treasured love for family and neighbours.

    Read Also; Buhari presides over FEC as NEMA, EFCC, others make presentations

    As the family prepares for her final journey home on Friday, President Buhari prayed that the Almighty God will grant Mrs Fakoyede eternal rest, and comfort all members of the family.

  • NEMSA allays fear over congestion of meter test station

    The Nigerian Electricity Management Service Agency (NEMSA) on Wednesday revealed that it has decentralized its meter testing activities with the operationalization of the Kaduna and Port Harcourt Meter Test Stations.

    Its Managing Director, Engr. Peter Ewesor made this known at the agency’s meeting with electricity distribution companies (DisCos) and Meter Assets Providers in Abuja.

    NEMSA is the agency saddled with the responsibility of testing and certifying electricity meters in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

    But representing Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) at the meeting, Engr. Sadiq Abdullahi asked the Ewesor, who is also the Chief Electrical Inspector of the Federation, whether the agency would be able to cope with the demand for meter testing from the different DisCos.

    The 11 DisCos have targeted to install about 6million meters between 2019 and 2022, but Abdullahi doubted NEMSA’s capacity to cope with companies simultaneous demands for meter testing nationwide.

    But Ewesor noted that “I don’t think the place will be congested because presently the 6million meters that are going to be deployed are not going to be deployed in one year. They are staggered between 2019 and 2022. We have plans to ensure that the meters they will be bringing we have adequate resources to deal with them. We have three meter test stations; Oshodi is in Lagos. We have Meter Test Station in Kaduna. We have Meter Test Station in Port Harcourt. Definitely, all the MAPs and DisCos should go to the Meter Test Station close to their Environment.”

    He ruled out the possibility of overwhelming the stations, adding that the agency could introduce shift for its personnel to cope with the high demand for testing when it becomes necessary.

    Earlier, he told the stakeholders that efficiency in revenue collection through metering is very crucial to the success of the electricity market.

    Ewesor recalled that over the years, meters were deployed in trickle so the rate was a far cry from the desire of Nigerians, who complained of paying for the energy they did not use.

    According to him, the issues such as estimated billings that emanated from lack of adequate metering have started abating with the various metering policies of the government.

    With the enactment of the MAP policy to bridge the metering gap, there is now a relationship among the NEMSA, meter suppliers nationwide and the consumers, which has now resulted in the upsurge of metering.

    This, according to him, has informed the metering deployment plans for the next few years –hence the need to meet with the stakeholders to address the complaints arising from the process.

  • Two brothers docked for duping PFN President

    Two brothers, Avan Smart aged 61 and Avan Jerry aged 29, have been arraigned before an Oredo Magistrate Court for allegedly duping President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) Rev. Felix Omobude, the sum of N3m.

    The two brothers were arraigned on seven-count charges bothering on forgery, stealing and obtaining under false pretence.

    They pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    Police Prosecutor, ASP Patrick Agbonifo, informed the court that the suspects committed the offence on May 31st and June 24, 2019 at the headquarters of the New Covenant Church, Benin City.

    ASP Agbonifo said the suspects presented themselves as contractors to the Edo State Government and bidded to construct road within the Light House Polytechnic, owned by Rev. Omobude.

    Agonifo said the suspects presented forge documents of an unregistered company to Rev Omobude.

    He said they collected the sum of N3m under false pretences.

    The offences, according to Agbonifo, were punishable under sections 516, 390, 467 and 419 of the Criminal Code vol II laws of the defunct Bendel State now applicable to Edo State.

    It was gathered that the brothers were arrested following a petition to the State Commissioner of Police, Danmallam Abubakar.

    Presiding Magistrate, I A Osayande granted the accused bail to the sum of N200,000 each and a surety in like sum.

    Osayande adjourned the case to September 26, 2019.

  • Ondo 2020: NULGE cautions Politicians on retrench rumours

    The Nigeria Union local government Employees (NULGE) on Wednesday admonished politicians and aspirants for 2020 Ondo state governorship election to desist from playing politics with the recent screening of the local government workers, pensioners and primary school teachers in the state.

    The Union said the screening exercise was in the best interest of the workers and pensioners, assuring that governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu-led administration would not use the exercise to retrench any worker.

    Its President, Bola Taiwo gave the warning in Akure, the state capital while speaking with reporters on the recent outburst by some governorship aspirants who criticised the screening exercise.

    Taiwo who will be sworn-in for another term next week Thursday noted that the screening was organised to know when the workers joined service and when they would retire so that government would plan for them.

    On the logjam over the implementation of the N30,000 minimum wage, the NULGE President expressed reservation over the failure of both government and the organised labour to agree on a new salary table before signing into law of the new wage.

    The NULGE President said, “politicians should not use workers’ welfare to play politics against Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu; the screening for primary school teachers, local government workers and their pensioners is not to witch hunt anybody. The screening exercise was organised to know the numerical strength of local government workers and primary school teachers to enable government plans for the workers.”

    Read Also: Five die in Ondo auto-crash

    “There is no indication that government wants to use the screening exercise to downside or retrench workers, there is nothing like that and if you monitored the screening (two weeks ago), it has a human face.”

    “The government never asked for certificate or primary six certificate, it is just your physical appearance and your letters of appointment and letter of last promotion, just to know when you joined service and when you will retire, and how to plan for them, nothing like retrenchment plan.”

    “Unlike previous or past screenings under the last administration in the state when a lot of people lost their lives, travelling around to get primary six certificate, this current screening under this administration is not like that.”

    He said, “during the screening, we have discovered a lot of revelations, where workers travelled out of the country (without official approval) and still collecting salaries, by the time the screening report is out, we will see the revelations.”

    “We have had reactions from politicians about the screening, we want to advise politicians in the state that if they want to fight for positions in the state, they should not use workers’ welfare to settle scores.

    Taiwo said “either primary school teachers or local government workers or even pensioners should not be used to play politics. We don’t want workers to be used to negotiate for appointment.”

    “At the initial stage, there is a mistake, I don’t expect our labour leaders to agree on a new minimum wage without a table, in the past years, there will be a (salary) table before going on negotiations, it is the table that should be used to reach figure, that is why we find ourselves at this stage.”

    He advised that the allocation formulae of sharing money from the federation account should be reviewed to enable state governments and local governments get more allocations to implement the new minimum wage.

  • Six signs to show your partner is truly committed to you

    Before you can determine the seriousness of your relationship, it is imperative to be able to have conversations about tough subjects with your partner, such as having a clear idea of what being ‘committed’ means to you and learn about your partner’s definition of it.

    You could be dating your partner for a while and think things are going great. But you can never really know for sure unless they actually tell you how they feel about you.

    You should also know that for some, being comfortable enough to express how they feel takes time. So here is how to tell if your partner is truly committed to what you share:

    They speak in “We”

    Bringing your partner into your world is an essential part of a relationship and a proof of commitment.

    People in committed relationships speak about themselves as “we.” This simply means that they are bringing you into their lives and making you part of many of the things they do.

    They are highly satisfied

    The strongest predictor of commitment is satisfaction. If you are highly satisfied, you are often committed.

    They see their relationship as better

    Committed partners tend to believe their relationships are better than other people’s relationships.

    They don’t pay attention to potential alternative partners. They don’t even notice attractive people around them.

    They make sacrifices

    What is commitment without sacrifice? Committed partners make sacrifices for each other and don’t expect favours to be returned, at least not immediately. They have a more long-range view of things and make decisions based on what’s best for the relationship, not what’s best for themselves as individuals.

     

    Read Also; Six mistakes newly wedded couples make

    They are always ready to try new things with you

    Trying new things is scary. There’s always the possibility of failure and nobody ever wants to look stupid. But if your partner is willing to step outside of their comfort and do something they’ve never done before with you, they’re likely all in.

    They are willing to talk about the future

    Just because they share something real, serious and genuine, they are willing to have a discussion about the future with you.

    If your partner has dropped their walls and let you in, that’s a good sign they are serious about you. A partner who is all in is willing to engage in vulnerable and potentially uncomfortable conversations.

     

     

    mydomaine.com

  • Obaseki to religious groups: address societal ills

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said his administration will continue to collaborate with religious groups in addressing societal ills that impede development in society.

    The governor disclosed this during a courtesy visit by the General Overseer, Spirit and Life Family Bible Church, Apostle (Mrs.) Deb’rah Eunice Gordon-Osagiede at Government House, in Benin City.

    He noted that his administration will continue to seek the collaboration of the Church to deal with societal challenges, adding, “When I see what you and other genuine men of God do for the society due to the irresponsibility of some political leaders, I respect you and other true men of God.

    “When government fails and abdicate their responsibility to the citizens, the church and other religious bodies pick up the pieces. When people can’t feed, get quality healthcare and are sick and hungry, they run to the church for refuge. I sometimes wonder what would have happened if churches didn’t exist in our society. I don’t take your contribution for granted.”

    READ ALSO: Oshiomhole can’t stop Obaseki, says ex-aide

    He added: “The award you received in the United States is an acknowledgement of your acts of faithfulness, dedication, commitment and diligence to mankind. You have used God’s gift and resources to make life better for the people not at home alone but the world in general.”

    Earlier, Apostle Gordon-Osagiede commended the governor for his developmental strides in the state, noting that she visited the governor to inform him of the global award she received in the United States.

    She said she was honoured with the 2019 Top Global Women of Excellence Award for her contribution to her community as well as meeting the needs of the downtrodden in the society.

    She added, “Out of 150 women nominated for the award, 20 qualified after screening and I was the only African and Nigerian to receive this award in 2019 for my contribution to the development of the society. I do a lot of work for the vulnerable, widows, orphans; advocate against human trafficking, drug abuse, and rehabilitate ex-convicts.”

  • Task force nabs 71 miscreants in early morning raid at Oshodi

    Operatives of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit (Taskforce) Wednesday morning arrested 71 miscreants around railway-line in Oshodi as part of efforts to rid the State of criminal elements, especially those operating at notorious blackspots across the metropolis.

    In a statement, Chairman of the Agency, Olayinka Egbeyemi, a Chief Superintendent of Police, who led the enforcement team in an early morning raid, stated that the crackdown is in line with the determination of the Task Force to curtail the activities of hoodlums who rob unsuspecting members of the public.

    He disclosed that some of the culprits were in possession of illegal substances suspected to be Indian hemp and other dangerous drugs such as Codeine, Skunk and Tramadol.

    The Chairman reiterated that all identified blackspots across the State would be continuously raided and arrested suspects would be fully prosecuted if found guilty, stressing that the present administration has zero-tolerance for all forms of crimes and criminality.

    According to Egbeyemi, “Lagos State is the most populous in Nigeria as well as its economic heartbeat as such; the State government is committed to providing a conducive environment for both local and foreign investors”.

    READ ALSO: Task force kills terrorists

    He, however, revealed that while 13 the 71 suspects were released after a thorough screening by the Chairman, while the only underage male among them was transferred to the Lagos State Correctional Centre for proper rehabilitation.

    Meanwhile, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Zubairu Muazu has directed that the raid must be a continuous exercise in line with the State’s policy aimed at eradicating activities of miscreants and cultists disturbing innocent residents.

    An underage boy, Hamed Gilani, who was referred to Lagos State Correctional Centre, disclosed that he ran to Lagos from one of the neighbouring States after his parents separated.

    According to Gilani who is 11 years old, “I ran errand for those bigger miscreants and I was lured to be smoking Indian hemp when I started sleeping among them under the bridge at Oshodi”

    Another miscreant, Suraju Ademola, confessed to have been sleeping along railway line under the Oshodi Bridge for over 7 months.

    He confessed further to be part of those criminals who attack and rob
    innocent members of the public of their valuables on Oshodi Bridge both early morning and night.

  • BREAKING: Tribunal upholds Governor Bello’s election

    The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal holding in Minna, Niger state has upheld the election of Governor Abubakar Bello of Niger State.

    The Tribunal dismissed the petitions of the PDP and its candidate Umar Nasko declaring that it lacks merit.

    Details shortly…

  • Kano guber dispute: INEC, Ganduje, Abba adopt final defence

    The petitioners and respondents in the legal tussle over the 2019 governorship elections in Kano state on Wednesday adopted their final defence before the gubernatorial Election Tribunal presided by Justice Halima Shamaki sitting at Miller road Court complex.

    Abba Kabiru Yusuf(1st petitioner) alongside Peoples Democratic party(PDP)(2nd petitioner) had dragged Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC (1st respondent)Abdullahi Umar Ganduje(2nd respondent) All Progress Congress(APC)(3rd respondent) challenging the declaration of Ganduje as the winner of Kano governorship election.

    The respondents in their final written addresses urge the court to dismiss the pleadings made by the petitioners, stating that the petitioner has failed to discharge the burden on prove.

    The respondents further urged the court that the exhibits that were tendered from the bar by the petitioners were not Certified True Copies (CTC) therefore pray the tribunal to dismiss the petition in its entirety.

    Counsel to the 1st respondent(INEC) Ahmed Raji(SAN) told the court that the issues raised by the petitioners was bankrupt in merit, he argued that the petition lacked the fertility of life.

    Raji(SAN) submitted that Abba Kabiru failed to produce direct evidence to substantiate his claims that INEC wrongfully declared his opponent, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as the winner of the poll, arguing that the electoral act is strict on the petitioners appealing to the tribunal to on this grounds dismiss the petition.

    Abdullahi Umar Ganduje(2nd respondent) responding to the petition filed against his gubernatorial victory before the tribunal said the petitioner failed to produce a result that was contrary to that which was declared by INEC.

    Ganduje through his counsel, Offiong Offiong(SAN) submitted that Abba Kabiru invoked presumptions in attempt to prove to the court that he was duly elected as Kano state governor, praying the court to dismiss the claims made by the petitioners.

    The 3rd respondent, All progressive Congress, APC also in its defence told the tribunal that the petitioners in their claims made an unlawful translation of the provisions of the law.

    The respondents through its counsel Alex Iziyon(SAN) further said the petitioners failed to tender voters register that indicate the number of voters, who voted and number of votes scored to substantiate their claim as winners of the elections.

    According to him, INEC possess the inherent jurisdiction to cancel elections and proceed to order for a rerun, arguing that on March 9th 2019 INEC acted rightly by declaring the Kano state governorship election as inconclusive.

    Iziyon(SAN) further argued that the petitioners in their claims to election victory acted in contrast to the provisions of the law by presenting Pink Copies result sheets, explaining that jurisprudence has transited from submission of Pink Copies to another stage, on this ground he pray the court to dismiss the petition and uphold the emergence of All Progressive Congress, APC and its candidate Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as winner of the election.

    Responding to the submissions made by the respondent, counsel to the petitioners, Kanu Agabi(SAN) urge the court to ignore the response from the respondents on the issues raised.

    Agabi(SAN) said on the 9th of March 2019 elections were held and results were announced, adding that Abba Kabiru Yusuf of the PDP scored the highest number of votes unfortunately INEC refused to declare PDP as the winner of that election.

    He argued that the rerun election held on the 23rd of March is null and void, stressing that therefore the results from the rerun, which declared Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as duly elected Kano state governor was null and void, that the court should declare the results of the 9th of march 2019 as the valid results and return PDP and its candidate Abba Kabiru Yusuf as the winner of the election, urging the tribunal to so hold.

    However, our reporter observed that anxiety, apprehension and palpable fears have enveloped the ancient city of Kano as residents are gripped under the fear of the likely outcome of the legal battle between both political giants.

    It would be recalled that at the height of the court proceedings, the chairman of the tribunal Justice Halima Shamaki reacting to the tense atmosphere that had trailed the proceeding threatened to relocate the tribunal from Kano to Abuja.

    Throughout the security of the proceedings heavily armed security operatives were stationed at strategic positions as they disallowed hundreds of party faithful who were usually eager to gain entrance into the court complex to witness the epic legal battle.

    In her ruling, Justice Shamaki said the tribunal would communicate to the parties, concerned the date that the final judgment would be delivered

  • HoS 2019: LASUTH FC faces LASTMA Wednesday

    The ongoing Lagos State Head of Service soccer competition gained momentum as the Lagos State University Teaching Hospitality LASUTH Football Club battles the Lagos State Traffic Management LASTMA Board Football Club today.

    Holding at the Opebi Playing Ground in Ikeja, both teams will be meeting for the first time since 2006 since the
    championship started.

    The Hos Cup has helped to keep the civil servants fit and engaged the workers in sporting activities.

    LASTMA team won the trophy in 2014, 2015 and became runner-up in 2018 when SUBEB became champions with two goals to one.

    READ ALSO: Cafe One hosts 2019 Caine Prize winner

    LASUTH Football team, otherwise known as Dr Fabanwo boys, won their last two matches defeating Ministry of Information 5-3 and Lagos State Electoral Independent Commission 5-0 respectively.

    Coach of LASUTH FC, Toyin Adegoke said his team was battle ready and in good shape.

    “We are not scared of LASTMA despite being former champions. Expect a tough match as we carry the day,” Adegoke said.