Six students of Engraver’s College a private secondary school and their teachers in Kakau Daji Village in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, were on Thursday kidnapped by gunmen.
The abductors reportedly gained entry into the school premises through a porous fence.
Details shortly…
President Muhammadu Buhari will on Tuesday present the 2020 Appropriation Bill to a joint session of the National Assembly, it was learnt on Thursday.
Chairman Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Adeyeye Adedayo, disclosed this in Abuja while answering questions from Senate Correspondents in Abuja.
The presentation of the budget is coming on the heels of the consideration and passage of the 2020 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper (MTEF/FSP) by the Senate.
Details shortly…
Eight of a number of people carrying a deceased relation for burial have died in a road crash along the Numan-Yola Road in Adamawa State.
Our correspondent gathered on Thursday that the accident occurred around Afcott, a company near Ngurore, in Yola South Local Government Area, on Wednesday.
About 14 people were said to have sustained injuries.
Sources said the accident involved a number of vehicles, including one with people conveying a corpse from Jada towards Guyuk, which was hit by a Starlet car trying to overtake it.
According to a witness, “The Starlet started to overtake the corpse-bearing vehicle without knowing of an oncoming Toyota Corrola. Both the Starlet and the Toyota coming from the opposite direction were on top speed. Before the starlet could brake, the accident occurred.”
The Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Adamawa State, Mohammed Hussaini, confirmed the accident, describing it as being a result of reckless driving.
A reaction to the accident by the state government, obtained Thursday, indicated that the victims were mostly members of the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (LCCN), an indigenous church to which a large number of Adamawa Christians belong.
A press statement from the Government House, Yola, quoted Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri as noting that six of the victims were Bonetem Diocese members of the LCCN who died in the accident while going for a funeral.
The statement which was signed by the Director General, Media and Communications, Mr Solomon Kumangar, said the governor described the deceased as a great loss not only to the bereaved families and the Church but Adamawa State in general.
The governor prayed that God would grant rest to the soul of the departed and speedy recovery to those in hospital.
President Muhammadu Buhari has sent warm felicitations to the former governor of Yobe State, Sen. Bukar Abba Ibrahim, on his 70th birthday.
He commended him for living a life of service to humanity, and encouraging budding leaders in the state.
In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, the President said “As you mark your birthday in good health, surrounded by family members and friends, which is one of greatest and happiest moments in one’s life, I convey to you my good wishes and that of the entire people of this country,’’
The President noted that the former governor dedicated most of his life in public service, working for the state and nation for many years, and vociferously speaking for the underprivileged as a lawmaker and inspiring younger people to take up the mantle of leadership.
“I wish you many more years of service and commitment to the nation. Happy Birthday,’’ President Buhari said.
The Oyo State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs Eniola Ambekemo, on Thursday, said no fewer than 33 outgoing 2018 batch C NYSC members out of 4,716 in the state had received extension of service letters.
Ambekemo, who made this disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan, added that 25 of the outgoing members absconded from service.
She said their offences ranged from absenteeism to abscondment in their places of primary assignments.
“However, one of them, Adebanjo Diekolola, received state honours award for carrying out medical outreaches, market sensitisation on genotype, sinking of deep wells at Ogunrinde village, among others.
“We have Fabunmi Tobiloba and David Adeyemi, who received commendation certificates: we are proud of you for your various efforts at developing your host communities; well done for exhibiting a high sense of discipline and resilience,” she said.
She also urged them to balance their life experiences both at the university as well as that of their service year in order to face the challenges of life.
Ambekemo advised them to always make a positive difference wherever they would be and make meaningful contributions to the society.
The coodinator further warned the outgoing members to avoid the get-rich-quick syndrome, which might put most youths in horrifying and devastating conditions.
She reminded them of the non-availability of white-collar jobs, which made the NYSC management to enforce skill acquisition on them right from the orientation camp.
The coordinator also advised them to apply the skills they acquired in establishing meaningful ventures rather than searching for non-existing jobs.
“That may be the skill that will transform your life, Oyo State people will forever be grateful for the selfless services you rendered them. I wish you outstanding success, God’s guidance as you face the world,” she said.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says that all the candidates disqualified for Bayelsa and Kogi governorship elections were not validly nominated by their political parties.
Mr Festus Okoye, Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, INEC said this on Thursday during a “Youth Campus” sensitisation programme organised by the Commission at the Niger-Delta University, Amassoma, Bayelsa.
Okoye was reacting to claims by the candidates that they were disqualified by INEC.
The two-day programme, which started on Wednesday, was to enlighten the youth on the need to participate in electoral processes without causing disorder.
Okoye, also a National Commissioner, blamed the political parties for presenting candidates who did not meet the minimum requirements as spelt out by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.
“No qualified candidate was disqualified, so, since some of the political parties did not submit valid nominations, the commission decided not to put them on ballot.
“In this process, the political parties cannot ask for substitution of candidates as their nominations are invalid in the first place.
“It is expected that any political party that wants to sponsor candidates for elections must know the provisions of the Constitution.
“For you to submit candidates, you must know the basics according to Section 172 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.
“So, it is on the basis of the provisions of the Constitution that some political parties presented candidates that did not meet the minimum threshold for contesting for the election.
“We say that their nominations were invalid and because of the invalidity of their nominations, we say that they will not be on the ballot.
“I must tell you that the commission did not disqualify any candidate and any candidate that submitted invalid nomination, it is deemed that no nomination was submitted.
“And so if you did not submit any valid nomination, you cannot ask for a substitution because you cannot put something on nothing and expect it to stand,” he said.
The two major political parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday concluded the processes of producing candidates for the elections.
In Kogi, the incumbent Governor Yahaya Bello emerged as the APC candidate, while Musa Wada, an engineer, emerged as PDP candidate.
In Bayelsa, a senator, Diri Duoye, emerged as the PDP candidate while David Lyon emerged as APC candidate.
The Senate on Thursday passed the 2020-2022 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper (MTEF/FSP) submitted to it by President Muhammadu Buhari last week.
This followed the presentation and consideration of the report of the Senator Solomon Adeola-led Senate Committee on Finance by the Red Chamber in Abuja.
The upper chamber in the approved MTEF/FSP for 2020-2022 increased the Federal Government’s proposed expenditure for 2020 from N10.002trillion to N10,729.4trillion.
The Senate also increased the oil benchmark from $55 per barrel to $57 per barrel, representing a $2 increase.
The Senate also increased the 2020 revenue target by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) by N557.4billion, that is, from N942.6 billion to N1.5trillion.
It, however, retained the exchange rate at N305 per dollar and oil production benchmark at 2.18mbpd as proposed in the MTEF/FSP by the executive.
The Committee also recommended the adoption of N1.5 trillion as the amount for new borrowing by the Federal Government in 2020, as a result of reduction of N200 billion which was sourced from the increase of revenue target of the Nigeria Custom Service.
The Committee further called for an urgent review and amendment to the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA Act) and the various laws of the revenue generating agencies to align with current realities.
This information form part of the recommendations of the National Assembly Joint Committee on Finance report on 2020-2022 MTEF/FSP which was considered by the Senate in Abuja on Thursday.
The Committee’s recommendations which were approved by the Senate are as follows:
“Following intensive engagement with NNPC and relevant information obtained during the session, the Committee recommends the adoption of 2.18mbpd as daily production output in 2020. In view of concerted effort by NNPC and security agencies the menaces of oil theft and vandalization, the 2.18mbpd would be realizable.
“The Committee recommends the adoption of $57/barrel as crude oil benchmark price for the fiscal ear 2020.
“The revenue target of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) of N942.6 billion for 2020 should be increased to N1.5 trillion, as a result of the performance of NSC in last 9 months with 3 months still outstanding.
“The NCS revenue as at September stood at N1 trillion against the budget figure of N969. 8 billion for the year 2019. The Joint Committee commends the NCS for exceeding the targeted revenue despite the global economic challenges and closure of the Nigerian borders.
“The sum of N557.4 billion from the revenue increment of NCS be used to reduce borrowing by N200 billion and increase capital expenditure thereby decreasing the size of the budget deficit from N1.7 trillion to N1.5 trillion and also increase the total capital available to MDA by N357 billion, from N1.01 trillion to N1.367 triilion.
“The exchange rate of N305/$ should be maintained for economic stability. While more work should be done by the Honourable Minister of Finance and all economic advisers and her team on improving the economic growth by increasing the GDP and reducing the inflation rate to single digit.
“The saving on income accruing from the increase of the benchmark amounting to N172 billion which represent the Federal government potion of the $2 added to the benchmark be used to pay salaries and emolument of the proposed 30,000 new employees.
“Proper investigation be carried out on the e-collection stamp duties domicile with Central Bank of Nigeria for the past years so as to show probity and accountability and of course increase the revenue base of the country.
“Immediate amendment of the National Assembly Act on Production sharing Contracts (PSC) with lOCs. Proper investigation be carried out on NNPC so as to ascertain the actual cost associated with the Joint Venture agreements.
“More Government Owned Enterprises budget be added to the nation’s budget to ensure proper checks and balances among all Federal Government agencies.
“Debt Management Office (DMO) should put more efforts and strategies in managing foreign and local debts.
“Total estimated expenditure of the Federal Government should be increased from N10.002 trillion to N10,729.4trillion.
“National Assembly should expedite action on the passage of the finance bill which will be brought along with the National Budget into Law for easy implementation of the 2020 budget, most especially in the area of VAT.
“The Committee calls for an urgent review/amendment to the FRA Act and the various Laws of the revenue-generating agencies to align with current realities.
“The Committee recommends earmarking 1% of the Consolidated Revenue Fund to finance the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund to be classified as Statutory Transfer.
“The Committee recommends the adoption of N1.5 trillion as the amount for New Borrowing as a result of reduction of N200 billion which was sourced from the increase of revenue target of the Nigeria Customs Service.
“However borrowing must be project tied. ln borrowing more government must remain focused and ensure that it used to fund critical projects that will increase productivity and contribute to finance financing such debt.”
The Committee in its findings observed that crude oil receipt accounted for over 50% of Federal Government revenue and about 90% of Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings.
“Therefore crude oil production and export will continue to have important implication on Federal fiscal operation.
“Over the last 3 years crude production average 1.92mbpd however, following consultations with stakeholders, crude oil production is estimated at 2.18mbpd, 2.2mbpd and 2.3mbpd in 2020, 2021 and 2022,” the committee said.
The committee also noted that oil prices had generally been rising since April 2016 as Bonny light crude oil price rose from an average of $43 per barrel in 2016 to $56.2 in 2017 and $72.1 in 2018 partly due to geographical tensions.
It said that 2019, bonny light crude oil price increased steadily from January average of $60/barrel (to) a six-year high well above $70/barrel between April and May 2019.
“It is noteworthy, that volatility of crude all markets and fluctuating price requires constant review and forecast.
“The non-oil revenue for 2020, 2021 and 2022 is budgeted to be as follows: N1,836,693,720.000; N2,205,807,930,754 and N2,337,091,481,680 respectively,” the committee said.
The Committee further said it observed during the public hearing on the 2020-2022 MTEF & FSP, that the salaries and remunerations for the proposed recruitment of 30,000 personnel in Police, Army, Immigration and Civil defence was not captured.
It also said that the total VAT proposed in the 2020-2022 MTEF/FSP amounting to N23trillion can be realized only after the amendment of the Finance bill is passed into law by the National Assembly.
The Committee however frowned at the attitude of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for the under disclosure of the e-collection of stamp duties.
The Committee further observed that the activities of NNPC as it relates to cost of production is shrouded in secrecy, “the direct deduction of cost from revenue without recourse to relevant agencies of government is unacceptable.”
It also noted that 10 Government Owned Enterprises (GOEs) budget would be presented along with the 2020 National Budget
“These GOES include FAAN, NCAA, NlMASA, NPA, NAMA, Shippers Council, NDIC, NCC e.t.c.,” the Committee said.
The findings read in part: “The Committee observed that the exchange rate of N305/$ is maintained over the past three years. Also noted that the GDP growth rate is currently standing at 2.93% and an inflation rate at 10.81%
“That most of the revenue-generating agencies have failed to comply with relevant extant law of the Fiscal Responsibility Act which stipulates payment of 80% of Operational surpluses to the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
“The Committee observed that the Federal Government is stepping up investment in health and education to fill the skills gap in the economy, and meet the international target set under the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“The Federal Government is earmarking 1% of the Consolidated Revenue Funds to finance the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund to be classified as Statutory Transfer. Federal Government believes that investing in people is a core objective of ERGP.
“Government is taking steps to enhance human capital development particularly in health, education and social intervention programs in other to reduce poverty.
“Based on the joint IMF-World bank debt sustainability framework which has a Debt/GDP threshold of 56% for Countries in Nigeria’s Peer Group, Nigeria’s debt is expected to remain sustainable within the MTEF period.
“This implies that Nigeria Debt/GDP ratio of 19.39% can afford it to expand its borrowing limits. As at 31st December, 2018 Nigeria public debt stock is valued at N24.387 trillion ($79.436 billion), rising at an average of 12.24% per annum.
“With regard to 2020 fiscal year, the estimated budget deficit is N1.70 trillion and it will largely be financed through borrowing as it has been the tradition while also additional financing of N252.08 billion will be derived from Privatization Proceeds and N328.13 billion from loans secured for specific developmental projects.
“The Committee further observed that Nigeria’s current debt profile is not alarming as expressed in some but within the threshold of 3% as contained in the Fiscal Responsibility Act.”
Each of the recommendations were unanimously adopted by the Senate when they were put to voice vote by the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday met behind closed doors with the former Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume.
The meeting started few minutes past 1pm at the Vice President’s office.
Ndume, had in June this year contested against Senate President Ahmad Lawan, who was the anointed candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 9th Senate Presidency.
Ndume lost to Lawan during the election in the Senate.
The meeting with the Vice President was still in progress at the time of filing this report.
The Government of Delta has approved N381 million for the 2018/2019 bursary scheme for its students in higher institutions.
The Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, made this known while briefing newsmen on the outcome of State Executive Council meeting on Wednesday in Asaba.
Aniagwu, who was in company with the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika said that the state government approved that over 17,000 students benefit from the assistance.
“Government has approved the sum of 381 million naira for the 2018/2019 bursary scheme for students of Delta State origin in higher institutions in the country. Over 17,000 students will benefit from this scheme from the over 24,000 students that applied.
He disclosed that government has also approved the recertification of all co-operative societies in the state to ensure that they meet best practices and they truly reflect the yearnings and aspirations of their members.
Aniagwu also disclosed that EXCO has approved the reorganization of the Ministry of Oil and Gas with the creation of additional six departments to ensure that the Ministry meet up its mandate of monitoring the activities of the oil sector in the state.
While expressing government’s concern on environmental cleaning, the commissioner said that government would soon embark on the clearance of illegal structures on our highways to ensure safety of motorists and other deltans on these roads.
On the palliative measures on ‘federal roads, he said that the state government would continue to carry out the repairs of the roads as they impact more on the state economy and the lives of deltans.
Ex-militant leader and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa,s State, Eris Paul, popularly known as Ogunboss, has warned leaders of the party against carefree attitude in their approach to win the November 16 governorship election.
Ogunboss particularly urged the national and state leaders of the party not to underrate the Peoples Democratic Party and its state leader, Governor Seriake Dickson, ahead of the poll.
Speaking in Yenagoa, the state capital, the ex-creek warlord insisted that winning the forthcoming election would go beyond the popularity and wide acceptance of the party’s candidate, Chief David Lyon.
He said the APC must avoid nonchalant attitude, overconfidence and embrace hard work, early preparations by quickly setting up campaign structures in units, wards and the state levels.
Ogunboss, who hails from Southern Ijaw observed that the APC has so far dominated the political stage of the state following the acceptance of its candidate and political errors of the PDP.
But he said the APC should be serious from the beginning to the end and stop parading itself as if it had won the election.
He said: I am shocked when some party faithful claim that we have gotten the crowd, the numbers and even the publicity is on our side. But that does not get the job done. The might, the crowd, the number and media publicity are good designs. A good design in politics is a great combination of common sense, but not enough to say you have already arrived
“Yes, you have the chances and opportunity that are knocking on our door as APC, but the most common way people give out their chances is by thinking they have arrived when they have not.
“Elections are won by structures not by number of defectors. The same way theatres and actors were required for the creation of the world, so are structures required to win a governorship election.
‘What are our structures? Where are our theatres and actors to win the elections? Good designs are not foundations of a map. A map is not the territory it represents, but the ground it occupied. Dickson is not an easy target in an election.
“I repeat, Dickson is not an easy fight during an election. You’re going to territories that were once structured by PDP and they are surviving like old monuments or quaint customs’.
“This is time to break thumbs, smatch quaint customs, kick structures to build structures or its medicine after death. Efforts and courage alone is not enough to win an election, this is time for direction, know your job, go down and kickstart the job. You have a task that challenges your human excellence and definitiveness because no fixed purpose in any struggle is lost”.
Ogunboss also called on the Chief Dikivie Ikhiogha Committee on peace and reconciliation to reach out to known party chieftains that may have become aggrieved before and after the Governorship primaries of the party to shealt their swords and work for the victory of the party.
“Though every member of the party have the right to be aggrieved if wronged, the preparation of the party and the setting up of a peace and reconciliation committee should be seen as an indication to embrace dialogue and work for the victory of the party”, he said.