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  • Army captain on my payroll, Wadume reveals

    RE-ARRESTED kidnap suspect Hamisu Bala (alias Wadume) confessed that he sent huge amount of money to an Army captain, it was learnt on Wednesday.

    The officer allegedly ordered soldiers to attack undercover Intelligence Response Team (IRT) operatives who went to Ibi, Taraba State, to arrest the suspect.

    The army claimed that the battalion mistook the operatives for kidnappers before opening fire on them, killing three policemen, two civilians and leaving five persons injured.

    The Nation gathered that Bala claimed to have paid huge amounts into the army captain’s bank account   three weeks ago.

    Besides the Captain, the suspect was said to have some other officers on his payroll.

    It was gathered that the suspected kidnapper also paid his way through checkpoints.

    It was learnt that Bala and his gang avoided arrest by giving N20,000 to security agents each time they passed a checkpoint.

    A highly placed source said two of Balarabe’s boys, ”Babaruns”  and ”Zubairu”, called him on August 6  to tell him about Bala’s arrest.

    The source said Balarabe, acting on the tipoff, directed his soldiers to “rescue” Wadume.

    At the Force Headquarters on Tuesday, the suspect, who was interrogated, was said to have confessed to how Balarabe freed him.

    He was said to have told detectives that the soldiers took him to the barracks, from where the Captain allegedly took him to his house, where a welder was invited to cut off the hand and leg chains.

    The suspect, alleged to have run three kidnap syndicates in Taraba and Nasarawa states, had a network of major firearms suppliers, it was learnt.

    The Police have recovered 13 vehicles and identified several choice properties in Taraba and Nasarawa allegedly bought through proceeds of crime.

    The Police also learnt that Wadume owned over 400 cows reared by his boys, who fled with them on learning that their boss had been arrested.

    “He has made so many revelations. A lot of things have been said that I don’t want to talk about to avoid jeopardising ongoing investigations. It is a huge network and so many people are involved.

    “I can tell you that he confessed to have paid huge money into the Captain’s bank  account three weeks ago and that he usually gave each checkpoint N20,000 each time he passed,” said a source privy to the investigation.

    The Joint Investigative Panel set up by the Defence Headquarters to unravel the circumstances surrounding the officers’ killings by soldiers is said to be worried about a trending video of Wadume.

    Read Also: Revealed: How Wadume was arrested

    A video of his confession on how he was arrested and later set free by soldiers had been trending in social media.

    The video showed Wadume confessing that soldiers took him to their base and had his handcuff removed through the effort of a welder before he escaped.

    Sources within the panel said Wadume’s confession had put the military high command in bad light, pointing out that the new development should have been ironed out with the police high command since the investigation was ongoing.

    The source, who would not want his name mentioned said: “We are seriously disturbed and alarmed by the latest video on the purported confession of the re-arrested kingpin, Wadume, while in the custody of the police.

    “Though it is a commendable effort for the re-arrest of the kidnap kingpin, the video recording of the alleged confession of Wadume while the panel is still conducting its investigation is quite worrisome as efforts are being put in place to ensure smooth relations between the military and the police before the offending confession.

    “Though our panel was inaugurated on August 9 with an initial one-week deadline, we have been mandated to continue and conclude the probe as soon as possible.

    “The arrest of Wadume would definitely shed more light on our investigation, considering the volume of arrests and interrogations so far.”

    Meanwhile, residents of Hotoro Layin Mai Allo and Yandodo Hotorol  in Nassarawa Local Government  Area of Kano State  are still baffled by Wadume’s arrest.

    Wadume was trailed to his hideout in Hotoro Layin Mai Allo.

    A petty trader told our correspondent he was not aware of the arrest.

    His neighbor, Mohammed ldris, said he heard the news on the local radio, adding that he was surprised  that the suspect hid in the area.

    “There is no way we would have known what was going on because there were no gunshots. The operatives carried out the task silently,” he said.

    Residents went about their normal businesses; no one was heard discussing the arrest.

    Security agents have condoned off the area.

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has appealed to Nigerians to shun comments that could pit the police against the army.

    Acting spokesman Onyema Nwachukwu, a Colonel, said the joint investigative panel should be allowed to do its work

    He declined comments on Balarabe, saying: ”Our concern should be that the panel does exhaustive investigation and gets to the bottom of the matter. So, I would not like to begin to make comments that would preempt the investigation or its outcome.”

  • Driver accuses LASTMA officials of N10,000 extortion

    A taxi driver, Sunday Hunkokoe, has accused officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), of N10,000 extortion.

    Hunkokoe alleged that the officials, who wrongly accused him of not wearing his seatbelt, also broke one of his headlamps.

    He said the incident occurred on August 7, at Iponri in Surulere, Lagos Mainland.

    Hunkokoe, who said he was in his car with his wife that morning, narrated how the officials, who were on duty at Cassette bus stop, Ijesha, Lagos, claimed that he only wore his seatbelt after seeing them.

    “It is still paining me. I have gone to their area office twice to report to their commander, but I did not meet him. They accused me wrongly and the next thing, they seized my car and drove it to Iponri.

    “I was taking my wife to work and also intended to start the day’s business when I saw from my side mirror that the LASTMA officials were chasing someone. I actually thought it was the vehicle behind me. The next thing, one of them ran to my car, opened it and jumped inside.

    Read Also: LASTMA: An agency in need of new life

    “I know one of them very well. So, I asked him what was the matter and he said I did not wear seatbelt. I was surprised and asked what he meant by that since I had my seatbelt on and only removed it when I went down to ask what the issue was.

    “He said I saw them before wearing it. Then they started dragging my steering. On getting to Adelabu, I told them to allow my wife alight because she was already late for work.

    “But I remembered that I didn’t give her transport fare to return home in the evening and I quickly ran after her to do so. Before I could turn back, they had driven off with my taxi. Since the money I had was inside the car, those officers made me trek from there to their Iponri area office.

    “On getting there, I did not see my car and I did not see the two of them. I was told to go to a nearby beer parlour and that was where I saw them drinking beer that early morning.

    “I asked them why they would do something like that and they said I should go and bring N10,000 or else they would give me ticket of N50,000,” the driver said.

    He said his appeals fell on deaf ears, as the men were not ready to listen to him, adding that he was also not ready to allow them waste his entire day.

    “I had to run around to raise the money. I even called my wife to help borrow money and send, which she did. I gave them so that I could start work. But as I was about to leave, someone told me that they had broken my headlamp. I checked and it was true.

    “I asked them why they would do that to me, knowing that I did nothing wrong, but they said nothing. They even shared the money inside my car and left.”

  • Diezani wants her pearl

    A GOOD name, says the holy book, is better that silver and gold.  But what if that gold is worth a whopping N14 billion?  And hey, is heft in gold and good name mutually exclusive?

    So, maybe you wouldn’t grudge Diezani Alison-Madueke, former Oil minister under President Goodluck Jonathan, in the eye of the storm for alleged sleaze, for hankering after her jewelries!

    This is more so, when she pleads fundamental human rights in her defence.

    On July 5, a Federal High Court in Lagos had ordered a temporary forfeiture of 2, 149 pieces of jewelry; and a customized golden iPhone, which EFCC investigation claimed were alleged proceeds of sleaze.

    The golden cache was an impressive 33 sets, of “419 expensive bangles and 35 expensive rings”.  Then, there were 304 expensive ear-rings, 267 expensive necklaces, 189 expensive wristwatches, 78 expensive bracelets, 77 expensive brooches and 74 expensive pendants — apparently all worth their respective weights in gold, a cumulative N14 billion!

    The customized golden iPhone?   No more than a glorious, golden clincher!

    It is this trove that the EFCC is asking the court to forfeit to the government.  But why shouldn’t Diezani fight a last-ditch battle to keep her treasure — and just as well!  If all fails, should your hard earned treasures desert you too?

    Diezani argues that EFCC illegally gained access into her apartment and carted away the items, without a court order.  Could that border on state burglary?  Only the courts can tell!

    Read Also: Solving the Diezani riddle

    Then, the former minister alleged such invasion of private property, in the owner’s absence, amounted to a breach of her constitutionally guaranteed fundamental right to own glittering jewelry and allied pearl, under Sections 43 and 44 of the 1999 Constitution.

    Going by these provisions therefore, Diezani argued the courts lacked the power to rule for forfeiture, more so when EFCC had not charged her with any crime, not served her with any summons or even granted her fair hearing.

    Again, the court would have the final say in the matter; and both sides, EFCC lawyers and Diezani’s attorneys, are set joust, before the courts — for gold!

    As the fireworks begin, you’ve got think of a sis in distress.  God, what would a woman of glam and class, splash and dash, and a beauty and fashionista to boot, without her jewelry?

    Is that not tantamount to sucking oxygen out of the human nose?  If that happens, what life remains?

    So, as the battle hits up in the courts, you gat to think of one in utter distress.  A good name may be better than silver and gold. Yet, you can’t possibly deny a citizen her democratic right to gold?

    Hardball has booked a ring side ticket, as the battle for gold heats up!  It gonna be, as the Americans would say, a helluva battle!

  • Do mosquitoes make a noise like thunder?

    A MULTITUDE of disgruntled youths may flirt with strife and call it ‘revolt’ just as a swarm of mosquitoes can make a noise like thunder – left to their own devices. But where their ignorance and rage enjoy the caress of a dubious demagogue, Nigeria should flinch.

    The demagogue deploys distortion and deceit for dramatic effect. His hypnotic repetitions resound as a series of soothing gestures to distressed, ignorant youths but in truth, they are borne of greed, calumny, acrimony and deceit.

    Thus when a self-styled demagogue issues a call for revolt, Nigerians should be wary. The youth, in particular, for such supposedly heartfelt ‘patriotic’ call is often issued by the demagogue or ‘revolutionary’ after he fails to clinch a lucrative role in the government that he condemns.

    The legend persists, for instance, of the bitter ideologue, who radically morphed from President Muhammadu Buhari’s staunch apologist into one of his greatest detractors, simply because Mr. President refused to offer him a ministerial role. The embittered character has since, seized every opportunity to attack Buhari. Makes you marvel at his entitlement syndrome.

    This is not to absolve Buhari of his shortcomings, however. Yes, Buhari could be more detribalised and presidential in several respects; yes, poverty, corruption, maladministration, official irresponsibility, and insecurity persist despite his claims otherwise.

    But most of these problems are aggravated by the citizenry’s refusal to aspire to the finer aspects of citizenship, character, and tact.

    Nigeria had a perfect opportunity to elect the right calibre of men and women into public offices during the last general elections but as usual, they opted to squander their votes, routing for convicted felons and money-bags, for a token.

    Now, that the consequences of their misguided action bear down at them, they sing a song of revolt. The call for a revolution becomes even more worrisome, and dangerous perhaps, given the sources and audience of the damning call.

    Omoyele Sowore’s #RevolutionNow, while seasonable, is fraught with errors. Sowore anchored his call solely on the cult of self. This cult thrives on a facile charm, ornateness and conceit; a need for constant adulation, a penchant for manipulation and wild drama, and the inability to take correction.

    This is, of course, the ethic promoted by corporations and the predatory ruling class. It is the ethic of looters and unfettered capitalism and it advances the misguided belief that charisma and personal advancement, mistaken for individualism, are the same as patriotism and democratic altruism.

    Youths and civil societies under the auspices of the Global Coalition for Security and Democracy fell for the ruse thus serving as hapless tools. Somewhere amid the movement, however, lurks one or more Janus-faced comrades, who understand the rules of the ‘game’ and take their inspired rabble for suckers.

    While the latter ignorantly lend their hide and shrill voices to the ‘struggle,’ the leaders of the pack strategically amble closer to the seats of power. If they don’t get courted by the incumbent government, they would be patronised by its enemies. Something’s gotta give.

    A lot of their demands are unrealistic. Even so, the revolutionaries highlighted their demands to the Buhari leadership in three phases. Among other things, they seek a return of fuel prices and electricity tariffs to their levels in 1999; an end to estimated and inflated billing by the electricity distribution companies; no devaluation of the Naira; free education; immediate payment of the N30,000 minimum wage; the immediate release of all political prisoners, including Shi’ite leader Ibrahim El-Zakzaky and his wife and the immediate payment of all outstanding salaries of workers and pensions of retirees.

    They demand that all public officials be banned from educating their children in private schools in Nigeria or abroad; the complete socialisation of all land in the country and declaration of access to land as a basic right; they demand a ban from politics, all who have stolen the people’s money and property since 1960 and the abolishment of the Senate thus establishing a uni-cameral legislature with only the House of Representatives.

    Failure by Buhari to accept these terms would spell a great deal of trouble according to the group. It’ quite sad that they moot a socialist-styled revolution while scorning the philosophical bedrock of such revolt, a reorientation of vision and mind.

    Its suspicious too that the arrowhead of the movement is Sowore. The jury is still out on the integrity of #RevolutionNow. Sowore’s revolutionary chant, however heartfelt, resonates as the rant of a sore loser, who would rather topple the apple cart than accept his lack of access to the fruit within. Buhari apologists argue that Sowore, having failed to earn the presidential powers via the ballot box, intends to snatch it by fomenting trouble.

    There is yet promise in a man like Sowore. There are millions like him, of which many are better qualified to lead. What distinguishes Sowore though is the courage he summoned to speak until he began to sound like a human barrel-organ chanting a list of tunes with wild variations.

    To champions of the ‘struggle,’ what are their revolution and post-revolution plans? What is their blueprint for the revolt? How would they ensure that it is not hijacked by criminals, bigots, genocidal warlords and demagogues? How would they protect the struggle from the antics of scorned ministerial hopefuls?

    #RevolutionNow isn’t the first call to commingle overt duplicity, freedom to rail, the swagger of youth, righteous rage and a refusal to play by the rules. But distortion adds another layer; it drives trending discontent thus its dismal philosophical aberration, and the delinquency synonymous with #RevolutionNow.

    The revolutionary call is a ruse; dubious, berserk, strongly ritualistic. Gradually, it becomes pop culture and the youth embrace it. This makes it even more dangerous, knowing the calibre of youth embracing the call. How mature are they to wield the burden of rage and such enormous task?

    Revolutions can be championed by conmen and crushed by the state using tyrant forces. Then, there is the possibility of the faux revolution when, through subterranean, lethal influence, counter-revolutionary forces, emerge to seize the struggle and demand, not reform but the restoration of retrograde power elites.

    Things get messy when the movements within the revolutionary body emerge to compete for power, squabble over arcane bits of doctrine, dispute tactics, misread power, and engage in self-defeating power struggles.

    When authentic, revolutions express a fundamental truth about societies in decay. They offer fresh vistas of hope, a new language and future, to victims of failed systems of governance. #RevolutionNow, however, manifests as a series of soothing gestures, like rubbing a lantern to make a genie appear. The call will gradually peter out, and diminish, like a spell materialising a dark power in a blaze of light, if borne of selfish intent.

    Yes, Nigeria is in dire need of a revolution but what we need is a revolution without bloodshed.

    #RevolutionNow is best propagated, practically and ideologically, in our lecture theatres, artworld, townhalls, worship houses, public parks by folk united to restrategise and chart our path to a better future via the ballot box.

    The current call for a revolt is being made by characters with access to exit visas out of the country at the slightest eruption of violence. Yet they sing a song of chaos.

    Let us all be wary of the dubious revolutionary badgering on to the stage for acclaim through the trapdoor.

  • Fayemi, Afenifere congratulate Adebayo

    EKITI State Governor Dr Kayode Fayemi has congratulated a former governor of the state, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, on his inauguration as Minister of Trade and Investment by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Adebayo was Ekiti State governor between 1999 and 2003.

    In a congratulatory message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, Fayemi described Otunba Adebayo’s appointment as recognition of his statesmanship, steadfastness and exemplary character both in and out of office.

    Fayemi, who described Otunba Adebayo as a man of class, character and courage, said he had no doubt that the new minister will bring his wealth of experience, extensive contacts and managerial skills to bear on the new assignment.

    “On behalf of the Government and good people of Ekiti State, we say a big congratulation to our own Omoluabi, former governor and distinguished son of the Land of Honour, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, on his inauguration, today, as a Minister of the Federal Republic.

    “You are a visionary leader who takes every assignment with calmness and diligence. The imprint of your socio-economic policies as Governor of Ekiti State almost two decades ago remains indelible.

    “We are confident that you will bring your wealth of experience, extensive contacts in the public and private sectors as well as your managerial skills to bear on the new assignment as you have always done.

    “We wish you a successful tenure as Minister and as a strategic player in our collective efforts at taking our dear country to the next level of development”, added.

    The Ekiti State chapter of the Yoruba socio-cultural and political organisation, Egbe Afenifere Ilosiwaju Yoruba expressed happiness over the Otunba Adebayo’s appointment, describing it as a reward for excellence.

    The group, in a statement co-signed issued by its Chairman, Elder Yemi Alade, and Publicity secretary Chief Biodun Akin-Fasae, said Otunba Adeniyi is the most appropriate person to represent Ekiti as it is a well-known fact that the other name of the new minister in Ekiti is ‘Omoluwabi’.

    Read Also: Fayemi woos investors to Ekiti

    “It is our prayers that God in His infinite mercy will guide him and bless him with wisdom, knowledge and understanding”.

    Also, the Director General, Buhari/Osinbajo campaign Council in Ekiti State, Dr. Olusegun Osinkolu, expressed confidence that Adebayo will be asset to the present administration.

    “Niyi Adebayo has always demonstrated to be a patriotic Nigerian and a politician with modesty. I am convinced by his actions and dispositions to governance that he will be an asset of inestimable value to President Buhari.

    “His wealth of experience as an accomplished Lawyer, businessman and politician of note will be of tremendous benefits to the ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment,” he said.

  • Police arrest five suspected bandits

    The Katsina State Police Command on Wednesday in Katsina paraded five suspected bandits responsible for robbery, cattle rustling, kidnapping and attacks on villages, including Danbago, Zango, Bela and Chediya in Kankara Local Government.

    Acting police spokesman Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Anas Gezawa told reporters during the parade at the command headquarters that the arrest followed a tip-off by patriotic citizens.

    He added that during investigation, the suspects confessed to being bandits and that they had been attacking villages.

    Gezawa listed the suspects to include Aliyu Musa, 20, Salamanu Isah, 18, Murtala Umar, 22, and others at large.

    Read Also: Banditry, Kidnapping, cultism: NEC sets up Security, Policing Committee

    He said: “The suspects attacked the villages, robbing their victims. They stole eight cows. They confessed to killing one person at Santa village. The criminals stole six sheep and food items at Bela and Zango villages. They killed 20 people and rustled two cows.

    “They went to Omodo village where they killed five people, rustled eight cows and six sheep. Other gang members, Sirajo and Bishir, are still at large.’’

    The police also paraded three suspected thieves, who specialised in breaking shops in the Katsina metropolis.

    The spokesman said their arrest followed a tip-off by a shop owner, Alhaji Garuba Shehu of Kofar Marusa quarters, Katsina.

    He said the criminals burgled the shop, stealing MTN, AIRTEL and GLO recharged cards worth N3million and a Techno phone.

    Gezawa went on: “Based on credible intelligence, the command arrested the following suspects, Sanusi Hassan, 19, Abbas Samaila,18 and Aminu Yusuf alias Mashai, the receiver. They confessed to committing the crime. One hundred and ten thousand Naira was recovered from them.”

    The command appealed to the public for support, to rid the state of crimes.

  • What to expect from water resource, women affairs, others

    Water Resources

    Minister of Water Resources Suleiman Adamu on Wednesday urged workers of the ministry to brace up for President Muhammadu Buhari’s Next Level agenda.

    The minister said it was not a mistake that he was re-assigned to the ministry, having overseen its operation for close to four years.

    The minister spoke when he resumed office at the headquarters of the ministry yesterday in Abuja.

    He arrived at the ministry at about 3pm, about an hour after he was sworn in as a minister for a second term.

    He was received by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Comfort Ekaro, some heads of agencies under the ministry and some Directors and top management of staff amidst jubilation.

    He addressed top management staff of the ministry at the ministry’s conference room briefly, before returning to his office.

    The minister urged staff of the ministry to work hard in order to move the country forward.

     

    Women Affairs

    Minister of Women Affairs Paulen Tallen has said Nigerian women will enjoy enormous support and cooperation from President Muhammadu Buhari.

    She spoke on resumption at the ministry on Wednesday.

    Tallen said: “This is a holistic ministry as the woman takes care of the home, children and husband. I am giving you all a charge that things will be done different henceforth.

    “We must set out targets and work towards achieving it. We must make history and make undelible mark on the sands of history. You have severally bombarded Mr President about the role women played in his political career. He is not unmindful of that and I want to assure you that Mr President has a very good reason of sending me to this ministry. You will see the enormous support and corporation we are going to enjoy from him.

    “We all resolved to work as a team from our recent retreat. This ministry is multi facet and has a lot of responsibility To touch the lives of the vulnerable. We have an uphill task to meet up with mandate of the ministry and demand of the president. Women do not go without the children neither can they go without the men. This is the time to give back to the society. Women are the engine of the economy and must be carried along to improve the economy. Once women are empowered, the economy changes. We will make impact if we are able to improve on the life of the vulnerable woman. Support them with income generating activities, there will be peace and development.

    “Most of the security problem is because we have out of school children. If we look for ways to engage these children meaningfully, the security situation will change. Then we will have peace. The key word I want to dwell with is the girl child education.”

     

     Budget and National Planning

    President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive for the submission of the 2020 national budget proposals to the National Assembly before the end of September will be actualised, Minister of State, Budget and National Planning Mr. Clement Agba has said.

    Speaking after being welcomed to the boardroom of the Ministry of Budget and National Planning, Agba said: “There is lot of work to be done and I like hard working people who can do smart work. Mr. President has made it very clear to is that there is a lot to be done and that he needs the national budget proposals to be before the National Assembly in September.

    “That means that this ministry has a lot of work to do; the only way we can succeed is for us to work together and I believe in team spirit as together, everybody achieves much.”

    Education

    Minister of Education Adamu Adamu and Minister of State for Education Emeka Nwajuiba on Wednesday resumed briefly at the Federal Ministry of Education, Abuja.

    The ministers arrived at about 2:45pm after they were inaugurated by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa.

    The duo was welcomed by excited staff of the ministry led by the Permanent Secretary, Sonny Echono and some directors in the ministry.

    Adamu hailed Echono and directors of the ministry for their support during his first term.

    He noted that Nwajiuba abandoned his doctorate programme to serve in the cabinet of President Buhari, adding that his appointment as minister of state would be helpful.

    Nwajuiba was Chairman, Board of the Tertiary Education Trustfund (TETFund) until his appointment as the minister of state for education.

    He said: “I am comfortable that I do not have to go to another ministry but here with my senior brother at the ministry of education I can be tutored and well directed,” he said.

     

    Petroleum Resources

    Minister of State for Petroleum Timipre Silva on Wednesday said he would see President Muhammadu Buhari for briefing on his mandate.

    He spoke on assumption of office at the ministry in Abuja, where the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan ; the Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mallam Mele Kyari, the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board, Engr. Simbi Wabote, other heads of agencies and in the ministry.

    Silva said: “I will like to familiarise with what is happening in the ministry and it is only after that we will sit down again and reposition the ministry and then we chat a way forward.”

     

  • Science and Technology budget estimates ‘ready in two weeks’

    MINISTER of Science and Technology Dr Ogbonnaya Onu have urged staff of his ministry to ensure they make the budget estimates ready in the next two weeks.

    He said this would make for a hitch-free budget defence before the National Assembly and in line with the Presidential directives to return the budget to January-December fiscal year.

    He also said the new policy framework in the Ministry would be in line with the Presidential directives of diversifying the economy, grow the economy, and fight corruption and insecurity.

    Dr. Onu spoke yesterday in Abuja during a welcome address to staff of the ministry. Head press and public relations of the ministry AbdulGaniyu Aminu stated this in a statement.

    The statement reads: “The Minister of science and Technology Dr.Ognonnaya Onu says the 2020 budget of the Ministry would be ready by September in line with Presidential directives to return the budget to January-December fiscal year meeting.

    “Onu also said that the new policy framework in the Ministry would be in line with the Presidential directives of diversifying the economy, grow the economy, and fight corruption and insecurity.

    Read Also: Agba, Keyamo, Onu, Ehanire, Agba take oaths

    “In view of this, the Minister said his Ministry will endeavour to get its budget estimates ready so as to have a hitch free budget defence before the National Assembly.

    “He further stressed that the budget for the Ministry and Agencies should be ready before two weeks. “It is the most important priority for now” he added.

    “The function of the Ministry and its Agencies he added would be streamlined so as to avoid over-lap of duties

    “Onu also stressed that he will work harmoniously with the Minister of state in order to achieve a good result for the best interest of the country.

    “The Minister charged the management to brace up for more work and demanded for their support and cooperation to take the Ministry to greater height.

    “Dr.Onu commended the Permanent Secretary, Mr Bitrus Bako, Directors of the Ministry and DGS of the Agencies for handling the affairs of the Ministry.

    “Earlier, The Permanent Secretary Mr.Bitrus Bako said the inauguration of the cabinet is special for the Ministry because for a very long time the Ministry has not had a Minister of state.”

    Minister for Health Dr. Osagie Ehanire and Minister of State for Health Dr. Adeleke Olorunbe assumed office yesterday shortly after their inauguration by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Ehanire said the rivalry among health professionals would be tackled. The ministry, he said, will execute the health programme of the president, which, according to him, is to improve quality of health care in the country.

    He said he would do everything possible to expand the Universal Health Coverage in the country. The minister said: “Health care is a team event. It is not a solo event so everybody is important in the system. So we need to get that. Then of course there are some what I call irreducible minimum that we need to just address in our health institutions for example we will be looking at water supply. How can you have health institution when you cannot guarantee water supply on a regular and continual basis. We are looking at the issue of energy. The issue of stable power is important in any health institution.

    “You must also appreciate the fact that it is not all the time you just throw money at challenges. You must look at changing certain things and then we can still achieve result “Then of course we need to work with other agencies and ministries. Water supply is key. You see one of the things that we were thought in medical school is that common things occur commonly, you talk of cholera, you talk of diarrhoea Diseases, they usual come from poor water supply. So if we can get ministry of water supply to assist. So these are some of the issues.”

  • Malami: what Buhari told me about justice ministry

    MINISTER of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami (SAN), on Wednesday told staff of the Ministry of Justice  that President Muhammadu Buhari confided in him that he was happy with the ministry’s achievement in his first term in office.

    Malami, who described his reappointment as his second home coming to the ministry, urged the staff to rededicate themselves to the service of fatherland, because there is more work to be done in this administration’s quest to grow the country.

    Malami spoke during a brief reception held in his honour by some senior staff of the Federal Ministry of Justice at the ministry’s conference room.

    He said: “The fact that I am, at the pleasure of the President, reconsidered for reappointment as the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) is, indeed, an endorsement of our collective contribution to the development of this nation.

    “Shortly after inauguration, Mr. President invited me exclusively and further reiterated that he was happy with what the Ministry of Justice has done and encouraged us to do more in driving the policies of this government. “

    Malami said he planned to unveil the ministry’s agenda today. He said the agenda would be tailored towards supporting the President’s agenda for the country’s development.

    He said praised the staff for the warm reception accorded him and urged them to accord him the type of support given him during his first appointment.

    Read Also: Malami: Harvest of controversies, achievements

    “Arising from that, we have a collective responsibility to work as a family. I do not claim perfection, but I believe in accessibility.

    “I will continue to make myself accessible to all and will be opened to meaningful contributions and suggestions that will advance the interest of the nation, our collective interest in the service of the nation and our collective welfare in the pursuit of the common goal, which is the development of the nation,” Malami said.

    While welcoming Malabi back to the ministry, Permanent Secretary and Solicitor General of the Federation (SGF), Dayo Apata said the staff were pleased to have him back to the ministry in his second coming.

    Apata assured Malami of the support and cooperation of the staff.

  • Promises of new dawn as ministers resume

    Ministers on Wednesday made promises of better times ahead. From communications to health, information and culture, finance, justice and others, ministers begged their officials and staff for cooperation to achieve the Next Level agenda.

    Minister of Communications Dr Isa Ali Pantami urged officials of the ministry to work with him to meet the target handed over to them by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr Musa Istifanus, announced that by October, the Ministry would adopt the use of electronic files in its businesses

    According to Dr Pantami, Buhari had set a target for the ministry to lift 50 million Nigerians out of poverty in the next few years by leveraging on the vast opportunities in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector.

    The minister said all hands must be on deck to  explore the various opportunities and potentials in the ICT industry to address the challenges confronting the nation, stressing that government circular and policy directives that have been shelved by the ministry would be picked up for implementation.

    Dr Pantami, who spoke on assumption of duty at the Federal Secretariat, Abuja, said he would not tolerate any form of division within the ranks and file as well as senior officials of the ministry.

    The minister said: “Challenges facing Nigeria are well known to all of us. I do not need to itemize them. However, we know the role ICT can play to reduce these challenges significantly. I am therefore urging every one of you to sit up and work.

    “I agree with the Permanent Secretary on the directive given by Mr President that we must lift 50 million Nigerians out of poverty in the next few years. It is our duty to do so. And I believe we can achieve this target. There are lots of challenges in the ICT sector, and there are lots of opportunities as well. Therefore, we will do our best to live up to the expectations of the president.

    “The agencies under the Ministry of Communications will be motivated to deliver on their mandates. And individuals who perform their duties optimally will be recognised and rewarded. But if you fail to perform, we will perform our own responsibility by rewarding you appropriately”

     

    Labour and Employment

    Minister of Labour and Employment Senator Chris Ngige assured workers that the controversy over the implementation of the new national minimum wage would soon be laid to rest. He added that the government was committed to ensuring that workers begin to enjoy the new wage.

    Ngige also said he refused to register the united Labour Congress as a labour federation in his first coming to the ministry because they have not met the legal requirement of having 12 brand new labour unions.

    He told reporters at his residence shortly after being sworn in by the President: “I am coming in with experience. We have been there for three and half years. The President evaluated our efforts and felt that we should return there. That does not mean that we are going back there to sleep or go and be making merry.

    “We have so many outstanding issues to be addressed, some of them urgently too. As we speak, SSANU, NASU are on strike and the university system is not bubbling, but going comatose. So, we have to address that issue urgently.

    “We also have the issue of minimum wage consequential adjustment. My Permanent Secretary is handling it and they have made some progress. By tomorrow, we will get the hand over note from him and myself and the Minister of State will study it and know to key in.”

     

    Interior

    Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola has promised “a realistic, reasonable and commendable leadership”.

    He spoke when he visited the ministry shortly after he was inaugurated and assigned portfolio alongside other ministers by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Aregbesola instructed Georgina Ehuriah, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, who had been in charge since the dissolution of the last cabinet, to continue running the ministry until Monday when he would take over.

    “I will come to take over on Monday. I give the Permanent Secretary the grace to run the ministry till then. We will be ready by Monday to take on the huge assignment,” the former Osun State governor said.

    The Permanent Secretary welcomed the minister, adding that the ministry needed a focus person like him to lead it because of its strategic position in the security architecture of the country.

    She said the proper handing over ceremony would take place on Monday.

     

    Information and Culture

    Minister of Information and Culture Alhaji Lai Mohammed has urged the management and staff of the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture to double their efforts.

    Mohammed, who spoke at the inaugural meeting with the Permanent Secretary and directors of the ministry shortly after assumption of office shortly after the inauguration of the new cabinet by President Muhammadu Buhari, stressed the importance of hard work, saying that his reappointment was as a result of the confidence reposed in him by the president.

    He urged the management and senior staff of the ministries to work harder to justify the confidence of the President.

    Mohammed said he would continue to work very closely with the Permanent Secretary and the directors in order to implement the core mandate of the ministry.

    “There must be synergy between the Minister and the Permanent Secretary and I must say that I have enjoyed very cordial working relationship with my Permanent Secretary, and I am very glad that that relationship contributed in no small measure to the moderate success we achieved. We need your cooperation because we can’t do it alone,’’ he said.

    The Permanent Secretary, Deaconess Grace Isu-Gekpe, expressed delight at the reappointment of Alhaji Mohammed and pledged the readiness of the management and staff of the ministry to support and cooperate with the minister to enable him to achieve his mandate.

     

    Mines and Steel Development

    Minister of Mines and Steel Development Olamilekan Adegbite said that he intends to learn from his predecessor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

    He said he had followed the progress of Fayemi as a minister and believes that he did a lot in the sector.

    Adegbite spoke on Wednesday in Abuja when he interacted with members and staff of the ministry.

    He also said that he and his colleague would work hard to fulfil President Buhari’s promise of lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in10years and believe that at least 35 per cent of the total number can be achieved in the remaining of years of the administration.

    The Minister of state, for Mines and Steel Development Dr. Uchechukwu Ogah, said they were determined to change the narrative of the ministry.

    He said: “For us here, we are determined to change the narrative of this ministry and we cannot do it alone, we want to have all the maximum support that you and give to us, we will work as a team with the Permanent Secretary to make sure this ministry becomes an enviable ministry.”