The Nation Newspaper

Tag: seeks

  • Eguavoen seeks commissioner’s help

    Eguavoen seeks commissioner’s help

    Austin Eguavoen has returned to Port Harcourt to seek the help of the state commissioner for sports, following the recruitment situation in Calabar.

    The former Enyimba coach is currently stuck in the Canaan city with 70 players, following a ‘close camping’ experience that has left him with too many players, and no solution on how to prune the number.

    “Eguavoen returned to Calabar alone, because he is stumped on what to do about the situation. Like I said before, if he returned with 70 players, they will be almost 30 too much, and he can’t drop any because of the various interest groups,” sources in the Graden City told futaa.com.

    Egu’s return to see Fred Igwe, the commissioner, is to acquaint the man in charge with then situation, so that they can both find a solution to the developing crises.

  • Envoy seeks enhanced Nigeria-Ghana cooperation

    Nigerian High Commissioner in Ghana, Ademola Oluwaseyi, has urged enhanced cooperation between both countries, particularly in the area of education and human capacity building.

    Oluwaseyi, who spoke while receiving in his Accra office, senior officials of the Accra Institute of Technology (AIT) led by the President, Prof. Clement Dzidonu, urged Nigerians to patronise the institution in view of its rich history.

    “Our countries have been working together for centuries. I’m glad that your institution is further strengthening this relationship in the area of education,” he said.

    Oluwaseyi hailed the leadership of AIT and expressed delight that Nigerians students in the school are well catered for, and are being equipped with scholarly tools needed to make them relevant in a growing competitive global environment.

    Dzidonu, who expressed delight at foreign students’ preference for AIT, said Nigerians form the majority of foreign students in the school, a development, he added, informed their visit.

  • Constitution amendment: ANPP seeks health sector reform

    The All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) yesterday urged the National Assembly to have health reform entrenched in the ongoing constitutional amendment.

    It said the restructuring of the reform will help Nigerians get the basic minimum package of health that is affordable, sustainable, equitable and qualitative.

    ANPP also enjoined the Senate to fast-track the passage of the revised version of what it describes as a long overdue National Health Bill.

    According to a statement issued in Abuja by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Emma Eneukwu, “the attention of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) has been drawn to a media report yesterday about an assertion by the Senate Committee on Health that the country is losing N80 billion annually to medical trips abroad by Nigerians.

    Also in the report, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Mohammed Ali Pate, said the Ministry of Health got N278 billion in the 2013 budget, of which N14.5 billion was for capital expenditure. Bearing in mind that it is only the affluent in the society who can afford to travel for medical tourism, our party condemns this outrageous trend. More so, it is abominable that this Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government and its self-centred public officers abandon health reforms in Nigeria, in their misguided confidence that they could get proper medical treatment overseas. We believe that health is not the prerogative of the rich only; it is the right of every Nigerian.

    “It is unacceptable for the government to map out a budget for the health sector with less than 10 per cent for capital expenditure. Capital projects are needed for innovative intervention in the diminishing health status of the Nigerian people. Is it not a shame for a manifest giant of Africa that life expectancy in Nigeria is now 47 years, making it the lowest among West African countries? Yet this position is 30 per cent below the world’s average life expectancy, a situation that is attributable to some health factors, including high death rates in children and women, spread of polio virus, deaths due to carnage on Nigerian roads and epidemics.

  • ‘Assault’: Union seeks apology

    The National Union of Electricity Workers (NUEE) on Thursday gave Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State 48 hours to apologise for allegedly flogging of one of its members.

    Wamakko, allegedly flogged the manager of Wamakko PHCN Sub-station, Moses Osigwe, on October 24.

    Its Secretary-General Joe Ajitro said in Kaduna yesterday that the union would plunge the state into darkness if the governor ignores the ultimatum.

    Ajitro, who led other executive members of the union to a meeting with the Managing Director, Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company Alhaji Idris Mohammed said the union would not allow anyone to threaten its members.

    The distribution company oversees PHCN activities in Sokoto State.

    “If the apology is not done in 48 hours, the union is ready to put Sokoto state into total blackout,” Mohammed said.’

     

  • Group seeks insolvency law execution

    Group seeks insolvency law execution

    The Business Recovery and Insolvency Practitioners Association of Nigeria (BRIPAN) has called on the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) to institute a general insolvency law structure that would encourage business rescue.

    BRIPAN said it was committed towards drafting insolvency legislative reform bill and the legislative agenda committee on the draft bill, which will be presented to the National Assembly soon.

    The insolvency legislative reform bill, when introduced, is expected to provide modern techniques that would make it easier for companies to survive.

    These, included business rescue options, moratoriumsm which it noted would give the business an opportunity to get an appraisal. “There are certain benefits that would be incorporated in the law that if you have a rescue plan, which would be prepared by experts you would get those benefits and that would encourage people to go for rescue rather insolvency,” the association said.

    President of the association, Anthony Idigbe, advised AMCON to come up with a structure that would encourage general business rescue in the country.

    He said that AMCON played a critical role in the market sector in terms of business rescues, but regretted that assets management was restricted only to banks and was not generally available. He added that it is about the only area where there is a modern law for assisting institutions in this regime.

  • Tinubu seeks tolerance, responsible leadership

    Tinubu seeks tolerance, responsible leadership

    Action Congress of Nigeria National Leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday called for religious tolerance and responsible leadership.

    He said though Eid-el-Kabir is a Muslim festival, Nigerians of all faith and creed should regard themselves as partakers, in the best tradition of religious tolerance and harmony.

    “I salute Nigerian Muslims on yet another glorious celebration of Eid-el-Kabir, with its symbol of community love and feasting in the sharing of the sallah ram,” he said. “But I believe every Nigerian that subscribes to faiths and creeds that stress brotherly love is a partaker.”

    Tinubu said Nigerians, particularly Muslims and Christians, must emphasise the similarities, rather than differences, of the two faiths; and understand that Muslims and Christians are kith and kins; and not enemies.

    “This festival celebrates the complete faith in Almighty God by Ibrahim (Abraham in Christianity), when God asked him to sacrifice his only son, Ishaq (Isaac in Christianity). The reward of this unquestionable faith in God is what we celebrate today in Eid-el-Kabir,” Tinubu explained. “We should celebrate that the two great religions come from the same source; and use that commonness to unite and build our country.”

    Tinubu urged governments at all levels to locate poverty as the trigger of many crises that often assume the colouration of religion, and work hard to solve the poverty problem.

    “Mass poverty, not differing faiths, is the greatest challenge to national unity and peace. So, if we solve the poverty problem, we will automatically take care of the most pressing of crises” he reasoned. “So, let every tier of government dedicate itself anew to offering accountable leadership that focuses on conquering poverty, deepening development and prosperity and giving our people the good life.”

    He appealed to those perpetuating violence under the guise of religion to seek the face of God and halt the mass slaughter of innocent souls.

    “We must reclaim our country from mass and senseless violence. We must stress the unity of our people under one God. We must insist on justice and equity. If we do all these,” he added, “our national narrative would change for the better: for we would have attained peace based on justice and equity, which will propel our nation to its manifest destiny as a proud, respected and prosperous member of the comity of nations.

  • Union Bank chair seeks diversified economy

    Union Bank chair seeks diversified economy

    Worried by the poor state of the nation’s economy, Chairman, Union Bank PLC, Mr Dick Kramer, has urged the Federal Government to deregulate the Nigerian economy and diversify to non-oil sector to cushion effects of dwindling price of crude oil in the international market.

    He made the call in Lagos while delivering a keynote address on “Deregulation and Nigeria’s investment Climate,” at a seminar organised by Nigeria South African Chamber of Commerce and Phillip Consulting.

    According to Kramer, there is need for deregulation in every sector of the economy to sustain a stable growth that would complement the country’s rapid population growth.

    The financial expert noted that the petroleum sector is the major driver of Nigerian economy, but also a source of major problems and risks. He said the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) might not be the solution to the nation’s economic problem.

    “PIB raises major questions that need to be fully debated and resolved. Nigeria needs to ascertain the feasibility of the bill, how to expand local capacity and participation in the oil sector, because Nigeria cannot afford the risk of a sharply lower oil sector, the question on how to maintain the required technological capability to optimise Nigeria’s petroleum industry need to be resolved,” he said.

  • Jonathan seeks prayers for security agencies

    President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday urged Nigerians to pray that the nation’s security agencies experience divine intervention to overcome insecurity.

    He spoke in Abuja at the third National Prayer Breakfast organised by the National Assembly.

    The theme of the programme was: “Sacrifice with righteousness, a necessary ingredient for national transformation.”

    The President, who was represented by the Minister of Police Affairs, Caleb Olubolade, noted that insecurity is the greatest challenge confronting the nation.

    He enjoined leaders to shun corruption and preach peace to enable the country advance.

    The President also urged Nigerians to pray to God to touch the hearts of the country’s detractors.

    The Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, noted that it was time for the country to shift from “religious competitiveness” to “righteous competitiveness.”

    He added that if people could behave righteously, the nation would be better.

    The Director-General of the Institute for National Transformation, Prof. Vincent Anigbogu, said Nigeria is not working according to the vision of its founding fathers.

    He said the country needs quality leaders if it must develop.

    Anigbogu said it was only selfless leadership and sound management principles that could revamp the country.

    He added that leaders have to live for the future if the country must grow.

    Said he: “Any nation that wants to grow must have a burning vision of the future, which in turn, it transmits to the children.

    “Leaders must have a mind to solve problems.

    “We need to create an environment that will allow Nigerians to be in their best element.

    “If the country must advance, we must stop wasting our human resources and do everything that will make us great.

    “We cannot develop without the requisite infrastructure.

    “What can we do to change this nation?

    “We must adopt the principles of functional righteousness.

    “If you give this country to Europeans, they will make it the first in five years.”

    Anigbogu enjoined those in power to “stop bringing shame to the country” through selfishness, corruption and greed.

    Former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon led prayers for President Jonathan and other leaders.

    He asked God to help them eschew corruption and grant them grace to rely on him in their activities.

    The President of the National Prayer Breakfast, Senator Uche Chukwumerije, said the programme was predicated on the importance of prayers for divine guidance in governance and national growth.

    He said: “It is our faith that our prayers will trigger the throne of grace to intervene in the intractable problems of our nation.”

    Senator Sunny Ugboji led the prayers for Nigeria.

    He asked God to forgive the country and turn its fortunes around positively.

    The senator also asked God to show the nation mercy and give it a new lease of life.

    Ugboji implored God to give Nigeria a second chance.

    The Minister of Water Resources, Sarah Ochekpe, took the first Bible reading from the book of II Chronicles 7:11-20, while the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, represented by Andrew Uchendu, took the second Bible reading from 1 Peter 2:4-7.

    The National Assembly Choir and a renowned gospel artiste, Dr. Panam Percy Paul, blessed the guests with soul-lifting music.

  • Mimiko seeks PDP’s support

    Mimiko seeks PDP’s support

    Less than 24 hours to the governorship election in Ondo State, there are plans by Governor Segun Mimiko to defect to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) if he is assisted to win the election, it was learnt yesterday.

    The governor, reported by insiders to be panic-stricken, is said to have taken the decision as a last effort to secure a second term ticket.

    A source said Governor Mimiko has pledged to President Goodluck Jonathan that if he is assisted to win the election, he would defect to the PDP.

    However, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Agagu, the source revealed, are said to have opposed the move on the grounds that Mimiko cannot be trusted.

    The two PDP chieftains reportedly cited previous encounters they had with the governor, which ended on a sour note, as he refused to abide by his promises.

    The source said efforts to convince President Jonathan that Mimiko was merely selling a dummy and that he would deny ever making such a promise as he had done to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the past failed, as the president insisted that he should be given a chance to make good his promise or renege on it.

    It was learnt that when it became obvious that the president was not going to let go, Obasanjo suggested that Mimiko should be made to put it in writing to serve as an evidence in case he reneges on his promise.

    But obviously not keen on putting it in black and white, three of those who have been lobbying and pleading his case before the party – Senator Iyiola Omisore, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja and retired General Tunji Olurin met Mimiko three days ago to persuade him to put it in writing as time was running out.

    At the meeting, Mimiko asked for time to enable him carry the National Chairman of his party, Chief Dan Iwuanyanwu, along.

    The source said a final meeting is scheduled to hold tonight.

  • Ex-Kogi Speaker seeks Jonathan’s, IGP’s help

    The embattled Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Abdullahi Bello, yesterday urged President Goodluck Jonathan and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Abubakar to save the state legislature from annihilation.

    Bello addressed reporters in Abuja in company of 12 members of the Assembly who backed him.

    He said when the members went to the House to resume legislative duties early yesterday, they were prevented from entering the Assembly complex by policemen allegedly acting on the orders of the Police Commissioner.

    Twelve of the 25-member Assembly on Tuesday announced the impeachment of the Speaker and other principal officers of the Assembly.

    Many Nigerians have condemned the action, saying the 12 lawmakers did not meet the constitutional requirement of two-thirds majority, which is supposed to be 17 members, to carry out the impeachment.

    Bello vowed to challenge the impeachment in court to ensure that sanity is restored in the state.

    He said: “All these things that are happening across the states, particularly in Kogi State, would not have been happening if some people around Mr President were not trying to cause a problem for the country as if they were acting in the interest of the President.

    “The President that I know, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, is a man of honour and rule of law.

    “In the last general election in which we took part, he ensured that the elections were free and fair. So, there is nobody that could have used the name of Mr. President to perpetuate illegality in any part of the federation, particularly in Kogi State.

    “I appeal to Mr President as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and the No 1 Citizen of this country to rescue the Kogi State legislature from annihilation by the Executive arm of government in Kogi State. This is because what has happened is an executive influence and maximum force, which led to the compromise of the police.

    “I, therefore, want to appeal to Mr President to come to the aid of Kogi parliament, because without the parliament there is no democracy. The absence of a parliament means what we have is absolute dictatorship.

    “So, if any governor decides to muzzle the parliament in any state, what we have is elected sole administrator as governor. We want Mr President to address this situation as a matter of urgent public importance.”

    He said his life was in danger as the Commissioner of Police in the state had withdrawn all his security aides.

    The embattled Speaker urged IGP Abubakar to probe the matter and ensure that the rule of law prevails.

    Bello added: “The Commissioner of Police, by 2 am yesterday, withdrew all my security. You know what it means for my security to be withdrawn without informing me. That, to me, is an abuse of power; it is an affront on the constitution; it is against the rule of law and it is unjust.

    “We are taking all legal measures within the Constitution to address this matter. We know that a solution is in sight through the use of the legal instrument that is available to us.”

    The former Speaker said other Assembly members would challenge the impeachment in court.

    He said: “I feel threatened. That is why I have cried out to Mr President to come to the rescue of the Kogi State House of Assembly. That is the more reason I have personally called on the Inspector-General of Police to look into the matter because if two-thirds of the House of Assembly, which is 17, was not present where the purported action took place, I don’t see how a Commissioner of Police would compromise because we are talking about the issues of principles behind any action.