The Nation Newspaper

Tag: South Africa

  • Burundi becomes first country to quit ICC

    Burundi becomes first country to quit ICC

    Burundi has become the first country to pull out of the International Criminal Court ( ICC ), a spokesman for the court in the Hague told dpa on Friday.

    The country had launched the process of leaving the court 2016, with the government saying the ICC was biased against African nations.

    Gambia and South Africa had announced their withdrawal in 2016, but changed their minds, leaving Burundi as the only country to officially leave.

    There are now 123 member states.

    Inspite of the withdrawal, the court will continue a preliminary investigation into possible war crimes in Burundi.

    The probe began in April 2016 and was “independent, impartial and objective,” the court spokesman added.

    Amnesty International’s Head of International Justice Matt Cannock said: “the Burundian government has made a cynical attempt to evade justice by taking the unprecedented step of withdrawing from the ICC.

    “Perpetrators, including members of the security forces, cannot so easily shirk their alleged responsibility for crimes under international law committed since 2015”.

    NAN

  • Reps urge FG to harmonize biometric database

    Reps urge FG to harmonize biometric database

    The National Identity Management Commission has been mandated by the House of Representatives to coordinate the harmonization of biometric data of Nigerians.

    The Green Chamber has also urged the Federal government to collate the number of birth and death of persons in local government areas of the country.

    A motion sponsored by a member, Hon. Ochiglegor Idagbo (PDP, Cross Rivers) at plenary yesterday titled “Call for the harmonization of Biometric Data of Nigerian Citizens” resulted in the resolutions of the House.

    While moving the motion, the lawmaker said biometric data gathering have been separately initiated by the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Federal Road Safety Commission, the Federal Inland Revenue Service, the National Pension Commission, Independent National Electoral Commission, the National Health Insurance Scheme, the National Population Commission, Telecom Service Providers and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

    This, he said, has led to duplicity of efforts due to lack of coordination, resulting in multiple agencies storing the same biometric data.

    His words: “The harmonization of biometric databases of the agencies of Government and private entities will help in saving about N40 billion in operational cost and citizens will not be required to have their biometrics taken over and over again by different agencies working for the same Government.”

    According to him, through the harmonization of the biometric data of their citizens.

    Several countries of the world like the United States, Canada, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, among others have achieved great outcomes in economic development and crime prevention detection and fighting.

    Support for the motion came from members like Hassan Saleh (APC, Benue), Chris Azubuogwu (PDP, Anambra), among who argued that it will help the country to plan economically and in terms of security

    There is the need to ensure the implementation of policy in achieving the data harmonization, a member, Chukwuemeka Ujam (PDP, Enugu) said in his contribution.

    The motion was passed by a majority vote when the Speaker, Hon. Yakubu Dogara called for a voice vote and was subsequently referred to the Committee on Population and Governmental Affairs

    The committee was mandated to ensure implementation and report its findings back to the House in six weeks for further legislative action.

     

  • Nigeria recovers $85m Malabu loot from UK

    Nigeria recovers $85m Malabu loot from UK

    The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami Thursday announced that the Federal Government had just recovered $85million Malabu fund from the United Kingdom (UK).

    His words: “I am also pleased to inform that Nigeria has just recovered the sum of $85million on the Malabu funds from UK.”

    He spoke at the Agenda for Pre-Global Forum on Asset Recovery (GFAR) Consultative Meeting organized by the Mac Arthur Foundation and the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) in Abuja.

    Malami also added that the Federal Government of Nigeria was concluding negotiation with that of Switzerland on the return of $331million recovered from the family of the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha.

    According to him, the Civil Society Organizations will be involved in the monitoring of the utilization of the funds.

    He stressed that with the conclusion of the negotiation, the different countries involved are to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the repatriation of the funds in the next few weeks.

    The minister said that “we are indeed concluding negotiation with Switzerland on the return of $331million recovered from the late Abacha family. I am pleased to inform that Civil Society Organizations were involved in the negotiation of the Memorandum of Understanding.

    “Most importantly, the Civil Society Organizations will be involved in monitoring the use of funds. With the conclusion of negotiation, parties are to sign a Memorandum of Understanding at the global forum at Asset Recovery meeting and repatriation all follow within weeks as agreed by the parties. ”

    He recalled that Nigeria has implemented the United Nations Convention Against Corruption requirement through the development of National Strategy on Anti-Corruption.

    The National Strategy on Ant-Corruption, according to Malami, was adopted by Nigeria and has been approved by the Federal Executive Council in July this year, which the President is expected to launch in due course.

    He revealed that the Nigeria is currently reviewing its anti-corruption laws, noting that the Federal Government has signed government partnership initiative and completed the National Anti-Corruption national action plan with practical implementation in the country.

    Malami noted that President Muhammadu Buhari is scheduled to launch the National Action Plan very soon.

    He said that “it is pertinent to state at this point that the repatriation of our stolen wealth need very tedious several bilateral agreements entered into between Nigeria and other jurisdictions.”

    Even when the provision of the United Nations Convention against corruption obliged same, the minister said that, parties to facilitate the return of stolen assets between Nigeria and parties are facing several challenges.

    He said that his office has held talks with office of interests during the global forum on asset recovery.

    He said the countries include the United Kingdom, United State of America, Canada, Switzerland, South Africa, Panama, United Arab Emirates, Northern Ireland, Gambia and others.

    The Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, Eric Mayoroz said Switzerland and the government of Buhari are committed to fight against corruption.

    He noted that his country changed its legislation in the last decade so that stolen money could not be deposited there.

    The envoy said that his country’s law on money laundering is now the global model in the fight against the crime.

    According to him Switzerland was the first country to return stolen funds to Nigeria from the western world after it recovered $22million from the late Abacha’s family.

    He said that then, the Swiss Justice discovered that there were still other assets owned by the family in the country and it froze hundreds of million dollars deposited by the family in the banks.

    The envoy added that after an agreement was signed by the Swiss government and that government of Nigeria in 2014,  the Swiss Attorney General in Geneva decided that the money about $320million  should be given back to Nigeria.

    It urged negotiation with the government of Nigeria and the modalities emerged in 2016 when Malami and the Swiss AGF signed the letter of intent ,that the money should be protected from another attempt of being looted again.

    He added that in June 2016, Vice President Yemi Osibanjo chose the projects to use the money on to include those that would benefit the poorest in the society and that it would be monitored by the World Bank.

    He said “a few weeks ago, at the moment of negotiation, leading to the final point and the writing of the Memorandum of Understanding, we are very grateful to the Nigerian authorities for its commitment to a transparent and accountable decision that is aimed to reduce absolute poverty and providing cash transfers to support the poorest and most vulnerable Nigerian population.

    He said that the Swiss government had insisted that measures must be taken to ensure that the money will not disappear again, noting that the role of the civil society is vital in the matter.

    Mayoroz said that “We openly expect to sign another agreement between the Nigerian Civil Societies and the World Bank even before the end of this year.”

    Speaking, the British High Commission/Ambassador to Nigeria Mr. Paul Arkwright, said that the United Kingdom is keen to see the quick passage of Nigeria’s bill on asset recovery and it is also ready to support its implementation.

    He said that Civil Society Organizations will have vital roles to play in the monitoring and oversight of assets.

    According to him, asset recovery is an important priority in the UK in its bilateral relationship with Nigeria.

    The transparent management and use of money and the returned assets matter more to the United Kingdom than Nigeria.

    He said that his government is insisting that the retrieved funds must be out to good use by the government of Nigeria for Nigerians.

    The United State Ambassador to Nigeria, who was represented by Senior Police Advisor, Mr. Michael Baner noted that the US was not a safe haven for stolen funds.

    The chairman of ICPC Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye  said that Nigeria needs to agree on some framework for asset returning saying that foreign countries a zealous to return stolen assets yet very conservative about returning the money.

    He said one should not criticize the position of the western world on asset return because previously returned ones were mismanaged or re-looted.

    According to him, Nigeria is now trying to put that accusation behind it by developing a roadmap for future asset recovery.

    He called for a framework and structure for the management of returned assets.

    He said that pending the passage of the bill in the National Assembly, there is now a framework which the government is using to diminish accusation against law enforcement agencies who recover asset in a transparent manner.

  • Africa must reposition its economy to attract investors – Osinbajo

    Africa must reposition its economy to attract investors – Osinbajo

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has called on Africa to reposition its economy in the direction that will attractive investors because investment depends on the advantages derivable.

    Osinbajo made this call while interacting with a committee of African Ambassadors to Indonesia led by the dean of the group, Ms Alice Mageza of Zimbabwe, on the sideline of his two-day working visit to Jakarta.

    The Ambassadors include those of Egypt, Ethiopia, Algeria, Libya, Morocco, Mozambique, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan and Tunisia.

    Mr Laolu Akande, Spokesperson to the Vice President on Media and Publicity disclosed this in a statement made available on Tuesday in Abuja.

    The statement quoted Osinbajo as saying that Africa’s indices of having the lowest integration statistics as well as the lowest GDP ratio can only be reversed by preparing the continent for quality investments that will benefit the people.

    The vice president, who was responding to questions from the Ambassadors on the future of Africa’s economic prosperity, said, “the quality and quantum of potential investors in Africa is huge.

    “But that the way that such investments will go will depend on the advantages that the investors get from investing in such economies.

    “We in Africa must prepare our economies in that direction that attracts such huge and qualitative investments. It is for us to push and we must push,’’ he said.

    On the kinds of investments that Africa desires, Osinbajo said African must focus on the manufacturing sector.

    He noted, “the most important thing for Africa is that whoever wants to invest in our countries should start in manufacturing.’’

    He, however, urged African diplomats in Indonesia to work together in the quest for attracting investment opportunities to Africa.

    Osinbajo said, “if you negotiate together, it is probably going to be more effective than if we negotiate separately.’’

    Earlier, Vice President met with Indonesian business leaders under the auspices of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where he stressed the need for Indonesian companies to increase their investment portfolios in Nigeria.

    “Nigeria would like to see more Indonesian companies invest in the manufacturing sector even though there are quite a few activities going on in Nigeria; there is also room for more collaboration and cooperation.

    “The opportunities in the various sectors comprising oil and gas, manufacturing are huge because the major incentive lies in the market, the Nigerian and the West African markets.’’

    Giving an overview of ongoing projects in Nigeria and collaborations between Indonesian and Nigerian businesses, Osinbajo said Nigeria would need a rolling stock in its railway revitalization project.

    He outlined the various incentives given by the Federal Government to attract investors into Nigeria as, government’s efforts at increasing foreign exchange availability through the NIFEX market.

    Others he said include approval of pioneer status for some category of companies to enjoy a range of incentives; establishment of special economic zones; initiatives to increase foreign exchange availability and opening up of marginal fields.

    Earlier, some members of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry also expressed concern about the declining value of the Indonesia-Nigeria trade which currently stands at $1.70 billion dollars from $3.18 billion in 2012.

    The chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Rosan Roeslani said, “being the 15th largest economy in the world, Indonesia through its investors is desirous of increasing its portfolios to levels that justify Nigeria’s position as the country’s biggest trading partner in Africa.’’

    He said Osinbajo’s visit to Indonesia and meeting with the business leaders are strong indications that Nigeria is ready to take her pride of place among Indonesia’s biggest trading partners in the world.

    On her part, the Chief Executive Officer of Indonesia Exim Bank, Shintya Roesly expressed the readiness of the bank to support the revitalization of trade relations between both countries.

    She said this will be through the financing of import and export activities with a view to making even the balance of trade between the two countries.

    Roesly stressed the need for creation of a roadmap and the establishment of a working group with timelines to enhance trade development between both countries.

    Mr Daniel Purba, the representative of PERTAMINA – Indonesian state-owned oil and Natural Gas Corporation said the company has already opened discussions with stakeholders in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

    According to him, this is with the view to investing in Nigeria’s upstream assets.

    There were other interests expressed by investors in the railway, aviation, agriculture and foods sectors.

    The Vice President was accompanied to the meeting by Mr Hakeem Balogun, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Indonesia; Dr Kayode Fayemi, Minister of Mines and Steel Development; Hajiya Zainab Ahmed.

    Others include the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning; Sen. Babafemi Ojudu, the Political Adviser to the President, and other top government officials.

    NAN

  • 650 people killed in road crash daily in Africa – UN

    650 people killed in road crash daily in Africa – UN

    At least, 650 people were killed daily in road accidents throughout Africa, Jean Todt, UN Special Envoy for Road Safety said on Monday at the 2017 Africa Road Safety Conference in Cape Town, South Africa.

    Todt said road accidents in Africa were among the deadliest worldwide, urging more action.

    The top UN official called for more to be done to keep drivers as well as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, safe.

    “There is projected increase in urbanisation, motorisation, infrastructure development projects and vehicle ownership in the region over the coming decades.

    “Road traffic fatalities and injuries will continue to take a rising toll on countries, if no significant changes are made,” he warned.

    To change the trend, Todt urged participating governments to implement the Global Plan for the Decade of Action and the African Road Safety Action Plan, which focuses on safer roads, vehicles and road users.

    He said the plan also detailed improved post-crash care and stronger road safety governance, including the enforcement of strong legislation.

    The UN envoy also called for the implementation of basic laws not obeyed in some countries, such as using seat belts and helmets, child safety seats, and prohibiting drunk drivers.

    “As much as strong legislation is important, a national vision and leadership are essential to lasting improvements in road safety.”

    According to him, the third area which could lead to reduced road traffic fatalities is to place more resources in collecting data, and development of strategies, monitor needs and assess impact.

    “At the very basic level – within how many days after a crash can a death be classified as a road traffic fatality?

    “Can we as a global community come to an agreement on data issues like these? Todt quarried.

    He added that reliable data was urgently needed to achieve the Decade of Action for Road Safety, which runs through 2019.

    “The continent suffers from the highest road traffic fatality rate than any other region, despite having less than five per cent of the world’s registered vehicles.”

    According to him, 90 per cent of people and goods on the African continent are moved by road, adding that road crashes “can strip a country from realising its true development potential.”

    NAN

  • Zimbabwe’s first lady sues in dispute over $1.35m ring

    Zimbabwe’s first lady sues in dispute over $1.35m ring

    Zimbabwe’s first lady Grace Mugabe, has sued a Belgium-based businessman for failing to deliver a 1.35 million-dollar-ring she ordered for a wedding anniversary.

    Grace, 52, an influential figure in Mugabe’s ruling ZANU-PF party and seen as a potential successor to her husband, is nicknamed “Gucci Grace” for her reputed dedication to shopping.

    She and her 93-year-old husband have kept their assets under wraps inspite of frequent local private media reports on Grace buying properties in Zimbabwe and South Africa.

    The Herald, a government-controlled newspaper, reported that Grace was suing businessman Jamal Hamed after a deal to have Hamed supply the First Lady with a diamond ring turned sour.

    Grace’s spokeswoman Olga Bungu could not be reached for comment on Wednesday while her lawyer Wilson Manase, who filed the papers at the High Court, was said to be attending court.

    In court papers seen by the Herald, Grace said she had in 2015 ordered the ring for her 20-year wedding anniversary last year but Hamed failed to deliver and refunded her only 120,000 dollars.

    The First Lady asked the High Court to attach properties and three companies owned by Hamed in Harare, the Herald said.

    Hamed told Reuters from Belgium that he had not been served with the court papers. His Harare-based lawyer, Beatrice Mtetwa, said she had not seen the papers.

    “We have not received anything at all and I am not in Harare to be served any claim or false allegations,” Hamed said.

    In Zimbabwe, at least eight out of 10 potential workers are unemployed.

    The average national monthly income is 200 dollars and news of the million-dollar ring was immediately greeted with scorn on social media.

    Mugabe, who says he leads a frugal life, and Grace own a dairy company and several farms near Harare.

    The two have never responded to media reports that they own several properties.

    In 2016, Hamed accused Grace of seizing his Harare properties following the dispute and asked the High Court to intervene.

    He then said Grace had threatened her if he ever returned to Zimbabwe.

    Grace, through her lawyer Manase, denied all the accusations.

    NAN

  • Zimbabwe bans fruit, vegetable imports as forex deepens

    Zimbabwe bans fruit, vegetable imports as forex deepens

    Zimbabwe has banned imports of fruit and vegetables with immediate effect to preserve scarce foreign exchange, the agriculture minister said on Tuesday.

    The country which dumped its currency for the U.S. dollar in 2009 because it was wrecked by hyperinflation is now running short of dollars as well as quasi-currency “bond note” introduced last year to ease cash shortages.

    Last year Zimbabwe spent more than 80 million dollars on fruit and vegetables, according to national statistics agency Zimstat.

    The produce included tomatoes, onions, carrots, grapes, apples and oranges.

    Agriculture Minister Joseph Made told the Herald newspaper he had been directed by President Robert Mugabe to stop the importation of fruit and vegetables because “they waste much needed foreign currency.”

    “This means that the importation of fruit and vegetables will be stopped immediately.

    “We are finalising on the exact list of foreign-produced fruits that are occupying shelves in shops,” Made said.

    Made declined to comment further when contacted by Media.

    Zimbabwe relies heavily on cheaper imports from neighbouring South Africa, its biggest trading partner, and has over the years struggled to produce enough to meet domestic demand.

    In June, the government also banned maize imports, saying the country produced enough to satisfy domestic demand.

    Made said the ban would allow local farmers to increase output while saving the country foreign currency.

    A majority of banks have stopped giving out cash and when they do, it is in the form of bond coins.

    Most Zimbabweans are keeping U.S. dollars at home while those who want to travel or pay for imports buy currency on the black market.

    The same thing happened during the period of hyperinflation a decade ago.

    NAN

  • 600 investors to attend Nigeria’s Mining Week

    600 investors to attend Nigeria’s Mining Week

    Mrs Elodie Delagneau , Event Manager, IPAD Nigeria Mining and Quarrying Forum, says no fewer than 600 mining investors are expected to attend the second Nigeria Mining Week beginning from Tuesday in Abuja.

    Delagneau disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

    The Mining Week is being organised by the Miners Association of Nigeria, in collaboration with the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development and IPAD Nigeria.

    The event, which commenced on Monday as a pre-conference, will end on Oct. 18.

    The high level conference and expo would also provide the industry with access to the latest mining technologies and services.

    A new feature event, called the Dragons’ Den, would give small scale miners and junior mining licence holders the opportunity to pitch their prospective investors at today’s event.

    She said that 20 countries from Europe, including South Africa, Ghana and Germany have registered to attend this year’s event.

    She explained that more than 120 investors had arrived and were attending the pre-conference, adding that it was a good omen that the event would was more promising, compared to the first edition.

    “The event is for Nigerian mining professionals such as mining operators, service providers; we also have exhibitors and mining investors that came from South Africa to invest in the Nigeria mining.

    “This year’s mining week will be different from 2016 edition because of the turnout and calibre of people that have registered today; investors now trust the Nigerian mining sector as a place to invest, ‘’ she said.

    She said Nigeria’s new mining roadmap and regulations had brought tremendous development to the Nigerian economy, adding that some investors had been able to access funds through the ministry.

    Today’s event is the Dragon’s day, where mining investors present their projects to a panel of judges, financiers and consultants on how they can get partnership and financial assistance to boost their businesses.

    She said the week would not just be only presentations but round-table, where mining investors could meet and discuss how to assist one another.

    The Chief Executive Officers, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, and the Miners Association of Nigeria would meet at the event to tackle challenges facing the sector.

    There are exhibition stands where both local and foreign investors, consultants and financial institutions would showcase their products, equipment and expertise among others.(NAN)

  • Another Nigerian killed in South Africa

    Another Nigerian killed in South Africa

    The Consulate General of Nigeria in South Africa, Godwin Adama, has decried the alleged killing of a 25- year-old Nigerian, Mr Ibrahim Badmus, in the country on October 10.

    Adama in a statement made available to newsmen on Thursday in Abuja described the alleged killing of Badmus during interrogation by a group of policemen as “one death too many”.

    The Consulate General, however, appealed to Nigerian nationals in the country to remain calm and avoid any further face-off with the police pending the outcome of the investigation into the issue.

    He said that the Consulate had received the report of the unfortunate incident when a group of policemen visited his residence at Deforest Street in Vanderbijlpark, Vereeniging, South Africa.

    Adama said that a team from the Nigerian Consulate General, led by him had visited the scene to interface with the Nigerians living in the area.

    The Consulate General said that the purpose of the visit was with the hope of de-escalating tension and to allow the law enforcement agents to investigate the incident.

    “We hope that justice is done, as this is one death too many.

    “We do have confidence in the Independent Police Investigative Directorate, which has obtained witness statements on the matter for further investigation.

    “While we await autopsy report and seek to resolve this sad incident, we once again, appeal to our nationals to remain calm and avoid any further face-off with the police,” he said.

  • Union decries killings of Nigerians in South Africa

    Union decries killings of Nigerians in South Africa

    The President, Nigeria Union, South Africa (NUSA), Mr Adetola Olubajo, on Wednesday decried series of killings of Nigerians in the country, saying the body is not happy with it.

    Olubajo told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on telephone from Johannesburg, South Africa, that Nigerian and South African Governments should protect the lives of Nigerians in that country.

    “ The union is not happy with the killings and we appeal to the Federal Government and South African Government to protect Nigerians here (South Africa).

    “Something urgent must be done to stop this ugly trend,” he said.

    According to him, this has been a very dark week for us in South Africa.

    “First, Mr Jelili Omoyele, a 35-year-old cellular phone technician, was allegedly shot dead in Johannesburg on Saturday.

    “ Another Nigerian, Mr Olamilekan Badmus, 25 years native of Ogun, was also killed at Vaal Vreneging, near Johannesburg on Tuesday.

    “On the same day, a third Nigerian, identified as Ifeanyi, a chicken seller, was accidentally shot in the head by the police.

    “ The Nigerian is in the hospital battling for his life,” he said.

    Olubajo said that some executive members of the union met with the police at Vaal Vreneging and a case had been opened.

    “ A murder case has been opened by the police. The Independent Police Investigating Directorate has commenced investigation. “Our Legal Secretary is on top of the situation,” he said.

    The NUSA president said that the union also met with Nigerians in the area and told them to be calm, law-abiding and allow the police to do their work. (NAN)