The Nation Newspaper

Tag: suspends

  • NANS suspends protest in Ogun

    The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has said it had suspended its protest scheduled to hold yesterday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, following intelligence that politicians had hijacked it.

    The union also accused some members, especially its national body, of collecting money from politicians, ostensibly to divide and keep quiet over the postponed general elections in the country.

    Its National Public Relations Officer (PRO), Azeez Adeyemi, who addressed reporters in Abeokuta, urged his colleagues to urgently return the money to the donors.

    Adeyemi regretted that politicians had infiltrated NANS’ ranks and sponsored human rights groups to hijack their protest.

    The union leader assured the nation that the bad elements within its fold would be reported to law enforcement agencies for questioning and prosecution, if necessary.

    The NANS spokesman issued 48-hour ultimatum to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to address the nation and assure Nigerians of “free, fair and credible” elections.

    He noted that the students’ body had not recovered from the shock of the postponement but urged Nigerians to remain calm and focused.

    Adeyemi also urged President Muhammadu Buhari to give INEC the necessary support to ensure free, peaceful and credible general elections.

     

  • JAMB suspends UNIBEN CBT centre, eight others

    THE Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has suspended the University of Benin ICT Computer Based Test (CBT) centre and eight others from partaking in this year’s unified tertiary matriculation examination registration.

    The board stated that the centres were suspended for breaching the code governing the 2019 registration exercise.

    JAMB stated these in its weekly news bulletin obtained by The Nation yesterday in Abuja.

    Its spokesperson, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, also said the board was monitoring the activities of 10 more centres in Lagos and Plateau states, noting that appropriate action would be taken against them once investigation is concluded.

    The suspended centres include: Mardakem Company Ltd., Methodist Boys High School, College Road, beside Maritime Academy, Oron, Akwa-Ibom State; Bintels Global Services Ltd (Centre for Computer Education), Fr. Joseph Memorial High Sch. Aguleri, Anambra State; Noble & Shuaib ICT Ltd, Girls Secondary School, Alor, Anambra State; and Global ICT Connect Ltd, Km 5, Gboko Rd, Opp College of Health Sciences, Benue State University, Makurdi.

    Others are: DA Civic Centre, 79 Airport Road by Benoni Junction, Benin city, Edo State; University Of Benin International ICT Centre, Iyayi Computer Building, Benin City, Edo State; Medes ICT Centre, Govt. Technical College, Idepe, Okitipupa, Ondo State; Divine Success All CBT Centre, Km1, Along Iseyin-Ibadan Express Way Iseyin, Oyo State; and Riyom ICT Centre, former Riyom Local Govt Secretariat, Riyom, Plateau State.

    According to him, the board, during a meeting with CBT operators in Lagos, had spelt out the cost for each service for the UTME, from the cost of obtaining the e-pins as reduced by the Federal Government to the cost of the reading texts and charges for registering candidates.

    He explained that before beginning the 2019 UTME and Direct Entry (DE) registration, the guidelines on the exercise was deliberated and laid out for all CBT operators to adhere to strictly.

    “Unfortunately, findings from the board’s monitoring exercise revealed that some centres were charging higher than the stipulated figure directed by the Federal Government and equally agreed on at the Lagos meeting for other charges.

    “The board finds this very disappointing and has therefore suspended such centres caught in this unholy act from the 2019 exercise.”

  • Stock Exchange suspends trading on six companies

    Authorities at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) yesterday suspended trading on six companies for failing to adhere to best corporate governance and extant post-listing requirements.

    The suspended companies included DN Tyre & Rubber Plc, FTN Cocoa Processors Plc, International Energy Insurance Plc, Thomas Wyatt Nigeria Plc, Union Dicon Salt Plc and Unic Diversified Holdings Plc.

    In a circular signed by Head, Listings Regulation Department, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Godstime Iwenekhai, the Exchange indicated that the companies were suspended after they failed to file their accounts and operational reports as required by the listing rules at the Exchange. The suspension will remain in place until the companies file the relevant accounts and reports.

    “In accordance with the rules set forth above, the suspension of the above listed companies will only be lifted upon the submission of the relevant accounts and provided the Exchange is satisfied that the accounts comply with all applicable rules of the Exchange,” the circular stated.

    With the suspension, investors will not be able to trade on the shares of the companies, thus denying them opportunities to raise funds through such investments in case of financial needs.

    Post-listing rules at the NSE require quoted companies to submit their audited earnings reports, not later than 90 calendar days, or three months, after the expiration of the period. The rules also require quoted companies to submit interim report not later than 30 calendar days after the end of the relevant period.

    Not less than 83 per cent of quoted companies use the 12-month Gregorian calendar year as their business year. The business year thus terminates on December 31. While March 31 is usually the deadline for submission of annual report for companies with Gregorian calendar business year, the deadline for the quarterly report is a month after the quarter.

    NSE tags and applies fines on companies that fail to meet earnings reports’ deadline. The Exchange had on January 1, 2017 launched a new sanction regime for delay in submission of companies’ results. Under the new sanction regime, companies may pay fines that range from N100, 000 to more than N100 million as penalties for delay in the submission of their corporate earnings reports.

    Companies that also delayed their financial statements and accounts face threats of suspension and delisting in addition to the monetary fines.

    Under the new rules, quoted companies will be required to file their unaudited quarterly accounts with the NSE not later than 30 calendar days after the relevant quarter, and publish it within five business days after the date of filing, in at least two national daily newspapers, and post it on the company’s website, with the web address disclosed in the newspaper publication. Also, an electronic copy of the publication shall be filed with the Exchange on the same day as the newspaper publication. Where the company chooses to audit its quarterly accounts, it shall be required to file such accounts not later than 60 calendar days after the relevant quarter.

    For annual audited accounts, the new rules require companies to file their audited annual report and accounts with the Exchange not later than 90 calendar days after the relevant year end, and published in at least two national daily newspapers not later than 21 calendar days before the date of the annual general meeting, and posted same on the company’s website with the web address disclosed in the newspaper publications. Also, an electronic copy of the publication shall be filed with the Exchange on the same day as the publication.

  • Pipeline protection: Govt suspends Topline Security contract

    The contract awarded Topline Security, a private firm for the protection of petroleum pipelines from Atlas Cove to Mosimi has been suspended, the Nigerian Navy (NN) said yesterday.

    Outgone Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command (WNC) Rear Admiral Sylvanus Abbah confirmed the suspension to reporters shortly after handing over to his successor Rear Admiral Obed Ngalabak.

    The Nation had in June reported a near bloodbath between armed guards of a private security firm sub-contracted by Topline to execute the job. The guards had threatened to cause an explosion and have both naval operatives and reporters killed; than allow the navy evacuate thousands of kegs laden with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

    It was gathered that an inquiry was constituted as a result of the confrontation and the government discovered that the guards bore arms illegally and about 80 percent of the guards were foreigners.

    As a result of the discoveries, it was gathered that the National Security Adviser at a meeting with all the parties on July 16, suspended the contract and directed that the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) take over the supervision in collaboration with the NN.

    Abbah said: “The dislodging of the company contracted by Topline Security and characterised by hoodlums from Atlas Cove was one of the achievements recorded. Over 90 percent of their staff were foreigners and you were witnesses to what transpired at Ilashe in June.

    “So, when the information got to the highest level of government, the contract awarded Topline Security was suspended and the Navy, NSCDC were mandated to protect those infrastructures. Since then, NNPC will tell you they have not recorded any colossal loss.”

    Abbah also disclosed that the command arrested 26 vessels and many suspects during his tenure as FOC which commanded July 4.

    He noted the successful reception of a multi-billion dollar oil rig, Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FSPO) EGINA despite threats from militants, adding that the vessel stayed in Lagos area for seven months before departing for the Niger Delta on August 26.

    Ngalabak said he would leverage on the successes of his predecessor, adding that the navy would continue to chase criminals off the maritime space.

  • NIMASA suspends waiver issuance to foreign seafarers

    The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has suspended the issuance of waivers to foreign seafarers manning vessels through the introduction of a New Cabotage Compliance Strategy (NCCS), it was learnt yesterday.

    Its Director-General Dr Dakuku Peterside stated this in Warri when the agency  joined the rest of the world to celebrate this year’s International Day of the Seafarer.

    The theme of the event was: ‘Seafarers’ Wellbeing’  with particular focus on their mental health.

    It is believed that by addressing seafarers wellbeing and particularly their mental health, all other issues affecting their conditions, such as stress and depression, can  be tackled through the adoption of effective strategies.

    NIMASA has the responsibility to ensure the placement of seafarers on board all cabotage vessels operating in the country.

    Peterside has mandated all shipowners to always submit the  list of  crew on  board their vessels and give information on their vessel‘s operations to officials of the agency.

    Peterside debunked the allegations by some shipowners that Nigerian seafarers lack the required competences to work on board vessels.

    “It is worthy of note that this policy has recorded some level of success as more Nigerians are now engaged on Cabotage vessels. However, l must mention here that some companies have adopted negative measures to circumvent this policy by withholding information on their vessel‘s operations and the submission of fake crew lists. ln some other cases they come up with the excuse that the Nigerian seafarers lack the required competences to work on board these vessels.

    “I wish to clearly state without any fear of contradiction that Nigerian seafarers ranks among the best in the world and can favourably compete with their foreign counterparts.”

    This, Peterside said, explains why the NIMASA has in the  past few years, embarked on training and retraining of seafarers and cadets in specialised maritime courses both locally and internationally with the sole aim of enhancing their competences, capability and employability.

    “For the records, NIMASA has so for trained over 2051 cadets under the Nigerian seafarers development programme (NSDP). In addition to those who have already undergone their mandatory sea time training, 500 have been earmarked for sea time training in 2018 fiscal year, while additional 500 will undergo the training in 2019.

    “Furthermore, 150 fresh cadets will benefit from the programme under the NSDP~3 which will commence in the next academic session.

    “On the other hand, the agency in May this year facilitated the training of 370 Nigerian Seafarers in relevant courses leading to certifications on Standard of Training Certification and Watch-keeping (STCW)), Oil tanker familiarisation, Security Awareness (lSPS) Code, Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boat (PSCRB) and Dynamic Positioning,” he said.

  • Bayelsa suspends seven pupils

    Bayelsa State government has announced the indefinite suspension of seven senior secondary school pupils for allegedly engaging in cult-related activities.

    Education Commissioner Jonathan Obuebite, in a statement in Yenogoa at the weekend, said the pupils were reported to have allegedly attacked and injured a fellow pupil at Central Epie Secondary School, Opolo-Epie, Yenagoa.

    Obuebite, who did not name the pupils, said the suspected cultists did not only attack their victim, but also endangered the lives of other pupils.

    He alleged that they disrupted academic activities.

    The commissioner prohibited government schools from admitting the pupils without clearance from the Ministry of Education.

  • Niger PDP suspends deputy chair

    Niger PDP suspends deputy chair

    The Niger State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended its Deputy Chairman, Alhaji Aminu Yussuf, over anti-party activities.

    The decision to suspend Yussuf was taken at an emergency meeting of the State Working Committee in Minna, the state capital, following allegations of gross misconduct and anti party activities.

    The allegations were brought against the suspended deputy chairman by the Wushishi local government area of the party and the Niger North Senatorial District.

    Yussuf is making moves to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) before the end of February.

    A statement signed by the State Secretary of the Party, Alhaji Abdullahi Santali said Aminu Yussuf was found guilty of all the allegations.

    “That Alhaji Aminu Yussuf the state Deputy Chairman is hereby suspended from office to allow for investigations of complaints against him.

     

  • Family suspends SPDC’s agent, two others

    The Oko Royal Family of Kula and owner of Belema community in Akuku-toru Local Government of Rivers State has suspended the claims agent of Shell Petroleum Development Company(SPDC) Nigeria Ltd, Mr. Ibinabo Harry, from being the intermediary between the family and SPDC.

    It also suspended Messrs. Reuben Loveday Alasi and Dabo George from the family.

    The resolutions were reached at a meeting held at King OkoMemorial Hall, Kula and Belema community.

    According to a six-point communique reached by the family after the meeting and signed by the monarch, King BourdillonOkoXXVIII, the suspension takes immediate effect.

    The communique reads: “After listening to the complaints, the King OkoRoyal House unanimously resolved with the persons in attendance, giving support to the effect that Mr. IbinaboTamunominji Harry, whose paternity is in Harry’s town in Degema Local Government, has no direct or indirect membership with Oko Royal House of Kula and Belema, and maternally his mother is from Opusia House, partially Kalorie House, whose origin is from Angolama community and settled in Kula with no link to the seven linages of the King Oko 1, the founder and owner of Belema community.

    “That Ibinabo only came to the OkoRoyal House by virtue of his appointment and claim agent of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria’s operation at Belema, known as Belema flow station and was later made regent by King FeniboOko XXVII, who later withdrew the appointment because of his dealings against the Oko Royal House.

    “The underdevelopment of Oko communities and their environs were as a result of Ibinabo’s dealings against the family, in connivance with some Shell workers.

    “Ibinabo has long been the mouthpiece of Shell against our community and house in demanding property on our land. After 37 years of Shell operations in our community,there is no hospital, primary school and potable water.We drink from the same pond goats and other animals drink in the last 500 years.

    “It is against this backdrop that members of King Oko Royal House, including chiefs, elders, women, youths, opinion leaders and others covering the seven linages, hereby vote and stand by King Oko xxviii in consonance with the letter of Royal House written by the late King FeniboOko xxvii that Ibinabo is no longer an agent or regent representing the king Oko Royal House, Belema community and its environs, from today.”

    The communique was read by Chief Davies Iyala, an engineer.

    The people said non-government organisations (NGOs) should desist from dealing with Ibinabo on behalf of King OkoRoyal House of Kula and Belema.

    They said he no longer represented either the family or community.

    Messrs. Reuben Loveday Alasi and Dabo George were suspended.

    The congress said the duo had been suspended indefinitely, adding that they should not have any dealing with the family and community.

    Addressing reporters, Iyalasaid the family had endured Ibinabo’s activities for long, adding that it could no longer tolerate his excesses.

    Efforts to reach the affected persons failed, as their lines could not be reached last night.

     

     

     

     

  • Medview suspends Dubai operations

    Medview Airlines said yesrterday that  it would suspend its Dubai operations until March 24.

    Its Managing Director, Muneer Bankole disclosed this at a briefing in Lagos.

    Medview began Dubai operations last  December 7.

    He said the airline was not suspending operations on account of indebtedness but took the decision to create time to fix its aircraft.

    Bankole said: “‘We have shut down Dubai operations till March 24th when our own aircraft B767-300ER returns from complete refurbishment in the UK. Passengers who have booked with us will be flown to their destination via interline arrangements.”

    Speaking on its recent challenges with its London operations, the airline’s MD said the airline has paid 1.45million pounds for service provided by Menzes, its ground handlers in UK and has an outstanding of 37,000 pounds.

    He futher disclosed that the airline had paid 45,000 pounds ahead, which could be accessed in case there was any default.

    He stressed that the ground handling company had no basis for grounding their operations, as they could have accessed the security fund which had been paid ahead.

    Speaking on the challenging environment, he said: “On this part of the world, it is difficult to compete with the big players on the other side. If you do not have the resources and support from the central bank to provide you dollars for your operations, there is no how you can survive.

    ”There is no place in this country or in this part of the world, where you have a basic Maintenace Repair Overhaul, such that if anything happens to your aircraft, you can maintain it. There are no spare parts vendor that can provide you support in 24 hours but in Europe, there are platforms 24 hours working.’’

  • Ife royal council suspends Maye

    Ife royal council suspends Maye

    The proprietor of Oduduwa University in Ife, Osun State, Chief Raymon Adedoyin, was yesterday suspended as the Maye of Ile-Ife for allegedly defaming the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.

    His suspension was announced by the Royal Traditional Council in a statement signed by Balufe of Ife, Oba Idowu Adediwura and Lowa Adimula, Ife Oba Adekola Adeyeye.

    Adedoyin was warned not to parade himself as the Maye of Ife.

    He was accused of being the brain behind a poem (ewi) on Oba Ogunwusi, which was reportedly re-released to defame the Ooni stool and embarrass the Yoruba monarch.

    Adedoyin said the traditional council had no power to remove him as Maye.

    According to him, Maye is not a traditional but an honorary title bestowed on him by the former Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade.

    The school proprietor said he had a cordial relationship with Oba Ogunwusi, adding that he has no issue with the monarch since he lost the context to him.

    The Royal Traditional Council of Ile-Ife maintained that Adedoyin and Oba Adeoye Adefarakan (the Oloyere of Oyere), were complicit in the production of the tape.

    It said: “After exhaustive deliberations and investigation with the invitation of some close associates and cohorts of Chief Ramon Adedoyin, the Maye of Ife, including Oba Adeoye Adefarakan, Oloyede of Oyere, it was discovered that Chief Adedoyin was the financier of the production of the tape.

    “That Chief Rao Adedoyin, the Maye of Ife, is the financier and brain behind the release of the “ewi” in circulation, the paramountcy of the stool of the Ooni of Ife has been desecrated with this singular action among several others done in recent past.

    “That the Ooni of Ife and house of Oduduwa is the chief custodian and honorary titles. That beyond reasonable doubt, Chief Adedoyin and his cohorts, like Oba Adeoye Adefarakan, have committed offences of defaming the stool and character of the Ooni of Ife, assault and the libellous release of the “ewi” remains indelible and all these acts are conducts likely to cause a breach of the peace.

    “That all the parties involved in the meeting passed a vote of no confidence in Chief Adedoyin and Oba Adefarakan. The house of Oduduwa henceforth suspends the chieftaincy title of Maye of Ife that was bestowed on Chief Adedoyin until further notice.

    “Chief Adedoyin should not parade himself as Maye of Ife until he absolves himself of his disloyalty and betrayal to the stool of Ooni and House of Oduduwa.”