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  • DPR to shut stations in Bayelsa for selling fuel N160 per liter

    The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has vowed to shut down filling stations in Bayelsa State for selling Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) above N160 per liter.

    The department was disturbed that independent petroleum marketers in Yenagoa, the state capital, suddenly increased their pump price of fuel from the regulated price of N145 to N160 per liter.

    Speaking after an emergency meeting with independent marketers in the state, on Tuesday, DPR’s Head of Operations, Ibinabo Jack, derided them for the sudden increase in price.

    He said it was not justifiable as it was never supported by any regulatory body and warned that the affected stations would be closed down.

    He asked them to immediately revert to the original price of N145 per littre, or be sanctioned insisting that they had no reason to increase the price of the product.

    Read Also: FEC approves N1.4b for DPR building design

    He said: “I personally went round and discovered that all the filling stations were selling above the pump price. They were selling at the rate of N160 naira for PMS. We frown at that and condemn it. The sudden rise in pump price is not welcome by DPR.

    “DPR has not noticed any form of price increase and there is no directives for fuel pump increase. The pump price still remains at N145 per littre. From now after this briefing with the marketers, the DPR will not hesitate to impose stringent penalties upon anyone found selling above the pump price.

    “PMS at the depot as at the beginning of the week still reman N133, and so we are saying that marketers have no reason to say they have written to the authority or that they were granted approval by someone to sell above the pump price approved by the Petroleum Products Regulatory Agency (PPRA).”

    In his response, the Bayelsa state Chairman of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Erefemota Peters, said the increase was caused by hike in depot price.

    He said marketers in Bayelsa sourced products from the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries at about prices above N142.

    He said after including transport cost, there was no way the marketers in the state could sell at the government price.

     

  • We’ll tame Nigeria – Egypt’s Abdelwahab

    Egypt’s inspiration star – Marwan Abdelwahab believes they are capable of taming the cocky Nigerian side when both teams clash in the final of the junior boys’ team event of the ITTF African Junior and Cadet Championship in Accra, Ghana.

    Despite acknowledging the quality of the West African team, the former African cadet champion said: “I know that the Nigerian team is very strong despite their absence in the last two editions of the competition. They are very strong but we will try and stop them to be able to retain our title.”

    The 18-year-old who is featuring in his last tournament at junior level admitted that they semifinal tie against Tunisia has taken its toll on them.

    “The match against Tunisia was very difficult because we play same style. But I maintained my focus throughout the match particularly in the fourth game when I was down 2-1. I believe this is a good preparation for the final,” Abdelwahab said.

  • Edo boosts WASH programme in three LGAs

    Edo State Acting Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu has presented keys of three Hilux Vans and three motorcycles to the chairmen of Orhionmwon, Uhunwonde and Owan West Local Government Areas, to strengthen the delivery capacity of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programme in the councils.

    During the presentation of the vehicles and motorcycles, at Government House, in Benin City, Shaibu urged the local councils and other government officials to make judicious use of the vehicles and motorcycles for the benefit of their people.

    He noted, “These vehicles and motorcycles are meant for WASH unit coordinators in the various councils and it is strictly for monitoring WASH programmes in the various LGAs. The coordinator should know the importance as the vehicles are not ceremonial but meant for monitoring and reporting findings of the progress of the programmes to provide succour to the people.”

    Read Also: Obaseki harps on restoring Edo’s glory in sports development

    Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy and Water Resources, Mrs. Akongie Usiriedo Oboh said the vehicles and motorcycles were procured through a collaboration between Edo State Government, European Union (EU) and UNICEF as part of efforts to provide water in rural areas and small towns in the state.

    She noted, “We have been able to provide sanitation and water facilities in Ovia South West, Etsako West, Orhionmwon, Uhunwonde and Owan West LGAs. We have been able to provide over 200 sanitation facilities, 60 water facilities in the two phases in the mentioned LGAs.”

    Chairman, Uhunwonde local council, Napoleon Agbama expressed appreciation to the acting governor for the vehicles and motorcycles, assuring that the councils will ensure they are put to proper use.

    Agbama added the chairmen of the benefitting councils

     

     

  • Ex-deputy governor sues Ondo govt. over unpaid entitlements

    For non-payment of his outstanding emoluments and monthly arrears, the immediate past Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Alhaji Lasisi Oluboyo has dragged the State Government to Court.

    Through his counsel, Olu Ogidan, the former Deputy Governor prayed the court to mandate the government to pay his gratuities and pension running into millions of Naira.

    Earlier the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice had affirmed in a letter that Oluboyo was entitled to his gratuity.

    However, he did not make reference to his monthly pension as passed into law by the State House of Assembly.

    Oluboyo who is from Ikare-Akoko replaced Alhaji Ali Olanusi from the neighboring Supare-Akoko after his impeachment by the State Assembly, faulting the content of the letter which only recognized the two-year period he served as the deputy governor.

    He insisted that he is entitled to all benefits attached to his former office as Deputy Governor as stipulated in the laws of the state.

    The letter is entitled “Re: Request for payment of arrears of monthly allowance of Alhaji Lasisi Oluboyo” and addressed to the Acting Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Department, Governor’s Office.

    It states that  “I am directed to advise you that His Excellency, Alhaji Lasisi Oluboyo is entitled to his emoluments and monthly arrears yet unpaid covering the period for which he was in office between 27th April, 2015 and 24th February, 2017.”

    A suit no AK/75/2019 filed in the High Court of Justice, Ondo State has the Governor, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice as well as the Ondo State Pensions Board as defendants.

    Read Also: Seven feared killed in Ondo bank robbery

    Oluboyo, the claimant, asked for the payment of what is lawfully due to him as former deputy governor of the state.

    He sought for “A declaration that the Claimant having assumed the office of the Deputy Governor of Ondo State and having served meritoriously in that capacity is entitled to the payment of arrears of his pension, allowances, benefits and all other entitlements due and payable to him as former Deputy Governor of Ondo State.

    “A declaration that the letter dated 12th February, 2019 written by the

    Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry if Justice to the Acting Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Department, limiting the payment of the monthly allowances and entitlement of the Claimant to the period within which he was in office as Deputy Governor of Ondo State, between 27th April, 2015 and 24th February 2017, is null and void having contravened the provision of the Law to provide for Pensions to the Governor and Deputy Governor of Ondo State and for other Ancillary matters, 2004.

    “A declaration that the Claimant is entitled to the payment of his pension, allowances benefits and all other entitlements for life having served as Deputy Governor of Ondo State between 27th April, 2015 and 24th February, 2007 equivalent to the annual salary of an incumbent Governor or Deputy Governor.

    ” A mandatory order directing the Defendants to pay all arrears of pension, allowances benefits and all other entitlements due and payable to the Claimant as a former Deputy Governor of Ondo State and to pay his pension for life at the rate equivalent to the annual salary of an incumbent Governor or Deputy Governor.

    The Claimant is consequently seeking the sum of  N10 million as damages to compensate for his “untold hardship, emotional distress, scorn and ridicule to which the action of the Defendants exposed the Claimant to, ” as the court is yet to fix a date for the hearing of the suit.

    Sources hinted that the non-payment of the former Deputy Governor’s emoluments might not be unconnected with his refusal to decamp from his party, Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

     

  • Nigeria girls join Egypt at WJC

    The waiting took several hours but at last it was known as Nigeria became the second team in the girls’ event to join Egypt as Africa’s representatives at the 2019 World Junior Championships (WJC) holding in Thailand.

    In the first semifinal of the ongoing ITTF African Junior and Cadet Championships, Egypt overwhelmed Tunisia 3-0 to become the first female team to berth in the final and secure their place at the WJC.

    But the second semifinal tie between Nigeria and Mauritius stretched for hours with both teams aiming for the remaining sole slot.

    It was Sukukurat Aiyelabegan and Vivian Oku that saved the day for Nigeria after the Mauritius side took the driving seat with a 2-1 aggregate lead but Aiyelabegan restored parity for Nigeria against Nandeshwaree Jalim with the Nigerian winning at 3-2 to the match at 2-2.

    It was the turn of Oku and she was set up against Oumehani Hosenally.

    From the first game, it was as if the Mauritian teenager was in control but Oku returned in the second game to take charge and she dominated until she put the encounter beyond her opponent at 3-1 to give Nigeria a place at the WJC.

    After the match, the Nigeria team went into wild jubilation with the coaches and players hugging themselves for the cherished victory.

    Nigeria battles Egypt in the boys and girls final on Wednesday April 10.

     

  • Travel agent charged with N3.7m Canada Visa scam

    A travel agent, Chinedu Nwosu, who allegedly obtained N3, 700,000, from an applicant under the guise of pretense of procuring him a visa to Canada, was on Tuesday brought before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

    Nwosu, 43, is standing trial before Magistrate M.F. Onamusi, on a three-count charge of conspiracy, obtaining under false pretense and stealing.

    Prosecuting Inspector Jimoh Joesph alleged that Nwosu committed the offences sometime in January 2018.

    The court heard that Nwosu, alongside accomplices who are still on the run, presented himself as a travel agent.

    He allegedly obtained the sum from a would-be traveller, Ngwu Chukwuma, under false pretence that he would procure a Canadian visa for him, “an information he knew was false.”

    The court also heard that the defendant stole the N3.7m from the complainant.

    Read Also: Nigeria, Canada to revive stalled bilateral agreement

    According to the prosecutor, the offences contravened sections 411, 314 and 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    Nwosu pleaded not guilty.

    Magistrate Onamusi granted him N500, 000 bail with two sureties in the like sum.

    One surety must be a blood relation, the second surety must be a cleric,who must have known the defendant for not less than three years, among other conditions.

    The case continues on May 6, 2019.

  • Breaking: Saraki gives committee Thursday deadline to submit budget report

    Senate President Bukola Saraki on Tuesday gave the Appropriations Committee till Thursday to submit the 2019 budget report.

    Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, Sunny Ogbuoji told the Senate that only 24 out of 61 sub-committees had submitted their reports.

    Saraki insisted that the budget report must be presented on Thursday, April 11 ahead of the April 16 approval of the money bill.

    The Senate President noted the Appropriations committee will be forced to use Executive submissions if the sub-committees fail to submit their reports to the Committee by Wednesday.

    Saraki said, “It is unfortunate that only 24 committees have submitted their reports. Last week, we all took a decision here that we are not going to waiver on our position. Our position is very clear: that all committees should submit (their budget reports). And those that don’t submit, then the Appropriations Committee should use the Executive submission.

    Read Also: MTEF: Senate approves N1.64tr new borrowing to fund budget deficit

    “That position is still where we are. And I want to appeal to all our committees that you really have just till tomorrow (Wednesday) to make sure that your reports get to the Appropriations Committee because Thursday, you must lay this report.

    “Vice Chairman of Appropriations Committee, if you don’t get report from our committees by tomorrow (Wednesday), then you just use the submission of the Executive. But come Thursday, you must lay that report.”
    President Buhari presented the N8.83 trillion budget proposal to a joint session of the National Assembly on December 19, 2018.

  • Fayemi swears in 14 commissioners, advisers

    Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi has sworn in 14 new Commissioners and five advisers, warning they will be sacked if found displaying ineptitude and engaging in corrupt practices.

    Fayemi said the present administration’s penchant for transparency and accountability will not be compromised.

    The swearing in came after the names of the commissioners-designate were approved by the House of Assembly.

    The governor stated what the state needed at this time when it is financially challenged was committed and visionary people, who are ready to sacrifice to make Ekiti great.

    The governor stated that the task to rebuilding Ekiti that would be of gains to all and sundry should be paramount to the appointees and not personal aggrandisement.

    He advised them to be prudent in the management of limited resources considering lean resources available to the state.

    Fayemi added the inauguration marked the commencement of a full- fledged state executive council since he assumed office in 2018.

    He said his government will be receptive to constructive criticism from members and that no one would be victimised for exercising such rights.

    “You all knew the state of our state before I was inaugurated and you could attest to the fact that we have raised the bar and change the landscape for better now within these few months.

    “Commissioners and advisers are creation of the constitution. Those appointed today emerged through wide consultation. I want to tell you that you were chosen because people believed in you.

    “You must try and represent your people well. In coming up with this list, we ensured that each council gets one commissioner each.

    “Make sure you make yourselves accessible. This is a government of restoration and you must key into our 4 -cardinal objective of this government in your respective ministries.

    READ ALSO: Ekiti: Dr Kayode Fayemi bows out in a blaze of glory

    “Penalties are there if you don’t live up to expectations. This is an opportunity to write your names in gold for being part of the restoration team.

    “Don’t share the exaggerative view that government is an avenue to amass wealth.

    “For those who know how to grumble, we won’t hesitate to ask for your resignation if you are not contended with the meagre resources accruing to you,” he said.

    The new commissioners are: Dr Adio Afolayan(Local Government and Chieftaincy  Affairs); Dr (Mrs.) Moji Yaya Kolade(Health and Human Services); Chief (Mrs.) Moji Fafure (Women Affairs); Mr Emmanuel Foluso Daramola(Education, Science and Technology); Mr. Folorunso Olabode(Agriculture and Rural Development); Engr. Bamidele Faparusi (Infrastructure and Public Utilities) and Mr Gbenga Agbeyo(Environment).

    Others include ; Mr Olusoga Davies(Trade and Investment); Mr Sola Adebayo(Works and Transport); Mr Michael Awopetu(Youths and Sports); Mr Muyiwa Olumilua (Information and Orientation); Mr Femi Ajayi(Budget and Planning); Alhaji Ayodele Jinadu(Regions Development and Special Duties) and Mr Febisola Adewale(Lands and Housing).

    Responding on behalf of the commissioners, Dr Yaya-Kolade promised that they would justify the confidence reposed in them by performing their statutory duties without compromising the interest of the people.

     

  • Car washer charged with defiling neighbour’s daughter

    An Ikeja Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday remanded a 22-year-old car washer, Onyekazuru Samuel, who allegedly defiled his neighbour’s 13-year-old daughter.

    The defendant, who resides at Oko-Oba, Agege, Lagos, is standing trial for defilement.

    The court could not take his plea as the Magistrate, Mrs B.O. Osunsanmi,  said that she needed advice from the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions.

    She ordered that Samuel should be kept at the Kirikiri Prisons, Lagos, pending the advice.

    Osunsanmi adjourned the case until May 13 for mention.

    READ ALSO: Bricklayer sentenced to life imprisonment for defiling 7-year old niece

    The prosecutor, ASP Ezekiel Ayorinde, had submitted that  the defendant had sexual intercourse with his neighbour’s daughter, in contravention of  Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    Ayorinde said that the defendant committed the crime on March 22 at his residence.

    “The defendant sent the girl to buy “garri” and sugar for him; when the girl returned and handed over the items to him, he dragged her inside his room.

    “The defendant forcefully removed her clothes and underwear and had canal knowledge of her.

    “The girl started bleeding; when her mother noticed, she told her what the defendant did to her.

    ‘The case was reported and the accused was arrested,” the prosecutor told the court.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that child defilement can be punished with up to  life imprisonment.

     

     

     

     

  • Breaking: Court orders substituted service on Ag EFCC Chairman

    An FCT High Court in Apo, on Tuesday granted leave for substituted service on the acting Chairman of the Economic And Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu.

    Justice Silvanus Oriji , gave the order substituted service, after listening to the submissions of Chief Mike Ozekhome ,SAN, counsel to an Abuja-based lawyer, Monday Ubani and a former Senator, Christopher Enai.

    Oriji had on March 26, granted leave to an exparte motion filed by Ozekhome to charge Ubani and Enai to court or release them on bail on or before March, 28.

    The judge held that the court had the power to make an order for substituted service of the process where it appears that prompt service cannot be conveniently effected.

    ”In exercise of the power of the court under Order 7 rule 11, I grant this motion,” he said.

    He said since the bailiff, Ishaya Markus, was denied access to Magu by the armed security personnel at his office at the EFCC Headquarters.

    Ozekhome said that the operatives told the bailiff that he can only see Magu on invitation.

    Ozekhome, in the motion exparte prayed the court to order form 48 and 49 be served on any officer at the mail registry of the Chairman of the EFCC and legal Department at Headquarters in Jabi.

    He also prayed an order of the court by posting same at the gate of the head office of EFCC.

    Ubani, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ikeja branch and Enai, ex-senator representing Bayelsa were invited and detained by the EFCC operatives on March,19.

    The applicants were detained for standing as sureties for Ngozi Olejeme, who once served as the Chairman of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund from 2009 to 2015.

    They are still yet to be charged to court by the EFCC