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  • South Africa grants Air Peace rights to operate daily flights

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Monday that the South African government had granted Air Peace’s request to commence commercial flights to Johannesburg, South Africa

    Mr Ferdinard Nwoye, spokesperson for the ministry made this known in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

    “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform that the South African Government has granted request for the Nigerian Designated Airline, Air Peace to commence commercial flights to Johannesburg, South Africa.

    “The confirmation was granted in the process of ascertaining the level of implementation of the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and South Africa.

    “At the Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) of the 9th Session of the Nigeria/South Africa Bi-National Commission Summit in Pretoria, South Africa on Friday, Sept. 27.

    Read Also: Air Peace boss, Onyema’s masterstroke

    “The proprietor of Air Peace Airlines, Chief Allen Onyema has also confirmed that the airline would commence operation as soon as possible to promote air travel between Nigeria and South Africa,” Nwonye said.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the bi-national meeting focused on consolidation of the subsisting signed Agreements/MoUs between both countries

    The Nigeria-South Africa Joint Commission was established in 1999 to promote relations between both countries and it was upgraded to Bi-National Commission (BNC) in 2001.

    To showcase the strategic nature of the relationship between the two very important countries, the commission is expected to be further upgraded to the Summit level on Oct. 3.

    NAN

     

  • Dangote eyes $30b revenue

    ALIKO Dangote, the richest man in Africa, is looking to Dangote, who is building one of the world’s biggest refineries in Lagos, in addition to investments in gas and petrochemical plants, said he expects total group revenue to grow to about $30 billion from $4 billion when the plants start operations in the next two years.

    Thereafter, he plans to include investing about 60per cent of profit outside Africa, including the U.S. and the U.K.

    “Sometimes in Africa you have issues of devaluation. We want to really preserve some of the family’s wealth,” he said.

    He plans to expand cement capacity on the continent by 29per cent to 62 million tons, entrenching his flagship company’s position as the continent’s biggest producer of the construction material.

    Read Also: Dangote extends promo by four weeks

    He plans to add six million tons in Nigeria next year, taking volume in Dangote Cement Plc’s home market to 35 million tons, he said in interview on Bloomberg Television.

    The rest of the expansion is planned mainly in West Africa, including Niger and Cote d’Ivoire. The 62-year-old told shareholders in June the company plans to open plants in Nigeria that will allow it export clinker to grinding plants in Cameroon and West Africa.

    Dangote Cement reported six per cent increase in profit for the six months through June to N119.5 billion ($331 million), even as revenue fell three per cent to N467.7 billion.

  • Why BUA terminal was decommissioned, by NPA

    FRESH facts emerged on Monday on why the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), decommissioned BUA Ports and Terminals Limited, operator of Terminal B, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    Speaking at the quarterly stakeholders meeting organised by NPA in Port Harcourt, its Managing Director, Ms Hadiza Bala Usman said the agency, as a responsible government organisation, took the step to save the lives and limbs of those working at the terminal.

    She said the decision was taken for health and safety reasons after receiving a letter from BUA on security challenges surrounding the quays wall at its terminal.

    She said the terminal operator wrongly served the NPA a contempt of court letter, arguing that the Agency has not violated any court order that restricted it from terminating the concession agreement it had with BUA by decommissioning the terminal.

    The MD wondered why BUA will want to continue operating from a terminal that it termed unsafe in a letter it sent to NPA.

    She said: “This morning, we have been served a contempt of court while arriving Port Harcout today. In November 2016, a notice of termination was issued to BUA Terminal for non-compliance with the port development plan. As part of the concession agreement, there are certain development that each terminal operator is supposed to do at their terminals. In line with the concession agreement, BUA was required to rehabilitate and reconstruct that particular terminal, but it did not do that for years.

    “When NPA did an inspection, their concession agreement was terminated for failure to adhere to that development plan.

    “However, BUA instituted a court injunction that prevented NPA from taking over the facility.  We got the injunction in January 2018. So between January 2018 to June 2019, BUA enjoyed using the terminal in totality with collapsed quay walls and berths. “We now received a letter from the same BUA, drawing our attention to the fact that the condition of the quay wall was deteriorating and not safe and it is at the point of collapse, and that they are very concerned.

    “As a responsible regulator we looked at the state of that quay, and wondered how BUA could have used it for one and half years in that terrible state. With safety issues uppermost, we had to decommission the BUA terminal based on health and safety reasons.

    “Now, the same BUA has gone to court to restrain NPA from implementing the decommissioning policy despite highlighting in their letter to us that the terminal is not safe. I am curious to what contempt of court this is all about. We are talking of an unsafe terminal.

    Read Also: NPA generates over $45.2M from Delta ports

    “They are drawing attention of the public and alleging unfair treatment, but we are questioning what unfair treatment is in issues that have to do with safety.  Do we ignore safety and allow BUA to continue to use a terminal that is about to collapse?

    “It is important to NPA that BUA notifies the stakeholders and the court that they wrote to NPA in that regards. They should stop attributing the decommissioning to termination issue because the rule in port operation business is safety first.

    “We should be responsible as private entities by adhering to what is required of us and go through due process. In addition, we have noted the fact that the quay walls along the Port Harcourt Port are weak and they are at the point of collapse.”

  • We didn’t arrest Chido Onumah, says DSS

    Department of State Services (DSS) has said it did not arrest Dr Chido Onumah in Abuja on Sunday evening.

    A statement in Abuja by its Public Relations Officer (PRO), Dr Peter Afunaya, said DSS officers only interacted with Onumah when they observed that he had allegedly committed an act that could undermine public order and national security.

    It reads: “The DSS wishes to make clarifications regarding reports that Dr Chido Onumah was arrested by the service. To set the records right, Onumah was never arrested by the service. He was rather engaged in an interaction during which an act of his (that was) capable of undermining public order and national security was explained to him.

    “On his arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on September 29, 2019, it was discovered that Onumah wore a T-shirt with “WE ARE ALL BIAFRANS” inscription on it. With credible intelligence that he might be a subject of mob attack, if allowed to go into town in same cloth, the service invited him and drew his attention to the implications of his probable (un)intended action.

    “It was strongly believed that an attack on Onumah would have sparked ethno-religious reprisals with dire consequences for law and order and public safety in the country. He understood the issues and pledged not to engage in activities that may cause disaffection in Abuja and the country at large. He subsequently removed the cloth with the inciting symbols and inscriptions and agreed not to use it.

    “The interaction between Onumah and the service held in a convivial atmosphere. He appreciated the courtesies extended to him. Afterwards, the service arranged for him to go back to his accommodation in town.

    “It is hoped that this clarification has dispelled the erroneous claims and reportage that he was arrested. The service acted within the confines of its mandate and only carried out its routine security duty that could have been discharged by a similar agency in any part of the world.”

    It is not out of place for concerned security agencies to have sought clarification from a traveller concerning a subject of security interest.

    “The DSS reaffirms its avowed commitment to the rule of law and protection of citizens and national critical assets.”

  • Suswam, former commissioner lose bid to stop trial

    Former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam (now a serving senator) and his ex-Finance Commissioner, Omadachi Oklobi, on Monday lost in the bid to stop their criminal trial.

    Suswam and Okolobia are facing a nine-count charge of money laundering and diversion of N3.1 billion belonging to the state.

    The charge was filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, in a ruling, rejected their objection to the transfer of the case form the former trial judge, Justice Ahmed Mohammed, who withdrew from it.

    Justice Abang said he has jurisdiction to take over the trial and dismissed the objection raised by the defendants against the transfer of the case.

    Read Also: Suswam rules out 60/40 sharing formula with Ortom, others

    The judge said he had seen a letter, written on July 5, 2019 by Justice Mohammed, detailing why he recused himself from the case.

    Justice Abang said the letter formed part of the proceedings in the case, despite the fact that the counsel to the prosecution and the defendants did not make reference to it in their submissions.

    The judge, who read the letter, quoted Justice Mohammed as saying: “What I find disturbing is the continuous attack on my person by Sahara Reporters. How can I continue with the case the same Sahara Reporters has continuously made allusions to? There is no need to continue.”

    He said Justice Mohammed complained that there was no need for him to continue with the case because whether Suwsam is eventually convicted or discharged, he (judge) would still be accused of bias.

    Justice Abang also quoted Justice Mohammed in the letter, saying: “So, I find it necessary to recuse myself from the case.”

    The judge said it would be a risky business, which he was not prepared to take, if he returned the case file to the acting CJ on the account of the defendants’ application.

    He said the matter was reassigned to promote justice, adding that Justice Mohammed voluntarily recused himself, even without a petition.

    Justice Abang averred that the case could suffer more delay and justice denied, if Justice Mohammed was compelled go ahead with it.

  • Confusion over Bayelsa Assembly speaker’s removal

    There were gunshots on Monday at the Bayelsa State House of Assembly in the battle between supporters of Tonye Isenah and Monday Obolo who both claimed to be the Speaker of the Assembly.

    It could not be ascertained last night who started the use of the weapon among the rival politicians in the Assembly.

    But the mace, the Assembly’s symbol of authority, was reportedly snatched away by unknown persons.

    The battle followed the alleged refusal of Speaker Tonye Isenah to resign from his position.

    It was learnt that Isenah had been asked to step aside to enable the governorship candidate of the PDP in the November 16 election, Douye Diri, win the poll.

    The arrangement, it was learnt, was due to the fact that Isenah and Diri are from the same local government.

    Read Also: Controversy as Bayelsa gets two Speakers

    But Isenah remained on the seat during yesterday’s plenary, after allegedly hinting that he would resign for a lawmaker from another local government area.

    Isenah’s colleagues were said to be in shock by his action.

    The Speaker adjourned indefinitely and asked fellow lawmakers to proceed on a recess.

    Shortly after the adjournment, the gun battle started, leading to the violent removal of the mace from the Assembly.

    While some sources said the Speaker left with the mace, others said suspected thugs stole it.

    Isenah was said to have left the Assembly complex with four All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers and a PDP lawmaker, Bonny-Ayah, representing Southern Ijaw Constituency I.

    The other lawmakers, led by Deputy Speaker Abraham Ngobere (Brass Constituency III), reconvened the Assembly and ordered reporters out.

    It was learnt that another mace was brought into the Assembly to move for Isenah’s impeachment.

    Bernard Kenebai (Sagbama II) moved the motion and was supported by unanimous voice votes. Oboku Oforji (Yenagoa Constituency 1) moved for the nomination of Monday Obolo as Speaker and he was seconded by Naomi Igoli of Ogbia Constituency III.

    But Isenah dismissed the lawmakers’ actions, describing it as illegal.

    He insisted that he remained the authentic Speaker.

    He said: “I went to the House this morning and presided over plenary. Since the beginning of the sixth Assembly, all other Houses of Assemblies have gone on recess, even the National Assembly, but we have not gone. We have been working since and we are tired. So, today (yesterday), I adjourned the House indefinitely.

    “If the House has been adjourned indefinitely, nothing can be done that would hold ground again. I presided over the House as the authentic Speaker and adjourned indefinitely…”

    But Obolo, who was elected Speaker in the controversial circumstances, denied the alleged disappearance of the mace.

    He said: “The House of Assembly is a united family. It is an honour to have been elected to lead the Sixth Assembly. We are meant to debate and 18 members elected me. Bayelsans should expect the dividends of democracy.”

    Governor Seriake Dickson, the state chapter of the PDP and the party’s youths have congratulated Obolo.

    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fidelis Soriwei, the governor described Obolo as a promising, young and vibrant political leader with the capacity to carry out the sensitive responsibility of presiding over legislative arm of government.

    The youths praised the lawmakers for installing the new Speaker.

  • Nwosu: tribunal yet to release judgment copy

    Governorship candidate of the Action Alliance (AA) in Imo State Uche Nwosu has accused the election petition tribunal of refusing to release copies of its judgment 10 days after the verdict.

    Panel Chairman Justice Umar Dogondaji dismissed the petitions filed by AA, All Progressives Congress (APC) and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), which challenged the victory of Governor Emeka Ihedioha, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Nwosu, who addressed reporters in Abuja on Monday, said the panel’s refusal to release the judgment was a ploy to frustrate his chances to appeal the judgment.

    According to him, efforts to get the judgment were frustrated by officials of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Read Also: Court nullifies Nwosu’s participation in election

    He said: “We suspect foul play. It has been 10 days since the judgment was given, but efforts to obtain the Certified True Copy (CTC) have been unsuccessful. It’s one excuse or the other.

    “However, I believe these people are out to sabotage my efforts. They know I have 14 days to file an appeal and I need the judgment’s CTC. This is why I have called you to tell the world what these people are doing to justice.”

    But tribunal secretary Balarabe Garuba said copies of the judgment would be taken to Owerri today.

    Garuba said he spoke to the tribunal’s Assistant Secretary, Muazu Lawan, who said he had copies of the judgment and would take them to those who should have them the next day.

    He said: “He called me that the judgment was given to him, so he will take the next available flight to Owerri to give prospective appellants. He should be travelling tomorrow (today).”

  • CBN sets $10.7b growth target for creative industry

    AFTER announcing the injection of N22 billion seed capital into the creative industry, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Monday gave the movie production and distribution a $10.7 billion growth target in the next five years.

    CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele who broke the news yesterday at the Creative Nigeria Summit in Lagos with theme: “Finance for Growth”, said the intervention of the apex bank in the music and movie industry would be in the areas of support to young entrepreneurs in the development of digital content.

    The project is also expected to create over 500,000 direct and indirect jobs.

    Emefiele said the measures, billed to be implemented over a five-year period, would increase the contribution of the movie industry to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), from one to three per cent.

    It would also result in improved revenue generation of over $300 million from production and distribution of Nigerian movies at cinema locations at home and abroad, as well as the creation of over 200,000 direct and indirect jobs.

    He said the CBN and the Bankers Committee had set up the Creative Industries and Financing Initiative (CIFI). Using the Agric-Business/Small and Medium Enterprises Investment Scheme (AGSMEIS) fund, through which the banks set aside, on an annual basis, five per cent of their Profit After Tax (PAT), to support startups and existing businesses in the creative industry space.

    The plans also cover the development of a creative industry park in three major cities in the country.

    The CBN boss said: With the kind support of the Federal and Lagos governments, the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, is expected to serve as the initial pilot for the Creative Industries Park.

    “Our plan is to develop a 40- acre Creative Industry Park around the National Theatre including giving the Theater itself tremendous face lift; thereby reopening the touring potential the National Theatre offered during the FESTAC 77 arts culture. Following the deployment of the pilot scheme in Lagos, we intend to set up similar parks in Kano, Port Harcourt or Enugu.”

    Besides, Emefiele noted that individuals would have the opportunity to showcase their work at the park, which will expose them to domestic and external investors that can provide them with additional resources that will enable further production and expansion of their creative works.

    Read Also: CBN apologises for cashless policy inconveniences

    He said that a critical aspect of the park would be devoted to supporting the growth of the Nigeria’s fashion industry.

    Emefiele said: “The textile, apparel and footwear sub-sector remain the second largest contributor to Nigeria’s manufacturing (after food, beverage and tobacco) sector. Total output in fourth quarter of 2017 was estimated at $1.3 billion or 23.3 per cent of manufacturing GDP. Sadly today, Nigeria spends over $2 billion on imported textiles, including machine-made cloths imported from Asia which copy popular Nigerian designs. This action has taken place despite the abundant talents in the fashion industry in Nigeria, some of whom are gaining prominence both locally and internationally,” he said.

    He said the initiative will also help to support the growth of the cotton and textile industry by off taking on the products being produced in textile mills in Kano, Kaduna and Lagos.

    “Over the next five years, the park will help support 10,000 young Nigerians with improved design skills, while creating over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs in the Cotton, Textile and Garment (CTG) industry. The Shared Service Facility will also serve as a showroom to the world on quality fabrics being designed and produced in Nigeria,” he said.

    Emefiele said that over 50,000 Nigerians would benefit from this ICT centre, which will create over 25,000 software engineers and 150,000 skilled and unskilled jobs. He added that it could result in potential GDP gains of close to $2 billion while curbing importation of IT solutions that can be produced in Nigeria.

  • Akeredolu greets Adefulire at 60

    Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, has felicitated with the former deputy governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, who clocked 60 on Monday.

    Governor Akeredolu, who described Adefulire as a rare gift to society, commended her dedication to assigned responsibilities and expressed optimism that at 60, her services were more required not just by the people of Lagos State, but the nation at large.

    Read Also: Akeredolu: we’ll include OPC in Ondo security outfit

    The governor said this in a statement by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo.

    According to the governor, it is particularly gratifying that the former deputy governor, whose youthfulness defies her age, has enjoyed the rare benevolence of sound health, the most sought after of all Godly gifts to mankind.

  • ‘Epidemic’ sends hundreds of Queen’s College pupils home

    Hundreds of pupils from Queen’s College, Lagos, have been sent home to prevent the .spread of water-borne infection, The Nation learnt last night.

    The Chairman of the school’s Parents/Teachers’ Association (PTA), Mr John Ofobike, confirmed the development.

    But the principal, Mrs Oyinloye Yakubu could not be reached for comment.

    In 2017, the school had a water-borne epidemic which caused the death of three pupils and led to its closure for months during which the old students association rehabilitated its facilities.

    Ofobike said he could not tell the nature of the sickness but learnt from a parent whose ward had been treated at the hospital that the illness was caused by food and water bacterial infection.

    According to him, he visited the school on Sunday and found out that hundreds of girls were being given exeat to go home for treatment.

    He, however, noted that the principal, whom he claimed did not want the issue to be publicized, refused to allow him see the register of sick pupils.

    Read Also: 24 pupils for story, poetry award

    He said: “I am not a doctor so I don’t know if the problem is caused by water but there is a problem already in the school and parents are calling me.  I was there on Sunday.  So many children, over 100 were waiting for exeat to go out.

    “The sick bay was filled with children everywhere on the beds and benches. You know when people are queuing for INEC registration? That was how it was. And these girls are in exam classes – SS3 and JSS3.

    “I went to the principal to tell her to alert the government but she did not want to alert the government.  The children are sick because the environment is unkempt.

    “I said let me look at the register at the sick bay. But the principal instructed the nurse not to allow me see the register.  I am – as the PTA Chairman – the father of all the girls in the school.

    “I was there when one parent brought his daughter.  He showed me the medical report which stated that there is a bacterial infection for food and water. I have written the Federal Ministry of Education to report the matter.”