The Nation Newspaper

Tag: urge

  • Stakeholders urge FG to return SON to ports

    The maritime stakeholders’ have urged the federal government [FG], to return Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to the nation’s ports, in order to stem the increased inflow of substandard products into the country.

    They also said that the return of SON back to ports would help to achieve FG’s initiative of ease of doing business. According to them, the idea of the agency chasing container on the high way or going to warehouse for enforcement on importer of substandard products does not benefit the country any longer.

    “We need them at the ports now, so that the agency can carry out its mandate along with other agencies at the ports,” said the President, Nigeria National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Chief Uche Increase, during a one-day stakeholders collaborations titled ‘stakeholders collaboration as a tool for zero substandard products’ held in Kaduna recently.

    “The role of SON in preventing substandard products is crucial. We need them to stop the influx of fake and substandard product,” adding that “the association would sustain its enlightenment and sensitisation campaign to ensure the drastic reduction of substandard products in the country.”.

    The Director General of (SON), Osita Aboloma, emphasised that the organisation will not rest on its oars in ridding Nigeria of substandard products, while calling on all stakeholders to support them in achieving same.

    According to him, the organisation is enforcing compliance, through various standards like MANCAP, SONCAP and other logos on products to let customers know the difference between substandard and counterfeit products and the original.

    Represented by SON’s Regional Coordinator North West, Alhaji Abubakar Abba (Galajen Bauchi), he cautioned Nigerians against endangering themselves and loved ones by patronising fake or substandard products.

    Increase further warned that compromise by bank officials portends serious danger as it relates to imports.

    He also called on SON to lend support to Nigerian Shippers Council in reducing substandard products or cargo through CTN while urging the FG to speed up implementation of Single Windows Facility, whereby all agencies of government and SON can sit in their offices and make inputs. “SON is expected to do more and ensure synergy with other agencies, especially the Nigerian Customs.”

    In another paper presentation, National Vice President, ANLCA, Dr. Kayode Collins Farinto, said that as patriotic citizens, all Nigerians are compelled to collaborate with SON to stamp out substandard products from the country.

    “Please be informed that the hazard/adverse effect of substandard goods on our economy, health cannot be quantified, let alone, the high number of our citizens that have been killed, maimed as a result of use of these products. We shall be playing our roles in national interest, if we all agree to collaborate as stakeholders to stamp out substandard goods in our economy,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the regulatory agency has also cautioned consumers against low gauge and galvanised roofing sheets even as it embarks on a nationwide evacuation.

    Last weekend, SON stormed Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and Lagos to seize substandard aluminium sheets worth over N200 million from three aluminium companies. In Lagos, it confiscated substandard galvanised sheets worth over N150 million from many companies.

    The Director General, SON, Osita Aboloma, said that the organisation worked on intelligence gathering to locate the three ware houses stocked with low gauges of aluminium products.

    Aboloma, who was represented by the Inspectorate and Compliance Director of the regulatory agency, Mr Obiora Manafa, said they have discovered that most of the unscrupulous dealers have relocated to remote areas to carry out their nefarious activities.

    Aboloma said that all the aluminium coils were tested and failed the basic minimum standards.

    In his words: “These aluminium coils failed the basic parameters and they are hereby seized so it can serve as deterrent to those that will want to engage in the importation of substandard products into the country and to save the hard earned resources of Nigerians.”

    He said that the ongoing exercise would be carried out in every part of country and warned the perpetrators to desist from the practice. He explained that the minimum standard required of an aluminium was 0.40mm instead of 0.25mm, which some companies use for the production of roofing sheets.

    “Once you buy it, any little wind will blow your roof off. These are the reasons we are trying to discourage Nigerians from importing substandard products. People go out there, import these products knowing full well that Nigerian standard is 0.40millilitre yet they bring it in,” he said.

    Reacting to questions on why the product was not stopped at the port of entry, he regretted that SON was not fully at the port to inspect the quality of goods that come in. He noted that SON was only invited sparely to do examination of goods saying that such development have seriously affected the role of the agency in checking influx of goods into the country.

    SON boss stated further that the roofing sheets were either smuggled in or cleared from the ports without SON quality verification, necessitating the need to track them to three different company premises in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. This was facilitated by classified information provided by concerned stakeholders, he said.

    “There are a lot of negative consequences having such aluminium roofing sheets in the Nigerian  markets. Government is denied legitimate revenue, consumers do not get value for money, plus the unfair competition with certified made-in-Nigeria aluminium roofing sheets through low pricing. This unfair competition leads to low capacity utilisation by the local manufacturers, loss of jobs by Nigerians and a general downturn in the nation’s economy,” Manafa stated.

  • Editors urge politicians, security agencies to avoid intimidating voters

    Editors have urged politicians and security agencies to avoid intimidating voters for democracy to thrive in the country.

    This is part of the nine-point communique issued at the end of the 14th All Nigeria Editors Conference in Asaba, Delta.

    The communique was signed by Mrs Funke Egbemode and Mrs Victoria Ibanga, President and General Secretary of the Guild respectively.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Delta State Government hosted the conference attended by more than 400 editors.

    The conference participants deliberated on the theme “Credible Elections, Sustainable Democracy and the Nigerian media’’.

    The editors observed that elections in Nigeria were not built on truth and urged politicians to do away with the culture of winning at all cost so as to avoid electoral violence.

    They decried the level of insecurity in the country, stressing that the nation deserves more than rhetoric and political slogans on issues of citizens’ welfare.

    While commending the 91 registered political parties for displaying maturity during the party primaries, the conference also frowned at the allegations of vote buying by politicians.

    They urged the umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain independent in its practice by allowing citizens’ votes to count.

    The editors also expressed the need for Nigerian journalists to intensify efforts towards sustaining investigative, balance and analytical reportage as these were being threatened by the emergence of the social media.

    “The conference challenged media practitioners to join in the mobilisation of Nigerians through unbiased reports to take collective responsibility in choosing leaders for the nation in the next general elections.

    “Editors, at the end of deliberations, agreed to defend the truth through professional practice,’’ the communique read in part.

    The Guild expressed appreciation for the presence of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the conference and thanked Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for the support towards the successful conference.

  • Forensic auditors urge action on CIFIA Bill

    The Chartered Institute of Forensic and Investigative Auditors of Nigeria (CIFIA) has called on the House of Representatives to follow the Senate and pass the CIFIA Bill in order to boost the fight against corruption.

    CIFIA’s Chief promoter, Dr Victoria Enape, made the appeal at the induction/ training of new members in Abuja, with the theme “Transition to Forensic and Investigative Audit.”

    The Bill for an Act to establish the Chartered Institute of Forensic and Investigative Auditors of Nigeria was jointly sponsored by Sen. Ahmed Lawan, the Senate Majority Leader and Sen. Andy Uba.

    The Bill has been passed by the Senate and waits passage by the lower chamber before transmission to the president for assent.

    Enape, in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, advised the Federal Government to embrace the current trend of forensic and investigative auditing to revamp the nation’s economy and check fraudulent practices.

    She said if the Bill was enacted, it would help position forensic fellows in various organisations and agencies to check illicit financial flow in the country.

    Enape said: “Our appeal is that the Bill should be given speedy concurrence at the House of Representatives, so that it can be moved to the president for assent.

    “After presidential assent, we will be able to do anything Nigeria wants us to do to assist in ensuring prevention of fraud.”

    Enape also called for synergy with stakeholders in order to ensure that forensic auditing which was a new trend in global auditing became a reality in Nigeria.

    “Therefore forensic auditors must not necessary be only accountants considering the nature of the works involved,” she added.

    On his part, a fellow of CIFIA, Mr Mavis Ighota, said that the induction would enable the professional diversity in response to the urgent globalisation in the fight against fraud and corruption.

    According to him, CIFIA is soliciting for collaboration with ICAN and other professional bodies in order to achieve their respective goals.

    “We are pleading with ICAN that they should calm down and let us work together.

    “We are no threat to any professional body in Nigeria but only trying to fill a vacuum” she said.

     

  • Buhari, Saraki, Dogara, others urge Nigerians on peaceful co-existence

    As Sallah is being celebrated today, President Muhammadu Buhari leads others in preaching peace, love and tolerance to Muslim faithful, report Ozeigbe Okoeki, Odunayo Ogunmola, Okungbowa Aiwere, Damisi Ojo, Kolade Adeyemi and Chris Oji.

    •Ambode, Aregbesola, Dakwambo, others preach peace

    President Muhammadu Buhari has urged Nigerians to rise above personal, group, sectarian and other interests in the country.

    He urged them to promote harmony and tolerance in dealing with one another at all times.

    This President’s Eid-el-Kabir message according to Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, quoted him as urging Muslims to use the occasion for sober reflection and self-examination, and strive to be good ambassadors of their religion by upholding high moral values

    He reminded Muslims that this felicitous occasion of Eid-ul-Adha is a remembrance of the submission of Prophet Ibrahim Allaihis-Salam to Allah, his Creator, by which he taught the world the value of sacrifice in relating with one another, and when it comes to nation-building.

    He said “We must sacrifice for others and remember always those who are less fortunate than ourselves,” the President declared.

    President Buhari explained that religion is a major factor in influencing human behaviour towards good conduct and actions.

    Heexpressed regret that selfishness, greed and corruption had overwhelmed human souls to the extent that people abandon their religious beliefs in pursuit of their greed.

    The President stressed that fighting corruption is a task that must be done in order to protect the larger interests of the ordinary Nigerians who are the worst victims of diseases, poverty, malnutrition and other afflictions.

    He said surrendering to corruption is not an option because it destroys society and progress of nations.

    “Even if some people hate you for fighting corruption, you should not chicken out from the task as a leader because doing so is a betrayal of public trust.” the President added

    On the economic challenges facing Nigerians, the President reassured that such are temporary because the welfare of the people is the main thrust of the change agenda of the administration.

    President Buhari cited the many initiatives unfolded by the administration under the Social Investment Programme (SIP) among which was the decision to distribute recovered stolen funds to the poor against the past practices of re-looting such funds by some people in authority.

    The President arrived I his hometown Daura yesterday.

    He arrived at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport aboad the Presidential jet at the airport at about 5.51p.m.

    Katsina state Governor Aminu Masari and Minister of State (Aviation) Hadi Sirika were among those at the airport to welcome the President.

    The President was conveyed from there to Daura by a presidential chopper.

    The President has been observing Eid-el Kabir at his country home in the last three years of his presidency.

    The Senate President Bukola Saraki, House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara and Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu also urged Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of brotherhood and peaceful coexistence.

    In separate Eid el Kabir messages, Saraki enjoined Nigerians to increase their efforts in charitable endeavours, perseverance and spiritual intercession for the nation. The Senate President urged Nigerians to further devote their prayers at the Eid praying grounds to the call on Allah to restore peace in all parts of the country, strengthen the unity and rebuild the economy.

    Saraki also congratulated Muslims on the celebration of the 2018 Eid el-Kabir festival and described the special occasion as “a period that honours the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son to show submission to Allah’s command”.

    Dogara, enjoined the Muslim Ummah and Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of sacrifice, love and tolerance for the peace, unity and progress of the country.

    “While rejoicing with our Muslim brothers on this auspicious occasion of  Eid el-Kabir Sallah celebration, which symbolises sacrifice and obedience,  I wish to enjoin all people of goodwill to be steadfast in love for one another and demonstrate renewed commitment to the Nigerian project in order to make our society ideal for all and towards the fulfillment of the country’s great potentials”.

    “I also urge our religious leaders to take advantage of the season and preach peace, unity and tolerance among the diverse people, especially now that the country is at  critical political crossroads, with the electioneering process gaining momentum as the 2019 general elections draw nearer”.

    “On our part as lawmakers, we will continue to pursue people-oriented legislations and initiate reforms and legislative interventions that will guarantee peace and stability in the polity and the nation as a whole as well as improve the living conditions of the citizens”.

    Ekweremadu said: “The Eid-el Kabir presents yet another opportunity for the Muslim Umah and indeed all Nigerians to reflect soberly on state of the nation and pray for Nigeria’s future and peaceful elections.

    “Importantly, Nigeria is certainly in need of both attitudinal change and divine intervention as the country prepares for the 2019 general elections. Whereas the extensive electoral reforms carried out by the National Assembly manifested in visible improvements in the quality of the 2011 and 2015 general elections, subsequent elections have been gravely marred by excessive violence, vote buying, and other outrageous manipulations that threaten our democracy.

    “From the Bayelsa Governorship election to the recent bye-elections in Kogi and Rivers States, among others, the nation has witnessed intolerable levels of impunity, violence, excessive abuse and manipulation of vital institutions of democracy, which signal grave turbulence ahead of 2019”.

    ‘Embrace love,unity, sacrifice’

    In Lagos, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode urged Muslims to live in love and unity.

    In his Sallah message,Ambode said the period of the celebration was a clarion call for Nigerians to imbibe the lessons of the season such as selfless service to God and humanity, sacrifice and sincere commitment to righteous conducts in their private and public life.

    “The significance of the season should be beyond feasting, adding that as Muslims prepare to offer animal sacrifice in the prescribed days of the festival, the real essence should be to encourage piety, self-discipline and sacrifice”, Ambode admonished faithful.

    The governor called on all Nigerians to exhibit these virtues for the good of the country and shun any act capable of heating up the polity or causing distrust among various ethnic groups in the country.

    His words: “As we celebrate this auspicious occasion, let us renew our faith in our nation and implore the Almighty God to restore to us those values that place high premium on human life, love of neighbour and sharing even as we ventilate our faith in the unity of our dear country.

    “This period requires more patience, fortitude, tolerance, endurance, patriotism and a greater willingness to make personal sacrifices for the good of all.”

    Fayemi urges peaceful co-existence

    Ekiti State governor-elect Kayode Fayemi felicitated with Muslims in the country.

    Dr. Fayemi urged the Muslims Ummah to uphold the lessons of love, loyalty and sacrifice which is the foundation of the festival, during and after the festivities.

    In a goodwill message, the governor-elect said: “The Eid-el-Kabir festival offers the opportunity for sober reflection and spiritual renewal which Allah demands from the faithful.

    “The Muslim faithful and adherents of other faiths in the country should make peaceful coexistence their watchword and work together for a more peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.

    “Nigerians need to imbibe the lessons of commitment, dedication and obedience to higher authority as demonstrated in Prophet Ibraheem’s willingness to sacrifice his son in deference to the will of God, which Eid-el-Kabir commemorates.

    “It is only through the love for one another and commitment to peace, security and stability that the country can progress towards the fulfilment of its great potentials as a nation.”

    Kalu sues for unity among Nigerians

    Former Abia State Governor of Abia State and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC)Orji Kalu  urged leaders across the country to use their positions  to advocate peaceful co-existence among Nigerians regardless of ethnic, religious and political divides.

    According to him, Nigerians should embrace patriotism, selflessness and discipline in their pursuits for the sake of rebuilding the nation.

    Stressing that Nigeria is better off as an indivisible and united entity, he urged the political class not to use sentiments to polarise the country.

    Kalu said in a statement: “I congratulate our Muslim brothers and sisters on the occasion of Eid-el Kabir. It is a special season and it calls for special prayers for the country.

    “We should use this opportunity to appraise ourselves as individuals and as a people. We should exhibit piety, selflessness, patriotism and service to humanity in our activities as enshrined in the Holy Quran.

    “Let us respect other people’s religious beliefs and by so doing, there will be no rift in the society. Nigeria remains a blessed nation owing to its diversity in religion and ethnicity.”

    Atiku preaches love, tolerance

    Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar advised Muslims to take the center stage in promoting and spreading love among fellow Nigerians to consolidate unity.

    He said religion should be used as a means to advance the cause of love amongst the people.

    According to him, diversity cannot be the cause of Nigeria’s problems.He blamed the attitude of Nigerians towards one another.

    He said: “The common interests that unite Nigerians are by far stronger than those petty factors that divide us.

    “Intolerance, extremism and bigotry, if unchecked, could threaten peace and unity in any country.”

    He identified peace and unity as the greatest assets that should not be taken for granted, adding that interfaith dialogue would not go far enough if bigotry is allowed to defeat human reason and wisdom.

    The former vice president noted that all religions preach love of mankind, and urged Muslims to promote the beauty of their faith through positive personal conducts.

    Aregbesola to faithful: imbibe forgiving spirit

    Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola urged the Muslim faithful to uphold their obedience to Allah in the spirit of forgiveness for one another.

    In a goodwill message, Aregbesola described Islam as a religion that upholds the spirit of love, peace and charity and preach harmonious living relationship with other religions adherents.

    He commended the Muslim community in Osun for supporting his administration and for being good citizens.

    The governor urged Muslims to expand the spiritual benefits of Sallah by ensuring and promoting peaceful co-existence with each other and people of other faiths and shun violence and religious conflicts in whatever form they may manifest.

    He enjoined Muslims to pray for and conduct themselves peacefully before during and after the September 22, governorship election coming up in the state, noting that it is only Allah who enthrones and anyone who wants to forcefully enthrone himself can only do so in vain.

    He advised the faithful to imbibe the spirit of sacrifice which Prophets Ibrahim and his son, Ismaeel, exemplified, an occasion which is being commemorated yearly, thousands of years since.

    The message reads: “Let me congratulate all Muslim on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir festival.

    “I want you to use the occasion of the festival to demonstrate that the world is united by our common humanity.

    “You have demonstrated that you are patriotic Nigerians with your peaceful conduct, obedience to the laws of the land and invaluable contribution to development of our country.

    “You should continue to pray fervently for those things that would promote unity of the country, and pray against things that threaten the existence of Nigeria.”

    Dankwambo: truth 

    exalts a nation

    Gombe State Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo has joined Muslims in celebrating Eid-el-Kabir.

    He said: “As we celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, citizens must be reminded of the need to celebrate with love for one another and for our country. I must also say this: as the Holy Books teach us that only truth exalts a nation, only sacrifice by the people can sustain the nation on the path of unity, peace, progress and prosperity.

    Today is a day for sober reflection, especially as a result of the challenges facing Nigeria as a nation and the harrowing personal experience of the majority of citizens.”

    Submit to Allah’s will, Ahmed urges Muslims

    Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed

    urged Muslims  to imbibe the lessons of total submission and obedience to the will of Almighty Allah and promote the principle of being one another’s keepers.

    The governor emphasised the need to devote oneself to the services of the supreme being and pray for the unity, peace, progress and stability of the country

    He said: “Let’s guide against hate speech, thuggery and violence but imbibe lessons of the season and pray for a free, fair and credible elections in 2019 and beyond.”

    Dr. Ahmed expressed his gratitude to the people of the state for their supports and prayers over the years and renewed his commitment to bequeathing a worthy legacy for his successor.

    “We shall take our projects to fruition levels”, the governor said.

    Okowa urges prayers for leaders

    Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa urged Nigerians to put aside their religious and political differences to build a united country.

    He urged Muslims to emulate the Holy Prophet Mohammed by imbibing the ideals of sacrifice exemplified by the prophet.

    Okowa, in a Sallah message said Eid-el-Kabir was a season of love, peace, togetherness and sacrifice.

    Okowa said: “I enjoin you to use the period to uphold the spiritual benefit of the celebration by extending a hand of friendship and solidarity across all divides and imbibing the spirit of sacrifice and obedience to the higher authority as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim and upheld by Prophet Muhammed.

    “This is an opportunity for us to reflect and pray for our nation; and for all those in leadership positions so that God in his infinite mercy will continue to guide them as they steer the affairs of the country.”

    He assured the people of Delta State that the state government would work with security agencies to ensure that all citizens celebrate the Sallah in peace and harmony.

    Akeredolu: celebrate with fear of God

    Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu believed that the annual festival, which symbolises sacrifice and peace, will be celebrated by the Muslims with the fear of God and continued service to humanity and love of one another.

    He urged them to be moderate in their activities as they peacefully visit various places of interest to celebrate the much-cherished festival.

    The governor noted that as they go to the Prayer Ground for supplication to the Almighty, they should as usual, pray for the leadership of the state and the country in general.

    ‘Emulate Mohammed’

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike urged Muslims to emulate the Holy Prophet Mohammed by imbibing the ideals of sacrifice exemplified by the Prophet.

    Wike described Eid-el-Kabir as a season of love, peace, togetherness and sacrifice.

    He urged Nigerians to embrace religious tolerance which will promote peace across the country and enhance national development.

    He assured the people of Rivers State that the state government will work with the  security  agencies  to ensure that all citizens celebrate  the Sallah  in peace and harmony.

    He congratulated the Muslim community in the Southsouth state  on the Sallah celebration, assuring  them that his administration  will continue  to  partner with  them to move the state forward.

    Ganduje urges Muslims on sacrifice

    Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje urged Muslims to imbibe the values of sacrifice, love and keep fostering unity as they join their counterparts globally to celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

    Ganduje also cautioned religious and political leaders against hate campaigns, incitement or fanning embers of disunity in this period of heightened political activity in the country.

    In his Sallah message, Ganduje said the period of the celebration was a clarion call for Nigerians to imbibe the lessons of the season such as selfless service to God and humanity, sacrifice and sincere commitment to righteous conducts in their private and public life.

    He explained that the significance of the season should be beyond the festivities, adding that the real essence was not in the meat or the blood of the animal but to encourage piety, self-discipline and sacrifice.

    The governor called on all Nigerians to exhibit these values for the good of the country, stressing the need for constructive criticisms for improved governance, which he said, must be separated from incitements in order to move forward.

    Ugwuanyi calls for prayers, sustained peace

    Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi urged Muslems  to continue to uphold and promote the core values of Islam for the sustenance of peace, unity and progress of the country.

    Ugwuanyi, who felicitated with President Muhammadu Buhari and other Muslim faithful, also wished them the guidance and blessings of Allah, calling on all Nigerians to continue to supplicate for the progress of the country, through good deeds, sacrifice and abiding faith in God.

    He noted: “The ultimate goal remains our collective ability to live in peace and harmony, to cherish one another irrespective of religious, ethnic and political differences, for sustainable development of the nation”.

  • Bar leaders urge unity for NBA elections

    Less than three months to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) elections, Bar leaders have called for unity among regional groups within the association, reports Legal Editor JOHN AUSTIN UNACHUKWU.

    The occasions were different, but the rally cry was the same. Leaders of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) rose from separate meetings in the south and north last week with a plea for regional bodies within the association to unite ahead of the 2018 elections.

    NBA President Abubakar Mahmoud (SAN) and Asiwaju Solomon Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), among others, made the call at separate events organised by the Egbe Amofin, Lagos chapter, in Lagos and the Arewa Lawyers Forum (ALF) in Kaduna.

    Awomolo, who spoke at the 90th birthday of Pa Tunji Gomez in Lagos, called on Egbe Amofin to unite and take their pride of place in the polls.

    Awomolo said: “Very soon, we will be called upon to elect new leadership for the Nigerian Bar Association. Have we really given thought to what the leadership of the foremost professional association should be in a failed democracy? Election into the office of the president and other principal offices of the association has become a big enterprise.

    “Attention has been shifted from the character of candidates’ integrity; candidates for the election aligned themselves with the officers in office and it has become ‘Passover methods’.

    “Some of those who won election into office in 2016/2018 election, positioned themselves behind candidates for the election of 2014/2016, and those seeking election to offices to 2018/2020 have been featured, promoted and made prominent for the forthcoming election as their favourites.

    “NBA President, A. B. Mahmoud (SAN), a gentleman, was compelled in his meeting with Arewa Lawyers Forum (ALF) in Kaduna, to declare that he had no favourite candidate to succeed him.

    “The decision of the elders to rotate the presidency from West, Egbe Amofin Oodua (including Edo & Delta) to the Eastern Bar Forum (EBF), including Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Bayelsa states and finally to the Northern States branches  (Arewa Lawyers Forum (ALF), was designed to eliminate corrupt competition that  characterised NBA elections.  It was also thought that rotational method will eliminate allegation of dominion and marginalisation that was partly responsible for the crisis that blighted the 1992 Port Harcourt Annual General Conference that led to the collapse of the association between 1992 and 1998.”

    Awomolo said the NBA deserves “gentlemen who have genuine desire to serve, men of learning, character and integrity’’.

    He added: “The president, in particular, must be one that will attract and enjoy respect by all spectrum of the Bar, the Bench and general public. He must be a man with track records of service to the legal profession.”

    Awomolo warned against candidates who offer bribes.

    He said: “A Presidential candidate who before election is involved in “bribing” colleagues with payment of travel expenses, provision of hotel accommodation and soft comfort to attend the National Executive Committee meeting is unfit to lead the noble association of honourable members of the legal profession. It is dishonourable, and it demeans the office of the number one man of the Association.

    “We must be courageous to regard election to the office of the leadership of the association as call to service. It is not an opportunity to take advantage of or compromise the integrity of the most noble and learned profession.”

    He said recent allegations and counter allegations of corrupt practices by the immediate past executive officers and the current one were worrying.

    Awomolo said: “I do not know how many of us have seen the correct audited report of the association of the last few executives. The reports of the finances, audit and activities of each successive tenure were circulated among a handful of members of the legal profession. What do we say of the nullification of the association’s constitution? The appeal that was filed but not pursued, the Board of Trustees intervention that failed? The Constitution regulating-the affairs of the Association for now is contentious due to litigations.

    “We need committed men and women of integrity lead the Bar. We must identify them, as I know there are many of them. Men who, are worthy of our trust, who have not compromised the honour and integrity of the legal profession to lead us.”

    According to him, Egbe Amofin failed because of compromised leadership, lack of respect for age, seniority, inordinate ambition and false esteem of candidates “who frustrated every effort at reconciliation”.

    He added: “All sorts of deleterious, unworthy and selfish antics were brought into the open. This encouraged conspiracy that led to the failure of our best. We need to call all Omo Egbe Amofin (Oodua) to know that as long as we remain divided, the certainty of losses and regrets awaits our race.’’

  • Students urge Wike to release funds for scholarship

    Students urge Wike to release funds for scholarship

    Twenty-three final-year students of University of Debrecen’s Medical School, Hungary, sponsored by the Rivers State government, have urged Governor Nyesom Wike to release funds, to enable them complete their studies.

    They made the plea yesterday in an online statement, saying they were awarded scholarship in 2012 to study medicine by the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA), when Rotimi Amaechi, now Transportation minister, was governor.

    The students said they had no political affiliation, but were young people trying to improve their lives.

    Their names and local governments are Amachree Ibaniyi (Asari-Toru), Azundah Chizalam Kinikanwo (Ikwerre), Chiogbonda Wisdom Chimenem (Obio/Akpor), Choko Sarah Uchechi (Etche), Chris-Banigo Dagogo (Bonny), Collins Clifford (Port Harcourt), Dede Onisoyonivosekume (Ahoada West), Eziam Emmanuel Chukwuka (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni), Finebone Adawari Godswill (Opobo/Nkoro), Gogo Selemi Ereleoyekipe (Abua-Odual) and Inoma-Batubo Tamunomiete (Asari-Toru).

    Others are Jacks Ibiye (Akuku-Toru), Jim-Halliday Stephanie Tamunotumini (Bonny), Keohane Lugard (Ahoada West), Nwidaa Igwe Mecha (Eleme), Odum Noble Chidinma (Etche), Ogbonda Chikerueze Davies (Obio/Akpor), Ogum Albert (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni), Samuel Kalenebari Anthony (Khana), Tanen Kate Bari-iye (Gokana), Wakama Boma Keren (Ogu/Bolo), Woke Chika Godfrey (Emohua) and Yiikoh Sukah Sunday (Khana).

    The students said: “The scholarship was awarded to us based on merit, after rigorous examinations and interviews, contrary to claims of our being children of the governor’s rich political enemies. A contract was signed by both parties, thereby binding the Rivers State government to provide our tuition fees, living expenses and book allowances for the full extension of our studies (2012 to 2018).

    “In 2015, Governor Wike asked for students under the scholarship to be sent back home due to insufficiency of funds to continue the sponsorship. We were offered to be placed in Nigerian universities, but the promise was never fulfilled, as plans were never made to book flights and obtain admissions in the schools. Most of us cannot travel out of the country, because our international passports and other documents are being held by our landlords and other creditors.

    “We have spent 38 months (three years and two months) fending for ourselves. We have undergone hardships, been sent out of our apartments and have run into huge debts, in our bid to survive. Our university has been gracious enough to allow us continue our studies, despite our debts, with the condition that our certificates will be withheld, until our debts are paid.

    “We are owing our university more than three academic years’ worth of tuition fees. This is a lot of money. It is practically impossible for any of us to raise such sums on our own. It is pertinent that this money be paid, since we are in final year and we cannot graduate without paying our debts.

    “Being in a foreign country, far away from home, and having no funds being sent to us for the past three years, we have a lot of challenges, including studying for difficult medical examinations, which we are not even sure we will be allowed to take, while being hungry, depressed and starved for days, with some of us sleeping outside in the cold in winter and others with the fear of being evicted by landlords.”

    They said efforts to communicate with the government had been futile.

  • Quantity surveyors urge NASS to pass Local Content Bill 

    The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors has urged the National Assembly to pass the Local Content Bill before it.

    President of the institute, Mrs. Mercy Torkwase Iyortyer, who spoke at the flagging-off of the 2017  zonal workshop on the Essentials of Building and Engineering Contract Documentation and Administration in Kaduna, said the bill, when passed, would ensure that certain percentage of indigenous contractors and consultants were engaged in big projects which they could learn from.

    She lamented the use of foreign contractors to handle big projects, just as she appealed to governments at all levels to involve professionals, including indigenous contractors and consultants in projects planning and execution.

    ”Generally, in project delivery, it is foreign contractors that handle big contracts,” she said, appealing to government at all levels to involve professionals, including indigenous contractors and consultants, in project planning, implementation and execution”, she said.

    She said Nigerian contractors and consultants have the knowledge, but the opportunity is lacking.

    Mrs. Iyortyer also called for a comprehensive audit of abandoned projects across the country with a view to identifying why they failed, their contract sum as well as prosecuting those responsible for the failure.

    She identified   improper costing of projects as responsible for variations, delayed implementation and sometimes outright abandonment of such projects.

    According to her, the importance of building capacity in effective project conceptualization, planning and delivery cannot be overemphasized.

    On the essence of the workshop, she said, participants are quantity surveyors from both the public and private sectors gathered to discuss and understand the context and operation of different forms of construction contracts, including varying approaches in procurement, goods and services, essentials of a valid contract, laws of contract, among others.

    The president of the institute, who declared the workshop open, noted that the current   economic recession in the country required sound practices, planning, documentation and administration in managing scarce resources in order to avoid wastages.

  • Stakeholders urge Eaglets to win trophy

    Stakeholders urge Eaglets to win trophy

    Some football stakeholders on Friday urged the U-17 Golden Eaglets’ coach to work on the midfield to ensure the country emerged victorious during Sunday’s final match.

    Nigeria will take on Mali on Sunday after defeating the Mexican team 4-2 on November 5 at the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile.

    Some of the fans told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews that they were delighted as the Eaglets made it to the final, noting that they should bring the trophy back to the country.

    Joseph Dosu, a former international goalkeeper said the team should remain focused, stressing that he had faith in them.

    “I am happy coach Emmanuel Amuneke has been able to mentor his boys to this level of the competition and I believe they will surely win the trophy.

    Paul Hamilton, a former Super Falcons coach also told NAN that he was excited about the finals that will feature two African countries.

    “I am most especially excited that two African countries are to meet in the finals of the competition. It shows that football is from Africa, but as a patriotic Nigerian, I want my country to win’’.

    Isaiah Ezeogu, a former vice-chairman, Nigeria Football Supporters Club urged the team not to rest on it’s oars but to spare no efforts at ensuring victory at the end of the day.’’

    Taiwo Afinnih, a former Chairman, Lagos State Football Association, urged the coach to ensure a strong midfield. A strong midfield will guarantee victory as it would be difficult to penetrate.

    “The team should be careful with the midfield because from what I watched between them and the Mexicans, the midfield was not that good enough.

    “The Mexicans were able to score two goals because the midfielders did not do their job well, thereby allowing them to penetrate the defence.

    “With the Malians, they have to be very careful, they also want to win, the same way we want to win,’’ he said.

    Tayo Balogun, a renowned sport analyst, said the Eaglets had better opportunity of winning the trophy if they remained focused, stressing that they should have a fighting spirit.

    Balogun said the team had to play a different game that would help keep their heads up, adding that he was optimistic that the Eaglets would triumph.

    “The boys have to play a different game that will help them to keep their heads up.

    “I see a situation where they will triumph over the Malians. They will be facing a different team from  the one they defeated at the African championship.

    “They became largely re-organised and most of the Eaglets that played against them then, are not in this team. They should put on a fighting spirit and be focused all through the match,’’ he said.

    Nigeria won the title in 1985, 1993, 2007 and 2013.

     

  • Varsity workers urge Buhari to sack NUC boss

    Varsity workers urge Buhari to sack NUC boss

    The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) yesterday asked President Muhammadu Buhari to sack the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Julius Okojie, and the Chairman of the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission, Chief R.O Egbule, for allegedly working against the change agenda of the current administration.

    National President of the union, Comrade Samson Igbokwe, who made the call at a news conference in Abuja, said the two government officials were deliberately working against the 2009 agreement between the union and government, regarding the funding of university staff primary schools.

    He said the circular issued to universities to stop funding the primary schools “contravenes the provisions of the agreement which allow the institutions to fund the schools.”

    Igbokwe said: “It may interest the public to note that in the agreements entered into and signed by the Federal Government and the Universities Staff Union (ASUU, SSANU, NASU and NAAT), it was provided that the government, through the university councils, should fully fund university primary schools, while the universities (without recourse to the government for funding) provide infrastructure for the secondary schools.

    “We are worried that the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission which participated in that negotiation could turn around to repudiate the terms of those agreements. Since the agreements have not been renegotiated, it means that the contents remain sacrosanct.

    “We are worried that the NUC Executive Secretary, in concert with the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission, intends to sack all the teachers and non-teaching staff of university staff schools who are our members without recourse to our unions or renegotiation”.

  • Clerics urge Muslims to imbibe Ramadan lessons

    Clerics yesterday urged Muslims to embrace the lessons of Ramadan and reflect same in their daily lives.

    The clerics, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, added that Muslims should use the period for total self-examination and repentance.

    The Executive Director of Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation, Imam Abdullahi Shuaib, urged Muslims to use the period for sober reflection.

    Abdullahi said Nigeria was going through a trial period, adding that Muslims should use the Ramadan period to pray for divine intervention for the country.

    “My advice is that all those virtuous attributes that define the Ramadan should not just go with the period.

    “Those lessons are there for us to imbibe and sustain through life,” he said.

    Nawair-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria (NUD) Lagos Missioner Sheikh AbdulMajeed Ayinla, urged Muslims to pray for continued peace in Nigeria.

    The cleric appealed to Federal Government to give priority to the welfare of the masses.

    He said the gap between the rich and the poor in the country had become too wide and was affecting the peace of the country.

    “Governance is all about the well-being of the people. Government should scale up its welfare programmes.

    “We don’t want empty promises, we don’t want white elephant projects, what we want is food on the table of an average Nigerian.

    “When the citizens are happy, peace will flourish,” he said.

    The Communication Director, Catholic Diocese of Lagos, Monsignor Gabriel Osu, called on Muslims to shun acts that would affect the progress of Nigeria and emulate the virtues of Prophet Muhammad.

    “This is a time for Nigerians to put aside their differences; a time for those who are violent to let peace reign,’’ Osu said.

    Osu urged adherents to show love and brotherliness among themselves and Nigerians in general through giving to the needy.

    “You cannot separate love from alms giving, we must demonstrate our love for God by giving to the less privileged,’’ he said.

    The spokesman, Association of African Traditional Religion of Nigeria (AATREN), Mr Lekan Ajirotutu, urged adherents to use the period to pray for the country.

    “We advise Muslims to remain strong in faith; we urge them to continue to pray for Nigeria, this is a good time for Nigerian Muslims to pray for the challenges the country is facing.

    “The 30 days of fasting is a period of closeness to their God, and the best they should do is pray for our leaders,’’ he said.