Buhari threatens to sack heads of 50 government agencies

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1XpNTTWRJRPYFhWZSqvPgsVH_urJa4Q981B2mhecii70c2zdQsIZOxgEdCID3NdgfYuu1roLXtKPZ8lkW4HFpm3l5pr-SuPrBdif4NqeMvpxHdoQvwVt2RN02hAcHGFV4M88029qJw0/s1600/Buhari+Thinking+new+sad+tired+vex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1XpNTTWRJRPYFhWZSqvPgsVH_urJa4Q981B2mhecii70c2zdQsIZOxgEdCID3NdgfYuu1roLXtKPZ8lkW4HFpm3l5pr-SuPrBdif4NqeMvpxHdoQvwVt2RN02hAcHGFV4M88029qJw0/s400/Buhari+Thinking+new+sad+tired+vex.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> President Muhammadu Buhari has threatened to sack chief executives of federal parastatals and agencies that fail to appear before the National Assembly to defend their budgets.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> It was learnt that Buhari made his position known during a meeting he had with the leadership of the National Assembly at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Thursday evening.<br /> <br /> A source who was at the meeting told newsmen on condition of anonymity that Buhari took the decision after the federal lawmakers succeeded in convincing him that they should not be blamed for the delay in passing the appropriation bill so far.<br /> <br /> The source said the lawmakers told the President that out of about 60 government parastatals and agencies, only about 10 chief executives had appeared before them to defend their budgets.<br /> <br /> The federal lawmakers were also said to have reported some ministers who they claimed had not been cooperating with them to the President.<br /> <br /> The source mentioned the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola; and the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, as some of the ministers whose cases came up at the meeting.<br /> <br /> The source, however, did not disclose the response of the President on the ministers’ cases.<br /> <br /> The source said, “You know that the budget delay, by popular sentiment, is being blamed on the National Assembly. They defended themselves very well before the President that ministers and chief executive officers have not been coming to the National Assembly to defend their budgets.<br /> <br /> “They cited some ministers like the Minister of Power, Works and Housing that he has not gone to defend his budget up until now. I am sure you have also been following the exchanges between them and the Minister of Solid Minerals.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> “The President was extremely unhappy with what he heard. His directive to the SGF was that they should start fishing out chief executives who fail to defend their budget, because he was told that out of about 60 of them, only about 10 have appeared. He has asked that ministers should supervise them. It is a serious issue.<br /> <br /> “He made it clear that by the time people are being sacked, there will be sanity.”<br /> <br /> When asked if a new deadline was set at the meeting for the passage of the appropriation bill, the source said the National Assembly would wait for the MDAs to comply with the President’s directive, after which the bill would enjoy speedy processing.<br /> <br /> At the end of the meeting on Thursday night, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, had told State House correspondents that Buhari had directed all ministers and parastatals to appear before the National Assembly to defend their budgets.<br /> <br /> Mustapha said, “The President gave them (the lawmakers) update on security, economy, job creation, processes in the National Assembly especially with regards to the budget and the need to conclude on it.<br /> <br /> “Mr. President has given an instruction that all ministers and parastatals should ensure that they appear before the National Assembly to defend their submissions so that we can get this out of the way.<br /> <br /> “You know this is a very dynamic year and there are preparations for elections and we are having quite a lot of security challenges and so if we don’t appropriate, where will the money come from?”<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, another source in the Senate who had details of the meeting also told one of our correspondents that Buhari invited the NASS leadership to know what had been responsible for the delayed passage of the appropriation bill.<br /> <br /> Buhari was said to have been shocked when he was presented with facts on the low turnout of heads of the MDAs at the budget defence sessions held by Senate and House of Representatives’ Committees.<br /> <br /> The source said, “Leaders of the National Assembly discussed the budget with the President. The President did not have full information that officials in the executive have been responsible for the delay. He thought the National Assembly was frustrating the passage but they told him they were not.<br /> <br /> “The National Assembly leadership showed him the list of MDAs that have yet to come forward for budget defence or provide details of their budgets to the relevant committees. He was informed that about 70 per cent of the MDAs had not been cooperating with the legislature. The President was surprised.<br /> <br /> “This is why the President ordered the SGF to issue a memo to all the MDAs, asking them to comply with National Assembly’s demands within one week. He wants everything to be sorted out within the time frame.”<br /> <br /> The legislature and the executive have been passing the buck on which arm of government is responsible for the delayed passage of the budget, which President Muhammadu Buhari laid before a joint session of the Assembly on November 7, 2017.<br /> <br /> On Monday, the Senate had said it was still uncertain when the 2018 Appropriation Bill would be passed by the National Assembly.<br /> <br /> The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Aliyu Sabi-Abdullahi, had said, “The budget process is on and I cannot tell you this is the specific day it is going to end. All I can tell you specifically is that we are working very hard on it and we want to assure Nigerians that at the end of the day we will have a budget that will serve the purpose of Nigerians.”<br /> <br /> The Senate had on February 14, 2018, asked 63 agencies and parastatals under the Federal Government to submit details of their proposed 2018 budgets within one week or risk sanctions.<br /> <br /> The upper chamber of the National Assembly had said that while Buhari had complied with the law by laying the 2018 Appropriation Bill along with details of estimates before the lawmakers, agencies of the government had disregarded the law.<br /> <br /> On February 28, the Senate had told Nigerians to blame members of Buhari’s cabinet and the ministries, departments and agencies for the delay in the passage of the appropriation bill.<br /> <br /> The lawmakers alleged that ministers and heads of Federal Government departments and agencies were allegedly frustrating legislative work on the budget proposal with their foreign trips and non-cooperation with the lawmakers.<br /> <br /> But the Director-General, Budget Office of the Federation, Mr. Ben Akabueze, had denied the allegation, saying the National Assembly already had enough details to work with and pass the appropriation bill.<br /> <br /> Speaking with State House correspondents after the meeting, the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, also disclosed that the meeting was on the budget, security and other national issues.<br /> <br /> He said the National Assembly leadership also gave the President their opinions during the interaction.<br /> <br /> Saraki said the legislature was working on the budget, noting that some agencies had yet to defend their budget. “We are hoping that with this, they will come and defend their budget,” he said.

Latest-News Buhari threatens to sack heads of 50 government agencies

President Muhammadu Buhari has threatened to sack chief executives of federal parastatals and agencies that fail to appear before the National Assembly to defend their budgets. It was learnt that Buhari made his position known during a meeting he ha…

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Buhari cancels trip to Rwanda

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="891" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdVAVnQyVQTCYLQXjtDPadDTHWlybmUSqBy0FxwONlSQUteszUCt0034xgBbKydp77cVpeSPUfBuJL3JApLQs6s20PGST6NnvwlEB2eIUMiGcYK64RlSj6TT_VZczgScPvWHMnmwIrPc/s640/buhari+plane+back.jpg" width="640" /></div> <br /> <br /> President Muhammadu Buhari may have cancelled his plan to attend the extraordinary meeting of African Union Heads of State and Government billed to hold in Kigali, Rwanda on Wednesday.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Buhari was said to have been scheduled to leave Nigeria on Monday before the cancellation of the trip.<br /> <br /> He would have during the trip signed the framework agreement for establishing the Africa Continental Free Trade Area.<br /> <br /> Some members of the President’s advance team were already in Kigali before the development.<br /> <br /> Some others earlier billed to travel on Saturday were recalled from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, where they were scheduled to take off.

Latest-News Buhari cancels trip to Rwanda

President Muhammadu Buhari may have cancelled his plan to attend the extraordinary meeting of African Union Heads of State and Government billed to hold in Kigali, Rwanda on Wednesday. Buhari was said to have been scheduled to leave Nigeria on Monda…

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Aisha Buhari becomes UNAIDS Special Ambassador

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_IVn9F96FpIM62g8DELKJ4J7y5ncp4wZUKr_iiXeXwECsPF0wO2mEC1hubmGH1dhyphenhyphenaPi8aZyukAKDDML_7hyphenhyphenJTy3B_zavoggk1-YQ-iVRGoYMBvEY2fgc8VjgtHyKnt6ThDFOt2fLu2I/s1600/Aisha-Buhari-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="480" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_IVn9F96FpIM62g8DELKJ4J7y5ncp4wZUKr_iiXeXwECsPF0wO2mEC1hubmGH1dhyphenhyphenaPi8aZyukAKDDML_7hyphenhyphenJTy3B_zavoggk1-YQ-iVRGoYMBvEY2fgc8VjgtHyKnt6ThDFOt2fLu2I/s400/Aisha-Buhari-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> The Joint UN Programme on HIV and AIDS has appointed wife of the President, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, as UNAIDS Special Ambassador for the Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV and Promotion of Treatment for Children living with HIV in Nigeria.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Communications and Global Outreach Officer, UNAIDS Nigeria, Mr. Charles-Martin Jjuuko, made this known in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja.<br /> <br /> According to him, Executive Director and Under Secretary General of the United Nations, Michel Sidibé, will issue the official appointment to Aisha Buhari on Monday, March 19, in Abuja.<br /> <br /> Jjuuko said Aisha’s appointment was in recognition of her passion in the advocacy for the rights of vulnerable women and girls in the country.<br /> <br /> Jjuuko, however, noted that in her new role, Aisha will advocate increased access to antenatal care services, HIV testing for all pregnant women and their introduction to adequate care.

Latest-News Aisha Buhari becomes UNAIDS Special Ambassador

The Joint UN Programme on HIV and AIDS has appointed wife of the President, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, as UNAIDS Special Ambassador for the Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV and Promotion of Treatment for Children living with HIV in Niger…

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Why I Exposed Senators’ Salaries – Shehu Sani

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="400" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjprTJVNm0tlMQc-Z_Wd8r-h8fio7lZCGk6qAwFRJkETb23P8RUcP5Iha2bGENtiMi9ZnzZ9X39ZsXn2gHwKr4B39wGwfNPqac7D3P4bIlmLdZtwLsXrHePQvsL_kJKasji8mvoF3d9qwI/s400/shehu+sani.jpg" width="400" /></div> <br /> <br /> The lawmaker representing Kaduna Central in the National Assembly, Senator Shehu Sani has explained the reason behind his revelation of the hidden salaries of senators.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> He said his revelation was to save the dignity and integrity of the National Assembly that had been stained.<br /> <br /> He urged Nigerians to brace up and demand to know the running cost of the presidency and the judiciary for accountability.<br /> <br /> Senator Sani explained this while speaking on Saturday at the 5th Olalekan Olomide Platform for Development held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Iyanganku in Ibadan.<br /> <br /> Sani is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts.<br /> <br /> He also warned that the the All Progressives Congress (APC) must put its house in order to emerge victorious in the 2019 elections.<br /> <br /> He said the ruling party had been enmeshed in various crises at different levels since 2015, and such cracks need to be addressed for the party to emerge victorious in the 2019 election.<br /> <br /> “I believe that the reconciliatory committee led by the APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has started a good job and I believe it can achieve a lot.<br /> <br /> “Some of the critical areas that need to be seriously addressed are the crises between senators and governors and the gap between the party and National Assembly (NASS).<br /> <br /> “There is also the seeming cold war between NASS and the executive,” Sani said.<br /> <br /> He said the APC must get its house in order for it to confront various challenges bedevilling the nation.<br /> <br /> Sani said the APC-led administration in the country had achieved some successes, particularly in the area of insurgency and the image of the country which is presently on the positive side.<br /> <br /> “On the economy, there is drastic reduction in corruption, but the mindless killing in some parts of the country is mind-boggling; this is a serious threat to the peace of our nation,” he said.<br /> <br /> According to him, the killing is unacceptable and the president must stand up firmly against it.<br /> <br /> The lawmaker described the South West region as the heartbeat of the APC, saying when the party suffers a stroke in the region it would lead to devastation.<br /> <br /> Sani categorically opposed the call for creation of state police.<br /> <br /> “Our crisis in Kaduna is an APC affair; the crisis got to this stage because our party failed to resolve it till it got to the stage of demolishing party’s secretariat.<br /> <br /> “Imagine, if such a governor is now given the right to create state police, what will be the fate of those who disagree with him?”

Latest-News Why I Exposed Senators’ Salaries – Shehu Sani

The lawmaker representing Kaduna Central in the National Assembly, Senator Shehu Sani has explained the reason behind his revelation of the hidden salaries of senators. He said his revelation was to save the dignity and integrity of the National Ass…

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Salah scores four goals as Liverpool trash Watford

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUsABjuQUhhjJ60vOOuAE80lAh9LITBw3QVxy9dcATvmhTH_INUClMU1gJreUjy1TyX4utvdLPGqOIFVz6xeX2s2Pf5_7_rGOQZu3CceqYvLp8ebjawi5FabxQ_gVQOw_gB2FN1DMQ15w/s1600/sallah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="647" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUsABjuQUhhjJ60vOOuAE80lAh9LITBw3QVxy9dcATvmhTH_INUClMU1gJreUjy1TyX4utvdLPGqOIFVz6xeX2s2Pf5_7_rGOQZu3CceqYvLp8ebjawi5FabxQ_gVQOw_gB2FN1DMQ15w/s400/sallah.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Mohamed Salah scored four goals as Liverpool moved up to third in the Premier League table by thrashing Watford at Anfield.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Salah danced through Watford's defence to score early in the game before poking home Andy Robertson's cross late in the first half.<br /> <br /> He set up Roberto Firmino's clever flick for Liverpool's third, then added two late strikes to complete the rout.<br /> <br /> Liverpool have now opened a seven-point gap over Chelsea in fifth.<br /> <br /> Jurgen Klopp's side also remain unbeaten at home in the Premier League this season.

Latest-News Salah scores four goals as Liverpool trash Watford

Mohamed Salah scored four goals as Liverpool moved up to third in the Premier League table by thrashing Watford at Anfield. Salah danced through Watford's defence to score early in the game before poking home Andy Robertson's cross late in the first…

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Kebbi marries off 100 widows, divorcees in mass wedding

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="210" data-original-width="400" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0GabX6FFYVCLZF3IR_Sf-W_uc4Y73oHqb7b3gl9O6BHpWot_13zfBq6K54lHDbU5LugBlM_RD4qWuGmmMXoN4PL7H35bhTl5nHzE2OuiZljY4Ehu2J53p7uQKpyJyAxN2YAmZ2f5Tc7Y/s400/kebbi+map.jpg" width="400" /></div> <br /> The Kebbi Government on Saturday married off 100 widows and divorcees in a mass wedding held in the palace Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samila Mera.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The marriages were arranged by the state and Argungu Local Governments to reduce the number of women, widowed or divorced, left to fend for themselves and their children.<br /> <br /> Gov. Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi commended the efforts of the emir and the local government for the initiative and urged parents to respect the marriage institution as it was a way to reduce single women in the society.<br /> <br /> He called on the couples to continue to be patient and tolerant to enable them have peaceful homes pointing out that marriage was all about endurance and patience.<br /> <br /> “The importance of marriage cannot be over-emphasised as it will promote peace among the couples and will also enable them to get more blessings and God’s mercy,’’ the governor said.<br /> <br /> Read Also: Kebbi begins payment of N274m compensation to land owners<br /> The Emir of Argungu, in his remarks, also commended the state government and the local government for collaborating to organize the occasion in line with Islamic teaching.<br /> <br /> “’We are trying to provide women with stable homes, financial and social security,” he said.<br /> <br /> The News men reports that state government paid N20, 000 “kayan daki” for the brides, a collection of brass, enamel bowls, decorative cups and saucers, blankets, bed sheet which are symbol of their married status.<br /> <br /> They also gave N30, 000 to the brides to start their entrepreneurial businesses.<br /> <br /> The government donated furniture and kitchen utensils worth N150, 000 to each couple while the Commissioner for Justice, Hajiya Ramatu Gulma also donated one wrapper to each of the couples.

Latest-News Kebbi marries off 100 widows, divorcees in mass wedding

The Kebbi Government on Saturday married off 100 widows and divorcees in a mass wedding held in the palace Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samila Mera. The marriages were arranged by the state and Argungu Local Governments to reduce the number of women, wid…

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Morocco budgets $15.8 billion for 2026 world cup

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvN9dMKYwwIVkNSJVZqAvLFUrY43yk4rZLNZkKQbsZwlsOCtQAKLBh70l7Sz0QwKwHIqTPuJIMlbFv4lhMc3rIHbtcWa1JfOE1RxLqLRvr2h3k8Dgndo4BFGhdPzNmYVMPZ9CKjPu_2eE/s1600/Morocco-891x470.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="891" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvN9dMKYwwIVkNSJVZqAvLFUrY43yk4rZLNZkKQbsZwlsOCtQAKLBh70l7Sz0QwKwHIqTPuJIMlbFv4lhMc3rIHbtcWa1JfOE1RxLqLRvr2h3k8Dgndo4BFGhdPzNmYVMPZ9CKjPu_2eE/s400/Morocco-891x470.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Host of the recently Championship of African Nations (CHAN) Morocco have proposed using 14 stadiums and budgeting to spend 15.8 billion dollars on infrastructure if it wins the right to host the World Cup soccer finals in 2026, the country’s bid committee announced at a news conference on Saturday.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The country however said it will not need to build new stadium but will renovate and modify existing venues and add temporary capacity to others, said candidature chairman Moulay Hafid Elalamy, who is also a government minister.<br /> <br /> The North African country is up against a joint bid from Canada, Mexico and the United States when world soccer governing body FIFA’s member countries decide in Moscow on June 13 who will host the tournament eight years from now.<br /> <br /> Saturday’s news conference revealed details of Morocco’s bid book, which was presented to FIFA on Friday, with the central theme being making their football infrastructure sustainable after the tournament and keeping down construction costs.<br /> <br /> At least five stadiums, termed legacy modular stadiums and with largely temporary capacity, will be downscaled after the finals to meet the specific needs of their local communities. Casablanca and Marrakech will both have two stadiums with other venues being the capital Rabat, Agadir, El Jadida, Fez, Meknes, Nador, Ouarzazate Oujda, Tangier and Tetouan.<br /> <br /> “The World Cup is a national priority for our government and that is why it has guaranteed the required investment in our exciting and innovative stadium plans,” added Elalamy.<br /> <br /> “Our beautiful and welcoming nation offers players and fans something very special with just one timezone, one currency and all host cities are within a 550km radius from Casablanca, meaning limited travel and simple logistics.<br /> <br /> “All host cities are also all located within an hour’s drive of an airport, so players and fans need only focus on the one thing that matters most – football.”<br /> <br /> Morocco bid unsuccessfully to stage the 1994, 1998, 2006 and 2010 World Cups. The country was second to the U.S. in ‘94, behind France in ‘98 and just lost out to South Africa for the 2010 finals, the only time the event has been held in Africa.

Latest-News Morocco budgets $15.8 billion for 2026 world cup

Host of the recently Championship of African Nations (CHAN) Morocco have proposed using 14 stadiums and budgeting to spend 15.8 billion dollars on infrastructure if it wins the right to host the World Cup soccer finals in 2026, the country’s bid com…

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The era of fuel scarcity is gone for good - NNPC

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wNkCHITBOfwV95xBrDnw8SZfBFbdlf4aeR5EW7jRjgnlh3rt097dSacEfymMPwZFhvEMBqTBakGp7ELhGt4SjauxxAf41FvRoqM4rQRIRLiU_KwiFy9IdaqOWUWr48PMcEUD4idYkZM/s1600/NNPC-towers-1-888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wNkCHITBOfwV95xBrDnw8SZfBFbdlf4aeR5EW7jRjgnlh3rt097dSacEfymMPwZFhvEMBqTBakGp7ELhGt4SjauxxAf41FvRoqM4rQRIRLiU_KwiFy9IdaqOWUWr48PMcEUD4idYkZM/s1600/NNPC-towers-1-888.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> The Group Managing Director (GMD), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr Maikanti Baru, on Saturday assured Nigerians that the era of fuel scarcity is gone for good.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Receiving the Man of the Year Award from Nigeria NewsDirect newspaper, the NNPC GMD said that the corporation had learnt a great lesson during the recent fuel scarcity in the country.<br /> <br /> “We have actualized the lessons learnt, part of which is to ensure that at any point in time, there should be sufficient products available for distribution across the country.<br /> <br /> “Most of our PPMC depots in Ejigbo, Mosinmi, Ibadan and other parts of the nation have sufficient product for distribution now.<br /> <br /> ‘NNPC is discussing with security operatives to stop smuggling of petrol products across our borders.<br /> <br /> “We are working along side with them to ensure safety of our pipelines because we still have some areas in which vandals still disrupt our pipelines,” he said.<br /> <br /> Baru said he dedicated the Man of the Year award to all staff of the corporation.<br /> <br /> Also speaking, Dr Diran Fawibe, Chairman, International Energy Services, urged NNPC to ensure that the nation’s refineries worked to its full capacity.<br /> <br /> According to Fawibe, the oil and gas sector is a major sustainer of the nation’s economy.<br /> <br /> The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other Nigerians that received awards include the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Raji Fashola and CBN Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele. (NAN)

Latest-News The era of fuel scarcity is gone for good - NNPC

The Group Managing Director (GMD), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr Maikanti Baru, on Saturday assured Nigerians that the era of fuel scarcity is gone for good. Receiving the Man of the Year Award from Nigeria NewsDirect newspaper,…

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PHOTOS: Govs, senators in Kano for wedding of Dangote’s daughter

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FULL LIST: NJC recommends 60 judges for appointment

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Electoral act amendment: Ango Abdullahi speaks on reordering, NASS targeting Buhari

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‘How I was chained for 88 days’ — Evans’ victim speaks in court

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Sanusi: I was the best central bank governor

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Tension as police ‘arrest 100’ over violence at Ojota

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Budget: Buhari set to sack heads of agencies, parastatals

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'I survived several bullets Fulani herdsmen fired at me'

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7o8yCIZS261ND0KFvNa6mnxTXHa4Hup2Pqv-pM89l-OzdaPSWFg2OkWKDVHGf1bZxd-U8YHAcSVBw5gqSIRf1SAJFvmCZ0sYX4I0MttxCvE6keFuZjTuD1GC2tKvxcRzyx7y5kHTNEdY/s1600/Fulani-gun+herdsmen.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="253" data-original-width="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7o8yCIZS261ND0KFvNa6mnxTXHa4Hup2Pqv-pM89l-OzdaPSWFg2OkWKDVHGf1bZxd-U8YHAcSVBw5gqSIRf1SAJFvmCZ0sYX4I0MttxCvE6keFuZjTuD1GC2tKvxcRzyx7y5kHTNEdY/s1600/Fulani-gun+herdsmen.gif" /></a></div> <br /> A secondary school principal, Ojodale Philip, has recalled some of the sad events of last week’s attack in parts of Kogi East, by suspected Fulani herdsmen.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Philip, the Principal of Community Secondary School, Oganenigwu, said that the school came under herdsmen’s attack around 8.30 am and many people were killed.<br /> <br /> He said: “I personally was shot at several times but nothing happened to me. In my hands are some of the bullets that were meant to kill me,” he said.<br /> <br /> This is coming as fears continue to mount in parts of Kogi East over what appears an undeclared war by suspected Fulani herdsmen, following attacks that left scores dead.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> While the number of those that died from the carnage remains uncertain, some of the residents of the affected areas said that no fewer than 30 people lost their lives while several others were yet unaccounted for during the latest attack on Oganenigwu in Dekina Local Government Area by suspected herdsmen.<br /> <br /> Reports yesterday claimed that people from some of the affected places, including Abejukolo and Agbenema communities, were relocating to neighbouring Anyigba, Egume and other areas for safety.<br /> <br /> According to the Oganenigwu Community Development Association, over 200 people had been displaced.<br /> <br /> They added that over 50 houses were razed by the suspected Fulani herdsmen while residents of the villages around Oganenigwu continue to move away in droves to places like Ologba, Etulutekpe and Iyale.<br /> <br /> “At present, nobody can say the exact number of casualties on both sides, because many families are yet to locate their relatives,” said a source.<br /> <br /> The source added that the presence of security agents drafted to the troubled areas was yet to contain the situation.<br /> <br /> Philip, the Principal of Community Secondary School, Oganenigwu, said, “My school was under attack by Fulani terrorists at about 8.30am, but to God be the glory, no life was lost in my school, but many people were massacred in the village.<br /> <br /> “I personally was shot at several times but nothing happened to me. In my hands are some of the bullets that were meant to kill me.”<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, the spot assessment of Governor Yahaya Bello to the troubled communities on Friday did not hold.<br /> <br /> The governor has however expressed shock over the attack carried out on the people of Oganenigwu and other communities in the Kogi East Senatorial district by bandits suspected to be herdsmen.<br /> <br /> This was contained in a press statement issued on Friday by the Director General on Media and Publicity to the Governor, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo.<br /> <br /> The statement reads: “The Kogi State Government ensured that the military, the police and other relevant security agencies, including members of the Kogi State Vigilante Services were immediately mobilised to the affected areas following the initial reports.<br /> <br /> “The violence has since been contained and brought under control. The incident however remains under investigation while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the attackers and bring them to justice.<br /> <br /> “His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the Executive Governor of Kogi State will conduct on the spot assessment of the distressed communities today.<br /> <br /> “He will meet with security chiefs and community leaders after which more information will be forthcoming, based on available facts.

Latest-News 'I survived several bullets Fulani herdsmen fired at me'

A secondary school principal, Ojodale Philip, has recalled some of the sad events of last week’s attack in parts of Kogi East, by suspected Fulani herdsmen. Philip, the Principal of Community Secondary School, Oganenigwu, said that the school came u…

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FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe sacked

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="891" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpR1ljsNUUGhSaulbQJQXL_2QjGuLl8kIpZUPKHLtDQu1IGW5aaKhNLHhG6rw6GQM7Y13x7XpHfZyBMB9hdH9GBQdHO_1Q3gisby5IQ1wddDh5OY9WEHoZnqElAAmOh7ntIT0FPHD-4_4/s400/mc.jpg" width="400" /></div> <br /> <br /> Few days after the sack of U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson by President Donald Trump, FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe has been suspended for lying to investigators reviewing the bureau’s probe of Hillary Clinton’s email server.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The sack made possible by the Justice Department, dealt a big blow to McCabe, as his firing came just days before his retirement and a guarantee of lifetime pension.<br /> <br /> “Pursuant to Department Order 1202, and based on the report of the Inspector General, the findings of the FBI Office of Professional Responsibility, and the recommendation of the Department’s senior career official, I have terminated the employment of Andrew McCabe effective immediately,” Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in a statement.<br /> <br /> “After an extensive and fair investigation and according to Department of Justice procedure, the Department’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) provided its report on allegations of misconduct by Andrew McCabe to the FBI’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR),” Sessions said.<br /> <br /> “The FBI’s OPR then reviewed the report and underlying documents and issued a disciplinary proposal recommending the dismissal of Mr. McCabe. Both the OIG and FBI OPR reports concluded that Mr. McCabe had made an unauthorized disclosure to the news media and lacked candor − including under oath − on multiple occasions. Read also<br /> <br /> The FBI expects every employee to adhere to the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and accountability. As the OPR proposal stated, ‘all FBI employees know that lacking candor under oath results in dismissal and that our integrity is our brand.’”<br /> <br /> McCabe hit back in a fiery response of his own.<br /> <br /> “This attack on my credibility is one part of a larger effort not just to slander me personally, but to taint the FBI, law enforcement, and intelligence professionals more generally,” McCabe said.<br /> <br /> “It is part of this Administration’s ongoing war on the FBI and the efforts of the Special Counsel investigation, which continue to this day. Their persistence in this campaign only highlights the importance of the Special Counsel’s work.”<br /> <br /> McCabe’s firing marked stunning fall for a man who was No. 2 at the bureau for a time under Comey, ran it and even was reportedly on President Trump’s short list for the directorship.<br /> <br /> (Fox News)

Latest-News FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe sacked

Few days after the sack of U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson by President Donald Trump, FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe has been suspended for lying to investigators reviewing the bureau’s probe of Hillary Clinton’s email server. The sack made…

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Group drums support for Buhari/Osinbajo re-election bid

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctcbv56iw-_2IoTVstB7Bc_TW6lQLI79qWz6kU7lZr9DJNnjZWnAkq_hyJ8Jh9ZgY0L-8J8GVtz8CRcuz0bAyFB3HbUST5ZUsRfR8HvHMdH1VAPyHf2JmXl_Od4SGxxhxSJ1wlk5-wWYz/s1600/Buhari-in-Yola1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="571" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctcbv56iw-_2IoTVstB7Bc_TW6lQLI79qWz6kU7lZr9DJNnjZWnAkq_hyJ8Jh9ZgY0L-8J8GVtz8CRcuz0bAyFB3HbUST5ZUsRfR8HvHMdH1VAPyHf2JmXl_Od4SGxxhxSJ1wlk5-wWYz/s400/Buhari-in-Yola1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> A group in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara, ‘All Legacy Groups’, has called on all APC members and other Nigerians to re-elect President Muhammadu Buhari and his Vice, Prof .Yemi Osinbajo back to office come 2019.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The group, led by his Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Samari made the call on Friday in Ilorin at the launching of Kwara chapter of Buhari/Osinbajo 2019 re-election organs.<br /> ‘’We came to the overwhelming conclusion that the APC-led Federal Government deserves another four years in order to institutionalise its achievements.<br /> <br /> ‘’Our decision is based on due and relevant contacts and consultations, followed by carefully analysing the comparable achievements of President Buhari.<br /> <br /> “We are genuinely committed to the re-election bid of Buhari and with the sympathetic support of some assumed opposition members.<br /> <br /> ‘’We are ready to deliver Kwara in the next election to Buhari and the APC,” Samari said.<br /> <br /> Samari listed the achievements of the President to include; building ‘human’ bridges that reduced suspicion between one tribe and another.<br /> <br /> He said rail transportation had been improved upon by the President, adding that, ‘’it now takes passengers one and half hours to travel from Abuja to Kaduna by rail.’’<br /> <br /> “Though corruption is still fighting back vehemently, we must appreciate Buhari for at least bringing to the fore, those involved and quantum of their involvement.”<br /> <br /> According to him, some of the corrupt elements are those involved in the ongoing campaign of calumny and spread of deliberate falsehood to create disaffection.<br /> “Our members should campaign vigorously and enlighten the electorate on why they should keep these enemies of mankind out of circulation.”<br /> <br /> He called on the leadership of APC to be wary of members nursing another agenda to frustrate President Buhari’s re-election bid.</div>

Latest-News Group drums support for Buhari/Osinbajo re-election bid

A group in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara, ‘All Legacy Groups’, has called on all APC members and other Nigerians to re-elect President Muhammadu Buhari and his Vice, Prof .Yemi Osinbajo back to office come 2019. The group, led by his …

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Former South African president, Jacob Zuma to be prosecuted on 16 charges of corruption

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Buhari, Abdulsalami in Kano as Dangote’s daughter weds

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Osinbajo to inaugurate boards as FG replaces Shagaya

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BREAKING: Tiwa Savage files for divorce from husband, TeeBillz

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxFSLnFFhIh_h2FclZPmfTY3reeg_saLiQIpFR94C5_KfPXAr3HU7WeAqYZeGgFpLcAv7vroocExjDgoVMAQRbXA7w53WPyL75iSzeDAX_WOu_pLba64PRwEtX_4zDyRyPbPdcMlfLR7g/s1600/Tiwa-Tee-Billz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="485" data-original-width="412" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxFSLnFFhIh_h2FclZPmfTY3reeg_saLiQIpFR94C5_KfPXAr3HU7WeAqYZeGgFpLcAv7vroocExjDgoVMAQRbXA7w53WPyL75iSzeDAX_WOu_pLba64PRwEtX_4zDyRyPbPdcMlfLR7g/s400/Tiwa-Tee-Billz.jpg" width="338" /></a></div> <br /> Popular Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage has allegedly filed for divorce from her estranged husband Tunji Balogun, a.k.a TeeBillz.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> According to media reports, all attempts by the couple to resolve their differences have failed, and Tiwa has decided to formally call it quit, citing ‘unsolvable issues’ as the reason for the decision.<br /> <br /> However, Tiwa a.k.a ‘Marvin Record First Lady’, is yet to confirm nor deny the divorce issue.<br /> <br /> The embattled couple have not been together since their marital crisis in 2016; Teebillz made their marital issues public as he wanted to commit suicide by attempting to jump into the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos.<br /> <br /> The duo then engaged in ‘war of words’ on the social media, as Teebillz alleged infidelity, among other accusations, on the part of his estranged wife.<br /> <br /> Tiwa, who shares a son with Teebillz, in turn granted a 45 minutes video interview to debunk the accusations.<br /> <br /> However, fans and industry watchers had assumed all was now well with the couple when many of their friends, colleagues and family members intervened, urging them to reconcile their differences.<br /> <br /> Tee Billz had to testify on social media that all was now well with him, after he went through rehabilitation process in the hand of a seasoned life style coach, Lanre Olusola.<br /> <br /> He said: “The way I handle things now is completely different from how I acted in the past.<br /> <br /> “I do better now because I know better, and If I had gone through the experience before now, it probably wouldn’t make sense to me until I go through some challenging situations.<br /> <br /> “But I thank God that I have been able to overcome all those through the guidance of my coach.”<br /> <br /> However, it seems things had taken a different turn as the estranged couple who were said to be resolving issues, have finally given up on each other.<br /> <br /> Savage signed a recording contract with Mavin Records in 2012, also signed a management and publishing deal with Roc Nation in June 2016, which she later confirmed via Instagram.<br /> <br /> She co-wrote the track “Collard Greens & Cornbread” off Fantasia Barrino’s Grammy-nominated album, Bact to Me.<br /> <br /> Savage was featured on Solar Plexus, a compilation album released by Mavin Records.<br /> <br /> Her debut studio album, `Once Upon a Time,’ was released on 3 July 2013.<br /> <br /> It was supported by the singles “Kele Kele Love’’, “Love Me (3x)”, “Without My Heart”, “Ife Wa Gbona”, “Folarin”, “Olorun Mi” and “Eminado’’.<br /> <br /> Savage’s second studio album, `R. E. D’, was released on 19 December 2015.<br /> It produced the singles “My Darlin’”,<br /> “African Waist” and “If I Start To Talk”.<br /> <br /> She is a recipient of many awards including, MTV Africa Music Award, The Headies Awards, Channel O Music Award, Nigeria Music Video Award, and City Peple Entertainment Awards among others.</div>

Latest-News BREAKING: Tiwa Savage files for divorce from husband, TeeBillz

Popular Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage has allegedly filed for divorce from her estranged husband Tunji Balogun, a.k.a TeeBillz. According to media reports, all attempts by the couple to resolve their differences have failed, and Tiwa has decided to fo…

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Shettima sets up high-powered committee to screen NGOs operating in Borno

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Charles Okah moved to Borno prisons

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Abducted nurse becomes Boko Haram member, sends warning WhatsApp message

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Kogi govt finally speaks on herdsmen killings in communities

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Yoruba farmers threaten herdsmen, say they will retaliate further attacks on them

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Electoral act amendment: Presidency attacks National Assembly over planned letter to CJN

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Court of appeal orders continuation of Dino Melaye’s recall

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Europa League quarter-final draw: Arsenal face CSKA Moscow

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqbJPhqpCT7Vmoms6QryDAJQj-6vNVrJUo9h_M3Yk5_ypH2Lpbtmx5ei5G4WCP8lflhaxnEu123FHrwJdY_FeBz4zscHIz8DbrInOSHMdjc6hQ05DCnT8IC9-NLO8QrIZm1lsfTwdi_MeJ/s1600/europa-league.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqbJPhqpCT7Vmoms6QryDAJQj-6vNVrJUo9h_M3Yk5_ypH2Lpbtmx5ei5G4WCP8lflhaxnEu123FHrwJdY_FeBz4zscHIz8DbrInOSHMdjc6hQ05DCnT8IC9-NLO8QrIZm1lsfTwdi_MeJ/s320/europa-league.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Arsenal will play CSKA Moscow in the Europa League quarter-finals after the draw was made at Uefa’s headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The Gunners, who beat AC Milan 5-1 on aggregate in the round of 16, face CSKA at home in the first leg on 5 April and will then travel to Russia for the return fixture on 12 April.<br /> <br /> Writing on Uefa.com, Arsenal reporter Daniel Thacker said: “Although CSKA came out of the Uefa Champions League, Arsenal will be relieved with the draw. They’ve avoided Atletico Madrid - [Arsene] Wenger’s stated aim - while the dangerous Marseille and Leipzig are paired together. <br /> <br /> “The first leg at home will be crucial - establish a good lead, and the Gunners should have enough to hold on in Moscow and reach the last four.”<br /> <br /> The Arsenal-CSKA Moscow tie could also have a political slant because of the current tensions between the UK and Russia. BuzzFeed’s Chris Applegate wrote on Twitter: “Given current UK-Russia tensions, Arsenal being drawn away to CSKA Moscow in the Europa League is one of those you file under ‘awkward away trip’.”<br /> <br /> In the other Europa League last-eight ties RB Leipzig play Marseille, Atletico Madrid face Sporting Lisbon and Lazio will take on RB Salzburg.<br /> <br /> <b>Europa League quarter-finals draw in full</b><br /> <br /> RB Leipzig (Ger) vs. Marseille (Fra)<br /> <br /> Arsenal (Eng) vs. CSKA Moscow (Rus)<br /> <br /> Atletico Madrid (Esp) vs. Sporting Lisbon (Por)<br /> <br /> Lazio (Ita) vs. RB Salzburg (Aut)</div>

Latest-News Europa League quarter-final draw: Arsenal face CSKA Moscow

Arsenal will play CSKA Moscow in the Europa League quarter-finals after the draw was made at Uefa’s headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland. The Gunners, who beat AC Milan 5-1 on aggregate in the round of 16, face CSKA at home in the first leg on 5 April …

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Lauretta Onochie reacts over NASS letter

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIxiIfMVqXQHfLvD0r4spGoeYe8g8O7kH6PWtQc74V2T_t-YUpUG3JDs4AYCJbkrQp256e9-Xhp4EbKKYCBmsXVkHXsQfugD1FEuxEk7BY9rT4HyGACHJIOBr7qMeRI-hNafQB7Ws98q2z/s1600/Lauretta+onochie.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIxiIfMVqXQHfLvD0r4spGoeYe8g8O7kH6PWtQc74V2T_t-YUpUG3JDs4AYCJbkrQp256e9-Xhp4EbKKYCBmsXVkHXsQfugD1FEuxEk7BY9rT4HyGACHJIOBr7qMeRI-hNafQB7Ws98q2z/s400/Lauretta+onochie.jpg" /></a></div> The Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Social Media, Lauretta Onochie, has reacted over the letter the National Assembly said it would write to CJN on separation of powers involving the three arms of the government.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> According to her, “This is clear proof that the Senate thinks it’s higher than the other 2 arms of government. It has held the Executive ransom for 3 years<br /> <br /> “Now, the Senate is not pleased that the judiciary is exercising its independence The Nigerian citizens has the ultimate power, not the Senate”.<br /> <br /> This is clear proof that the Senate thinks it’s higher than the other 2 arms of government<br /> <br /> It has held the Executive ransom for 3 years<br /> <br /> Now, the Senate is not pleased that the judiciary is exercising its independence<br /> <br /> The Nigerian citizens has the ultimate power, not the Senate pic.twitter.com/DgmBcbi4MI<br /> <br /> — Lauretta Onochie (@Laurestar) March 15, 2018</div>

Latest-News Lauretta Onochie reacts over NASS letter

The Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Social Media, Lauretta Onochie, has reacted over the letter the National Assembly said it would write to CJN on separation of powers involving the three arms of the government. According to her,…

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Herdsmen Attack: Kogi Gov. to visit affected communities

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnPgsjBsaxBvbcq8DXa2sDpGHnVviSVUI9NG9JplCgqn613zQTEuqSI2JezeDT48AFrVUzJLEr_lCvSHY8QcRzJ3qZMbVCQwxGQFcW3XQG5w3GZK2LDGU_tWhZmAmfWt5F-5ywNXGXA3u/s1600/Yahaya-Bello.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnPgsjBsaxBvbcq8DXa2sDpGHnVviSVUI9NG9JplCgqn613zQTEuqSI2JezeDT48AFrVUzJLEr_lCvSHY8QcRzJ3qZMbVCQwxGQFcW3XQG5w3GZK2LDGU_tWhZmAmfWt5F-5ywNXGXA3u/s320/Yahaya-Bello.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div> Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has said that his government is on top of the situation where Ogane-Nigu and other communities were attacked by armed bandits as he is set to visit the affected communities.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> In a press release signed by the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Kingsley Fanwo, Governor Bello assured the communities that perpetrators of the heinous crime will be apprehended.<br /> <br /> “On 14th March, 2018 at about 05:00hrs, an attack was carried out on Ogane-Nigu and nearby communities in the Eastern Senatorial Zone of Kogi State by armed bandits suspected to be herdsmen.<br /> <br /> The Kogi State Government ensured that the military, the police and other relevant security agencies, including members of the Kogi State Vigilante Services were immediately mobilised to the affected areas following the initial reports.<br /> <br /> “The violence has since been contained and brought under control. The incident however remains under investigation while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the attackers and bring them to justice,” he said.<br /> <br /> Fanwo added that Governor will visit the distressed communities today to conduct on the spot assessment. He will meet with Security Chiefs and community leaders after which more information will be forthcoming based on available facts.<br /> “The Governor believes nothing compares to the sanctity of the human life and that must be protected by all who believes in humanity.<br /> <br /> “We urge the people of Kogi State to ignore the conflicting casualty and other figures thrown about by different individuals, organisations and sections of the press as they are mostly baseless and speculative.”</div>

Latest-News Herdsmen Attack: Kogi Gov. to visit affected communities

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has said that his government is on top of the situation where Ogane-Nigu and other communities were attacked by armed bandits as he is set to visit the affected communities. In a press release signed by the D…

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Zimbabwe has moved on from Mugabe era - President Mnangagwa

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh69D29JYulIEzF0Ye9b1h_rr4DIL9KfF3-LKTCGaa8yUocOrfxM-eF-3S2P1tCBX4Wd-WaeF0Iwk7BuomVWmfnq3IuCENFsspgSKLjPWcK8l-w1zOTe5VArFbuLAPKE0pGPcOGGCULZt07/s1600/Emmerson+Mnangagwa.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh69D29JYulIEzF0Ye9b1h_rr4DIL9KfF3-LKTCGaa8yUocOrfxM-eF-3S2P1tCBX4Wd-WaeF0Iwk7BuomVWmfnq3IuCENFsspgSKLjPWcK8l-w1zOTe5VArFbuLAPKE0pGPcOGGCULZt07/s320/Emmerson+Mnangagwa.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa said Friday that the country “has moved on” in response to claims by former president Robert Mugabe that he was ousted in an illegal “coup d’etat”.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Mnangagwa added in a short statement that he “noted recent remarks made to the media” by Mugabe who spoke to foreign journalists at a location in Harare on Thursday.<br /> <br /> It was Mugabe’s first public statement since his resignation in November which was triggered by a brief military takeover and the threat of a no-confidence motion tabled in parliament by his own ZANU-PF party.<br /> <br /> “I say it was a coup d’etat — some people have refused to call it a coup d’etat,” Mugabe, 94, told South Africa’s SABC broadcaster, referring to the brief army takeover which led to Mnangagwa assuming power after Mugabe’s resignation.<br /> <br /> “We must undo this disgrace which we have imposed on ourselves, we don’t deserve it… Zimbabwe doesn’t deserve it.”<br /> <br /> Mnangagwa’s brief response, posted on his official Twitter account and bearing the seal of the presidency, added that Mugabe “is entitled to express himself freely, as is the case for any private citizen”.<br /> <br /> “The nation has moved on. Our focus at this time shall remain on preparing for free, fair and credible elections in 2018.”<br /> <br /> Mnangagwa, 75, stressed that “the Zimbabwe government continues to honour all its obligations towards the former President’s welfare and benefits, as provided for under the Constitution of Zimbabwe”.</div>

Latest-News Zimbabwe has moved on from Mugabe era - President Mnangagwa

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa said Friday that the country “has moved on” in response to claims by former president Robert Mugabe that he was ousted in an illegal “coup d’etat”. Mnangagwa added in a short statement that he “noted recent re…

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Donald Trump Jr divorces wife

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd7aIldMhSqHeb8q15ZppDiSpkjZZDJytwMdf1bo2NW5UqkFa6w5wfcOuSJEm2oD5FPjyIAgME_UA0eCyO5b1RccX2yl1KBGCLN0XQBmmBoYTQjPSrHFxa817MUPjM4c3eDUfRPtTLBI5n/s1600/Dt+jr+with+wife.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd7aIldMhSqHeb8q15ZppDiSpkjZZDJytwMdf1bo2NW5UqkFa6w5wfcOuSJEm2oD5FPjyIAgME_UA0eCyO5b1RccX2yl1KBGCLN0XQBmmBoYTQjPSrHFxa817MUPjM4c3eDUfRPtTLBI5n/s320/Dt+jr+with+wife.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> This is not the best of time for the U.S. first family as Vanessa Trump filed for divorce from her husband, President Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Junior, on Thursday in New York City.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Vanessa and Trump Junior were married in 2005.<br /> <br /> A statement on the divorce obtained Thursday night, quoted the couple as saying: “After 12 years of marriage, we have decided to go our separate ways.<br /> <br /> “We will always have tremendous respect for each other and our families. We have five beautiful children together and they remain our top priority. We ask for your privacy during this time.”<br /> <br /> Reports say the president’s daughter-in-law filed in an uncontested proceeding in Manhattan Supreme Court, meaning she does not expect a legal battle over custody of their five children or assets.<br /> <br /> The couple has been struggling with marital problems but U.S. White House declined to comment on it.<br /> <br /> It would be recalled that last month, Vanessa was taken to the hospital after receiving a letter containing a white powder that was later deemed to be non-hazardous, New York City police told Fox News.<br /> <br /> The president’s daughter-in-law opened the letter addressed to Donald Junior in the couple’s Manhattan apartment. It is still unclear what the white powder was.<br /> <br /> He tweeted at that time that he was “thankful that Vanessa & my children are safe and unharmed after the incredibly scary situation that occurred this morning.<br /> <br /> “Truly disgusting that certain individuals choose to express their opposing views with such disturbing behavior.”<br /> <br /> Trump Junior ditched his Secret Service detail for a period of time in September, reportedly because he wanted more privacy. But his detail was reactivated about a week later.</div>

Latest-News Donald Trump Jr divorces wife

This is not the best of time for the U.S. first family as Vanessa Trump filed for divorce from her husband, President Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Junior, on Thursday in New York City. Vanessa and Trump Junior were married in 2005. A statement o…

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EFCC charges Bellview, First Nation airlines with N1.7bn fraud

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQiJKXWMD5wbR48jYk8DWm7DYnGnL3m9QZ_RSphBd1kLlOlmbOeI42R0W1GK3L5eawSGtlrG92ZEHGoX7ySbK_dKQT35EhO-9zNFmojUePoyFBHygjkaTTc5tx7vrQ5kerF4E1_3-K7lqp/s1600/efcc+2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQiJKXWMD5wbR48jYk8DWm7DYnGnL3m9QZ_RSphBd1kLlOlmbOeI42R0W1GK3L5eawSGtlrG92ZEHGoX7ySbK_dKQT35EhO-9zNFmojUePoyFBHygjkaTTc5tx7vrQ5kerF4E1_3-K7lqp/s400/efcc+2.jpg" /></a></div> The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Friday arraigned Bellview and First Nation airlines with an alleged fraud of N1.7bn.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Joined as the first defendant in the charge was the Managing Director of First Nation Airlines, Mr. Kayode Odukoya.<br /> <br /> The airlines and Odukoya were arraigned on four counts before Justice Mojisola Dada of the Ikeja Special Offences Court.<br /> <br /> The charges border on forgery, use of forged documents, perjury and stealing.<br /> <br /> The EFCC, in the charges, alleged that the defendants forged the Memorandum of Loss of Lagos State Certificate of Occupancy registered as No. 33, at page 33, Volume 1011 at the Lagos State Land Registry, Alausa, Lagos.<br /> <br /> According to the EFCC, the allegedly forged document was in respect of a property located at No. 29 Oduduwa Street, GRA, Ikeja.<br /> <br /> The EFCC claimed that the defendants forged the document “in order that the document be acted upon as genuine.”<br /> <br /> Odukoya was accused of dishonestly converting to his own a sum of N1.7bn belonging to Skye Bank Plc.<br /> <br /> The prosecutor, Mr. M.S. Usman, told the court that the defendants acted contrary to sections 85, 86(1), 278(1)(b), 285, 361(1)(a)(b), 363 and 364(1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.<br /> But the defendants pleaded not guilty.<br /> <br /> The judge ordered the remand of Odukoya in the custody of the EFCC.<br /> <br /> She adjourned till March 26, 2018, to hear Odukoya’s bail application.</div>

Latest-News EFCC charges Bellview, First Nation airlines with N1.7bn fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Friday arraigned Bellview and First Nation airlines with an alleged fraud of N1.7bn. Joined as the first defendant in the charge was the Managing Director of First Nation Airlines, Mr. Kayode Odukoya. …

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Liverpool face Manchester City in UCL quarterfinals, Juventus play Real Madrid

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSkBHQuG7BWvZFR13DM-oUQId2y5gUlT8SaWf8t9a1SAci56U-KPPXQL8s9Nh9Ct0G7g4bkHX1q1MFo6yQdKFHo0qSLnbXC5g_Ks2LMmdeYpnFr6c1fKTj3YLt4V2HuePJ2NCXx2gFnt3/s1600/ucl2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSkBHQuG7BWvZFR13DM-oUQId2y5gUlT8SaWf8t9a1SAci56U-KPPXQL8s9Nh9Ct0G7g4bkHX1q1MFo6yQdKFHo0qSLnbXC5g_Ks2LMmdeYpnFr6c1fKTj3YLt4V2HuePJ2NCXx2gFnt3/s320/ucl2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Liverpool face Manchester City in an all-English Champions League quarterfinal after the draw in Switzerland on Friday.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> It means Jurgen Klopp's side, who eased past Porto to reach this stage of the competition, will play a domestic rival for the seventh time in European competition.<br /> <br /> Juventus take on defending champions Real Madrid while Barcelona -- the first team to emerge from the draw -- play Serie A side Roma, having won three and lost three of their previous meetings with Italian teams.<br /> <br /> It is the first time the two clubs have met in the in the knockout stages.<br /> <br /> Sevilla, who knocked out Manchester United to reach the quarterfinals of the competition for the first time, face Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich for a place in the last four.<br /> <br /> The first legs of the quarterfinal ties will be played on April 3 and 4, with the return games taking place the following week.<br /> <br /> The Champions League final takes place in Kiev on May 26.<br /> <br /> <b>Here is the Uefa Champions League quarter-final draw in full</b><br /> <br /> Barcelona vs As Roma<br /> Sevilla vs Bayern Munich<br /> Juventus vs Real Madrid<br /> Liverpool vs Manchester City<br /> <br /></div>

Latest-News Liverpool face Manchester City in UCL quarterfinals, Juventus play Real Madrid

Liverpool face Manchester City in an all-English Champions League quarterfinal after the draw in Switzerland on Friday. It means Jurgen Klopp's side, who eased past Porto to reach this stage of the competition, will play a domestic rival for the sev…

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Mugabe: I never thought Mnangagwa would turn against me

Latest-News Mugabe: I never thought Mnangagwa would turn against me

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2019: PDP members caught rigging election will be lynched – Orji Kalu

Latest-News 2019: PDP members caught rigging election will be lynched – Orji Kalu

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Aero aircraft makes emergency landing in Sokoto over ‘faulty gear’

Latest-News Aero aircraft makes emergency landing in Sokoto over ‘faulty gear’

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Buhari jittery about herdsmen but declared IPOB terrorists – Soyinka explodes

Latest-News Buhari jittery about herdsmen but declared IPOB terrorists – Soyinka explodes

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Live Updates: UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final Draw

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin17ISeCbH2LVOUtgOTMqIPKJq7audZddASvff5FfXrQGk3hPdVs_TelDDQQrVnL_hgap7vSHA1x9t9iIZXQLcYawMsNRW-FSGOHI9uLjhxDWP9eJ4IFVyGNa5EmMjDOcZ4CZTsgs62M4k/s1600/TELEMMGLPICT000149033688_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqpVlberWd9EgFPZtcLiMQfyf2A9a6I9YchsjMeADBa08.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="480" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin17ISeCbH2LVOUtgOTMqIPKJq7audZddASvff5FfXrQGk3hPdVs_TelDDQQrVnL_hgap7vSHA1x9t9iIZXQLcYawMsNRW-FSGOHI9uLjhxDWP9eJ4IFVyGNa5EmMjDOcZ4CZTsgs62M4k/s400/TELEMMGLPICT000149033688_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqpVlberWd9EgFPZtcLiMQfyf2A9a6I9YchsjMeADBa08.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Welcome to the London Nigerianeye's live coverage of the Champions League quarter-final draw.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Liverpool and Manchester City are the Premier League’s last remaining representatives, as we get to the business end of Europe’s premier club competition.<br /> <br /> There’s no seeding at this stage – anyone can anyone – so we could see an all-English quarter-final.<br /> <br /> AS Roma , Barcelona , Bayern Munich, Juventus , Real Madrid and Sevilla make up the rest of the teams in the draw.<br /> <br /> Proceedings are due to get under way from 11am this morning in Nyon, before our attention turns to Arsenal and the Europa League quarter-final draw.</div>

Latest-News Live Updates: UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final Draw

Welcome to the London Nigerianeye's live coverage of the Champions League quarter-final draw. Liverpool and Manchester City are the Premier League’s last remaining representatives, as we get to the business end of Europe’s premier club competition. …

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I will continue to focus on improvement of security, critical infrastructure, Buhari tells Nigerians

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbfTmGQRPH49bEwZu3rt10ie2hHhsE7sdzVSxrjMAt9EbJxH0Xf3pdUPk_11X4cDu4zmWM4EpIqVVQpSV84fr5Fkm9-ab17GDfCDPtV9vWgLP5lSwStUNn3m0EYDxZ0UvVNoO2R2uXzRyG/s1600/20180312123247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="472" data-original-width="709" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbfTmGQRPH49bEwZu3rt10ie2hHhsE7sdzVSxrjMAt9EbJxH0Xf3pdUPk_11X4cDu4zmWM4EpIqVVQpSV84fr5Fkm9-ab17GDfCDPtV9vWgLP5lSwStUNn3m0EYDxZ0UvVNoO2R2uXzRyG/s320/20180312123247.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday assured Nigerians that his government will continue to focus on the improvement of security and critical infrastructure, like roads, construction of rails and power generation across the country as a vital pre-requisite to economic progress as he commissioned a N50 billion Sunti Golden Sugar Estate, expected to give direct jobs to over 10,000 in Niger State.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> He also said that his economic diversification policy of his administration was receiving tremendous support as well as yielding positive results.<br /> <br /> He said, “The Sunti Golden Sugar Estate, as I am told, was built at a cost of over fifty billion naira making it one of the largest Agro-allied investments in Nigeria today, with a capacity to produce 100,000 metric tons of sugar annually.<br /> <br /> “I am informed the Estate will engage up to 10,000 people directly including a network of over 3,000 small-scale out growers of Sugar cane.<br /> <br /> “This to my mind is central to our administration’s determination to have an inclusive economy. The socio-economic impact of such a massive investment, in rural area of Nigeria, cannot be quantified.<br /> “This project is timely as Nigeria makes her journey out of recession and the economy continues to show considerable progress.<br /> <br /> We are reminded of one of the cardinal objectives of this administration which is to look inwards as we focus on our natural endowments in agriculture, and other non-oil sectors for inclusive growth and development.<br /> <br /> “The level of work and magnitude of investment that we are witnessing here today is a clear demonstration that our policies on economic diversification are attracting the right kind of support and engagement.<br /> <br /> “On that note, I must congratulate the entire members of the board, management and staff of Flour Mills for such a major step in expanding the business and creating more jobs for our people.<br /> “Since the establishment of Flour Mills in 1960, the company has repeatedly shown commitment to Nigeria, through good times and bad.”<br /> He said that with the establishment of the factory, lives will change for thousands in the localities, adding that the impact on the national economy will be significant.<br /> <br /> He said, “The location of the Sunti Sugar Estate on the banks of the River Niger is as notable as it is commendable. The enormous economic possibilities inherent here have perhaps been overlooked for far too long. It is on record that the Niger River Basin has played an essential role in the lives of the people who have had to depend on the basin for their subsistence.<br /> <br /> “And when we take into cognizance the tributaries of the river and the proximity to the Kainji dam and the ecosystem, it is time we explore how this massive body of resources can be converted to a hub for industry and commerce. To that end, I call on other investors to take a cue from what we are witnessing today and come and invest heavily in this area.”<br /> <br /> President Buhari assured Nigerians that his administration was fully committed to the transformation and diversification of the economy and that he will continue to support businesses by creating enabling business environment.<br /> <br /> He said, “I wish to assure Nigerians that this government will continue to focus on the improvement of security and critical infrastructure, like roads, construction of rails and power generation across the country as a vital pre-requisite to economic progress.<br /> <br /> “We all know that Government cannot do everything alone. We will need to partner with the private sector. Therefore, we expect that the company would seize this opportunity to further develop the Sunti-Mokwa Road through its corporate social responsibility programs.<br /> “This will complement the flour mills ongoing rebuilding of the critical Apapa-Wharf Road in conjunction with other private and public-sector stakeholders.<br /> “The world over, Sugar has been identified as a key commodity that is critical to national food security. Other than the development of local content, an investment of this size in the sugar value chain will not only help to stem the tide of importation of sugar and save foreign exchange, but also enhance rural industrialization and create wealth amidst rural poverty. For this, I must commend the Flour Mills of Nigeria.”</div>

Latest-News I will continue to focus on improvement of security, critical infrastructure, Buhari tells Nigerians

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday assured Nigerians that his government will continue to focus on the improvement of security and critical infrastructure, like roads, construction of rails and power generation across the country as a vital pre-re…

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Senate passes National Transport Commission Bill

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVE2OAhzNWe_0oGk283OOVcvQlYNzTNf9zyZvzXhMqHWPcvC-BJGp6Aic2NV2fJIZ2HwJfl_QW6j0Bc14G3zsVonbHv3zp9vGvdm6VJY4WF9Rag2SxKxalA7ZTO6KkY5W0rlFJ3Po8Yme_/s1600/senate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="500" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVE2OAhzNWe_0oGk283OOVcvQlYNzTNf9zyZvzXhMqHWPcvC-BJGp6Aic2NV2fJIZ2HwJfl_QW6j0Bc14G3zsVonbHv3zp9vGvdm6VJY4WF9Rag2SxKxalA7ZTO6KkY5W0rlFJ3Po8Yme_/s400/senate.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> The Senate on Thursday passed the National Transport Commission Bill , exactly 10 years after it was first sponsored.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The commission is expected to create a multi - modal transport system that will drive the nation ’ s transport policy and engender speedy economic development .<br /> After it was read for the second time on the floor of the Senate on October 7 , 2015 , the Senate reportedly referred the bill to the Joint Senate Committee on Land Transport , Marine Transport and Aviation Transport chaired by Senator Gbenga Ashafa , representing Lagos East Senatorial District.<br /> <br /> Ashafa was quoted in a statement as expressing his excitement at the passage of the bill , having worked assiduously with other members of the committee and stakeholders to ensure that the best possible version of the bill was passed.<br /> He said , “The National Transport Commission when signed into law is capable of setting the transport sector on the path of positive development . With this bill , we would successfully create a multi - modal transport sector for economic and safety oversight regulator of the sector . This is very good for business as it brings standard and structure to the transport sector while also increasing the revenue of government. ”<br /> <br /> He also said , “ The Joint Senate Committee worked with the understanding that this is one of the priority economic bills of the 8 th Senate and therefore ensured that all input from stakeholders were considered and the best possible version of the bill was presented to the Senate. ”<br /> <br /> Ashafa expressed appreciation to the Senate President , Dr. Bukola Saraki , for his commitment to prioritising bills that would have great impact on the economy.</div>

Latest-News Senate passes National Transport Commission Bill

The Senate on Thursday passed the National Transport Commission Bill , exactly 10 years after it was first sponsored. The commission is expected to create a multi - modal transport system that will drive the nation ’ s transport policy and engender …

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President Buhari orders MDAs to defend their budgets before National Assembly

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcFy8z4sBrueDG3dMpMdLbt45XcOAHmLURWSznusfwaMuf23bk2QCSYEfJrx6JoUNQ2oaBGptQsRRrBKzALcYney_tgpVL6xy654_kfz94uhnZO1r4OJiRGCNgqzDlSFajNTGDXRKGaSXn/s1600/20180312123247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="472" data-original-width="709" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcFy8z4sBrueDG3dMpMdLbt45XcOAHmLURWSznusfwaMuf23bk2QCSYEfJrx6JoUNQ2oaBGptQsRRrBKzALcYney_tgpVL6xy654_kfz94uhnZO1r4OJiRGCNgqzDlSFajNTGDXRKGaSXn/s320/20180312123247.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> The Secretary to the Government of the Federation , Mr . Boss Mustapha , on Thursday said President Muhammadu Buhari has directed all ministers and parastatals to appear before the National Assembly to defend their budgets.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Mustapha disclosed this in an interview with State House correspondents at the end of a meeting Buhari had with leaders of the National Assembly at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.<br /> <br /> He said , “ The President gave them (the lawmakers) update on security, economy , job creation , processes in the National Assembly especially with regards to the budget and the need to conclude on it.<br /> “Mr . President has given instruction that all ministers and parastatals should ensure that they appear before the National Assembly to defend their submissions so that we can get this out of the way.<br /> <br /> “You know this is a very dynamic year and there are preparation for elections and we are having quite a lot of security challenges and so if we don ’ t appropriate , where will the money come from?”<br /> <br /> The President of the Senate , Bukola Saraki, also disclosed that the meeting was on budget , security and other national issues.<br /> He said the National Assembly leadership also gave the President their opinions during the interaction.<br /> <br /> Saraki said the legislature was working on the budget , noting that some agencies were yet to defend their budget.<br /> <br /> “We are hoping that with the speed up now , they will come and defend their budget , ” he said.<br /> <br /> Those who attended the meeting from the National Assembly included the Saraki; Speaker of the House of Representatives , Yakubu Dogara ; his deputy , Lasun Yusuf; Senate Leader, Ahmed Lawan ; House Leader , Femi Gbajabiamila; Senator Sola Adeyeye , Philip Aduda , House Chief Whip , Al - Hassan Dogowa, and Deputy Whip , Pally Iriase among others.<br /> <br /> Aduda was the only member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party that attended the meeting while all others are from the ruling All Progressives Congress .<br /> Conspicuously absent were Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu , Godswill Akpabio - Minority Leader , Emmanuel Bwacha - Deputy Minority Leader and Biodun Olujimi - Deputy Minority Whip.<br /> <br /> Buhari was joined from the Executive arm of government by his Chief of Staff , Abba Kyari ; Mustapha ; Special Adviser on Media and Publicity , Femi Adesina; Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity , Garba Shehu and Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate ) , Senator Ita Enang.</div>

Latest-News President Buhari orders MDAs to defend their budgets before National Assembly

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation , Mr . Boss Mustapha , on Thursday said President Muhammadu Buhari has directed all ministers and parastatals to appear before the National Assembly to defend their budgets. Mustapha disclosed this i…

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What Saraki, SGF said after meeting with Buhari

Latest-News What Saraki, SGF said after meeting with Buhari

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Osinbajo’s daughter’s traditional wedding holds in Aso Rock (PHOTOS)

Latest-News Osinbajo’s daughter’s traditional wedding holds in Aso Rock (PHOTOS)

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Not everything that the NASS passed that would go as passed – Presidency

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOJjWHocy7r2wh0cWMMHzKB_leb5K-jpS8arSo9xBroFOGV6RvdnTLR28UYQYmHv8WvQZDn0W2rkd_ErhFgTA1XI5OWW69Ex_lSpJyzFFsuDe-_yPmQkfh9L2pBBWenwclqrPrKgIeGF6T/s1600/Buhari-in-Yola1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="571" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOJjWHocy7r2wh0cWMMHzKB_leb5K-jpS8arSo9xBroFOGV6RvdnTLR28UYQYmHv8WvQZDn0W2rkd_ErhFgTA1XI5OWW69Ex_lSpJyzFFsuDe-_yPmQkfh9L2pBBWenwclqrPrKgIeGF6T/s320/Buhari-in-Yola1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> President Muhammadu Buhari, on Thursday directed Ministries, Agencies and Departments (MDAs) yet to defend their 2018 budget proposal before the National Assembly (NASS) to do so without delay.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The directive is to fasttrack the passage of the 2018 budget and be able to spend the money on key national needs including security and development infrastructure.<br /> Also the Presidency, speaking on the Bills rejected by President Buhari, said ‘not everything that the NASS passed that would go as passed.’<br /> <br /> The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, said this while briefing State House correspondents on the outcome of the meeting held between the President and NASS principal officers at the State House.<br /> <br /> Senate President Bukola Saraki and Yakubu Dogara, Speaker of the House of Representatives, along with their principal officers attended the meeting.<br /> <br /> Saraki described the outcome as ‘a good development’.<br /> <br /> Boss Mustapha said: “Mr President has given instructions that all ministries and parastatals should ensure that they appear before the National Assembly to defend their submissions so that we can get this out of the way.<br /> <br /> “This is a very dynamic year, there are preparations for elections and we are having quite a number of security challenges.<br /> <br /> “And so if we do not appropriate, where will the money come from to be able to prosecute some of the assignments the Federal Government has in the appropriation of 2018.<br /> <br /> “So this is a very good meeting; we intend to build on it. It is a confidence building mechanism and it is an interface that would definitely get a new dimension of the governance of this country for the betterment of the people of Nigeria,’’ he said.<br /> <br /> On the Bills rejected by President Buhari, the SGF said it was part of the legislative process as it was not everything that the NASS passed that would go as passed.<br /> “The President has overall picture of how to approach matters in this country when it involves issues of legislation.<br /> <br /> `When he holds back his assent, he normally advances reasons why he did not do it and it should be looked at from the context of the reasons that he has adduced,’’ he said.<br /> <br /> He said that the process of the interface would lead to amicable resolution of all the matters.<br /> <br /> The SGF said it was a harmonious meeting between the executive and the legislature aimed at building a very harmonious working relationship.<br /> <br /> According to him Buhari gave an update on what he was doing about the economy, security and job creation.<br /> <br /> He explained that in the past few weeks the president had visited about three locations in the country all in an attempt to build confidence into the hearts of the people of the country.<br /> <br /> He noted that the meeting also discussed the processes in the NASS with regard to the budget and the need to speedily conclude on the budget.<br /> <br /> The Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki described the meeting as a good one, being an interaction between the executive and the National Assembly leadership.<br /> <br /> According to him, the meeting discussed broad issues on security, budget, while the NASS executives also asked some questions about some issues and pressed the observations they had on such issues.<br /> “It was a very good meeting and it gave us the opportunity to share our own views about the areas we needed to so that we will be well informed on them.<br /> <br /> “It was a good development,’’ Saraki added.<br /> He explained that logistic challenges made it difficult for the meeting to hold earlier than now.<br /> <br /> He said NASS was working to pass the budget, but noted that some agencies have not appeared to defend their appropriation.<br /> “We are hoping that things would speed up now and that they will come and submit the details, he said.<br /> <br /> He said that the meeting did not discuss the bills passed by the NASS which the President declined assent.</div>

Latest-News Not everything that the NASS passed that would go as passed – Presidency

President Muhammadu Buhari, on Thursday directed Ministries, Agencies and Departments (MDAs) yet to defend their 2018 budget proposal before the National Assembly (NASS) to do so without delay. The directive is to fasttrack the passage of the 2018 b…

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Shehu Sani to Buhari: Red carpet is for Grammy — NOT Dapchi

Shehu Sani, senator representing Kaduna central, has joined those criticising President Muhammadu Buhari for acknowledging the grand reception in his honour during a trip to Government Girls Science Technical College (GGSTC), Dapchi, Yobe state.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCpdc9skuxQQuGfniEsQSIHO4qUNXdu8T7wEEDqpMPh-uYaEaCYNq53qUaBit45wjWcr7Sh2XRRshocEDgx-0y36eVqskhjwt_xWZVD1zRUVge8zrEOmjkVxKd5TcCmrggD8NogTPT9G-M/s1600/Capture.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="351" data-original-width="604" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCpdc9skuxQQuGfniEsQSIHO4qUNXdu8T7wEEDqpMPh-uYaEaCYNq53qUaBit45wjWcr7Sh2XRRshocEDgx-0y36eVqskhjwt_xWZVD1zRUVge8zrEOmjkVxKd5TcCmrggD8NogTPT9G-M/s400/Capture.PNG" width="400" /></a></div> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> Pictures of the president smiling as he adjusted his native attire on the red carpet sparked anger on social media.<br /> <br /> Most of those who criticised the president said the trip ought to be devoid of fanfare since he went there to condole parents whose children were abducted by Boko Haram insurgents.<br /> <br /> A total of 110 students were kidnapped when the insurgents invaded the school on February 19.<br /> <br /> Writing via his Twitter handle on Thursday, Sani said the school is not the right place for red carpet.<br /> <br /> According to him, such gesture is for international events such as the Grammy musical awards or the Academy Awards popularly known as Oscars.<br /> <br /> “A red carpet should be for the Oscars or Grammy or Caines but not for Dapchi,” he wrote.<br /> <div><br /></div> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <div dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">A Red carpet should be for the Oscars or Grammy or Caines but not for Dapchi.</div> — Senator Shehu Sani (@ShehuSani) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShehuSani/status/974313492164554752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"> </script>Here are some of the tweets of those who accused the president of being insensitive to the plight of the schoolgirls.<br /> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en"> <div dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">Red carpet in a school where <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dapchigirls?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dapchigirls</a> were abducted. Is this a fashion or celebrity show. That's not necessary organisers. This is not a show but an emergency situation.</div> — Ambrose Anavhe (@ambrosexcel) <a href="https://twitter.com/ambrosexcel/status/974159278033514496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"> </script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <div dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">Exactly my point. Why red carpet in a situation like this? Visiting the school where over 100 girls were abducted does not require ceremonial red carpet walahi.</div> — OYO MEESI (@abi4u2011) <a href="https://twitter.com/abi4u2011/status/974063099006324736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"> </script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en"> <div dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">They even rolled out red carpet for such a visit. All of his aides who had anything to do with arranging that visit deserve to be sacked.</div> — Chris (@chrisamaechi) <a href="https://twitter.com/chrisamaechi/status/973988316927406086?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"> </script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en"> <div dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">He who wants to come to equity, must come with clean hand nao! Also, #13.5milliin allowance, #700,000 salary, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/200million?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#200million</a> constituency project cannot be worth of transistor radio. U can't be moral compass! <a href="https://t.co/7tRFSloc53">pic.twitter.com/7tRFSloc53</a></div> — Kazhim Wahab (@ebony1777) <a href="https://twitter.com/ebony1777/status/974319165887647745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async="" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"> </script>

Latest-News Shehu Sani to Buhari: Red carpet is for Grammy — NOT Dapchi

Shehu Sani, senator representing Kaduna central, has joined those criticising President Muhammadu Buhari for acknowledging the grand reception in his honour during a trip to Government Girls Science Technical College (GGSTC), Dapchi, Yobe state. Pict…

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Reps order probe into N20trn unremitted stamp duties

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3s9lS8ij6uPTYBObmiT6nIJOsW0GK-JmHviaxOJoNdL1hhXoh1Y6Vz5L4UAVlS75K3P5Wy_Vbi9maEfiJ6602LsKWJHThcKAvf_1UWvdO6-bQWyRo2ruoazTtK2tDt_eU13q8Rn4eZ4w8/s1600/house-of-representative.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3s9lS8ij6uPTYBObmiT6nIJOsW0GK-JmHviaxOJoNdL1hhXoh1Y6Vz5L4UAVlS75K3P5Wy_Vbi9maEfiJ6602LsKWJHThcKAvf_1UWvdO6-bQWyRo2ruoazTtK2tDt_eU13q8Rn4eZ4w8/s320/house-of-representative.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The House of Representatives has ordered an investigation into the N20tn said to have been collected as stamp duty between April 2013 and March 2017, but which was not remitted to the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The House said the money was held by the receiving banks, which had failed to remit it through the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System.<br /> <br /> Lawmakers said with N20tn, the Federal Government did not need to resort to borrowing to fund the country’s annual budgets.<br /> <br /> “The Federal Government of Nigeria could not fund capital projects from 2015 to date by 100 per cent due to negligence by some government agencies to live up to their expectations in terms of revenue generation and subsequent remittances to government coffers.<br /> <br /> “The government had to resort to foreign borrowing with high interest rates to fund the capital budget, leaving so much money lying fallow with NIBSS, banks and other financial institutions,” the resolution stated.</div>

Latest-News Reps order probe into N20trn unremitted stamp duties

The House of Representatives has ordered an investigation into the N20tn said to have been collected as stamp duty between April 2013 and March 2017, but which was not remitted to the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation. The House said the m…

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Senate decries killings in the country

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOrw510zAGpDXvlqQkGhX-hbtbx_nO6ZjN4jTuMEhMel0kAJtpho_f79rSAqsXZmCPXYCWwD-FWfErXMLUZO_VfifsjZkb-5LDIek56Zp_xP_-wyEN7EW1Oz9_LPIBpLTNAeIJvJ-3cLBb/s1600/senate.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOrw510zAGpDXvlqQkGhX-hbtbx_nO6ZjN4jTuMEhMel0kAJtpho_f79rSAqsXZmCPXYCWwD-FWfErXMLUZO_VfifsjZkb-5LDIek56Zp_xP_-wyEN7EW1Oz9_LPIBpLTNAeIJvJ-3cLBb/s320/senate.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The Senate on Thursday decried spate of violence in the country and urged the Federal Government to deploy security agencies to Kogi to forestall alleged killing of people by suspected herdsmen.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Specifically, the upper chamber said that the security machinery should be sent to Omale and Dekina Local Government Areas in the state.<br /> <br /> The resolution followed the adoption of a Point of Order by Sen. Atai Aidoko (Kogi-West) at plenary over alleged killing of 32 persons in the two local government areas on Wednesday.<br /> <br /> Raising the order, Adoko said that 20 people were killed in Ogane-Enugu community in Dekina while 12 other lives were lost in Agbejukolo and Agbenema communities in Omale local government area.<br /> <br /> He said “in spite of continued condemnation of killings in many parts of the country, perpetrators of this dastardly act have not been arrested.<br /> <br /> “I want this Senate to urge President Muhammadu Buhari to direct security agencies to bring the situation under control by arresting the perpetrators and ensure that they are prosecuted.<br /> <br /> “This killing is taking another dimension as the killers also amputate people’s hands.’’<br /> <br /> In his contribution, Leader of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan, said that it was time that the chamber worked closely with the Executive to enhance the effectiveness of security agencies in combating crime the country.<br /> <br /> Noting that security agencies in the country were overstretched, Lawan expressed worry that the number of policemen guarding the communities was inadequate.<br /> <br /> According to him, in a population of about five million, you have only 300 policemen guarding the society, and in the same situation, over 300 bandits would attack the people.<br /> <br /> On his part, Sen. Dino Melaye urged government at all tiers to demonstrate needed capacity to combat insecurity.<br /> <br /> “We are still treating the issue of security with kid gloves. If you see the gory pictures of people that are maimed and we cannot show capacity; do we want to continue complaining?<br /> <br /> “It is the poor that is dying. Let us for once call on the president and the governors of these respective states who are the chief security officers to ensure the protection of lives and property of citizens.<br /> <br /> “The Federal Government must display capacity to sincerely quell the insecurity threatening the country.<br /> <br /> “Unfortunately, since the incidents happened in Kogi, the state government has not come up with any official statement or taken an action,’’ Melaye said.<br /> <br /> Sen. James Manager blamed the situation on non-arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.<br /> <br /> According to him, society has evolved and there is law and order; when somebody who commits a crime is caught, he should be punished to serve as deterrent to others.<br /> <br /> “The immediate solution to this problem is to arrest and punish offenders otherwise people will continue to kill.<br /> <br /> “We are tired of observing one minute silence for these killings; if punishment for offenders is not done, those who cannot protect the society should resign,’’ Manager said.<br /> <br /> Sen. Adamu Aliero called for the implementation of recommendations of the National Security Summit recently organised by the Senate.<br /> <br /> He said it would go a long way in addressing the security challenges confronting the country.<br /> <br /> According to him, the meeting with security agencies three weeks ago revealed that the police are overstretched and there was need to recruit more hands as well as increase the funding.<br /> <br /> In his remark, President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, condemned the killings and said that it was unacceptable.<br /> <br /> “The Senate would work towards finding solutions to insecurity in the country.<br /> <br /> “Let us be patriotic because this situation is unacceptable,’’ he said.</div>

Latest-News Senate decries killings in the country

The Senate on Thursday decried spate of violence in the country and urged the Federal Government to deploy security agencies to Kogi to forestall alleged killing of people by suspected herdsmen. Specifically, the upper chamber said that the security…

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We won’t address Fayemi as ‘honourable minister,’ Reps vow

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQHB4TKcUNU4TbHpgElPWStD4-4Mr4UohEyjYFOKCgduBKiUbCBVIRlADZsv0wm_30O2OM3_kMX78l0nwPz1RzCkDwYbbfT_AFVYcHsyulHLia3-97lVoz63eX3SFeA0SepEAFAIc-DnR/s1600/Kayode+Fayemi.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQHB4TKcUNU4TbHpgElPWStD4-4Mr4UohEyjYFOKCgduBKiUbCBVIRlADZsv0wm_30O2OM3_kMX78l0nwPz1RzCkDwYbbfT_AFVYcHsyulHLia3-97lVoz63eX3SFeA0SepEAFAIc-DnR/s320/Kayode+Fayemi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The House of Representatives resolved on Thursday that having passed a vote of no confidence in the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, it would no longer accord him the recognition of addressing him as ‘honorable minister.”<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The lawmakers also noted that in other climes, passing a vote of no confidence in a minister was enough grounds for the President to sack him, adding that the House did not need to stress it.<br /> <br /> In a resolution in Abuja, the House observed that Fayemi’s decision to engage PricewaterhouseCoopers, a “globally discredited” firm, to conduct a technical audit on Ajaokuta Steel Company, meant that he was bent on concessioning the firm.<br /> <br /> To stop Fayemi, the House proposed to amend the Privatisation Act immediately by expunging ASC from the list of public assets in the schedule that can be privatised or concessioned by the Federal Government.<br /> <br /> It also sought to further amend the Act by removing the powers of the National Council on Privatisation as the authority to decide on which firms should be on the schedule.</div>

Latest-News We won’t address Fayemi as ‘honourable minister,’ Reps vow

The House of Representatives resolved on Thursday that having passed a vote of no confidence in the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, it would no longer accord him the recognition of addressing him as ‘honorable minister.” …

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President Buhari inaugurates N50bn Sugar factory in Niger

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg41QlymYZHRysHMNisxXqSgGt9ygZk_dMI7WJsGNLZXz-Ji78WZ_oNbqSm6c6lUdDneeW69ArRmYD61eo6jmDQ3bGTWU-ERwCdqDiuzsI7OxZsrIZdD2gJ2bDn2EmO94C1tWAP3SGOL-gO/s1600/President+Muhammadu+Buhari.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg41QlymYZHRysHMNisxXqSgGt9ygZk_dMI7WJsGNLZXz-Ji78WZ_oNbqSm6c6lUdDneeW69ArRmYD61eo6jmDQ3bGTWU-ERwCdqDiuzsI7OxZsrIZdD2gJ2bDn2EmO94C1tWAP3SGOL-gO/s320/President+Muhammadu+Buhari.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday opened the N50bn Sunti Golden Sugar Estate in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Addressing guests at the inauguration, Buhari called on private investors in the country to partner with the government in creating investment opportunities.<br /> <br /> He said the coming of the sugar factory was timely, as Nigeria has made her way out of recession and “we have showed considerable progress.”<br /> <br /> He said, “We are looking inward to our natural endowment and deposit. We are focusing on agriculture and other non oil sectors.<br /> <br /> “The mill, as I was told, cost the company N50bn, and it’s expected to produce 100,000 metric tons of sugar yearly.<br /> <br /> “It will provide direct employment for about 10,000 people yearly, and impact up to 50,000 people indirectly, including 3,000 small-scale out growers.<br /> <br /> “While commending the company for creating job opportunities for Nigerians, the President said, “Flour Mills has shown commitment to Nigeria all through the good times and bad times.”<br /> <br /> Buhari also reiterated the benefits and economic possibilities of the River Niger, saying, “It has been long overlooked; it is time to explore and harness the benefits for commerce and investment.”<br /> <br /> He assured Nigerians that his administration would continue to create enabling business environment and improve security and infrastructure across the nation.<br /> <br /> Earlier, the Governor of Niger State, Abubakar Sani Bello, said the agriculture sector was getting the needed attention it requires to generate employment and accelerated income growth.<br /> <br /> While calling on investors to visit Niger State, he said the lands were under-cultivated and needed more companies to partner with the state.<br /> <br /> The Chairman, Flour Mills Nigeria, John Coumantaros, in his remarks, said the estate would set the country on the path to become self-sufficient in sugar production.<br /> <br /> Coumantaros said, “The sugar estate would feature 17,000 hectares of irrigable farmland and a sugar mill that processes 4,500 metric tons of sugarcane per day.<br /> <br /> “At full capacity, the estate is expected to produce one million tonnes of sugarcane, which roughly translates into 100,000 metric tons of sugar yearly.”</div>

Latest-News President Buhari inaugurates N50bn Sugar factory in Niger

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday opened the N50bn Sunti Golden Sugar Estate in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State. Addressing guests at the inauguration, Buhari called on private investors in the country to partner with the government …

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Reps to probe Gov. Bello alleged importation of arms, ammunition

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZjlsCi-SMqrJ5gX87AvwF1guuC7-TdfC5R9MvEpqHlMs9FBTtDi5g8lBwkV1ExMhrx-4n8B5SSU9r2aC_c7eUnZMHEDp6SN3zLN5r5B_oI7wnH5vgxwmJpoP0pNkAqOTAeSX1HkS40Tc/s1600/Yahaya-Bello.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZjlsCi-SMqrJ5gX87AvwF1guuC7-TdfC5R9MvEpqHlMs9FBTtDi5g8lBwkV1ExMhrx-4n8B5SSU9r2aC_c7eUnZMHEDp6SN3zLN5r5B_oI7wnH5vgxwmJpoP0pNkAqOTAeSX1HkS40Tc/s320/Yahaya-Bello.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div> The House of Representatives says it will investigate the alleged importation of arms, ammunition and military equipment by Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi State.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> This followed a matter of urgent public importance by Rep. Sunday Karimi (Kogi-PDP), who noted that the House must act fast to save the lives of ordinary citizens in the state.<br /> <br /> Karimi also expressed worry that the Nigeria Customs had done little or nothing about the said subject matter.<br /> <br /> “Instead of the Nigeria Custom Service to promptly arrest the importer of the treasonable act of importing military hardware and items into the country, it only requested the importer to provide End-user certificate from the National Security Adviser.<br /> <br /> The lawmaker noted that only the military was constitutionally empowered to import such item.<br /> <br /> “I am afraid that if the trend is allowed to continue, politicians, state governors and private citizens will start to import arms under the guise of equipping the military.<br /> <br /> “This, in the long run, will jeopardize security and lives of innocent Nigerians,” he said.<br /> <br /> Supporting the motion, Reps. Hassan Saleh (Benue-APC) and Nnena Elendu-Ukeje (Abia-PDP), said that the problem facing the country today had to do with security.<br /> <br /> The lawmakers stressed the need for the executive to take the proliferation of arms in the country seriously.<br /> <br /> The motion was unanimously adopted by members when it was put to a voice vote by the Speaker, Mr Yakubu Dogara.<br /> <br /> The House, therefore, resolved to invite the Comptroller General of Customs, Retired Col Hameed Ali to explain why it only requested end user permit.</div>

Latest-News Reps to probe Gov. Bello alleged importation of arms, ammunition

The House of Representatives says it will investigate the alleged importation of arms, ammunition and military equipment by Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi State. This followed a matter of urgent public importance by Rep. Sunday Karimi (Kogi-PDP), who not…

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Okorocha calls for creation of inter-religious affairs ministry

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBMwq_yiuC-upwKOP-UA_HwEv_76D2AZwak_RfYjRkBreKwITD71bLUJ1Vu30V7m1H6rS_xEdoklkjx8CftIalujdUXWrbBL5oFz2Kn6_b8_QU8buD0hQfzcZysrBtrph3K7LQoXMCb4OL/s1600/Rochas+Okorocha.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBMwq_yiuC-upwKOP-UA_HwEv_76D2AZwak_RfYjRkBreKwITD71bLUJ1Vu30V7m1H6rS_xEdoklkjx8CftIalujdUXWrbBL5oFz2Kn6_b8_QU8buD0hQfzcZysrBtrph3K7LQoXMCb4OL/s320/Rochas+Okorocha.png" width="320" /></a></div> The governor of Imo, Mr Rochas Okorocha, on Thursday in Owerri called for the creation of a ministry of inter-religious affairs in the country.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Okorocha made the call while receiving a delegation of the National Council on Establishment (NCE), led by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita.<br /> <br /> He argues that ministries should be created as the need arises, to meet the needs of the society, noting that most of the existing ministries were moribund.<br /> <br /> The governor advised the head of the civil service and her counterparts in the states to think outside the box and be innovative in running the affairs of the civil service.<br /> <br /> “I urge all heads of service and permanent secretaries to always adjust quickly to the visions of their governors for national growth and speedy development.<br /> <br /> “Do not waste time when it comes to implementation of policies and projects, avoid unusual protocols and bureaucracies and do what is right for the nation.<br /> <br /> “Always put your nation first and shun every form of distraction and detractors because that is what has helped in the development of Imo State.”<br /> <br /> Okorocha commended Oyo-Iya for her resilience, calmness and toughness in handling the affairs of the civil service of the federation.<br /> <br /> He said that four universities were currently under construction and that 455 schools had been built in the state during his administration because he believed education was power.<br /> <br /> Okorocha said that education was free for all Imo indigenes from primary to tertiary levels, noting that many new roads had been built to ease traffic in the state.<br /> <br /> Oyo-Ita thanked the governor for hosting the 40th NCE meeting.<br /> <br /> She expressed her joy over what she described as high-level progress in the state, describing the development as wonderful.<br /> <br /> The head of service explained that the NCE was a statutory council that holding annually, where important matters that relating to the civil service and establishment were reviewed.<br /> <br /> “You have proven that the Imo State indigenes were not wrong in choosing you as their governor.<br /> <br /> “We have come to show our loyalty to you. I am extremely impressed by what is done in Imo State. It is simply awesome.<br /> <br /> “We are very conscious of the importance of civil servants in making the visions of our political leaders a reality.<br /> <br /> “That is why it is very important that there is a unified structure for the civil service. Civil servants are often not seen but our impact is felt in the administration of the day,” she said. </div>

Latest-News Okorocha calls for creation of inter-religious affairs ministry

The governor of Imo, Mr Rochas Okorocha, on Thursday in Owerri called for the creation of a ministry of inter-religious affairs in the country. Okorocha made the call while receiving a delegation of the National Council on Establishment (NCE), led b…

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2018 UTME: "There will be no rescheduling of exams"

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1a_TouzERWvESahyphenhyphenOIVrDpSblSvpehv7x-ezj4uyb1ShRyxqj6cPO9IFHQ27MdWSC0dQbV-LQY3PXC7y-n-ULjIe0eeYZZItu2PxUld42QuXtdL5D2QbI3wA5nFH21osk1yloG9hlZsXm/s1600/JAMB.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1a_TouzERWvESahyphenhyphenOIVrDpSblSvpehv7x-ezj4uyb1ShRyxqj6cPO9IFHQ27MdWSC0dQbV-LQY3PXC7y-n-ULjIe0eeYZZItu2PxUld42QuXtdL5D2QbI3wA5nFH21osk1yloG9hlZsXm/s320/JAMB.png" width="320" /></a></div> The Registrar, Joint Admissions, and Matriculation Board, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, on Thursday said that there will be no rescheduling of the 2018 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Exam for any student like it did last year.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> He said that reports have also indicated that some parents had allegedly negotiated with some private coordinators who assured them of success at all cost during the UTME.<br /> <br /> Oyolede said candidates whose thumbs were not recognised for verification by the biometric machines, and that  such candidates might have registered illegally.<br /> <br /> He disclosed said that the board had arrested some operators of illegal UTME registration centres set up to defraud applicants.<br /> <br /> “They were using something they call team viewer which will definitely give biometric problem because these candidates were not physically captured at the authentic centre.<br /> <br /> “We would not be held responsible for that and there won’t be any form of rescheduling for anybody, I did that last year out of ignorance.’’<br /> <br /> The registrar described the general conduct of the UTME nationwide as highly successful and attributed the success to use of improved modern technology which has prevented most illegal acts people were used to.<br /> <br /> The registrar made the remarks at the board’s headquarters in Bwari, Abuja, when a suspected impersonator arrested by officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps was paraded for attempting to write the UTME for his brother.<br /> <br /> According to the civil defence corps officials, the mother of the boy, who claimed to be a prophet, directed the boy to sit the examination for his brother.<br /> <br /> The boy was arrested at the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, Air Mas Computer Centre Madalla in Niger.<br /> <br /> Oloyede said,“ Parents need to disassociate themselves from this type of shameful attitude.<br /> <br /> “It is against any type of parenting that you want to inculcate the spirit of deceit into your children; I think even bad people do not want to be succeeded by bad people.<br /> <br /> “The woman should have just said she is a mother and not that she is a prophet; you are doing something shameful, do not bring God into it at all.<br /> <br /> “No religion would allow for a mother to tell one of her sons to go and write exams for the other.<br /> <br /> “If someone is unfortunate to be corrupt, he or she should ask God to terminate it at his own level, but conscious efforts at transmitting that culture to the next generation is very painful.’’<br /> <br /> The registrar also frowned at those hiding behind religion to commit crimes including examination malpractice.<br /> <br /> “One said he is a Catholic priest; there’s another one from Abia and now, this mother said she’s a prophet, people in Nigeria just use religion to exploit others.<br /> <br /> “They go to churches, establish centres in the name of helping the church only to use them for their selfish purposes,’’ he said.<br /> <br /> He explained that the board was able to detect, through the use of technology, that most of the cabling issues at CBT centres, were pre-arranged.<br /> <br /> “Their intentions are to help people not knowing that we now have a device that monitors every computer system in every centre, via a code.<br /> <br /> “We are able to detect now, people who are able to write the exams, answering 180 questions in just 12 minutes.<br /> <br /> “We also have three to four persons who wrote the examinations on the same computer at a session not knowing we have the identity of every computer.’’<br /> <br /> The Registrar stated that it was in view of the latest developments that the board could not release some results on Wednesday.<br /> <br /> Oloyede disclosed that the board had identified 14 centres across the country involved in malpractice and assured that the operators would be prosecuted.<br /> <br /> NAN also reports that the ongoing 2018 UTME, which commenced on March 9, is scheduled to end on Saturday, March 17.</div>

Latest-News 2018 UTME: "There will be no rescheduling of exams"

The Registrar, Joint Admissions, and Matriculation Board, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, on Thursday said that there will be no rescheduling of the 2018 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Exam for any student like it did last year. He said that reports have a…

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Suspected herdsmen invade Kogi communities, kill 25

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNOt_YyaJXQjpg3QSQx25u0nBaNQLIUYp-oEbNsZ7BQnhzXNoOkJPgKxcLoQ-JNENJHUVSf0qK33ebqSPZk0KAn1L075TfMLf4k5596RxKLYeuY7C8Q0hiihn7k8y6nPnYRAFfERUYXBzm/s1600/fulani+herdsmen.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNOt_YyaJXQjpg3QSQx25u0nBaNQLIUYp-oEbNsZ7BQnhzXNoOkJPgKxcLoQ-JNENJHUVSf0qK33ebqSPZk0KAn1L075TfMLf4k5596RxKLYeuY7C8Q0hiihn7k8y6nPnYRAFfERUYXBzm/s320/fulani+herdsmen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Persons suspected to be Fulani herdsmen have unleashed terror on three communities in Kogi State, leaving 25 people dead.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Oganienugwu and Ikende communities in Dekina Local Government Area were affected; as well as Abejukolo in Omala LGA, all in the Eastern Senatorial district of the state.<br /> <br /> As at the time of filing this report, villagers were reportedly moving out of Obakume, Idirisu, and Oji Apata to escape possible attacks.<br /> <br /> Our correspondent gathered that 25 people were killed in the sustained attack which started on Tuesday and continued till Thursday.<br /> <br /> A detachment of police and soldiers have been drafted to quell the violence.<br /> <br /> Eye witness account told our correspondent that the mode of killing employed by the hoodlums was to slaughter the victims after tying them up; while those who attempted to escape alleged received machete cuts.<br /> <br /> Our source said villagers were woken up by gunshots by the hoodlums dressed in army uniform.<br /> <br /> Our correspondent also gathered that gunmen armed with AK-47 rifles had visited mayhem on the villagers in their farms before returning in the night around 1am while villagers slept.<br /> <br /> Several houses were razed and others demolished in the violent attacks which left no fewer than 25 dead.<br /> <br /> The Deputy Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Monday Bala, who confirmed the incident, said the command was yet to ascertain the actual casualty figure.<br /> <br /> He said the command has drafted men of the command alongside men of the armed forces to deal with the situation, adding that his men are in total control of the situation.</div>

Latest-News Suspected herdsmen invade Kogi communities, kill 25

Persons suspected to be Fulani herdsmen have unleashed terror on three communities in Kogi State, leaving 25 people dead. Oganienugwu and Ikende communities in Dekina Local Government Area were affected; as well as Abejukolo in Omala LGA, all in the…

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Soyinka to Buhari: Stop shedding ‘unjust’ tears! Deal with ‘bloodthirsty terrorists’

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Court Restraining On Electoral Act Amendment: Senate To Write CJN To Respect Principle Of Separation Of Powers

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiscdSBcb9phoR9XQMR4JLFw9DEGekw_fu9nCrt_Dy2hBoMODLihFM4UM6G_HcuyXd0pzm2D3H_mJWfLVVXL4LyBkUIsJonwq7g9-gj_ut1isXcQyWZWdVga4E4eywrSUqeb-JnWNPI-Tjd/s1600/CJN-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="412" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiscdSBcb9phoR9XQMR4JLFw9DEGekw_fu9nCrt_Dy2hBoMODLihFM4UM6G_HcuyXd0pzm2D3H_mJWfLVVXL4LyBkUIsJonwq7g9-gj_ut1isXcQyWZWdVga4E4eywrSUqeb-JnWNPI-Tjd/s320/CJN-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> The Senate resolved Thursday to write the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Walter Onnoghen to caution his judges and ask them to respect the principle of separation of powers.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> According to the Senate, Onnogen must caution his judicial officers of the need to defend the institutions and democracy.<br /> The resolution of the Senate was sequel to a point of Order raised by the Senate Minority leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio who drew the attention of the Senate to reports in the newspapers on the injunction obtained to stop the National Assembly from taking further actions on the amendment of the Electoral Act.<br /> <br /> The Senate took the position at plenary following the decision of an Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, which on Wednesday restrained the National Assembly from taking any further action on the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2018, which President Muhammadu Buhari declined to assent to, pending the determination of a suit that was filed before it by Accord Party.<br /> <br /> The court, in a ruling delivered by Justice Ahmed Mohammed, ordered all the parties to maintain status quo antebellum, “at least between now and the next adjourned date”.<br /> Justice Mohammed had invoked section 6(6) of the 1999 constitution, as amended, which he said empowered the court to protect the Res (subject matter) of the substantive suit pending before it.<br /> <br /> Recall that the Senate had on Wednesday, February 14 approved an amendment to the electoral process which places the Presidential as the last of the elections to be conducted in the country while that of the National Assembly election will hold first, followed by gubernatorial and State Houses of Assembly assembly polls.<br /> <br /> With this arrangement, it became very clear that President Muhammadu Buhari and other presidential candidates in the 2019 general election may be made to walk on tight rope to get elected.<br /> <br /> The bill had been passed and concurred with by the two chambers of the National Assembly and in the process of being forwarded to President Muhammadu Buhari for assent.<br /> <br /> Also recall thar President Muhammadu Buhari had written the Senate, declining assent to the new amendment to the Electoral Act, which seeks to re-order the sequence of the polls during general elections.<br /> <br /> President Buhari in a letter to the Senate and read by Senate President Bukola Saraki at plenary on Tuesday, said that it became imperative for him to withhold assent to the bill because it will infringe upon the constitutionally guaranteed discretion of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to organize, undertake and supervise elections provided in Section 15(A) of the third statue to the Constitution.<br /> According to the President in the letter dated 8th March, 2018, the Senate and the National Assembly in general got it wrong in the amendment to Section 138 of the principal act to delete two crucial grounds upon which an election may be challenged by candidates, has limited the rights of candidates in elections to a free and fair electoral review process.<br /> <br /> Buhari told the Senate that he vetoed the amendment especially that of Section 152 Subsection ( 3)-(5) of the Principal Act because it raises Constitutional issues over the competence of the National Assembly to legislate over local government elections.<br /> <br /> Buhari’s letter is entitled, ” Presidential Decision to decline Assent to the Electoral ( Amendment) Bill, 2018.<br /> <br /> The two- page letter read: “Pursuant to Section 58(4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), I hereby convey to the Senate, my decision, on 3rd March 2018, to decline Presidential Assent to the Electoral Amendment Bill 2018 recently passed by the National Assembly.<br /> <br /> “Some of my reasons include the following: The amendment to the sequence of elections in Section 25 of the principal act, may infringe upon the constitutionally guaranteed discretion of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to organize, undertake and supervise elections provided in Section 15(A) of the third statue to the Constitution;<br /> “The amend to Section 138 of the principal act to delete two crucial grounds upon which an election may be challenged by candidates, unduly limits the rights of candidates in elections to a free and fair electoral review process;<br /> “The amendment to Section 152 Subsection ( 3)-(5) of the Principal Act may raise Constitutional issues over the competence of the National Assembly to legislate over local government elections.<br /> <br /> “Please accept, Distinguished Senators, the assurances of my highest consideration.”</div>

Latest-News Court Restraining On Electoral Act Amendment: Senate To Write CJN To Respect Principle Of Separation Of Powers

The Senate resolved Thursday to write the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Walter Onnoghen to caution his judges and ask them to respect the principle of separation of powers. According to the Senate, Onnogen must caution his judicial officers of the …

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