Newspaper Review For Monday 31st, August

1. Kiri Dam: Seven Communities Submerged in Adamawa by Flood

Seven communities were on Sunday flooded in Demsa and Numan local government areas of Adamawa state, following heavy flow of water from Kiri dam in the state. Kiri dam is in Guyuk Local Government Area. The dam, from the Gongola River, is about 30 kilometres length and 15 kilometres wide. Alhaji Haruna Furo, the Executive Secretary, Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA), made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yola.

2. Jonathan’s Ministers Warn Buhari, APC to Stop Demonizing Past Administration

Those who served under the administration of former President, Goodluck Jonathan as ministers have described as unwarranted, the allegations of poor performance and corruption levelled against the last administration by the All Progressives Congress, APC, and President Muhammadu Buhari. The ex-ministers, in a statement issued on their behalf on Sunday by one-time Minister of National Planning, Dr. Abubakar Suleiman, said they have watched with increasing alarm and concern the concerted effort by the Buhari administration and members of the APC “to condemn, ridicule and undermine the efforts of that administration, in addition to impugning the integrity of its individual members.”

3. Kaduna Helicopter Crash: President Buhari Commiserates With Victims’ Families

President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday commiserated with the families of the seven people that died in a Donier 228 aircraft crash on Saturday in Kaduna. The President who was represented by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence, Ismail Aliyu, at the scene of the crash said the crash was a sad event, not only to the Armed Forces but to all Nigerians. “We want to, on behalf of the Federal Government, extend our condolences to all of them. May the almighty God forgive their sins.

4. Fayose Urges South West PDP Leaders to Contest National Chairmanship

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has called on notable leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Southwest to be prepared to contest the party National Chairmanship position next year, saying the Southwest zone deserved the chairmanship position and all stakeholders must forge a common front to get it. The governor, who also maintained that installing a new chairman from the Northeast for the party at this time was a waste of time, advocated for the appointment of a caretaker committee to pilot the affairs of the party after the expiration of the tenure of Chief Uche Secondus as Acting National Chairman.

5. Bayelsa Government Declares N2.8bn as Balance at Hand for July 2015

The Bayelsa State Government has declared the sum of N2.8 billion as balance at hand for the month of July, 2015. Governor Seriake Dickson, who made the declaration at the monthly transparency media briefing held over the weekend in Yenagoa, expressed concern over the dwindling fortunes of the state. He lamented that revenue from the federation account has dropped drastically from N18 billion in 2012 to about N9 billion.

6. Sokoto Farmers Lose Over N100million Worth of Farm Produce to Flood

Farm produce worth over N100 million have been destroyed by flood in 27 villages in Wurno Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The Chairman of the Local Government, Shehu Chacho, disclosed this to newsmen on Sunday at Wurno. According to him, the already farm produce which include , rice, millet, guinea corn, maize and beans were washed away by flood caused by the release of excess water from Goronyo dam and it had affected no fewer than 7,577 farmers.

7. TSA Boosts Revenue Collections, as FAAC Shares N511bn – AGF

The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation has said that the introduction of Treasury Single Account (TSA) will boost revenue collections against leakages and ensure timely disbursement of funds to beneficiaries of the Federation Accounts among others. The Accountant General of the Federation, Alhaji Ahmed Idris made the disclosure during separate courtesy visits to his office by managements of United Bank for Africa (UBA), Access Bank and Zenith Banks.

8. APC Lists New Cases of Looting, Says PDP Mess Must be Cleared for Nigerians to Enjoy Better Life

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has listed new instances of alleged looting of the treasury by some officials of the Jonathan Administration, saying the corruption mess that characterized the Administration was so pervasive that until it is cleaned, Nigeria will not be able to actualize its potentials. ”The party in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammad said, ” Those who would rather give comfort to the looters by dismissing the media exposure of looting cases as mere hell-raising should realize that no sane person can be silent in the face of what is unfolding as the worst cases of brazen stealing of public funds in Nigeria’s history,” the party said in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

9. Lopsided Appointments: ACF Chieftain Faults Adesina, Shehu For Not Doing Enough

A National Executive Council member of the pan-northern socio-political organization, Arewa Consultative Forum, Mohammed Abdulrahman, has lambasted the spokesmen of President Muhammadu Buhari for failing to thoroughly manage the widespread backlash caused by the President’s recent appointments. It was reported that the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, on Friday defended the appointments, promising the apparent lopsided nature of the appointments would “balance out very soon”. He stressed that the President was aware of Federal Character principle as enshrined in the constitution, adding that the ministerial list will be ready in September.

10. Amaechi Slams Wike, Says Probe Panel, Illegal

Former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi has dismissed rumour of any probe by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC over a rumoured possession of N7b in foreign account. Amaechi also dismissed statement credited to Governor Nyesom Wike that he is corrupt. Amaechi made the statement while addressing APC supporters in Port Harcout.

Economists and Governmental Policies

The new government is (in my opinion) purely ruling the country like we just newly gained iindependent and are in dire need of cognizance from the developed countries. Nigeria is an independent nation who should be capable of making key decisions by herself especially those that soothes her citizens or maintain a brilliant order of life in the country. In a little diversion; Nigeria economy have defy all methodologies, principles and facts. We have welcomed the greatest merchants, economists, lawyers, accountants and the military men who have all come to rule the nation, one sector/ministry of the economy or the other and have all failed to achievement great success. Nigeria economic setup has redefined all global knowledge and lay down rule to achieving an ascertained forward goal.

Neck deep in this revelation, our dear nation should withdraw her tentacles, lets desist from mediocre and paltry style of government where the US especially have to endorse all our governmental policy and polity. Every sector reform need the clarification of the advanced nations whose policy and reforms have been implemented in almost every sector of the economy and development still ceases to take paramount effect on the economy, life and status of the citizenry. The highly intellectual, educationally sound and elite past CBN governors have failed in uplifting the standards of this economy.

One of the frontline aim of this government was to unify, repair and polish the relationship between the nation and the US with an official meeting in America. That trip comprising of over 30 delegates (including the president’s son) turned out to be a waste of valuable time and resources except for some much publicized (via billboard cue social media) handshake between Gov Rochas Okorocha and the president of the United States. No names of oil theft list was released and Nigeria's much bloated dependency on the trip to America only deflated with the same ease it was published in the media.

The paradigm envisage is that: what eventually happens if the US do not endorse all our streamlined reforms. Activities deserve to be built on successful agenda to move the country forward. To reach a central goal towards developing the nation. The government needs to make recommendations based on the current Nigerian economic state with value and fundamentals of our economy should not be neglected.

Newspaper Review For Sunday 30th, August

1. Intrigues as Kogi APC Election Gets Underway

A new twist has been added to the ongoing Kogi State All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship primaries, as one of the aspirants, Tunde Irukera, has stepped down for Alhaji Sanusi Gamji. Irukera is believed to have been prompted by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and bankrolled by Billionaire business man, Jide Omokore. It is also believed that some others may soon announce their withdrawal from the race.

2. Tribunal: INEC maintains Guber Election in Delta was Never Rigged

The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) has refuted allegations that the last April governorship election in Delta State was rigged. The electoral body is the third respondent in the petition filed by the Labour Party (LP), and its gubernatorial candidate, Chief Great Ogboru challenging the declaration of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of the PDP as governor-elect of the state. At the resumed hearing of the petition filed by Ogboru and the Labour Party on Saturday, INEC’s Head of Department of Software Development, System Design and Analysis, Mrs. Nnenna Essien insisted that the last April election in Delta was never rigged.

3. Buhari Optimistic of Chibok Girls’ Rescue as Shettima Meets 90 Parents

President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday raised the hopes of parents of over 200 schoolgirls abducted over 500 days ago by Boko Haram insurgents at Government Secondary School, Chibok in southern part of Borno. Governor Kashim Shettima conveyed this message to 90 male and female parents of the missing girls at the Government House in Maiduguri on Saturday.

4. Buhari Disowns Documents Containing Campaign Promises of his First 100 Days in Office

President Muhammadu Buhari has distanced himself from two documents containing promises on what he would achieve in his first 100 days in office. A statement from his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu titled: “Understanding Buhari in 100 days” said he has no knowledge of the two campaign documents which reportedly emanated from the party’s “many centres of public communication which, for whatever reason, were on the loose.”

5. Cholera Kills 20 in Bauchi

Twenty persons have died of cholera in Shira Local Government Area (LGA), Bauchi State. This is contained in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria by the Information Officer in the LGA, Malam Danlami Baza, in Bauchi on Saturday. The statement said 200 persons were admitted in the hospital. It added that the Acting Chairman of the LGA, Alhaji Usman Mashema, called on the public to come out for treatment as soon as they noticed any sign of cholera.

6. NDLEA Begins Fresh Offensive Against Drug Trafficking in FCT

The FCT Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Saturday said it would embark on anti-narcotics campaign towards curtailing drug trafficking in the area. Mr Peter Adegbe, Public Relations Officer of the Command, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the agency would sensitise the people to expose drug traffickers in their midst. According to him, the FCT command has beefed up surveillance in Abaji, Gwagwalada, Bwari and Abuja Municipal Area Councils to tackle drug traffickers.

7. New Appointments: “I Never Said Buhari Disappointed Me” – Amaechi

Former governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has denied reports that he said Buhari disappointed him in respect of the new appointments. A statement signed by his media office said Amaechi did not grant such interview nor spoke to any one since he left office as governor. He further threatened lawsuit against the publishers of the story.

8. Nigerian Army Insists Boko Haram Will End in Days

The Nigerian Army has said that it will not be distracted by the recent reappearance of Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, stressing that with or without the terror kingpin, the insurgency will be ended in a matter of days. Shekau had released an audio statement about a week ago denying his rumoured death and the emergence of another lead­er of the insurgent group. His statement came at a time President Muhammadu Buhari gave a marching order to the mil­itary to end Boko Haram in three months.

9. APC Has Damaged Nigeria’s Economy in Just 3 Months – PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the President Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) government of damaging the nation’s economy in just three months ago in office. The party blamed the alleged inability of the Buhari-led government to chart a clear-cut economic policy for what it described as the “shambolic” state of the nation’s economy. It also accused the government of embarking on propaganda of imaginary achievements.

10. Buhari Directs CBN To Pay Tuition Fees of Amnesty Beneficiaries

President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, to ensure the outstanding tuition, stipends and allowances of all amnesty beneficiaries were paid without further delay. This was contained in a statement released on Friday by the Head of Communications, Amnesty Office, Mr. Daniel Alabra.

Newspaper Review For Saturday 29th, August

1. Obasanjo is a Liar, An Economic Illiterate – Soyinka

Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, on Friday described former president Olusegun Obasanjo as one who should not be taken seriously. He said the former president is as a liar and that he has no respect for him. The Nobel laureate stated this in Lagos at an event tagged “An Evening With Soyinka”, which was organised by Telecommunication company, Globacom, in his honour. Reacting to a question on what Obasanjo said about him recently, Soyinka noted that Obasanjo has a right to his opinion, stressing however that Obasanjo is liar, and been described as ‘economic illiterate’.

2. APC Bent On Using Illegal Means To Thwart Our Victory in Rivers, A’Ibom – PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the statement by the All Progressives Congress (APC), that it was obstructing justice at the Rivers state governorship tribunal, as failed cheap blackmail and an infantile attempt to cover their illegality of using state security agencies to attempt to subvert the victory of the PDP in the governorship election in the state. The party said that APC’s reaction to the petition written to President Muhammadu Buhari by 16 PDP federal lawmakers from Rivers state, shows its desperation to grab power through the back door, in a state where it was roundly rejected by the electorates.

3. Nigerian Troops Uncover, Destroy Bomb-Making Factory in Borno

The troops of 25 Task Force Brigade, Nigerian Army, on have discovered and destroyed another Improvised Explosives Device- (IED) making factory in Borno. This information is conveyed in a statement signed by Col. Sani Usman, Acting Director Army Public Relations and given to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Abuja on Friday. It stated that the factory was discovered at Miyati and Nyaleri villages in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno.

4. Maiduguri IDP Camps Record 500 Diarrhea Cases

The Borno Ministry of Health on Friday said that over 500 cases of Diarrhea and vomiting had been recorded in 22 Internally Displaced Persons’ Camps in the state capital. The Director Medical Response and Humanitarian Services, Dr. Muhammad Guluze, who stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Maiduguri, however said that no death had been recorded so far . According to him, about 320 of those affected are receiving treatment in about 18 health facilities within the state capital.

5. IGP Arase Redeploys 19 AIGs, 49 CPs

The inspector general of police, IGP Solomon Arase, has ordered the immediate redeployment of 19 assistant inspectors general of police, AIGs and commissioners of police CPs to various formations and commands across the country. Deputy Force public relations officer, PRO, Abayomi Shogunle made this known yesterday in a statement in which he said the deployment followed vacancies created in recent retirement and promotion of senior officer.

6. Fatima Atiku Forfeits Remuneration as Adamawa Commissioner

The daughter of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and newly appointed Adamawa State Commissioner for Health, Dr Fatima Atiku Abubakar, has forfeited her salary and allowances for use in revitalizing the health sector in the state. Speaking with journalists in Yola on Friday after being sworn–in along with 21 other commissioners, Ms Atiku said that she was making the sacrifice because of the numerous challenges in the health sector.

7. SSANU Urges Buhari To Extend Probe Beyond Jonathan’s Administration

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to look beyond the immediate past administration of Goodluck Jonathan in its corruption investigations and recover all money stolen from the nation’s treasury. The National President of the union, Comrade Samson Ugwoke, said this while addressing the National Executive Council meeting/Pre-National Delegate Conference in Jos.

8. NNPC Reduces Crude Lifting Firms By 63%

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has reduced the number of companies that will handle the contract of lifting Nigeria’s crude from 43 to 16. The drastic reduction is part of the Corporation’s transformation agenda aimed at keeping its operation lean, efficient and transparent to reduce cost. Its spokesman, Ohi Alegbe, said the decision is a novel move to instill transparency and probity in the award of the annual Crude Oil Term Contract for 2015/2016. He said: “NNPC yesterday mapped out measures to execute the 2015/2016 award of contract to companies for the evacuation of Nigeria’s crude oil equity from the various crude and condensate production arrangements.”

9. Police Raid Baby Factory in Enugu, Rescues Girls, Babies

Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command have rescued five pregnant girls and nine babies, under the age of one from a maternity home, identified as Daughters of Divine Home Pro-live, located along Aria Road by Cemetery axis of Enugu metropolis. The police team from the Central Police Station in the State stormed the home and rescued the girls following a tip off on August 21. A police source disclosed that those rescued were helping the operatives of the Anti-Child Trafficking Unit of the State Criminal Intelligence and Investigations Department, CIID, in the furtherance of its investigations.

10. Saraki Inaugurates Ad-Commiittee On power
Senate President President, Bukola Saraki today (Friday) inaugurated a 14 man ad-hoc Committee on Power with Senator Abubakar Kyari as Chairman, bringing to five all Committees inaugurated in his administration. In an elaborate ceremony, Saraki charged the Committee to work as part of their oversight functions, stressing that challenges in Power sector requires cooperation of National Assembly to get it tackled. “I want the Committee to realise that they have responsibilities under the oversight functions to see that challenges in Power sector receives legislative attention,” he said.

Newspaper Review For Friday 28th, August

1. President Buhari appoints SGF, Chief of Staff, others

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Mr Babachir Lawal as the new Secretary to the Government of the Federation. This is contained in a statement issued by the president’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina. The statement said the president also appointed Alhaji Abba Kyari as his Chief of Staff ; retired Col. Hameed Ali as Comptroller-General, Nigerian Customs Service, while Mr Kure Abeshi is the new Comptroller-General, Nigerian Immigration Service. It stated that the president also appointed Sen. Ita S. Enang as Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate) while Hon. Suleiman A. Kawu is the new SSA to the President on National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives).
According to the statement, the appointments are with effect from August 27.

2. Yobe tribunal judge dies in Abuja

A member of the panel hearing petition seeking to annul the election victory of Governor Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe State, Justice Audu Bako, has passed on
Justice Bako reportedly died around 2p.m. on Wednesday at Primus Hospital, Karu, a suburb in Abuja, after a brief illness.
He was buried in his home town, Nasarawa, Nasarawa State, according to Islamic rites.

3. PDP hit with fresh crisis over new chairman

The Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) is embroiled in a fresh crisis over which zone and who takes over from Chief Uche Secondus as National Chairman. According to Daily Sun, the North­east and the Southwest are now at loggerheads and have positioned candidates to take over the post. Secondus is presently holding the post in an acting capacity following the resignation of Adamu Mu’azu in July. Frontrunners in the race to choose the new chairman are Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose and for­mer Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister Senator Bala Mohammed.

4. EFCC probes of ex-Rivers Gov. Amaechi’s administration

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced a detailed investigation into some financial transactions during the tenure of the immediate past Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi, THISDAY is reporting. The investigation was based on a petition by a Port Harcourt-based group, The Integrity Group, which on July 29, wrote to the EFCC, detailing three instances of alleged corruption, graft and abuse of office under Amaechi’s government.

5. Nigeria marks 500 days since Boko Haram schoolgirl abductions

Relatives of more than 200 Nigerian schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram prepared Thursday to mark 500 days since the abductions, with hope dwindling for their rescue despite a renewed push to end the insurgency. The landmark comes amid a worsening security crisis in the northeast, where Islamists have stepped up deadly attacks since the inauguration of President Muhammadu Buhari, killing more than 1,000 people in three months.

6. Dangote expands to Asia, signs $4.34bn deal with Chinese firm

Dangote Cement Plc has expanded its frontiers to Asia by constructing a 3-million metric tonnes per annum (mmtpa) cement plant in Nepal as part of its new investment of $4.34 billion into 10 African countries. It also signed a N854.98 billion ($4.34 billion) worth of contracts with a construction firm renowned for construction of ultra-modern cement plants worldwide, China’s Sinoma International Engineering Company, to build cement plants across Africa.

7. Nigeria’s Amb. to US, Ade Adefuye, has passed on

Nigeria’s Ambassador and Head of Missions in the United States of America, Prof. Adebowale Ibidapo Adefuye, has passed on. He passed on Thursday in a hospital in Washington, DC, according to report. Since March 2010, Adebowale Ibidapo Adefuye a former history professor has been the ambassador from Nigeria to the United States, who has helped persuade the U.S. to remove this country from the government’s “country of interest” terrorism watch list.

8. Bauchi SSG Ahmed Sulieman emerges new Emir of Misau

Secretary to Bauchi State Government, Alhaji Ahmed Suleiman, has emerged the new First Class Emir of Misau in Bauchi State. His appointment is contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Permanent Secretary in charge of Political Affairs, Government House, Bauchi, Malam Hashimu Yakubu, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

9. Senate probes Customs, FIRS over N567bn scam

The Senate on Thursday commenced investigation into the alleged unauthorised spending of N567bn being the cost of tax collected by the Nigerian Customs Service and the Federal Inland Revenue Service from January 2005 to July 2015. A non-governmental organisation, Legislative Watch, dragged the two Federal Government agencies to the Senate through a petition that was sent to the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, on 13 August, 2015.

10. Tribunal decides Gbajabiamila’s fate Sept. 28

The Lagos State National Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal has fixed September 28, 2015 to give judgment in a petition challenging the victory of the All Progressives Congress lawmaker representing Surulere Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila. Gbajabiamila, who is now the Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, had been declared the winner of the March 28, 2015 poll by the Independent National Electoral Commission after polling 21, 715 votes.

Newspaper Review For Thursday, 27th August

1. Senate Committee Walks Out EFCC Officials Sent To Defend Alleged Diversion of N1trn

Officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, who appeared before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions were on Wednesday walked out at a session meant to hear a petition against the commission’s chairman, Ibrahim Lamorde over alleged diversion of over N1trillion recovered by the anti-graft agency. Chairman of the Committee, Senator Samuel Anyanwu (PDP, Imo) ordered that the Director, Legal of the EFCC, Chile Okoroma, representative of Lamorde, Barrister Osuagwu Ugochukwu and other staff of the EFCC should leave the hall against the backdrop that having written to be given enough time, they ought not to have been present at the meeting.

2. Arms Probe: Buhari’s Panel To Invite Past Service Chiefs, NSAs, Ministers

The investigation of arms purchase will witness the questioning of former Defence Chiefs, Service Chiefs, National Security Advisers (NSAs) and Ministers of Defence. According to The Nation, five Israelis, who played major roles in arms procurement for the military in the last six years, are to be invited by the committee set up on Monday by President Muhammadu Buhari. The Israelis reportedly left the country on the eve of the general elections, following signs that Buhari might win the poll.

3. We Are Behind Buhari’s Anti-corruption Crusade – Nigerian Pastors

Church leaders on Wednesday called on President Muhammadu Buhari not to give up on his fight against corruption in Nigeria. They spoke at a media briefing on the forthcoming state-wide crusade organised by the Deeper Christian Life Ministry in association with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN). Chairman of Lagos PFN, Bishop Sola Ore, represented by the Financial Secretary, Pastor Leke Akinola, said no corrupt official, past or present, should be spared.

4. Oshiomhole Describes Orubebe as ‘Clown’ Who Is Afraid of Probe

The Edo state governor, Adams Oshiomhole has alleged that the former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Godsday Orubebe, is a clown who is afraid of President Muhammadu Buhari’s planned probe of several billions of naira squandered on the East-West road and on the Amnesty programme under his watch as Minister of the Niger Delta Affairs. He stated this in reaction to yesterday’s outburst of the ex-minister where he accused Oshiomhole of being an ingrate and a sycophant owing to his relentless criticism of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

5. Oshiomhole is an Ingrate, Villa Sycophantic - Orubebe

Former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Dr. Godsday Orubebe, on Tuesday lashed out at the Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole over the latter’s constant criticisms of the immediate past administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. The former minister, who met with some journalists in Abuja, described the Governor as someone who is willing to switch allegiance to whoever is in power at any point in time.
He chastised the Edo governor for speaking against Jonathan whom he called a great leader.

6. FG Investigates 2nd Niger Bridge Contract

The Federal Government is investigating the contract cost and conditions surrounding the second Niger Bridge, which was awarded by the immediate past administration of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. Aminu Diko, the Director General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), stated this to the press after his presentations to President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
According to him, the Ministry of Works has been asked to review the contract cost of the project.

7. I'm Not Fighting Fashola, Says Tinubu

The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has distanced himself from the recent attacks against former Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State. Tinubu added that the attacks were being sponsored by the Peoples Democratic Party. Tinubu, who is a former governor of Lagos State, said this in a statement issued by his media office on Wednesday. Fashola, according to a report on the state government’s website, spent N78.3m on his personal website, www.tundefashola.com and N139m to construct two boreholes at the Lagos House, Ikeja, when he was governor.

8. Bailout: Release Funds To States, CBN Orders Banks

The Central Bank of Nigeria said on Wednesday that it had given approval to the request by the Deposit Money Banks to provide funds for state governments to enable them to pay the backlog of salaries of their workers. This central bank stated this in a statement made available to our correspondent and signed by the Director, Corporate Communications, CBN, Mr. Mu’azu Ibrahim. It said in the statement that the approval was based on the CBN’s decision to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to consider ways of liquidating the outstanding staff salaries owed by states and local governments.

9. Falana Denies Praising Jonathan's Anti-corruption Style

A Lagos-based human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), on Wednesday denied claims that he hailed former President Goodluck Jonathan’s approach to war against corruption. Falana, in a statement, said “some misguided fellows” attributed to him in his recent interview with Channels Television, a suggestion that the Jonathan administration fought corruption in a more civilised way. “I challenge the reactionary forces that have twisted and manipulated my views to reproduce any statement made by me suggesting that President Jonathan fought corruption in a civilised manner,” he said.

10. Ooni's Stool Open To All Ruling Houses - Osinkola

The Osinkola Ruling House has disgareed with the Giesi and Ogboru Ruling Houses on whose turn it is to produce the next Ooni. The leader of the Osinkola Ruling House, Prince Olakunle Aderemi, who led other members of the family to a press conference in Ile Ife on Wednesday said the race to fill the Ooni vacant stool was open to contest for the four ruling houses in Ile Ife. Based on this assertion, he said the family would field candidates for the stool because its children were qualified to join the race.

Newspaper Review For Wednesday 26th, August

1. ‘They allowed the refineries collapse so that their friends can bring in refined petrol’–Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has blamed past administrations for the current situation in which Nigeria is forced to spend billions of Naira annually on alleged subsidies for petroleum products. The President made his latest reservations about the petroleum subsidy regime known during a meeting with the Chairman and members of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC). President Buhari said the escalation of petroleum subsidy payments in the recent past was due to deliberate neglect of the nation’s refineries, oil pipelines and other related infrastructure which allowed the importation of petroleum products and corruption to thrive.

2. Jonathan recruited 1600 into Immigration, not Parradang – NIS Senior Officers

Senior officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has reacted to the suspension of Comptroller-General of Immigration, David Shikfu Parradang, by stating that he did not approve the recruitment of 1,600 officers to the Service. In a statement signed by Comrade S Audu and titled: “A STATEMENT FROM CONCERNED SENIOR IMMIGRATION OFFICERS” they stated that the immediate past president of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, constituted a Board that oversaw the recruitment of the officers, noting that, Parradang did not have the powers to approve such recruitment. They noted that President Muhammadu Buhari was not properly briefed of the process that led to the failed recruitment, adding that, Parradang was only used as a bait, same as previous Comptroller-Generals.

3. I Want To Unite South East Leaders With Buhari

The governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, has disclosed that his ultimate desire is to unite the governors and leaders of the South East to work with the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government. Okorocha stated this on Monday while addressing newsmen at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, SMICA, Owerri, on his arrival from Abuja. “As the only APC governor in the South East, I cannot do it alone and I cannot also play the attendant politics of establishing a very strong relationship between the South East governors and the APC-led Federal Government alone. Hence, every governor and leader in the South East must be carried along in the whole thing,” Okorocha said.

4. 66,000 Nigerians To Perform This Year's Hajj

Sixty-six thousand Nigerians will this year perform the 2015 Hajj exercise, using six airlines with 13 aircrafts. Speaking the inaugural airlift of the intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia at the Kaduna International Airport, President Mohammadu Buhari represented by Nasiru El-Rufai of Kaduna State, said government had set up a coordinating committee to supervise 2015 pilgrimage to the Holy Land. He said the committee, which would be funded by the service charge, which pilgrims paid to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), would be led by the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi.

5. CBN grants Fortis Microfinance bank National licence

The Chairman, Fortis Micro Finance Bank Plc., Mr Felix Achibiri, has said that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has granted the bank a national microfinance licence. Achibiri made the disclosure at the 2nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the bank in Abuja on Tuesday. “With a national licence, Fortis will be driving the CBN’s financial inclusion programme across the country by providing financial services to all the states of the federation. “Our success story over the years will be replicated nationwide and we will also through the use of technology, bring banking to the doorstep of all Nigerians. “Especially those at the base of the economic pyramid who are either underserved, under-banked or out rightly disenfranchised by the conventional financial service providers,’’ he said.

6. Restructured loans to reduce debt burden of states by 55 – 97 per cent – DMO

Director-General of the Debt Management Office, DMO, Mr. Abraham Nwankwo, yesterday expressed optimism that the recent restructuring of the short-term bank loans owed by 11 state governments into long-term Federal Government of Nigeria, FGN Bonds would cut their monthly debt service burden by a minimum of 55 per cent and maximum of 97 per cent. This was as he assured that the renegotiated facilities would equally result in interest rate savings of between three and nine per cent per annum for the affected states and help regain fiscal balance. Nwankwo stated this in Abuja while speaking to journalists in shortly after a meeting with a Kenyan delegation, comprising officials from the Central Bank of Kenya and the Treasury/Debt Management Department, which was on a study tour to unravel the success story of the Nigerian domestic bond market.

7. Lagos pulls down list of Fashola’s contract awards from website

A new twist has been added to the controversy surrounding the contract spending by the administration of the former governor of Lagos State, Babtunde Raji Fashola, as the Lagos State Government has removed the list of contracts awarded under the administration from its websites. The list, published on the website of the state’s Public Procurement Agency,www.lagosppa.gov.ng, stated that Fashola’s administration spent N78.3m on his personal website,www.tundefashola.com, in 2014 and N139m on the drilling of two boreholes at the Lagos House, Ikeja. The list of awarded contracts on the website of Lagos State Tenders Board, http://www.stb.lagosstate.gov.ng/, has also been pulled down.

8. Lawyers protest against Amaechi at NBA Conference in Abuja

Some members of the Nigerian Bar Association yesterday protested at the NBA 2015 Annual Conference ongoing in Abuja. The protesting members of the Association who were members from the Rivers state Chapter staged the protest to show their grievances against the inclusion the former Governor of Rivers state, Rotimi Amaechi as guest in one of the sessions. Amaechi and Governor Adams Oshiomole of Edo state were to preside over a session in the conference and present speeches on the theme -Public Perception of Lawyers: Is the Esteem Justified?

9. Group lambasts CJN, NJC, Falana for backing Aregbesola against Osun judge

The Civil Societies Coalition for the Emancipation of Osun State (CSCEO) has chided the National Judicial Commission (NJC) for meddling in Justice Folahanmi Oloyede’s marital squabbles. The group expressed shock that the chairman of the commission, Chief Justice of the Federation (CJN), Mahmud Mohammed, gave attention to a petition sent to the NJC by one Mrs. Emily Richard-Obire claiming that Oloyede snatched her husband. CSCEO in a statement in Osogbo, Osun State, signed by its chairman and its director of mobilisation, Comrade Adeniyi Sulaiman and Rev. Theophilus Ayodeji respectively, accused the CJN and the NJC of dancing to the tune of politicians.

10. I didn’t hire anyone to attack EFCC – Saraki

Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has dismissed media reports alleging that he hired one Uboh to smear the integrity of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. In a press statement signed by Bamikole Omisore, his Special Assistant on Online Media, he said “it is pertinent and with all sense of responsibility and commitment to state unequivocally that the story is far from the truth. A fabricated story that can not sell to dent the image of Senator Saraki. “The general public is fully aware that the said online platform which published the false story has been an agent of media attack on the person of the Senate President and that all allegations made by the online platform against the have fallen flat on their face as bare lies, concocted with malicious intention.

Newspaper Review For Wednesday , 26th August

1. ‘They allowed the refineries collapse so that their friends can bring in refined petrol’–Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has blamed past administrations for the current situation in which Nigeria is forced to spend billions of Naira annually on alleged subsidies for petroleum products. The President made his latest reservations about the petroleum subsidy regime known during a meeting with the Chairman and members of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC). President Buhari said the escalation of petroleum subsidy payments in the recent past was due to deliberate neglect of the nation’s refineries, oil pipelines and other related infrastructure which allowed the importation of petroleum products and corruption to thrive.

2. Jonathan recruited 1600 into Immigration, not Parradang – NIS Senior Officers

Senior officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has reacted to the suspension of Comptroller-General of Immigration, David Shikfu Parradang, by stating that he did not approve the recruitment of 1,600 officers to the Service. In a statement signed by Comrade S Audu and titled: “A STATEMENT FROM CONCERNED SENIOR IMMIGRATION OFFICERS” they stated that the immediate past president of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, constituted a Board that oversaw the recruitment of the officers, noting that, Parradang did not have the powers to approve such recruitment. They noted that President Muhammadu Buhari was not properly briefed of the process that led to the failed recruitment, adding that, Parradang was only used as a bait, same as previous Comptroller-Generals.

3. I Want To Unite South East Leaders With Buhari

The governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, has disclosed that his ultimate desire is to unite the governors and leaders of the South East to work with the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government. Okorocha stated this on Monday while addressing newsmen at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, SMICA, Owerri, on his arrival from Abuja. “As the only APC governor in the South East, I cannot do it alone and I cannot also play the attendant politics of establishing a very strong relationship between the South East governors and the APC-led Federal Government alone. Hence, every governor and leader in the South East must be carried along in the whole thing,” Okorocha said.

4. 66,000 Nigerians To Perform This Year's Hajj

Sixty-six thousand Nigerians will this year perform the 2015 Hajj exercise, using six airlines with 13 aircrafts. Speaking the inaugural airlift of the intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia at the Kaduna International Airport, President Mohammadu Buhari represented by Nasiru El-Rufai of Kaduna State, said government had set up a coordinating committee to supervise 2015 pilgrimage to the Holy Land. He said the committee, which would be funded by the service charge, which pilgrims paid to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), would be led by the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi.

5. CBN Grants Fortis Microfinance Bank National Licence

The Chairman, Fortis Micro Finance Bank Plc., Mr Felix Achibiri, has said that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has granted the bank a national microfinance licence. Achibiri made the disclosure at the 2nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the bank in Abuja on Tuesday. “With a national licence, Fortis will be driving the CBN’s financial inclusion programme across the country by providing financial services to all the states of the federation. “Our success story over the years will be replicated nationwide and we will also through the use of technology, bring banking to the doorstep of all Nigerians. “Especially those at the base of the economic pyramid who are either underserved, under-banked or out rightly disenfranchised by the conventional financial service providers,’’ he said.

6. Restructured Loans To Reduce Debt Burden of States By 55 – 97 per cent – DMO

Director-General of the Debt Management Office, DMO, Mr. Abraham Nwankwo, yesterday expressed optimism that the recent restructuring of the short-term bank loans owed by 11 state governments into long-term Federal Government of Nigeria, FGN Bonds would cut their monthly debt service burden by a minimum of 55 per cent and maximum of 97 per cent. This was as he assured that the renegotiated facilities would equally result in interest rate savings of between three and nine per cent per annum for the affected states and help regain fiscal balance. Nwankwo stated this in Abuja while speaking to journalists in shortly after a meeting with a Kenyan delegation, comprising officials from the Central Bank of Kenya and the Treasury/Debt Management Department, which was on a study tour to unravel the success story of the Nigerian domestic bond market.

7. Lagos Pulls Down List of Fashola’s Contract Awards From Website

A new twist has been added to the controversy surrounding the contract spending by the administration of the former governor of Lagos State, Babtunde Raji Fashola, as the Lagos State Government has removed the list of contracts awarded under the administration from its websites. The list, published on the website of the state’s Public Procurement Agency,www.lagosppa.gov.ng, stated that Fashola’s administration spent N78.3m on his personal website,www.tundefashola.com, in 2014 and N139m on the drilling of two boreholes at the Lagos House, Ikeja. The list of awarded contracts on the website of Lagos State Tenders Board, http://www.stb.lagosstate.gov.ng/, has also been pulled down.

8. Lawyers Protest Against Amaechi at NBA Conference in Abuja

Some members of the Nigerian Bar Association yesterday protested at the NBA 2015 Annual Conference ongoing in Abuja. The protesting members of the Association who were members from the Rivers state Chapter staged the protest to show their grievances against the inclusion the former Governor of Rivers state, Rotimi Amaechi as guest in one of the sessions. Amaechi and Governor Adams Oshiomole of Edo state were to preside over a session in the conference and present speeches on the theme -Public Perception of Lawyers: Is the Esteem Justified?

9. Group Lambasts CJN, NJC, Falana For Backing Aregbesola Against Osun Judge

The Civil Societies Coalition for the Emancipation of Osun State (CSCEO) has chided the National Judicial Commission (NJC) for meddling in Justice Folahanmi Oloyede’s marital squabbles. The group expressed shock that the chairman of the commission, Chief Justice of the Federation (CJN), Mahmud Mohammed, gave attention to a petition sent to the NJC by one Mrs. Emily Richard-Obire claiming that Oloyede snatched her husband. CSCEO in a statement in Osogbo, Osun State, signed by its chairman and its director of mobilisation, Comrade Adeniyi Sulaiman and Rev. Theophilus Ayodeji respectively, accused the CJN and the NJC of dancing to the tune of politicians.

10. I didn’t Hire Anyone To Attack EFCC – Saraki

Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has dismissed media reports alleging that he hired one Uboh to smear the integrity of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. In a press statement signed by Bamikole Omisore, his Special Assistant on Online Media, he said “it is pertinent and with all sense of responsibility and commitment to state unequivocally that the story is far from the truth. A fabricated story that can not sell to dent the image of Senator Saraki. “The general public is fully aware that the said online platform which published the false story has been an agent of media attack on the person of the Senate President and that all allegations made by the online platform against the have fallen flat on their face as bare lies, concocted with malicious intention.

Newspaper Review For Tuesday 25th, August

1. Ban Ki-moon Invites Buhari To Meeting on Anti-extrimism in New York

President Muhammadu Buhari has accepted an invitation from the United Nations Secretary-General, Mr Ban Ki-moon to a meeting of world leaders in New York to formulate fresh plan of action against extremism. Femi Adesina, the president’s Adviser on Media and Publicity, in a statement on Monday said that Ban made the request during a closed door meeting with Buhari at the Presidential Villa. It quoted Ban as saying the UN would welcome Buhari’s “input and experience” in finalising plans to introduce a new resolution against extremism at the General Assembly. US President Barack Obama and French President Francois Hollande are also expected to participate in the meeting billed for September 28.

2. Fashola's Reckless Spending, a Confirmation of Lagos Open Parliament - CACOL

Fashola identifies flouting of law and order as Nigeria’s greatest enemyThe Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders, CACOL, has reacted to a recent media publication of some contracts awarded under the Administration of Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, saying the publication was a confirmation of CACOL’s assertion in its two-volume publication titled “Lagos Open Parliament 1&2”, in which the Coalition raised several issues on Mr Fashola’s reckless spending on frivolous and white-elephant projects while his tenure as governor of Lagos State lasted. It would be recalled that CACOL had on several occasions complained of the reluctance of anti-corruption agencies and LAHA to probe the immediate past government in Lagos state for the regime’s alleged reckless spending on projects that were not fully relevant to the need of Lagosians.

3. Senate Lauds NERC's Pro- People Position

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has been commended for being responsive to the yearnings of the people. In a press statement which was issued on Monday, Senator Dino Melaye, Ad-hoc Committee Chairman on Media and Publicity stressed that the regulatory agency has demonstrated that it is responsible and sensitive to the people it serves. “While describing the steps taken so far by NERC in response to Senate’s resolution on the issue of fixed charges as a pro-people position, Melaye said the commission has shown that it is a responsible regulatory body”, the statement said.

4. DPR Shuts 29 Filling Stations in Benue, Nasarawa Over 'Sharp Practices'

The Directorate of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Makurdi field office, has shut 29 additional filling stations in Benue and Nasarawa states for engaging in what they tagged ‘sharp practices.’ This latest closure has brought the total number of filling stations that were shut by the department to 39 outlets in one week. It was gathered that no fewer than five of the outlets that were shut have paid the N100,000 penalties that would allow them open shop, with a warning to sell the right quantity at the right price.

5. Boko Haram: Switzerland Approves $8million For North East

Acting Ambassador of Switzerland to Nigeria, Chad and Niger, Dr. David Cavegn who was in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital alongside Mr. pascal Holliger, Political Adviser at the Embassy, has said that, his country has approved the sum of eight million dollars to help the northeast sub-region and neigbouring Chad Republic in the fight against the Boko Haram insurgents. Dr. David, while speaking on Monday also said that, the amount would not be the only assistance that Switzerland is looking into, but a commencement of a long time assistance to the northeast sub-region, particularly in the fight against insurgency. He said it was an immediate assistance to the Internally Displaced persons,IDPs. According to him, while the root cause of the insurgency is being looked into in order to have a better understanding of the situation, the Embassy took the opportunity to visit and commiserate with the people and government of Borno state over the unfortunate incidents of Boko Haram attacks.

6. Ikorodu Robbery Suspects Sue Police For #5m for Forcing Them To Confess

The suspected robbers, who allegedly attacked banks in Ikorodu have told the Federal High Court in Lagos that the confessional statements they made to the police were under duress. The defendant’s lawyer, Olusegun Akanbi is, therefore, praying the court to order the police to produce them if they were still alive. He said the suspects “made confessional statements to the members of the press out of duress”. The lawyer maintained that it was unconstitutional for the police to parade criminal suspects and have them grant press interviews under compulsion. ‎

7. Reps Back Buhari Anti-graft War, Express Readiness To Slash Salary

The House of Representatives yesterday endorsed President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-graft measures, even as it expressed the readiness to slash its salaries as its own contribution to reducing the high cost of governance in the country. Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Mohammed Sani Zorro, who disclosed this in Lagos, said all members of the House of Representatives irrespective of party affiliations are on the same page with the President on the change agenda and are ready to give him the necessary legislative backing to actualize the agenda. He asserted that the need to streamline the funding of the House’s activities in line with best practices across the world and Nigeria’s economic fortunes was what led the Reps to set up the Dr Clement Nwankwo Committee.

8. Senate To Probe Lamorde Over Alleged Diversion of #1Trn Corruption Proceeds

Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Lamorde, is expected to appear before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions on Wednesday over allegations that he fraudulently diverted over N1tn proceeds from corruption recovered by the anti-graft agency. This followed a petition to the Senate from a certain George Uboh that part of the money said to have been diverted by the EFCC boss included the loot recovered from a former Governor of Bayelsa State, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha; and ex-Inspector-General of Police, Tafa Balogun.

9. FG Orders Withdrawal of Diplomatic Passports From Unauthorized Persons

The Federal Government has directed the Nigeria Immigration Service to withdraw diplomatic passports from unqualified persons holding them. The FG directives was contained in the statement issued Director of Press, Yusuf Isiaka Alhaji, on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior. He said: “The attention of the Federal government that some Nigerians who are not entitled to hold diplomatic and official passports are in possession of these documents. “In view of the Federal government determination to protect and promote Nigeria’s integrity in the comity of nations, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Interior has directed the Nigeria Immigration Service to retrieve all valid diplomatic and official passports with immediate effect from all persons who are not entitled to hold such documents”.

10. Illegal Fire Arms: DSS Charge Dasuki To Court

The immediate past National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.) has been charged to court by the Department of State Security Services (DSS), over offenses related to possession of fire arms without license. A statement by the DSS on Monday issued by Tony Opuiyo said after searching Dasuki’s houses on July 16, 2015, its men discovered large cache of arms and ammunition and has subsequently charged him to court. Opuiyo stated that the search was necessitated by credible intelligence which linked him to acts capable of undermining national security.

Newspaper Review For Monday 24th,August

1. Buhari to Lawyers: Expose all Crooks, Corrupt Persons

President Muhammadu Buhari has urged Nigerian lawyers not to sacrifice the integrity of the country’s legal system in a bid to cover the misdeeds of their clients, no matter how lucrative the brief may be. Speaking at the opening of the 55th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) on Sunday in Abuja, President Buhari called on Nigerian lawyers to support his administration’s war against corruption and help the country return to the path of rectitude by making Nigerian courts functional and effective again.

2. Ban Ki-moon To Mark Bombing and Chibok Girls

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon arrived Nigeria on Sunday to commemorate the bombing of UN’s headquarters by Islamist sect, Boko Haram and also to focus new attention on over 200 schoolgirls kidnapped in Chibok, Borno State by the ruthless extremists. Ki-moon will meet with President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday, amid plans to launch a long-delayed regional offensive against the Islamic insurgents who have since pledged allegiance to the Islamic State. A UN statement says the leaders will discuss ways to counter violent extremism as well as human rights and climate change.

3. Otuoke Community Head Decries Water Scarcity

Mr Elijah Ateki, the Chairman, Community Development Committee (CDC), Otuoke, Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa, has bemoaned the scarcity of potable water in the area. Ateki told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Otuoke on Sunday that lack of drinking water was the major problem in the community. According to him, the situation is due to the pollution of rivers in the area by oil spilage. He said the community had suffered inadequate potable water over the years, and urged the State and Federal Governments to provide the people with potable water. “Otuoke community depends on rivers and now that all the rivers are polluted by oil, it is difficult for us to get potable water here.” Ateki said.

4. PDP to Commence e-registration For Members

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) resuscitates the online system for registration of party members across the country. The party said Edo state would be used as a pilot for the project, a development that has resulted in the deferment of earlier scheduled congresses in the state. PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, in a statement on Sunday said the decision to resuscitate the e-registration project is part of the reengineering efforts to rebuild the party. “The National Working Committee (NWC), after very wide consultations with critical stakeholders, and in line with the wishes and aspirations of our teeming supporters across the country, has approved the resuscitation of the e-registration project.

5. Rivers APC Dismisses Corruption Allegations Against Amaechi

The Rivers State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed the corruption allegations against immediate past Governor of the State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, with a wave of the hand. The party in a statement issued Sunday morning in Port Harcourt by its State Chairman, Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, said that the latest allegation “by the wailing Care-taker Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike’s camp that Amaechi has foreign bank accounts lacks substance”.

6. Resign or Be Sacked From INEC - Ozekhome Warns Amina Zakari

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mike Ozekhome, has again called for the resignation of Amina Zakari as the acting Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission. His call followed speculations that President Muhammadu Buhari may make her substantive head of the commission. Zakari, who was National Commissioner at INEC, replaced Prof. Attahiru Jega, whose five-year tenure as the INEC chairman ended on June 30. Ozekhome in a chat with Sunday Punch said Zakari should resign or be dismissed. According to him, her credibility as acting INEC chairman should be called to question by law and based on the allegations brought against her.

7. Nigerians Will Stone Jonathan and His Men to Death If They Discover Their Loots - Oshiomhole

Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole has stated that Nigerians might be forced to stone former President Goodluck Jonathan and his cabinet members to death if they have full details of the money that went missing under the last administration. Oshiomole, in an interview with Vanguard said that under the leadership of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Federal Government spent the sum of N140billion on consultancy for the Second Niger bridge. ”If Nigerians know what these people did, they will stone them to death, jungle justice. 700 million dollars gone on second Niger bridge without any bridge to show”.

8. Abacha Nearly Killed Me - Obasanjo

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo has recalled how he escaped death under the leadership of later former dictator, Sani Ababcha. Obasanjo, who made this disclosure on Friday at his Presidential Hilltop residence in Abeokuta, while playing host to officials of the National Association of Nigerians Students, said he would support President Buhari’s government. Recalling his near death experience under the late Abacha administration, Obasanjo said that he and some retired military officers and civilians were jailed in 1995 for allegedly plotting to overthrow the administration and released after Abacha’s death in 1998.

9. Pastor Reveals How Boko Haram Killed 8,000 Members of his Church

President of Ekklisiyar Yan’uwa A Nigeria, EYN (Church of the Brethren in Nigeria), Rev. Samuel Dali, has disclosed that no fewer than 8,000 of his members have been killed by members of the Boko Haram in the North-East zone of the country. He, however, expressed hope that the war against Boko Haram would be won. The cleric said aside the massacre of his church members, 70% of church facilities in Adamawa, Yobe and Borno States were destroyed in series of attacks championed by the insurgents. Yan’uwa was, however, optimistic that President Muhammadu Buhari would end the activities of Boko Haram.

10. Usain Bolt Beats Gatlin to Retain 100m Title

Beijing (AFP) – Jamaican Usain Bolt trumped American rival Justin Gatlin to retain his world 100m title in spectacular style on Sunday. Bolt, also the double Olympic gold medallist and world record holder in the blue riband event, ran a season’s best of 9.79 seconds in Beijing. Gatlin, who has served two doping bans, was just one-hundredth of a second off Bolt, taking silver in 9.80sec with fellow American Trayvon Bromell and Canadian Andre de Grassse awarded bronze medals after both timing 9.92sec.

Newspaper Review For Sunday 23rd August

1. Saraki Eats Humble Pie, Reaches Out to Tinubu

The battle of wills rocking the leadership of the All Progressives Congress may soon be over. Multiple sources informed that contrary to his public posturing of defiance, the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, had started reaching out to some of the I aggrieved leaders of the party. Saraki is one of the gladiators in the clash of egos and wills that followed the Senate leadership election on June 9 and subsequent appointment of principal officers. The Senate President had earlier visited former President Olusegun Obasanjo to help him beg President Muhammadu Buhari. He also reportedly met with the Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi, on the same matter. During the week, some emissaries sent by Saraki met with President Buhari and sought forgiveness for the Senate President for acting contrary to the dictates of the party.

2. My life in Danger over Petition against Anyim - PDP Leader

A leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, who alleged that former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. Pius Anyim, tricked former President Goodluck Jonathan in the construction of the Centenary City, has said his life is now in danger. Ojougboh has, as a result, asked his lawyer, Mr. Kayode Ajulo, to write two separate petitions on the alleged plan to kill him and the involvement of a foreign company in the alleged scam. He said, “I have instructed my lawyers to forward petitions to the Government of the United Arab Emirates over the scam (allegedly) being perpetrated by Eagle Hills. “The petition should also be sent to the Nigerian Immigration Service over the activities of a notorious Mexican drug baron called Carlos Cabal that has been given the task to assassinate me; the European Union and the Government of Germany over the activities of Berger the Billfinger in Nigeria and African Human Rights Commission in The Gambia.”

3. Amaechi Didn't Leave #7bn in River Treasury

The controversy concerning Rivers State’s treasury took a different dimension on Saturday when Governor Nyesom Wike disagreed with his predecessor’s insistence that he left N7.5bn cash in the state’s coffers. Former Governor Rotimi Amaechi had, in a statement, said a total of N7.5bn cash was left behind as the balances for the state’s internally generated revenue account with Skye Bank; the Federal Account Allocation Committee accounts with Zenith Bank and Access Bank; and the state’s Reserve Funds in First Bank. But Wike, on Saturday, dismissed Amaechi’s claim and asked why students under the state’s scholarship scheme were not paid their tuition fees and other allowances. According to the governor, a fraction of N7.5bn would have saved the final-year students abroad the trauma of standing the risk of being sent back home from their various foreign universities.

4. Ban Ki-Moon to Visit Nigeria Today

The United Nations’ Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, is expected to visit Nigeria on Sunday (today). A statement issued by the UN on Friday said Ki-Moon would meet with President Muhammadu Buhari and would subsequently engage in a few field activities. The statement read, “The Secretary-General will travel to Abuja, Nigeria, over the weekend. During his visit, he will meet with President Buhari and other federal and state government officials. He will also meet with leaders from human rights, religious, civil society and business communities. “The Secretary-General is expected to discuss development, climate change, human rights and countering violent extremism while he is in Nigeria. He will also mark the anniversary of the August 26, 2011 attack on UN House in Abuja.”

5. There is No Alternative to Democracy Says Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said there is no alternative to democracy, arguing that he almost lost his life to a dictator under a military rule. He said this on Friday at his Hilltop residence in Abeokuta when officials of the National Association of Nigerians Students and some student union leaders from various institutions of learning paid him a visit. Obasanjo and some other retired military officers and civilians were jailed in 1995 by the military government of the late Gen.Sani Abacha, after he was found guilty by a military tribunal of allegedly plotting to overthrow Abacha’s administration.

6. Radio Biafra Resurfaces

The controversial pirate radio channel, Radio Biafra, has again resumed transmission, despite the Federal Government’s claim that it had jammed the station’s signals.
The Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) had on July 14, announced that it jammed the transmission signals of the radio station, which was operating illegally from an unknown location. It was observed on Saturday that the channel had not been transmitting on the FM 104.7 band, on which its signals was received in Enugu, since July but had resumed transmission on the same 104.7 FM band, from which it transmitted before it went off air.

7. Ooni's Final Rites: Residents Advised to Stay Indoors For Oro Deity

Residents of the ancient town of Ile-Ife, have been warned to remain indoors for the Oro deity to observe the final funeral rite for the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Ile-Ife, Osun, observed that the palace town criers were going round the town announcing that residents, especially commercial drivers and motorcyclists should stay indoors between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. NAN reports that this will enable the Oro deity perform necessary rite for the departed monarch. It was gathered that the Head of Oro Cult in Ife, the Awara of Iwara, Oba Layi Adereti had ordered the curfew, warning that anyone who flouted the order, irrespective of age or gender would face its consequences.

8. Nigeria to Adopt Strict Visa Insurance Policy to Stop Terrorists

The Federal Government has directed it missions to adopt strict visa issuance policy in order to ensure that undesirable elements do not have his/her way into the country. The directive followed the botched attempt by the Chief Imam of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), Ahmed Al-Assir, to enter Nigeria. Henceforth, visa applicants from marked areas will, according to sources, be subjected scrutiny. Security agencies have already stepped up investigation into Al-Assir’s possible contacts in Nigeria.

9. Start Your Anti Graft War With Those Around You - Ohanaeze Tells Buhari

The apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to start his corruption war with people around him.
The Igbo group said the President is in the midst of corrupt people, even though he is not one of them. Dr. Joe Nwaorgu, the secretary general of the group, told The Sun said: “There are corrupt people around President Buhari. In public perception, people who are corrupt, are very much around him. “He should cast his eyes around him and get those who are parading to be in the same party with him, but who do not have the same pedigree in terms of decency like him.”

10. Army Chief Buratai Escape Boko Haram Ambush

Nigeria’s new army chief drove to the frontline of the war on Boko Haram and narrowly missed an ambush that killed one soldier and wounded two.
The ambushed advance team nonetheless gunned down five insurgents and arrested five on Friday’s drive down the most dangerous stretch of road in Nigeria, from Maiduguri, the northeastern city where Nigeria’s Islamic uprising was born, northeast to Ngala, on the Cameroon border. The 140-kilometer (90-mile) ride took four hours with stops, including for soldiers to check for land mines.

Newspaper Review For Saturday, 22nd of August

1. Buhari Appoints Obasanjo as Special Envoy to Guinea Bissau
President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed concerned over the unfolding political situation in Guinea Bissau following the dismissal of the Prime Minister, Mr Domingos Pereira, and his cabinet by President Jose Mario Vaz. This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday by the president’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina. It stated that Buhari had already sent former President Olusegun Obasanjo as his Special Envoy to mediate and help find a solution to the crisis brewing in that country.

2. Bala Muhammad, 5 others eye PDP Chair
There are indications that a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed, and five others are warming up to square it up for the vacant position of the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Others who are jostling for the job are Prof. Ahmed Alkali, a former Special Adviser on Political Affairs to former President, Goodluck Jonathan, former Minister of State for Power, Mohammed Wakil and PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Jalo Abdullahi. According to reports, some governors are pushing for ex-Governor, Sule Lamido and ex-Katsina State Governor, Ibrahim Shema.

3. Airstrike by US kill ISIS Deputy Leader, Haji Mutazz
The United States-led coalition has killed the deputy leader of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), Hajji Mutazz. A terse statement by the White House Friday night says Mutazz was “prominently involved in directing ISIS finance operations”. The US Air Force struck the ISIS second in command while he was travelling in a vehicle in company of others.

4. Buhari Suspends Immigration Boss
In a move that may herald the clamp down on officers who might have been implicated in the issuance of visa to a wanted ISIS chieftain, President Muhammadu Buhari has suspended the comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, David Parradang, with immediate effect. His suspension was made known in a statement issued by the Director of Press, Federal Ministry of Interior, Mr. Yusuf Isiaka Alhaji, on behalf of the permanent secretary of the ministry on Friday in Abuja.

5. NYSC Secures #200m Bank Facility, Corpers To Access Loan
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on Friday said it had secured over N200 million bank facility for disbursement to corps members as loans to enable them start their businesses. Brig-Gen. Johnson Olawumi, the Director-General of the corps, said this when the Commander, Guards Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Musa Yusuf, paid a familiarisation visit to the NYSC Headquarters in Abuja.

6. I Stepped Down For El Rufai Bacause I was told Buhari Endorsed him - Shehu Sani
The lawmaker representing Kaduna Central senatorial district in the National Assembly, Senator Shehu Sani, has revealed that he dropped his ambition to become the Kaduna State governor after party chieftains prevailed on him to step down for Mallam Nasir El-Rufai because he was President Muhammadu Buhari’s choice candidate. While insisting that his present rift with the governor of Kaduna State, El-Rufai, is purely ideological, Sani told Leadership that: “I never intended to contest for the Senate; I wanted to contest for the governorship and I opened offices in Zaria, Kaduna and Kafanchan, and later there was pressure on me that I should step down. Politicians came to meet me; that I should step down and allow el-Rufai to contest because they said he was the favourite of the president.

7. DHQ set up Joint Task Force to Curb Cattle Rustling
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Thursday announced the setting up of a Joint Task Force to curb cattle rustling in some parts of the country. The DHQ, said the task force, comprising men of the Nigerian Army and the Air Force, was specifically put in place to combat cattle rustling at the Kamuku Forest in the North-West and would remain in place until the forest was rid of all criminals and their activities. Also, the DHQ announced the seizure of an illegal vessel containing 150,000 litres of refined petroleum products by its Joint Task Force, Operation Pulo Shield, in the Niger Delta region.

8. Excess Crude Account Now Stands at $2.2Bn - FG
The Federal Ministry of Finance on Thursday told the National Economic Council (NEC) that the Excess Crude Account (ECA) now stands at $2.207 billion as at August 2015. The latest figure presented before NEC shows that there has been N200,000,000 (two hundred million naira) increase since the new government came into power in May 29. It would be recalled that the former Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, noted that the ECA stood at $2.07 billion as at May 2015.

9. Ogun Teachers Decry Delay in Remittance of Salary Deductions
Teachers in Ogun State have cried out over the delay in the remittance of deductions made from their salaries into their cooperative accounts. The teachers, who spoke to our correspondent in separate interviews, said the development, which has persisted for over eight months, has made life difficult for them. The state government is said to be owing various cooperative establishments since last October, only to remit merely the June deductions from civil servants’ salaries. However, the teachers, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, claimed that the problem had brought them untold hardship, saying that they have committed a large percentage of their salaries to their respective cooperative societies.

10. Students Urge Gov Ambode to end LASU Crises
The Lagos State University Students Union on Friday urged Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to end the lingering crisis between the institution’s vice-chancellor and the staff unions. The Union’s Public Relations Officer, Adebanjo Fatai, said Mr. Ambode should step into the matter to disallow it from getting out of hand.
Mr. Fatai said that the union is in support of the protest by the National Association of Nigerian Students, Zone D, on August 20, to call the governor’s attention to LASU’s crisis. He said that the protest at the Ojo campus of LASU, during which its gate was barricaded for hours, was not aimed at attacking the staff unions or any other personality. “NANS intervened to call on the governor for an action, and not to attack the staff unions. So, their action should not be misinterpreted.

Nigerian Youths And Political Propaganda

Nigeria youth grandeur is a prototypical representation of the character and attitude with which Nigerian politics is being projected. Information is top notch with the speed of light. Interpretation could be ambiguous and misconception of the narratives could greatly swing with any attached alternating altitude. This could be of the less significance with the new attitude to the psychology of reasoning of the modern Nigerian youths.

Nigerian youths are intellectual no doubt with lots of information at our disposal with the recent aid and cheap availability of the Internet together with the zeal to learning anything, however, our pact or direction should not swerve too further from the base of truthfulness and impartiality. Nepotism and partisanship should be harbored with diplomacy, caution and shrewdness.

Nigerian youths should be quick to recall that the ideology of each party representation is not a direct representation of the party stance and vice versa. A typical Nigerian political party is an aggregation of patent party ideologist, sensitive and insensitive party decampees, party rogues and imperceptive mentalities who have no basic knowledge of the party goals and objectives at heart.

So therfore, I will ask; why do Nigerian youths who have no basic knowledge of the situations in a different regional state, stand tall as an advocate in proponent for any political battle that stands against the party representative in the other region. Pathetic I would say! A predicament and morass complication in our hands it is.

Our youths need to be reminded that a party can never be right on every issue that befalls her all the time. This is necessary to avoid breeding cancerworm in the fabrics of this great nation. Let's agitate towards a better politically balanced Nigeria, youthfully. Tomorrow is in our hands, let's aspire for a legacy inspired towards awarding a profound and moral ethics and value for our generation and beyond.

@deeduke1 for
www.ethicsmagazine.org.ng

The unsteady dilemma of the opposition

The downtrodden effect of the unsignificant but convincing strategy and procedures to actualising victory in the past election of the now ruling party of Nigeria is outrightly the major obstacle that gravely seems to stare right back at them; the APC even while in power and government.

There were plenty dirty, nasty, hoggish, distasteful and unethical methods that were employed to claiming the mandate of leadership albeit exhibited by both parties. Unrealistic and mirage promises were also on display, heaven and earth were promised, the good deeds from their distrustful and timid archives and track records were advertised as "a tip of the iceberg" to the feeble minded and inexperienced citizens of this country. Witty! you might exclaim. Quite rightly, everybody danced to their tune, now the albatross burden and responsibilities though attainable is reaching an equivalent ethical threshold and a direct mutation of the infinite taste and savoury of the contemporary people from the government of today is all incarnation over again.

Ponder this: Is it ethical to cook up lies about your competitors or opposition for the sole aim of winning a contract? Many people's standard of behavior will insist that lying for a business financial victory is not unethical.

The Yorubas (from South West, Nigeria) will invariably put it thus:
"egba ti a fi na iya'le on be lori aja fun iyawo"
In English: "the cane or thin rod (used as a means of punishment) for flogging the first wife is also on the roof for the new wife"

Moral Lesson: Playing the politically naive, unseasoned and callow but simultaneously abruptly blunt, explicit and impolite Donald Trump's modalities and methods will inadvertently lead you nowhere. However, we should aptly digest the moral importance highlighted with this present leadership and their wobbly and wiggly melodrama which is certainly going to lead them to a juncture that will determine their fate come 2019.

@deeduke1 for
www.ethicsmagazine.org.ng