Brake Failure: Bus rammed into Owoniboys Building in Taiwo, Ilorin

FULL TEXT OF PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI'S 2016 BUDGET ADDRESS AT THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY TODAY.

PROTOCOLS

I am honoured and privileged to present the 2016 Budget proposal. This is my first address before this joint session of the National Assembly. I have come here today, not only to address members of the National Assembly, but also to speak directly to the men and women who placed us here.

2. I know the state of our economy is a source of concern for many. This has been further worsened by the unbridled corruption and security challenges we have faced in the last few years. From those who have lost their jobs, to those young people who have never had a job, to the people in the North East whose families and businesses were destroyed by insurgents, this has been a difficult period in our nation’s history, lessons that we must not forget or ignore, as we plan for the future.

3. By June 2014, oil prices averaged $112 per barrel. But as at today, the price is under $39 per barrel. This huge decline is having a painful effect on our economy. Consumption has declined at all levels. In both the private and public sectors, employers have struggled to meet their salary and other employee related obligations. The small business owners and traders have been particularly hard hit by this state of affairs.

4. Fellow Nigerians, the confidence of many might be shaken. However, I stand before you today promising that we will secure our country, rebuild our economy, and make the Federal Republic of Nigeria stronger than it has ever been.

5. The answers to our problems are not beyond us. They exist on our farmlands; our corporations; in the universities in the hearts and minds of our entrepreneurs; through the gallantry of our Armed Forces; and the resolute spirit of Nigerians, especially the youth, who have refused to give up despite all the obstacles confronting them.

6. This Budget proposal, the first by our Government, seeks to stimulate the economy, making it more competitive by focusing on infrastructural development; delivering inclusive growth; and prioritizing the welfare of Nigerians. We believe that this budget, while helping industry, commerce and investment to pick up, will as a matter of urgency, address the immediate problems of youth unemployment and the terrible living conditions of the extremely poor and vulnerable Nigerians.

7. In the medium to longer term, we remain committed to economic diversification through import substitution and export promotion. This will build resilience in our economy. It will guarantee that the problems we have today, will not confront our children and their children. This shall be our legacy for generations to come.
2015: A Year of Global and Domestic Challenges

8. Today, it is widely acknowledged that the global economy has slowed down. This is particularly the case with emerging markets such as Nigeria. However, despite the weak emerging market growth rates, our domestic security challenges, declining oil prices, and the attendant difficulties in providing foreign exchange to meet market demands, the Nigerian economy grew by 2.84% in the third quarter of 2015.

9. We have, and will continue to implement strategies that will maintain macroeconomic stability and manage the oil price shocks we are experiencing.

10. Upon the inauguration of this administration on 29th May 2015, we engaged key stakeholders from various sectors of our economy and interfaced with the heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in order to understand the true state of our nation. What we found prompted us to take certain strategic decisions.

11. On the economy, we injected new leadership at the helm of our revenue generating agencies including the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS). We implemented the Treasury Single Account (TSA) which, so far, has provided greater visibility of Government revenues and cash flows. We intervened to support States to navigate their fiscal challenges by restructuring their commercial bank loans and by providing facilities to enable them to pay salary arrears.

12. We have demonstrated a strong will to fight corruption. I am sure you will agree that the sheer scale of corruption and impunity of the past explains in part, the economic challenges we now face. On these initiatives, and the many more to come, we shall not be deterred. We will pursue the recovery of everything that belongs to the people of Nigeria. No matter where it is hidden. No matter how long it will take.
2015 Budget Performance

13. Distinguished and honourable members of the National Assembly, I now present a review of the 2015 Budget. That Budget was based on a benchmark oil price of $53 per barrel, oil production of 2.28 million barrels per day and an exchange rate of N190 to the US$.

14. The projected revenue was N3.45 trillion, with an outlay of N4.49 trillion, implying a deficit of N1.04 trillion. Due largely to under-provisioning by the previous administration for fuel subsidy and the costs required to support the military operations in the North East, the Government had to obtain National Assembly’s approval for a supplementary budget of N575.5 billion. I take this opportunity to thank all members of the National Assembly for the prompt passage of that Bill.
2016: Budget Assumptions

15. After reviewing the trends in the global oil industry, we have set a benchmark price of $38 per barrel and a production estimate of 2.2 million barrels per day for 2016. We have focused on non-oil revenues by broadening our tax base and improving the effectiveness of our revenue collecting agencies.

16. Also, with the full implementation of the Treasury Single Account, we expect significant improvements in the collection and remittance of independent revenues. To further support the drive for increased remittances, we will ensure that all MDAs present their budgets in advance, and remit their operating surpluses as required by section 22 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act.

17. We are determined to ensure that our resources are managed prudently and utilized solely for the public good. To set the proper tone, one of our early decisions was the adoption of a zero based budgeting approach, which ensures that resources are aligned with Government’s priorities and allocated efficiently. This budgeting method, a clear departure from previous budgeting activities, will optimize the impact of public expenditure.

18. In addition to the proper linkage of budgeting to strategic planning, we are enhancing the utilization of the Government Integrated Financial Management Information Systems (GIFMIS) to improve financial management. The recently established Efficiency Unit is working across MDAs to identify and eliminate wasteful spending, duplication and other inefficiencies. We engaged costing experts to scrutinize the 2016 budget proposals. They have already identified certain cost areas that can be centralized for economies to be made.

19. We have directed the extension of the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS) to all MDAs to reap its full benefits. We will also strengthen the controls over our personnel and pension costs with the imminent introduction of the Continuous Audit Process (CAP). These initiatives will ensure personnel costs are reduced. Our commitment to a lean and cost effective government remains a priority, and the initiatives we are introducing will signal a fundamental change in how Government spends public revenue.
2016: Laying the Foundation for Sustainable Growth

20. The 2016 budget, as outlined, is designed to ensure that we revive our economy, deliver inclusive growth to Nigerians and create a significant number of jobs.

21. We aim to ensure macroeconomic stability by achieving a real GDP growth rate of 4.37% and managing inflation. To achieve this, we will ensure the aligning of fiscal, monetary, trade and industrial policies.

22. As we focus on inclusive growth, we are conscious of the current rate of unemployment and underemployment. This is a challenge we are determined to meet; and this budget is the platform for putting more Nigerians to work. I can assure you that this administration will have a job creation focus in every aspect of the execution of this budget. Nigeria’s job creation drive will be private sector led. We will encourage this by a reduction in tax rates for smaller businesses as well as subsidized funding for priority sectors such as agriculture and solid minerals.

23. As an emergency measure, to address the chronic shortage of teachers in public schools across the country, we also will partner with State and Local Governments to recruit, train and deploy 500,000 unemployed graduates and NCE holders. These graduate teachers will be deployed to primary schools, thereby, enhancing the provision of basic education especially in our rural areas.

24. We also intend to partner with State and Local Governments to provide financial training and loans to market women, traders and artisans, through their cooperative societies. We believe that this segment of our society is not only critical to our plan for growing small businesses, but it is also an important platform to create jobs and provide opportunities for entrepreneurs.

25. Furthermore, through the office of the Vice President, we are working with various development partners to design an implementable and transparent conditional cash transfer program for the poorest and most vulnerable. This program will be implemented in phases. Already, the compilation of registers of the poorest persons is ongoing. In the coming weeks, we will present the full programme, which will include our home-grown public primary school feeding and free education for science, technology and education students in our tertiary institutions. Indeed, this will mark a historic milestone for us as a nation.
The 2016 Budget

26. Distinguished members of the National Assembly, I now present, the 2016 Budget proposals of the Federal Government. Based on the assumptions I presented earlier, we have proposed a budget of N6.08 trillion with a revenue projection of N3.86 trillion resulting in a deficit of N2.22 trillion.

27. The deficit, which is equivalent to 2.16% of Nigeria’s GDP, will take our overall debt profile to 14% of our GDP. This remains well within acceptable fiscal limits. Our deficit will be financed by a combination of domestic borrowing of N984 billion, and foreign borrowing of N900 billion totaling N1.84 trillion. Over the medium term, we expect to increase revenues and reduce overheads, to bring the fiscal deficit down to 1.3% of GDP by 2018.

28. In 2016, oil related revenues are expected to contribute N820 billion. Non-oil revenues, comprising Company Income Tax (CIT), Value Added Tax (VAT), Customs and Excise duties, and Federation Account levies, will contribute N1.45 trillion. Finally, by enforcing strict compliance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007 and public expenditure reforms in all MDAs, we have projected up to N1.51 trillion from independent revenues.

29. Although we are working to diversify our economy, we will not lose sight of the need to restructure the oil and gas sector which has been marred by corruption and plagued with inefficiencies. Accordingly, I have directed the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) to adjust its pricing template to reflect competitive and market driven components. We believe this can lower input costs and attain efficiency savings that will enable PPPRA to keep the selling price for all marketers of petrol at N87 per liter for now.

30. The current fuel scarcity with long queues at petrol stations all over the country causing social dislocation is very unfortunate. Government profoundly apologizes to Nigerians for this prolonged hardship and misery. It is as a result of market speculators and resistance to change by some stakeholders. Government is working very hard to end these shortages and bring fuel to the pumps all over the country.

31. I have also directed the NNPC to explore alternate funding models that will enable us to honour our obligations in Joint Ventures (JVs) and deep offshore fields. We are confident that these measures can be achieved and will lower the burden that the traditional cash calls have imposed on our budget and cash flows as well as contribute towards shoring up our national reserves.

32. To deliver our development objectives, we have increased the capital expenditure portion of the budget from N557 billion in the 2015 budget to N1.8 trillion, in the 2016 budget. Distinguished and honourable members of the National Assembly, for the first time in many years, capital expenditure will represent 30% of our total budget. In future years we intend to raise the percentage allocation for capital expenditure.

33. This is a fulfillment of our promise to align expenditure to our long-term objectives, and a sign of government’s commitment to sustainable development. This increased capital expenditure commits significant resources to critical sectors such as Works, Power and Housing – N433.4 billion; Transport – N202.0 billion; Special Intervention Programs – N200.0 billion; Defence – N134.6 billion; and Interior – N53.1 billion. These investments in infrastructure and security are meant to support our reforms in the Agriculture, Solid Minerals and other core job creating sectors of our economy.

34. We will invest to safeguard lives and property.

35. We will invest in equipping our farmers with the right tools, technology and techniques.

36. We will invest in empowering and enabling our miners to operate in a safe, secure and humane environment.

37. We will invest in training our youths, through the revival of our technical and vocational institutions, to ensure they are competent enough to seize the opportunities that will arise from this economic revival.

38. Indeed, the future looks bright. And I ask that we all work together to make this vision a reality. The 223% year on year growth in capital expenditure demonstrates our desire to make Nigeria more competitive, and start the journey to deliver sustainable development in our country.

39. In fulfillment of our promise to run a lean government, we have proposed a 9% reduction in non-debt recurrent expenditure, from N2.59 trillion in the 2015 Budget to N2.35 trillion in 2016. Furthermore, we have budgeted N300 billion for Special Intervention Programs, which takes the total amount for non-debt recurrent expenditure to N2.65 trillion.

39. As I mentioned earlier, the Efficiency Unit set up by this Administration together with effective implementation of GIFMIS and IPPIS will drive a reduction of overheads by at least 7%, personnel costs by 8% and other service wide votes by 19%. Distinguished and honourable members, this budget will be executed to provide optimum value by ensuring every naira spent by this Government, counts.

40. We will devote a significant portion of our recurrent expenditure to institutions that provide critical government services. We will spend N369.6 billion in Education; N294.5 billion in Defence; N221.7 billion in Health and N145.3 billion in the Ministry of Interior. This will ensure our teachers, armed forces personnel, doctors, nurses, police men, fire fighters, prison service officers and many more critical service providers are paid competitively and on time.

41. Distinguished and honourable members of the National Assembly, our 2016 borrowings will be principally directed to fund our capital projects. Furthermore, the sum of N113 billion will be set aside for a Sinking Fund towards the retirement of maturing loans; while N1.36 trillion has been provided for foreign and domestic debt service. This calls for prudent management on our part, both of the debt portfolio and the deployment of our hard earned foreign exchange earnings.

42. I am aware of the problems many Nigerians currently have in accessing foreign exchange for their various purposes – from our traders and business operators who rely on imported inputs; to manufacturers needing to import sophisticated equipment and spare parts; to our airlines operators who need foreign exchange to meet their international regulatory obligations; to the financial services sector and capital markets who are key actors in the global arena.

43. These are clearly due to the current inadequacies in the supply of foreign exchange to Nigerians who need it. I am however assured by the Governor of Central Bank that the Bank is currently fine-tuning its foreign exchange management to introduce some flexibility and encourage additional inflow of foreign currency to help ease the pressure.

44. We are carefully assessing our exchange rate regime keeping in mind our willingness to attract foreign investors but at the same time, managing and controlling inflation to level that will not harm the average Nigerians. Nigeria is open for business. But the interest of all Nigerians must be protected. Indeed, tough decisions will have to be made. But this does not necessarily mean increasing the level of pain already being experienced by most Nigerians.

45. So to the investors, business owners and industrialists, we are aware of your pains. To the farmers, traders and entrepreneurs, we also hear you. The status quo cannot continue. The rent seeking will stop. The artificial current demand will end. Our monetary, fiscal and social development policies are aligned.
Conclusion

46. Mr. Senate President, Mr. Speaker, distinguished members of the National Assembly, in spite of the global economic uncertainties; we must remain steadfast in our commitment to steer this country back to greatness.

47. The Nigerian economy needs to move away from dependency on oil. Our growth must be inclusive. Nigerians must be part of the growth story. As a Government, we shall deliver security, jobs and infrastructure. This is the right of all Nigerians.

48. I know many people will say “I have heard this before”. Indeed, trust in Government, due to the abuse and negligence of the past, is at an all-time low. This means we must go back to basics. Our actions will speak for us. My team of dedicated, committed and patriotic Nigerians is well aware of the task ahead and I can assure you that we are taking on the challenge.

49. We will not betray the trust reposed in us.

50. We will welcome and be responsive to your feedback and criticisms.

51. We are here to serve. And indeed, Nigerians will get the service they have longed for and which they rightly deserve.

52. We as a Government cannot do it alone. We will require the support of all civil servants, the organized labour, industry groups, the press and of course, our religious and traditional institutions. This is a call for all of us to stand and serve our country.

53. This Budget represents a major step in delivering a new opportunity for Nigeria. It demonstrates our confident optimism that despite the challenging times, we have the will, resourcefulness and commitment to deliver prosperity to our people. And by the Grace of Almighty God and the sheer will and determination of the Nigerian people, we will come out stronger and more united than ever.

54. Thank you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Tsaragi-Share clash: KWSG imposes 24hr curfew

Following the current communal clash between Share and Tsaragi Communities, the Kwara State Government hereby imposes a 24hr curfew in both communities, effective immediately.

The Kwara State Government warns that anyone found with illegals arms and ammunition or otherwise found disrupting peace and public order in both communities will be dealt with in line with the laws of the land.

While other Security agencies, particularly the police, State Security Services and Civil Defence are already on ground, a detachment of the Nigerian Army has been drafted to ensure compliance with the curfew and the maintainance of peace in the communities.

The Kwara State Government therefore assures of its preparedness to deploy all lawful measures to ensure the welfare and security of all citizens.

Other communities in the state are also urged to continue to live in peace with their neighbouring communities as the full weight of the law will be brought to bear on anyone or group found inciting trouble in any part of the state no matter how highly placed.

Signed 
Alhaji Sola Isiaka Gold 
Secretary to the Kwara State Government

NIS parades 45 illegal Nigerien immigrants in Kwara

Illegal Nigerien immigrants paraded by the Nigeria Immigration Service in Kwara State today at the Federal Secretariat, Ilorin.

#IlorinFuelScarcity: Generator users carry generators to filling stations

Onitsha Mosque Attack: Don't repel evils, Sultan tells Nigerian Muslims

Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, at a news briefing in Ilorin, Kwara State...Thursday

PRESS STATEMENT

REPEL EVIL WITH A BETTER ATTITUDE

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) under the leadership of the President-General, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, notes with distress the unfortunate and unprovoked attacks on Muslims and the Central Mosque of Onitsha, Anambra State, yesterday, Wednesday, December 2, 2015.

The perpetrators of the dastardly acts, which culminated in the loss of  lives and burning of trucks owned by a prominent Muslim businessman only sought to provoke inter-religious crises and thereby get Nigeria further embroiled in needless bloodletting. Muslims, must as a matter of principle, resist the temptation of being drawn to retaliation. They should consider the perpetrators as criminals and not representative of any ethnic or religious group.

The NSCIA is fully aware of the development and is working round the clock to put the situation under control. Muslims are warned against the antics of those who seek to whip up religious sentiments to further their clandestine political motives. Vengeance is for Allah and Muslims should exercise maximum restraint in these trying times.

We call on Muslim brothers and sisters not to embark on reprisals attacks on Christians and their places of worship in any part of Nigeria. We are already engaged in discussions with various security and relevant government agencies to forestall further aggravation of the situation. 

We also call on all religious and interfaith organizations across the country to step-up their peace-building initiatives in order to support the government and strengthen the enabling climate peace and good relationships.

In addition, we want to request all Imams and Muslim scholars to cooperate with the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in dowsing the tension created by the unfortunate incidence. 

Meanwhile, we wish to appeal to the Federal Government of Nigeria and the relevant security agencies to take urgent and appropriate steps to safeguard the lives of Muslims brothers and sisters and any other vulnerable community living in any part of the country. 

In line with our religious injunctions, preserving a single life is similar to preserving the lives of the whole of humanity. We should not allow the current unfortunate development to  negatively affect interfaith relationship between Muslims and Christians in this country which is needed for the achievement of peace and development of our nation. 

In the same vein, we want to appeal to various groups and organisations to always resort to the use the appropriate channels provided by the constitution, the law and our democratic structure for resolving any grievances. 

We also call on the government to investigate the incidences surrounding the killings and wanton destruction of the mosque in Onitsha and bring the perpetrators to justice.

We pray for God’s continued guidance and support of our leaders and the citizens of Nigeria in the effort towards building a nation where peace and justice shall reign. 

Importantly, Muslims are enjoined to heed the call of Allah by upholding the virtues that guard against the demolition of “monasteries, synagogues and mosques in which Allah is much mentioned” (Q 22:40). They should remember that the position of Islam is that the unsavoury development requires reflection. The consequences of swallowing the bait of drawing Muslims into the hideous agenda would only be disastrous. Therefore, the key words are patience, steadfastness, discipline, restrain and prayers.

Allah says in the Glorious Quran, “The good deed and the evil deed cannot be equal. Repel the evil with one which is better. Then, verily, he between whom and you there was enmity (will become) as though he was a close friend.” (Q41: 34). Allah thus commands the believers to be patient when they feel angry, be forbearing when confronted with ignorance and to forgive when they are ill-treated. It is by doing these that Allah will stand by them. 

The NSCIA calls on all Chief Imams to utilise the Minbar tomorrow to preach, peace, justice and restraints. Two wrongs do not make a right. Innocent persons should not be made to suffer as a result of the act of few misguided individuals.

The NSCIA is confident of the capacity of the state to put the situation under control. As Prophet Muhammad (SAW), said, “There is no better punishment for one who has disobeyed Allah with regard to you than your obeying Allah with regard to him.”  

Prof. Is-haq O.Oloyede, OFR, 

Secretary-General, NSCIA 

Eight Local Government Chairmen suspended in Kwara

Suspended LG Chairmen in Kwara State...PIX from National Pilot Newspaper

Kwara State House of Assembly today approved the suspension of eight local government chairmen in Kwara.

The suspension follows the recruitment of new staff into the affected local governments at a time they were unable to pay the existing staff.

The house approved the suspension after acknowledging a letter to the effect from Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed.

The affected local governments are:

Irepodun

Oke Ero

Asa

Moro

Ilorin South

Ekiti

Patigi

Baruten.

No Ban on Hijab By NYSC, says DG

NOBODY CAN BAN THE USE OF HIJAB"

Yesterday, (25th of November, 2015), several media houses misled Nigerians by spreading false headlines that Hijab has been banned in the NYSC scheme. 

Immediately, the National executives of the Muslim Corpers’ Association of Nigeria (MCAN) contacted the Director General of the scheme through a letter and Text messages to verify the news going viral.

Prior to the misleading news from the media, the National Executives of MCAN met with the DG on (Tuesday, 24 of November, 2015 which corresponds to the 12th of Safar, 1437AH) with respect to the same Hijab and harassment of Corps members issue in some states. In the meeting, the DG assured MCAN of collectively creating a lasting solution to the issues we raised.

On (Wednesday, 25 of November, 2015 which corresponds to the 13th of Safar, 1437AH) The DG discredited the misleading news of some media houses and bloggers such as Punch, Daily trust, and Linda Ikeji among others. He reaffirmed his willingness to work with MCAN executives to attain a better NYSC.
The following text messages were exchanged between the DG and MCAN to reach a consensus on the issue, as we await an official document to this effect;

MCAN

“Good day sir, please can you kindly clarify the news on the Ban of hijab. Thank you” 
25th of November, 2015 – 04: 59pm

Director General of NYSC;

“Nobody can ban the use of Hijab in NYSC. We are only pleading that due to the current security situation in the country, our corps members are requested to try and avoid use of Long Hijab. However, what’s your own view and advice on it? Thanks”
25th of November, 2015 – 05: 08pm

MCAN

“It is a great honour and privilege to be given the opportunity to advice. We advise a hijab to the knee and a three quarter trousers. We have also asked our members to cooperate with the security agencies to maintaining peace and order during checking and to report suspicious persons. It is a great opportunity having your personality as DG, We pray for your long life and health. Thanks”
25th of November, 2015 – 06 : 44pm

Director General of NYSC;

“This is fine, I will ensure that this is conveyed to all the states orientation camp to guide them. Thanks and God bless.”
25th of November, 2015 – 06 : 50pm

Based on our discussion with the DG, all Muslim corps members are hereby informed that; White Hijabs which is up to the knee level and three quarter trousers are now accepted by NYSC pending the time the security challenges in the country will be totally eradicated, it’s very difficult to compromise our religious conventions to this extent by accepting to use Hijabs which are not up to the feet or ankle level however the DG pleaded we accept his offers in order to prevent any security threat. In addition , the DG also promised to send directives to all the NYSC staffs.
Hence, Kindly report any military or NYSC personal to your MCAN state Amir if you are harassed or ordered to take off your hijab, provided it’s around the knee level. 

In Sha Allah, we shall communicate further information to you shortly. As we await an official communication to this effect. Thus, we enjoy you to stay calm.
We advise all Corps Members to submit to security checks, be respectful, obedient, tolerant, prayerful and above all, report any provoking issue(s) to the rightful bodies in order to prevent any form of regrettable violence.

Kindly disregard all the misleading and false information from media houses. Get a first-hand information from MCAN in regards to Muslim corps members’ affairs. Furthermore, we enjoy all media houses to deploy investigative journalism before passing out information, as passing of wrong information of this nature can turn the country into total mess. We also use this medium to call the attention of the Ministry of Information to control the flow of unprofessional and misleading News.
Special Appreciations to;

The NYSC Director General : Brigadier General Johnson Olawunmi, NSCIA , The Muslim Youth League in Da’awah, MSSN,MURIC, FOMWAN, CRITERION, Other Islamic Bodies, Individuals and Sisters’ Organisations who showed support through Calls , messages and media campaigns.

IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, KINDLY SHARE THIS AS MUCH AS YOU CAN

Thank you all

‪#‎MCANCares
www.muslimcorpers.org

Town Bans Citizens from Wearing Baggy

Law enforcement in Laurel, Missisipi, USA is reportedly cracking down on citizens wearing baggy pants.

The town’s police department is putting a call to action in motion by posting signs in public places that red, “Pull up your pants,” and “No one wants to see your underwear.”

Police Chief Officer Tyrone Stewart said the style the cities younger residents deem as cool or popular is “disturbing because that’s something these young people should have learned that home.”…

Henceforth, anyone see wearing baggy pants three inches below his /her wrist will be accused of indecent exposure.




 SOURCE: http://www.theheraldng.com/town-bans-citizens-from-wearing-baggy-pants/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter  

Free fistula repair begins in Kwara

USAID funded Fistula Care Plus Project in collaboration with Kwara State Ministry of Health, is organizing a free fistula treatment at SOBI Specialist Hospital, Ilorin, Kwara State, starting from today, Monday 22 November, 2015 to Friday, 27th November, 2015.

Fistula is the uncontrollable leakage of urine and/or faeces from the vagina following childbirth or from other causes.

If you are down with this condition, please come and access the treatment free of charge at SOBI Specialist Hospital, Ilorin.

If you know anyone with VVF/RVF, kindly encourage her to visit the hospital....Nigeria records 12,000 new cases of fistula every year!

Dr. Steve Arigidi, Surgeon-in-charge of Fistula repair at Sobi Specialist Hosp., Ilorin

Hoarding: DPR distributes fuel free in Kwara

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) in Kwara State has kept to the directive of Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu to distribute hoarded petroleum product free to the public. 

The DPR has therefore distributed fuel of Nasmut Nigeria Limited, Otte in Asa Local Government area and Alkad and Sons Nigeria Limited, situated along Olorunsogo area of Ilorin free of charge, following the violations of various regulations under the downstream sector of the oil industry.

(L-R): Kwara DPR Operations Controller, Salvation Philip, other DPR officials during monitoring in Ilorin

 The Operations Controller of DPR, Ilorin Field Office, Mr. Salvation Philip who supervised the free distribution of the fuel to motorists said the Nasmut Nigeria Limited removed the DPR seal placed on it and continued with the sales of the commodity.

Mr. Philip accused the stations of hoarding and selling against the official pump price of N87 per litre.

He also accused Nasmut Nigeria Limited of operating illegally without DPR operating license which is said was punishable under the law.

The DPR boss explained that the free distribution of fuel was in compliance with Ministerial directive that any station found hoarding petroleum product should be penalised with free distribution of the product.

Mr. Philip promised that the DPR would continue to ensure that product received by filling stations were dispensed to commuters in an orderly manner.

9 Newly Sworn-in Commissioners in Kwara & Portfolios

Ahmed Muhammad Rifun - Ministry of Commerce and Cooperatives

Doctor Amina Susaade Ahmed - Tertiary Education and Science and Technology

Mr. Bamidele Oladimeji - Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Alhaji Haruna Tambiri Muhammad - Ministry of Local Government, Community Development and Chieftaincy Affairs

Hajia Iyabo Jolaade - Ministry of Social Development, Culture and Tourism

Mr. Muideen Alalade - Ministry of Housing and Urban Development

Hajia Asiat Ayinke Saka - Ministry of Women Affairs

Alhaji Sulaiman Atolagbe Alege - Ministry of Health

Alhaji Wasiu Odewale - Ministry of Planning and Economic Development.

Fuel scarcity: DPR to impose N10m fine on erring filling stations in Kwara

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) says it will henceforth impose N10m fine on erring filling station which violates regulations  under the downstream sub-sector.

Similarly, 22 filling stations have so far been sanctioned for various violations of regulations across Kwara State.

The Operations Controller of DPR, Ilorin Field Office, Mr. Salvation Philip disclosed this today in Ilorin while participating on a Radio Kwara interactive programme," The Platform".

Mr. Philip who said that filling stations sanctioned had been made to pay fine and sealed their stations for two months said any station caught contravening the laws would be sealed off indefinitely.

The DPR boss blamed some marketers for causing untold hardship on the public and promised that the agency would continue to collaborate with security agencies in checking  diversion, under-delivering of fuel and other infractions of petroleum products.

Mr. Philip insisted that any filling station which lift fuel outside the Ilorin depot must report to Ilorin Depot for re-certification of the commodiity in order to ascertain the quality and quantity of the product and check fuel diversion in the state.

On the proliferation of filling stations within Ilorin metropolis, the DPR boss said census is already being taking to ascertain the state of their infrastructure and the legality of such stations to their environment and assured that the issue would be handled in the interest of the public.

Callers on the programme commended the Department of Petroleum Resources for its activities in the state and urged the agency to do more against diversion of fuel particularly in Baruten axis of the state.

Rewarding Excellence in Sports: Governor Ahmed's Style

No matter the vocation you choose to do, no matter the kind of discipline you posses and the kind of legal means you choose to earn a living, it cannot go unnoticed for eternity. Surely, it may be rewarded sooner than expected!

In whatever you do, do it with passion, zeal and total commitment to get attention and recognised beyond your immediate environment. Once you are reckoned with, whatever you do could not go unnoticed. Hence, it cannot go unrewarded.

Just recently, luck enveloped the trio of Abolaji Omotayo, Peka Victor and Adeyemi Sikiru, who all won gold Medals for Nigeria at the Commonwealth Youth Athletics Games in Samoa and African Junior Championship in Ethiopia when they were received by the Governor of Kwara State, Alh. Abdulfatah Ahmed at the Government House, Ilorin.

(L-R): Abolaji Omotayo, Gov Abdulfatah Ahmed, Peka Victor and Adeyemi Sikiru

Interestingly, the young lads who are from Kwara State Athletics Association had featured in several international championships for Nigeria ranging from African Youth Championship in Mauritius, 2014 African Youth Championship in Ghana, 2015 African Junior Championship in Addis Ababa, 2014 World Junior Championship in USA to 2015 Commonwealth Games in Samoa.

These athletes who know their onus on the tracks had won medals in 100m, 4 x 100m relay, 4 x 400m, 200m and 400m race by carrying Nigerian flag to international championships through the National Sports Commission and made the country proud. Who says Usain Bolt of this world cannot be discovered in Kwara State?

In fact, during the good old days, Kwara State could boost of the likes of
Olapade Adenekan, Bisi Afolabi,
Halimat Yusuf, Kehinde Aladefa, Omotayo Akinremi, Toyin Durotoye, Kuranga, Kayode Afolabi and Tunju Moronfoye (Ex-commissioner for Information & Communications)
who were all fantastic athletes of repute in the track and field events. In those days, Kwara was a centre of excellence in Nigeria, because they all brought glory to the state and Nigeria at large by winning medals at the nation's annual fiesta National Sports Festivals and other champions outside the shores of Nigeria.

With the likes of Abolaji Omotayo, Peker Victor and Adeyemi Sikiru, hope is not lost. In fact, there abound several talents in the track and field events and other sporting events across the length and breadth of Kwara State that are yet to be discovered while those discovered have not been exploited to make them realise their full potentials in life. To say the least, many died with their dreams as a result of lack of support and encouragement from immediate families, communities, corporate organisations and governments.

Rejoicing with the state over the success of the athletes, the Director-General, National Sports Commission, Mallam Al-Hassan Yakmut who was in the state for the University of Ilorin Marathon had a tete-a-tete with Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed in at the Government House, Ilorin where he commended the state government for its interventions in sports sector which led to the success of four athletes from Kwara at the Commonwealth Youths Games in Samoa. 

"I came purposely to appreciate what you have done. There was something unique that happened at the Commonweath Youth Games between September 2nd and 13th, 2015 in Samoa. Four out of the 11 athletes that participated in the competition are from Kwara State and all the four athletes won medals.

"And the category of the medals symbolised the position of Kwara State in sports, they were mostly gold medals. So your excellency, you are a golden Governor.

"In order to tap on this luck, we have engaged the University of Ilorin and the Vice Chancellor, Prof. AbdulGaniy Ambali has accepted that the new dimension to Youth Games which has made the National Youths Games a University based activity has been approved by the Vice Chancellor and the 2016 and 2017 editions of the National Youths Games will be hosted by the University.

"We did observed that we need some complementary facilities from the state in order to support the University. Because, the University does not has Swimming Pool, and its indoor sport hall lack facilities.

"So, we want to take this opportunity to request your excellency to do help us to include in your budget, the renovation of the Indoor Sports Hall, where I as a National athlete was camped in 1985 for 36 good days before we went for an international competition. I still remember my bunk bed in the hostel here, your excellency.
The Director General did not hesitate to say that the Kwara Football Academy is the best so far in the country and the most organised and the oldest has occupied two blocks of the hostel and appealed that another set of two blocks that have 33 rooms and four beds each will be an opportunity for the Commission to have accommodation for resident athletes that are up to 244 without paying money for any accommodation, if renovated.

Mallam Yakmut's statements left no one in doubt about the past records of
Kwara in sporting activities and the current successes in the tract and field event. But it is not yet uhuru as talents abound in different parts of the state waiting to be tapped and exploited and do the state, Nigeria and African continent proud in championships. 

Realising this, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed received the athletes whose commitments earned them medals in continental and global championships in his office at the Government House, Ilorin. Governor Ahmed at the occasion promised to ensure increased sporting competitions with prizes at school levels to inculcate in youth, the sense of discipline and commitment.

Governor Ahmed who described Sports as engagements to inculcate sense of additional managerial skill on youth promised to encourage athletes in the state in building careers in sports and in pursuit of their education.

"Importance of sport to any society can never be over emphasised. So, sport is capable of not only serve of exercise but inculcate sense of management of activities on youths as they grow."

He expressed delight over the successes of the athletes in various championships and urged other athletes to exploit capacity to becoming state, national and international championships.

The Governor assured the Athletics Association and Sports Council of total support of his government to encourage current and potential athletes to win laurels for the state.

Governor Ahmed also promised to put the Indoor Sports Hall and other pitches like Basketball court, volleyball court at the State Stadium Complex to meet International standard.

"As government we intend to embark on comprehensive renovation of the indoor sport hall of the Kwara state stadium with some other pitches like volleyball, lawn tennis, badminton, basketball among others.

"Lack of boarding system in our schools has contributed negatively in no small measure to the development of sport and we are not going to rest in our oars in restoring body system in our schools."

The Chairman, Kwara State Amateur Athletics Association, Alhaji Tunde AbdulKareem who led the athletes had in his remarks praised the government for its efforts at restoring the lost glory in sports. Alhaji AbdulKareem told the governor that the Athletes had done the state proud by wining gold medals at African Junior Championship, Commonwealth Youth Games among other competitions outside the shores of Nigeria.

To demonstrate his encouragement, satisfaction and happiness to the performance of the athletes and the Athletics Association, Governor Ahmed granted immediate approval to all the requests made the Chairman, Athletics Association who was a one time Accountant-General of Kwara State. Some of the request granted include support for academic pursuit of the three athletes.

Governor Ahmed who was in 2013 honoured by the National Union of Teachers (NUT) for his support to education sector realises the nexus between quality education and successful athletes did not hesitate to direct the Chief of Staff, Government House, Alh. Abdulwahab Babatunde to collect the academic papers of the athletes who have all applied into the University of Ilorin for 2015/2016 academic session with a view to making them secure admission in the state, as a mark of honour and reward as well as platform to making them continue to represent the state in subsequent championships.

Additionally, the Sports loving Governor announced the donation of N250,000 each to the athletes and a handsome amount to the Coach of the athletes, Abiodun Adeyemi with a promise to enrol the handler at the National Sports Institute, Lagos to make him a certified Coach. This is equally an honour to the Coach which will ultimately spur other coaches to give best training and tactics to the athletes to enable them excel in championships.

This and similar efforts will encourage athletes to show more commitment to the state and discourage athletes resident in Kwara from representing other states of the federation in national and international championships. No doubt, the reward is an indication that whoever brings an honour to Kwara State will be acknowledged.

Thus, rewarding the deserving athletes without delay will continue to serve as impetus for them to go extra mile in winning laurels for the state. In fact, acknowledgement alone without monetary benefit atimes is a moral booster. This could be done by government and non governmental officials to spur them to do more for the state and Nigeria as a whole.

It is therefore imperative to state that investment in sport is huge and only government cannot shoulder it. Hence, communities, wealthy individuals and corporate organisations should investment more in sporting activities as business ventures and means of engaging the youths in productive engagements.

Bye and large, all and sundries must encourage athletes to remain focus on their unique abilities and interests on particular aspect of sports with comparative advantage in order to continue to put Kwara on global map and return the state to its glorious past in sports. Efforts must not also be spared to sustain and improve the culture of discovering new talents and in track and field events to become world beaters while athletes in other sporting events must all times be encouraged to do the state proud.

Fistula: Journalists orientation programme begins in Kano

Sixteen Journalists from across the country are converging on Kano to be intimated about issues surrounding the prevention and treatment of Fistula among women in Nigeria.

The training themed: "Prevention and Treatment of Fistula" is organised by the Fistula Care Plus Project with participants from Kano, Kwara, Sokoto, Zamfara, Bauchi, Ebonyi and Cross River States as well as Federal Capital Territory.

In his opening remarks, a Gynaecologist and Country Project Manager, Fistula Care Plus Project, Doctor Habib Sadauki called on Journalists to use their expertise to educate the public about prevention and treatment of the scourge of fistula. Doctor Sadauki who disclosed that twelve thousand new cases of fistula is recorded in Nigeria every year said massive awareness is needed to reduce the alarming rate of fistula in the country.

According to him, media practitioners have special role in informing the communities about issues relating to Fistula if maternal-mortality rate must be reduced in Nigeria.

Doctor Sadauki encouraged pregnant women to take adequate precautions to avoid childbirth related complications such as fistula.

A Clinical Associate, Fistula Care Plus Project, Doctor Suleiman Zakariya said the World Health Organisatio (WHO) had identified fistula as the single most devastating consequence of obstructed labour to a mother in sub-saharan Africa.

He advocated proper child spacing to ensure healthy family and reduce maternal and mortality rate in Nigeria.

Doctor Zakariya who described Fistula as abnormal hole in the vagina which leads to leaking of urine advised pregnant women to patronise skilled birth attendants during pregnancy to reduce the chance of developing fistula.

In his lecture, a Media Consultant, Mr. Anselm Okolo tasked Journalists to acquit themselves with issues surrounding prevention and treatment of fistula in order to properly communicate to the public.

Mr. Okolo advised Journalists to always observe the principles and elements of newswriting in their reportage with a view to disseminating accurate, balanced and objective information to the public.

Sharp practices: DPR sealed up six filling stations in Kwara.....slams N2m fines on each

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has sealed up six erring filling stations within Ilorin, the Kwara State capital for violating various regulations under the downstream petroleum sector and fined them two million naira each.

Similarly, all the affected filling stations were suspended from operations for two months.

The Operations Controller, Ilorin Field Office, Mr. Salvation Philips who led inspection visits to some filling stations within Ilorin announced immediate suspension of operations and payment of two million naira fine on Super Moon Nigeria Limited along Ajase-Ipo road for over-pricing of pump price and threatening the lives of DPR officials.

DPR Operations Controller, Mr. Salvation Phillip (in the centre) and officials of Super Moon Nigeria Ltd (One of the sealed stations)

Long queue in a filling station in Ilorin

 According to him, the station was reported to be overpricing which the made the Agency to intervene but after the intervention, the station's officials reverted to overpricing and threatened the lives of DPR officials with touts. In his reaction, the Deputy Director of the Filling station, Mr. David Micheal who debunked the allegation of threatening the lives of DPR officials admitted that some customers disrupted the activities of the DPR officials in the station.

Also fined for two million naira was NIPCO Filling Station, along Ajase-ipo for under-delivering where the DPR Boss directed the filling station's management to re-adjust its pumping machines to normal before dispensing the remaining fuel.

Others fined for various violations are Yemsonat Filling station, New Yidi Road, Alkad Filling station, Western Reservoir road, Rockfield Filling station, Fate Road and Sollant Filling station, Ita-Amo which was fined for diverting twenty-two thousand litres of kerosene.

Speaking with newsmen, the Operations Controller of DPR, Mr. Salvation Philip said all acts of hoard and diversion would attract the fines of two million naira and two months suspension while failure to comply would lead to the withdrawal of licenses of the affected filling stations.

Mr. Philip said no filling station should dispense fuel into jerry cans until the situation is normalised, saying that any filling station that contravenes the rule would be sanctioned accordingly. The DPR Boss who said cheating the public was a gross violations urged petroleum marketers to adhere strictly to laws in order to ensure enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the state.

Mr. Philip said the DPR was monitoring all depots across the country to ensure that marketers comply with relevant regulations.

Health care: Governor Ahmed tasks private sector

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has charged private organizations to be supportive of governments in providing affordable and accessible health care delivery to the people.

Governor Ahmed gave the charge today in Sobi Specialist Hospital, Ilorin at the free eyes surgery programme organised by MTN in conjunction with the Kwara State Government

Burden of Fistula in Nigeria

The joy of every woman is to get married, get pregnant and deliver safely to see his or her child as a reward for the marital life. To some, their dreams come true by getting their babies delivered safely while to some the reverse is the case as a result of associated challenges with pregnancy, delivery and attendant complications.

          The associated challenges with childbirth put the lives of women at risk of either delivering the baby safely with her child alive or losing both lives while some women battle with some conditions for years as a result of issues surrounding their childbirths.

          Among the medical conditions that put the lives of women at high risk which associated with childbirth is Fistula. The condition is the occurrence of abnormal hole between the bladder or rectum and the front passage resulting in continuous and uncontrollable leakage of urine or faeces or even both.

        

  Experts say women are mostly affected with Fistula as a result of prolonged and obstructed labour, pressure of the head of the baby on soft tissues which in turn causes death of the tissues between bladder and vagina which is called Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) or between bowel and front passage which is called Recto Vaginal Fistula. Other causes of Fistula include operations for child delivery, harmful cultural practices while a few cases are caused by cancers of the female genital tract.

          Across the world, it is estimated that one to two million women are affected with fistula while in Nigeria, according to United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA), eight hundred thousand women suffered from VVF annually in Nigeria.

          The Country Representative of the fund in Nigeria, Ratidzai Ndhlovu who recently disclosed the alarming rate at the graduation of 100 rehabilitated women living with obstetric Fistula in Sokoto lamented that most of the affected women often lose their babies following child birth process.

          Represented by the Assistant Country Representative, Reproductive Health, Doctor Audu Alayande, Ndhlovu said one in every ten women suffered from this condition following childbirth noted that most women who developed fistula had probably given birth at home with no assistance from skilled birth attendant, pointing out that women down with the condition cope with the foul smell emanating from their leaking urine and faeces.

          It must be noted that the phenomenon had made many husbands to abandon their wives down with VVF while some being stigmatized and ostracised by families and communities. Thus, the alarming rate of VVF in Nigeria left no one in doubt that the all hands must be on desk in order to check the rising cases of the condition.

          Already, Kwara, Oyo, Bauchi, Cross River, Ebonyi, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Jigawa states are currently being jointly supported by the United State Agency International Development (USAID), Fistula Care Plus and Engender Health to provide special care and support for women with obsteric fistula in designated health facilities in the selected states of the federation.

          It would be recalled that thirty women affected by Fistula were in June, this year undergone free screening and treatment at the Sobi Specialist Hospital, Ilorin sponsored by the USAID funded Fistula Care Plus in collaboration with the Kwara State Government and implemented by Engender Health where all the clients who turned out for the exercise went through full repair with surgical operations to properly reintegrate them into the society.

       

    Dispelling the myths and misconceptions about Vesico Vaginal Fistula at Journalists Orientation on Fistula in Ilorin, the Country Project Manager, USAID Fistula Care Plus Project emphasised the need for parents to imbibe good nutritional habit for their children, particularly the female ones right from the infancy as a precursor to building long lasting immunity for women ahead of pregnancy and other childbirth complications. 

  

     It is therefore imperative for heads of households, government at all levels, religious and community leaders to at all times encourage pregnant women to make use health facilities for ante-natal and delivery and engage good nutritional habit in order to drastically reduce the chances of being down with VVF.

          Governments, Fistula Care Plus Project and other international agencies should step up assistance towards assisting the less privilege members of the society with free medical care particularly pregnant women to check the rising cases of Fistula in Nigeria while those down with the condition already should be helped to restore their hope and rekindle their joy.

Prince Adeyeye Ogunwusi emerges 51st Ooni of Ife

Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State has approved the appointment of new Ooni of Ife.

Senate postpones Amaechi screening till tomorrow, set to screen Adebayo Shittu, 2 others

Senate is to screen only 3 ministerial nominees today as it scheduled the screening of former Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi.

Senate President, Bukola Saraki

 The Senate Spokesman, Sen. Dino Melaye stated this in a short while during an interview with newsmen in Abuja.

Sen. Melaye said the remaining ministerial nominees would spend more time than those already screened.

Among those scheduled to be screened today are Adebayo Shittu, Claudious Daramola and Khadija Bukar Abba Ibrahim.

Saraki vs CCT: Appeal Court adjourns judgement indefinitely

The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Monday adjourned ruling on an appeal filed by Senate President, Bukola Saraki challenging his trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal indefinitely.

Mrs Christy Haruna, one of the Court Clerks announced the postponement of the judgment at the open court.

“I have been instructed by the court to inform parties and interested members of the public that a new date for the ruling shall be communicated,’’ she said.

The appellate court had on Friday fixed Oct.19 to deliver judgment on the appeal.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Saraki is facing charges on alleged false declaration of his assets.

Justice Moore Adumein, who led two other justices of the court, fixed the date for that judgment after entertaining arguments from counsel to parties in the suit.

At that hearing, counsel to Saraki, Mr Joseph Daudu (SAN) raised five major issues for determination by the court.

Daudu averred that the Code of Conduct Tribunal erred in law by proceeding with the trial with two members instead of the mandatory three as provided by the constitution.

He also held that the Tribunal lacked jurisdiction to try criminal charges.

On his part, Mr Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), the prosecution counsel, urged the court to discountenance all the grounds of arguments advanced by counsel to the applicant.

Jacobs had specifically submitted that the tribunal had criminal jurisdiction because of the use of words like “guilty” and “punishment” in the law that established it.

NAN

Take over the running of Primary schools, Kwara Gov tells FG

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State has advocated the taking over of primary education from the Local Government Councils by the Federal Government in order to achieve the desired results.

Similarly, the Government suggested the possible running of tertiary institution by private sector to get desired results.

L-R: Governors of Kaduna, Bauchi, Kwara and Dep Gov of Katsina

Governor Ahmed made the suggestions today in Abuja while participating in a discussion of Northern region at twenty-first Nigerian Economic Summit organized by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group and the National Planning Commission.

Governor Ahmed explained that the foundational level of education should not be left in the hands of local government authorities, pointing out that the cost of running primary education is beyond the local government in view of the dwindling allocation.

The governor emphasised the need for the prioritisation of intermediate vocational studies to properly equip the youths to meet manpower requirements for industries.

Governor Ahmed urged other governors in the north-central to exploit huge opportunities in the region to drive youths into getting productive ventures. 

Oyo SWAN passes vote of no confidence on National Secretary

Members of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Oyo state chapter has passed a vote of no confidence on the national secretary of the association, Mr Andrew Abah, for his role in the postponed association's election last week.

This was stated in a communique issued on Wednesday backed by over 35 members in the state who signed to that effect.

Andrew Abah

The members accused Andrew Abah of degrading the exalted position of the association's national secretary and doctored the list meant for the conduct of the election.

Following the botched election of Oyo State branch of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) last Friday October 9th, 2015, held at the Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, some members of the union reviewed the election and the important roles played by some key actors and resolved that Members of the Oyo State SWAN no longer have confidence in the National Secretary of the association, Mr Andrew Abah, following his role in the crisis that led to the postponement of the election. 

The SWAN members in Oyo state maintained that Mr Andrew Abah could not represent the national SWAN in Oyo State again to either supervise or conduct any activity of the state chapter that would be acceptable. 

Mr Abbah was alleged to have shown his compromise by holding a secret meeting with the Chairman of the association in the state, Mr. Ajayi-Obe and few other members of the executive, who are loyal to Ajayi Obe. 

It was also alleged that the electoral list was badly altered and only friends and cronies of Ajayi Obe were said to be in the list. 

They added that the reason given purportedly by SWAN national scribe to postpone the election was that only those who have submitted their membership forms were considered but the list, contained many strange names of people who have never written sport story while well known sport writers were omitted. 

The Oyo SWAN noted that even after the botched election was rescheduled to hold on October 30, after the VP Southwest Muideen Adeleke and Abah addressed the aggrieved members, Mr Abbah issued another release to announce indefinite postponement of the election.

President Buhari forwards 2nd batch of ministerial list

Senate President, Doctor Bukola Saraki has received the second partial ministerial list from the Presidency.

The List was presented to the Senate President by the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Alhaji Abba Kyari and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Sen. Ita Enang this afternoon.

Tribunal upholds Dino Melaye’s election

The Kogi State Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Lokoja this morning upheld the election of Sen. Dino Melaye.

Sen. Dino Melaye

 His election had been challenged by the former holder of the seat, Sen.Smart Adeyemi, of the Peoples Democratic Party.

The petition had been dismissed before on a technical ground that it was filed out of time but the Court of Appeal ruled that the case should be heard.

Melaye, of the All Progressives Congress, broke the news of his triumph in a tweet this morning.


Otunba Dino Melaye ‏@dino_melaye 33m33 minutes ago

Praise God.Sen Dino Melaye's election upheld and sen. Smart Adeyemi's petition dismissed for lack of merit.

Political sins of Adebayo Shittu in Oyo State

From Tajudeen Kareem

He is deep in the theory, practice and philosophy of the Islamic religion. Now I can bet that he would be laughing at the antics of his detractors or those who choose to play politics with the plan of the creator. His attitude, I dare assume, is premised on the words of Allah in the Holy Quran, Surah 3,189: And to Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and Allah has power over all things.

So, if I may ask: Who is afraid of Barrister Adulraheem Adebayo Shittu, the minister-nominee from Oyo State? No matter their grievances, one million petitioners cannot stop him from becoming a Minister. And to quote my late god-father, Alhaji Arisekola Alao, one billion petitions cannot stop whomsoever Almighty Allah wants to make a King.

Adebayo Shittu

 In all their grievances and petitions, no one has said that Shittu is not qualified. They cannot accuse him of being a fraudulent person, an incompetent lawyer, a womanizer or drunkard. All they have said is that he does not belong to the mainstream of the All Progressives Congress, APC. And that he is not the choice of the powers-that-are in Oyo State.

Laughable as their allegations may be, the story of Shittu should be a point of reference to many, whose political antecedents are muddled in political prostitution and inconsistency; a reproach some of his detractors may not get away from till their last breath.

From all indications, way back from his foray into politics when he was elected as a member of the Oyo State House of Assembly in 1979, Shittu, a man who had been commissioner in the state with records of performance trailing his stewardship, cannot now at this point be vilified as half-hearted party man. Whatever misgivings anyone may have, Barrister Shittu is one politician with conscience, strength of character and a man of principle.

Adebayo Shittu sought to be governor of Oyo State in 2011 on the platform of the now defunct Congress for Progressive Change, one of the parties that fused into the current APC, which by the grace of God is now the governing party in the country.

As one of those parties in the trenches to wrest power from the Peoples Democratic Party, the ministerial nominee from Oyo State, on the counsel of his principal, and now the Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, jettisoned his personal ambition to pursue the overall goal of the new party in the build up to the last general election by throwing his weight behind the APC-led government of Governor Isiaka Abiola Ajimobi.

Himself not being a political neophyte, his people in Oke Ogun, which is the second largest division in Oyo State, after Ibadan, voted overwhelmingly for the success of his party, the APC; both at the presidential and governorship polls. How then can the intrigues of haters be dispatched to the refuse bin?

If the mantra of change is anchored on recovery of the nation’s values and abolition of corruption and its tendencies, and also to shift from the injustice of the past and establish an equitable order, then, Barr. Shittu stands eminently qualified for the new assignment ahead of him.

Rather than attacking his nomination, one would expect that the leadership of the APC in Oyo State, and indeed all other stakeholders in the political affairs of the state, should applaud the choice of President Buhari in seeing through the spectrum of the state to bring up a committed party man for the slot in the mold of Barrister Shittu.

The Oke-Ogun Division of Oyo State has complained of marginalization at different times, being one of the zones that had been denied the opportunity to produce a minister since the commencement of this democratic chain. They have voiced out their displeasure on how political posts often eluded them and with pleas that the imbalanced be redressed.

The late Alhaji Adekunle Aruna Elewi, from Oyo Division, served as Minister between 1999 and 2003. Thereafter, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja and Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide have served as Ministers. They are both of Ibadan extraction. The choice of an Oke-Ogun man this time by President Buhari should be situated in the right perspective. Firstly, his selection by the President should be seen as a reward for political consistency and loyalty to the vision of his principal.

In this clime, and examples abound everywhere, that only few politicians have that loyalty and patience to stand with their principals through the thick and thin of the difficult past and uncertain political future as Barrister Shittu.  His elevation should be a unifying factor for the people of Oyo State and be embraced as one justice done the once politically marginalized people of the Oyo north district.

In his choice, the scope of governance has been widened in the state. Hopefully, this will assuage the seeming disparity and neglect suffered by the Oke-Ogun people in the scheme of federal appointments.

Gongnews

Fayose to Senators, supports Fayemi's nomination

Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State has called on Senators from the state to support former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who was nominated among those to be in President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet, when the screening of the country’s ministerial nominees starts.

Ex-Gov. Kayode Fayemi and Gov. Ayo Fayose

Fayose made this known on his Twitter page, he said: “Ekiti is my number one priority, I called on all the house of reps and senators that went to Abuja from here, some people petitioned the National Assembly, stating how Fayemi sunk Ekiti into heavy debt, I have told the members not to do that,” he said.

The tweets:

1/1 Ekiti is my number one priority, I called on senators from Ekiti not to oppose Fayemi.

1/2 "Even though some people petitioned National Assembly,stating how Fayemi sunk Ekiti into debt,our senators will not oppose his nominatn."

1/3 It is God that judge people, not we. If a child would die, it shouldn't be from the mother. Our senators will not oppose Kayode Fayemi.

1/4 NO, they must never do that. An Ekiti man is an Ekiti man. I appeal to everybody, you must support Fayemi's nomination.