The Senate is set to receive for first reading, a Bill to alter the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and create state police.

According to the order paper of the upper legislative chambers for Thursday, the bill is listed as the first item for presentation.

In keeping to his promise to present the bill, Deputy President of the Senate, Sen. Ike Ekwerenmadu is listed as the Sponsor of the Bill.

Ekweremadu is supported in sponsoring the bill by 75 other senators, bringing the total number of sponsors to 76, that is over 82 per cent of the 109 members of the chamber.

As at the time of the report, the bill has not been sighted by our correspondent, therefore a list of notable co-sponsors cannot be readily given.

The establishment and running of the police force is a preservation of the government at the centre and is on the Exclusive list.

With the bill, the Senate seeks to remove Policing from the Exclusive List and put in in the concurrent list, thereby allowing state governors to establish and manage a police force within their states.

The decision of the Senate to allow for state policing came as a result of the unending crisis and killings across Nigeria.

The President of the Senate while welcoming his colleagues from their last break, stated clearly that it was time for the senate to take a decision on the security architecture in Nigeria.

We have talked about the fact that whether these killings were initial acts of aggression or reprisal attacks, it is clear that either way, it is totally unacceptable and we must condemn it in all totality, he said.

Secondly, these are acts of criminality and we should not encourage any other colouration to it, be it religious or otherwise. This is criminality. And as such, we have a role to ensure that we must address this criminality to see how we can fight it.

We have spoken on many platforms and made suggestions to the Executive on the fact that there is a need for an urgent review of the security architecture of the nation.

Having made suggestions and listened to security agencies over the killings, Saraki said it was important for the lawmakers to do their own part.

We as the Senate must come up with our own actions. We do not need to flog the issue. We have told the Executive what to do. We have told them privately and we have told them publicly. However, on our own part, we must decide on what we need to do.

The senate therefore resolved to amend the Constitution to allow for state policing, while the Deputy President of the Senate promised to present a Bill to that effect.

Source: NAN

Max Air on Thursday, began its domestic flight operations in Nigeria, landing a Boeing 737-300 aircraft with 29 passengers on board at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja at 8:52 a.m.

The flight, which departed from Aminu Kano International Airport at 8:10 a.m, had 27 adult and two children on board.

Max Air had been carrying out Hajj, Umrah and chartered operations in Nigeria for over a decade before joining the domestic market.

The Vice Chairman/CEO of the airline, Alhaji Bashir Mangal, said its domestic operations had commenced in Kano, Abuja and Lagos, adding that other routes would be opened in a couple of weeks.

Mangal said the airline would strive to enthrone customer satisfaction through efficient service delivery, adding that the airline would operate more routes like Sokoto, Yola, Port Harcourt and Maiduguri.

He said the airline would also continue to carry out hajj, Umrah and charter operations.

According to him, Max Air is starting its domestic operation with three aircraft, which include B737-300, 400 and 500 with plan to bring in more very soon.

Right now we have a total of 11 aircraft on ground for all our operations of which we currently deploy seven for hajj and three for domestic.

We are not new in this industry because we started slowly with worldwide charter and later entered into hajj operation and now domestic.

We plan to join other long haul flight like China, UK and the U.S in the nearest future.

In the next two to three weeks, we are going to deploy all our aircraft to go to all the destinations in the country.

We are going to operate Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, Maiduguri, Yola and Sokoto for a start and we will operate other routes as time goes on.

We are determined to satisfy our passengers through better service in order to make them happy to see the difference.

We want to do something different to satisfy their needs because we are aware of the challenges in the industry, he said.

Mr Shehu Wada, Company Secretary/Executive Director Business Development, Max Air, said the airline was determined to revolutionalise domestic operation in Nigeria.

Wada noted that the entrance of the airline into hajj operation market brought about positive change to hajj operation in Nigeria.

Source: NAN

The National Industrial Court in Ibadan, has fixed Oct. 24, for hearing in a suit instituted by the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Oyo State chapter, against Gov. Abiola Ajimobi over unpaid N42.3 billion gratuities and pensions arrears.

The claimant instituted the case against Ajimobi and 5 others over unpaid N42.3bn gratuities and pension arrears of retired Primary School Teachers and Local Government workers.

Other respondents in the suit are Oyo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Commissioner for Finance, Accountant-General and the state Head of Service.

The claimants counsel, Mr Lasun Sanusi (SAN), told the court that an agreement was earlier reached between the state government and pensioners that the N42.3bn pension and gratuities arrears would be paid in instalment.

Sanusi informed the court that the pensioners requested that the agreement be made as consent judgment and a motion on notice for summary judgment on the matter has been filed before the court.

He said that it was the judgment of the court that could be enforced because the court still remains the last hope of the common man.

In her response, Counsel to the respondents, Mrs Bimpe Segun-Olakojo, told the court that the motion on notice for summary judgment was just served on her in the court and she intended to respond to it.

Segun-Olakojo said facts and documents needed to be compiled before response could be made. She, therefore, requested for an adjournment.

Justice Fautina Kola-Olalere, adjourned the matter until Oct. 24, for hearing.

The pensioners who were in the court in large number, called on the government to urgently pay their gratuities.

Some of the pensioners were seen crying immediately the court adjourned the matter because they thought that judgment would be delivered on the matter today (Thursday).

Mr Waheed Olojede, the Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Oyo State Chapter, and his members who were in solidarity with the pensioners, called on them to be patient and law abiding.

Source: NAN

President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has condoled with Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje, and the entire Barajes family, on the death of their mother, Hajiya Aisha Omoagba Baraje.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki spoke glowingly of the late Hajiya Baraje and stated that she has raised a family that has produced one of Nigerias finest patriots and committed professionals.

My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje, and the entire Barajes family at this time, on the loss of their mother, the late Hajiya Aisha Omoagba Baraje.

Hajiya Baraje lived a fulfilled life as a mother and wife, which is evident from the fact that she helped to raise one of Nigerias finest patriots and statesmen. She will be dearly missed.

We pray that the Almighty Allah, who granted her a long and prosperous life, may bless, guide and continue to protect the family that she has left behind. We also pray, that the Almighty Allah in his infinite mercies and grace, grant her a place amongst the righteous ones in Al Jannah Firdaus. Amin, Saraki stated

Source: NAN

President Muhammdu Buhari on Thursday commissioned the first Abuja Light Rail system in demonstration of the commitment to address dearth of critical infrastructure.

Buhari said at the commissioning that the projects was the ideals of the Change Agenda of the government to ensure prudence in the management of public resources, value for money considering the huge investments in this project.

He said that transportation was the livewire of any city and expressed optimism that a modern rail service would boost the economy and greatly enhance social life.

I am aware that what we have on ground today are coaches meant to provide skeletal services as we await the main set of the rolling stock for full operations.

He said he had been briefed on the signing of the memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements for the procurements of the main rolling stock.

He assured Nigerians of Federal Governments continued support for all the negotiations towards the realization of the Abuja Light Rail system.

Today, what we have in the Federal Capital Territory is another evidence that we are a government that delivers on its promises.

I have observed keenly other milestones that this Administration has achieved, especially in the areas of education, public utilities and infrastructure development.

Presidenet Buhari commended the efforts Federal Capital Terrirtory (FCT) as well as the support and patience of the residents to made the project a reality.

I am thankful to the Government and people of China for their investment in the Nigerian economy. I commend the CCECC Limited the Contracting Firm, for the quality of work and timely delivery of this project.

Let me place on record the Nigerian governments appreciation to the Government of China and the EXIM Bank of China for their support on this and many other projects currently being executed in the country.

This gesture further cements the already existing cordial relations and developmental partnership between Nigeria and the Peoples Republic of China.

Earlier, the Minister of FCT, Malam Musa Bello, revealed that the Abuja Rail Mass Transit System was an integral part of the FCT Transportation Master Plan.

He said the plan was designed primarily to transport large numbers of people and goods from satellite towns into the Metropolitan Public Transport system and the different Phases of the Federal Capital City/

He said the Abuja rail system was packaged in six lots planned for phased development, based on preferential demand and available financial resources.

He added that the Abuja Rail Mass Transit System was planned to integrate with the National Rail Network when eventually completed.

The Abuja rail is divided into Six (6) Lots and with total length of 290km. The lots are:

Lot 1: From Nnamdi Azikwe Expressway through the Transportation Centre (Metro Station) via Gwagwa to Kubwa;

Lot 2: From Gwagwa via Transportation Centre (Metro Station) to Nyanya/Karu;

Lot 3: From Transportation Centre via Idu Industrial Zone to Nanmadi Azikwe International Airport;

Lot 4:From Kuje Satellite town to Karshi Satellite town with the remaining legs of the Transit way line 2;

Lot 5:From Kubwa via Bwari to Suleja and Lot 6:From Airport via Kuje and Gwagwalada to Dobi, he explained.

The minister said the implementation of the project had been divided into phases, with phase 1 inaugurated by the president.

He said FCTA had concluded an infrastructure soft loan agreement with Exim Bank of China for the supply of the remaining coaches, including their maintenance for three years at a cost of 194 million dollars.

He said the bank would fund the project up to 157 million dollars or 85 per cent of the total cost, while FCTA would bring in a counterpart fund of 37million dollars (15 per cent).

Bello said FCTA had since commenced work on phase II of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit Project.

He said the phase 11 would cover a distance of 32.54km from Nnamdi Azikwe Expressway at Garki Area I via the Transportation Centre to Gwagwa and from Bazango Station to Kubwa.

He said the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in 2017 approved the project for construction by CCECC at a cost of 1.3 billion dollars.

We hope that the minister of Finance would consider putting this key project in the next borrowing plans, the minister of Budget and National Planning would agree to it, the National Assembly would approved it and that China Exim Bank would fund it as a mark of goodwill for the cordial relationship between our two countries, he said.

The president was taken on a guided tour of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit and Abuja new International Terminal at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The Minister of State, Aviation, Mr Hadi Sirika, and Bello led the tour at Idu Rail Station and Abuja airport.

The Abuja Rail Mass Transit is the first mass transit project in Nigeria as well as in West Africa.(NAN)

Source: NAN

The new terminal building under construction at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja will become operational in October.

The Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr Saleh Dunoma, gave the assurance when President Muhammadu Buhari, inspected the project after the inauguration of Abuja Metro line on Thursday.

He said the government and other stakeholders were prevailing on the contractors, China Civil Engineering and Construction Company (CCECC) to ensure the completion of the project by August.

Dunoma said all the challenges that hitherto hindered the completion of the project had been addressed.

He explained that the issue of water and power supply had been handled by the government, adding that the Ministry of Federal Capital Territory had promised to connect the airport to its water supply system.

According to him, Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved an independent power supply for the airport.

So all these works are coming on and by October, they will all be functional and that is when we will start using the terminal building.

We are pressing the contractor to finish in August so that we can start operations in October and all the stakeholders are working together to ensure this.

The relocation of control tower and fire station has nothing to do with the terminal building.

He explained that the issues were going to be handle in the next stage of the items of work that needed to be carries out but would not stop the use of the terminal building.

FAAN boss expressed satisfaction with the quality of work done, adding that the train station would be linked to the existing terminal for seamless movement of passengers.

He explained that there were still more works going on within the airport which includes two car park buildings to be constructed on both wings of the terminal.

According to him, there are so many things to be done but between now and October when we plan to start operations in the new terminal, the road network would have been completed.

Abuja and Port Harcourt airports terminal buildings are on the same level but because of the volume of traffic in Abuja, we prefer to start operations here first.

You can see there are congestion here and there and if we must ease up operation, we must complete this project

We are also working hard to put old facilities in order so that by the time we start operations here everything will be renewed.

Dunoma said that there was a programme in place to ensure the execution of the second runway project.

The Minister of State for Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, said the rail would make movement in and out of the airport to be seamless.

Sirika said the light rail would also make transportation more efficient, adding that it would allow people to connect to their businesses and work places in much faster time than before.

It will reduce the pressure on our roads, ease traffic congestion on all the arteries that lead to airports around the world.

Source: NAN

The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), on Thursday afternoon began the distribution of sensitive materials in readiness for Saturday’s governorship election.

The News Agency of Nigeria,(NAN) reports that the materials which were being moved from the Ado Ekiti Branch of the Central Bank, (CBN) to the headquarters of each of the 16 Local Governments, were accompanied by fully armed security men.

As at 1pm on Thursday, long queues of of INEC delivery vans were seen at the Ado Ekiti branch of the CBN, waiting for the materials.

Fully armed men of the Nigeria police, who were at the distribution venue cordoned off the area during the exercise.

Spokesman of INEC in the state, Alhaji Taiwo Gbadegesin told NAN that apart from using the police to secure the materials, the commission is also tracking all the vehicles that conveyed them so as to guard against possible hijack.

“All we are doing is to maintain our stand on transparency and openness, even as we also guard against infiltration
.

“The other reason why we are keeping to our plans and programmes is that we do not want any failure, especially on issues concerning late arrival of voting materials at all voting venues”, he said.

Kids are a joy to watch ; ain't they?

After a hard fought semi-final win over England, the children of the Croatian national team, stepped onto the pitch for a memorable kick around the stadium with their dad's tugging around.

It was indeed a hard fought victory for the former soviet nation who have endured 360 minutes of play on the pitch in their previous encounters before this tie.

Other players also introduced some of their kids to the world of football.

U.S. Reality TV star Kylie Jenner is on track to become the youngest self-made billionaire in the United States thanks to the booming cosmetics company she launched two years ago, Forbes magazine reported on Wednesday.

Jenner, 20, half-sister of Kim, Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian, debuted Kylie Cosmetics in 2016 with $29 lip kits containing matching lipstick and lip liner, and has since sold more than $630 million worth of makeup.
Forbes said it valued her company at nearly $800 million and that Jenner owns 100 percent of it.

Adding millions from TV programmes, endorsements and after-tax dividends from her company, Forbes said Jenner was “conservatively” worth $900 million. Another year of growth would make her the youngest-self made billionaire ever, male or female, the magazine said.

Jenner first grabbed the spotlight as part of the “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” reality TV show with her mother and siblings.

Forbes estimated that Kim Kardashian, who has her own cosmetics, clothing and mobile games lines, is worth $350 million.

In an interview with Forbes, Jenner credited social media for helping drive her success.

“Social media is an amazing platform,” she said. “I have such easy access to my fans and my customers.”

The Deputy Inspector General of Police(DIG) (Operations), who is also in charge of Saturdays gubernatorial election in Ekiti state Mr. Habila Joshuasaid he never ordered his men to attack members of the Peoples Democratic Party.

He also said he was not aware of any attack on the state governor, Ayo Fayose.

He told journalists in Ado Ekiti that all that his men were doing was to keep the peace as well as maintain law and order, ahead of Saturdays governorship poll.

We are not here to usurp the authority of the Governor but we are not going to allow any authorized rally that can trigger violence in the state. You can see that the state is tensed up

As law enforcement agents, we must be proactive and take actions that can prevent crisis rather than trying to quell it after it might have broken out, he said

According to him, the Government House has not been blocked contrary to the claims by Gov Ayo Fayose.

The police DIG said his men only blocked the road from Fajuyi area of the state secretariat, on the Ado-Ekiti-Ilesa Road, to stop miscreants.

He promised to probe the alleged attack on Fayose and brief the media afterwards.

NAN reports that armed policemen on Wednesday stopped a rally scheduled to take place at the new Pavilion located at Fajuyi, which is within the vicinity of the Government House.

The policemen shot into the air as they dispersed the PDP members who were called by Fayose for a rally in support of Prof Kolapo Olusola-Eleka.

Fayose, who got wind of the development, came out of Government House to find out the cause of the pandemonium.

The Policemen rebuffed the governor for challenging their mode of operations, leading to verbal altercations.

When the ambience became rowdy, the police used the teargas, with the governor claiming later that he lost consciousness, that his neck was sprained and was rushed to hospital.

Source: NAN