PDP and APC logo

By Yemi Adeleye

The ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) in Lagos State says Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains undaunted and could not be distracted from delivering on his social contract with the people.

The APC Publicity Secretary in Lagos, Seye Oladejo, said this while reacting to calls by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to Sanwo-Olu to consider resignation in view of what PDP called the collapse of good governance in the state, particularly in the last 10 days.

Oladejo said the PDP call is an invitation to anarchy, saying the call for resignation remains the wish of a frustrated opposition battling its permanent implosion.

According to him, the dream of PDP to govern Lagos state through the back door after persistent rejection at the polls remains a nightmare.

Oladejo said that the fact that the wanton destruction of public properties, utilities and individual investment in Lagos in the aftermath of #EndSARS protest had thrown the PDP camp into unprecedented jubilation was loaded with meaning.

The PDP in Lagos state that suddenly came to life in the past week owes the innocent members of the public detailed explanation about its ignominious and condemnable role in the mayhem.

The intermittent falsehood about governance in the state fed to the unsuspecting public fanned the ember of the unprecedented violence which has left in its wake sorrow, tears and blood.

The daylight murder of police officers and the razing of several stations across the state has no doubt taken its toll on our security architecture, but the state government is working assiduously to provide temporary accommodation to forestall the breakdown of law and order. We are persuaded by the firm assurance of the governor to revamp our losses in no time, he said.

According to Oladejo, the flag-off ceremony of the reconstruction of the Eleko to Epe T- junction road is an eloquent testimony that governance is not on recess in the state.

He added that the security of lives and property and all-round development remain the priority of the Lagos State government.

Oladejo said that the unfortunate event of the past two weeks which took off as a peaceful nationwide protest and snowballed to the breakdown of law and order remained regrettable and distasteful and should not be used to play politics.

Calling on the governor to resign, the PDP said in a statement on Sunday, by its Publicity Secretary, Taofik Gani, that the governor seemed to have been overwhelmed by the current challenges facing the state.

The PDP spokesman said: This counseling is in good faith and for the overall interest of the state.

If this state continues to experience the collapses in next 72 hours, it may suffer a declaration of state of emergency, a step that would likely deprive all.

The PDP is even more expedient for the governor to welcome the counsel to step aside now that the Nigerian Army has revealed him as the person who invited the soldiers to go and quell the Lekki protests.

Obviously, Lagosians can no longer trust a governor who denies his conspiracy actions in government.

According to him, Sanwo-Olu has no moral standing worth being proud of and he should admit this and honourably leave the stage as governor of the state. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Staff of Ikeja Electricity, on duty

By Solomon Asowata

Ikeja Electric Plc (IE) says it has commenced implementation of the revised Service Reflective Tariff (SRT), as approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) effective Nov. 1.

The electricity distribution company made the announcement in a public notice posted on its official Twitter account on Sunday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the previous SRT which began on Sept. 1 was suspended on Sept. 28 following a meeting between the Organised Labour and the Federal Government over its implementation.

Ikeja Electric said the revision was further to the consultative review meetings held between the parties concerning the Multi Year Tariff Order 2020 SRT.

The DisCo said : Under the SRT, the tariff classification is based on quality of service and therefore, divided into 5 Bands (A-E).

This is measured by the average availability of power supply over a month, interruptions (frequency and duration), voltage levels and other service parameters.

With the revised tariff regime, Non-MD customers in Band A, with a minimum of 20 hours daily will now pay N51.22/Kwh.

Band B customers with minimum of 16 hours daily will be charged N46.93/Kwh; while Band C customers with a minimum of 12 hours daily will be charged N37.95/Kwh.

However, please note that customers in Bands D and E, with minimum of eight hours and four hours per day, respectively, are not impacted by the tariff revision.

According to the company, the SRT tariffs of the two bands have been frozen, and consequently, they will continue to be charged the old tariff prior to the introduction of the SRT.

It said that prepaid meter customers in Bands A C, who vend from Nov. 1 would be charged the new tariff while same will be implemented for postpaid customers in these bands during the November billing cycle.

We want to use this opportunity to solicit the continued support and understanding of our customers as we move forward with this new tariff regime, which will enable the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry cover cost of their operations and ensure improved service delivery.

Lastly, we further wish to assure our customers of our commitmentto service improvements in customer service delivery, infrastructural upgrade, metering and technological solutions, within the shortest possible time, Ikeja Electric said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

NiMet predicts sunny weather

By Gabriel Agbeja

Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted hazy, sunny weather activities from Monday to Wednesday across the country.

NiMets weather outlook released on Sunday predicted dust haze conditions over the northern region with a moderate visibility range of 2KM to 5KM throughout the forecast period on Monday.

According to it, the North central region is expected to be in sunny and hazy condition throughout the forecast period.

The inland and coastal cities of the South are expected to be in partly cloudy to cloudy condition with slim prospects of thunderstorms over Rivers, Cross River, Eket and Bayelsa in the morning hours.

There are prospects of few thunderstorms over parts of Cross River, Ebonyi, Delta, Awka, Rivers, Delta, Cross River, Benin and Lagos state during the afternoon and evening hours, it said.

The agency forecast dust haze condition over the northern region with visibility range of 2KM to 5KM on Tuesday.

According to NiMet, localised visibility of less than, or equal to, 1000M is expected over parts of Borno.

The North central region is expected to be in sunny and hazy condition throughout the forecast period.

The inland and coastal cities of the South are expected to be cloudy.

Also, sunshine intervals in the morning hours with prospects of few thunderstorms are anticipated over parts of Port Harcourt, Eket, Warri and Calabar in the afternoon and evening hours, it said.

The agency envisaged dust haze condition over the northern region with localised visibility range of less than, or equal to, 1000M throughout the forecast period on Wednesday.

According to it, North central region is expected to be in sunny and hazy condition throughout the forecast period.

The inland cities of the South are expected to be in cloudy condition with sunshine intervals throughout the forecast period.

However, cloudy conditions are expected over the coastal cities with slim chances of few thunderstorms over parts of Warri, Yenagoa and Port- Harcourt in the morning hours.

Later in the day, few thunderstorms are expected over parts of Port-Harcourt, Calabar and Eket, while the other cities are expected to be in cloudy condition,it said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Hajj pilgrims

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Independent Hajj Reporters(IHR), a Civil Society Organisation that reports and monitors Hajj activities, has expressed sadness over the death of the Acting President, Association of Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON), Alhaji Salisu Butu.

National Coordinator of the reporters, Alhaji Ibrahim Muhammed, in a statement on Sunday in Abuja described the news as shocking .

The statement said that Butu, who died in Abuja on Friday, possessed great attributes of a leader who knew and appreciated the role of the media in the Hajj Industry.

It commiserated with the executive members of the association, its members, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), States Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards and all stakeholders in the Muslim pilgrimage industry over the passing of Butu.

Muhammed also condoled with the family of Butu and prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive his short comings and grant him eternal rest. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Group seeks immediate recall of Lagos lawmaker, Mrs Mojisola Alli-Macaulay

By Joan Odafe

A group, Amuwo Odofin Stakeholders Consultative Forum (AOSCF), has called for immediate recall of the lawmaker representing the constituency in Lagos State House of Assembly.

In a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos, the group demanded the recall of Mrs Mojisola Alli-Macaulay over alleged gross mis-representation of her constituency at the assembly.

The statement was jointly signed by Mr Kingsley Nwanze, Convener, Amuwo Odofin Intelligentsia, and Mr Gbenga Akinbinu, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Amuwo Odofin Chapter.

It said that Alli-Macaulay made unguided statements which were inciting and callously targeted at Nigerian youths during plenary.

The group, therefore, vowed to commence legal proceedings for the recall of Alli-Macaulay over her comments alleging that most Nigerian youths on social media are always high on drugs.

Alli-Macaulay, in a video of her address at an Oct. 26 plenary of the House on the looting and violence that trailed theprotests, had said, We need to begin to orientate our young people. They are high on drugs all the time, most of them.

The group said: It is on record that Amuwo Odofin youths protected all business premises within the local government and they were highly commended by well-meaning Nigerians, including the council chairman.

We would like to state emphatically, that we are not in support of destruction of property by hoodlums.

It is unfortunate that our representative at the LSHA did not have a good grasp of the positive contributions of Amuwo Odofin youths during the crisis that ravaged other parts of Lagos State.

The group listed six reasons as grounds for the commencement of legal proceedings to recall Alli-Macaulay from the assembly.

She does not have functional constituency office as required by law within the constituency for almost two years in office.

She has not prepared any bill aimed at improving the lives of her constituents and by extension, Lagos State.

Her continuous representation is totally against the well-being of her constituents.

It was widely circulated on major social media platforms that she used COVID-19 palliative items as gifts at her last birthday party.

She has refused to give her account of stewardship at the Lagos State House of Assembly since she assumed office.

She has also religiously remained inaccessible since she assumed office.

The lawmaker and her aides did not respond to calls and text messages seeking her reaction to the allegations as at the time of filing this report.

Source: NAN News

AEDC effects revised service tariff on Nov. 1

The Abuja Electricity Distribution(AEDC) says it has effected the revised Service Tariff with effect from Nov.1.

AEDC General Manager, Corporate Communication, Mr Oyebode Fadipe said in a statement in Abuja on Sunday.

This is to inform our customers that with effect from Nov.1, AEDC has effected a revised Service Reflective Tariff as approved by the regulatory agency, he said.

Fadipe said that customers on the pre-paid platform will be the first to experience the revised tariff when they vend as from Sunday, Nov. 1.

While the revised tariff will reflect in the bills for customers on the postpaid platform when they receive their electricity bills.

The tariff is divided into five bands and based on hours of supply to the customers.

While customers on bands D and E have their tariff frozen, those on bands A, B and C will see some level of reduction in their tariff as they vend.

The AEDC assures its customers that it will, in line with the spirit and letter of the service reflective tariff, ensure that all customers receive quality service, he said.

He said that the AEDC was also committed to the improvement of service to customers in all its franchise area.

We, however, appeal to customers to please see this tariff regime as an opportunity for them to join hands with AEDC to speed up the process of improving the quality of service in the Nigerian power sector, he said.

Fadipe said that the table of the payment for the new tariff would soon be released.

Source: NAN News

Lagos pays N1.3bn to another set of retirees

By Rukayat Adeyemi

The Lagos State Government has paid, more than N1 billion into the Retirement Savings Account (RSAs) of 246 retirees in the states public service for October.

Mr Babalola Obilana, Director General, Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC), made the diaclosure in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.

A total of one billion, three million, three hundred and seventy-four thousand, three hundred and seventy-two Naira, sixty-eight kobo was paid, Obilana said.

He explained that the beneficiaries, included employees from the mainstream service, Local Government Service, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) and other parastatals of the state government.

According to him, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has consistently paid the monthly entitlements of retirees and backlog of some unpaid pension inherited from previous administrations.

The director-general congratulated all the retirees for rendering meritorious service to the state.

Obilana said that in spite of the state of the nation and aftermath of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the state government in line with the vision of a greater Lagos and its commitment to financial freedom for the states retirees, ensured the payment of pension entitlements.

This shows the commitment of Gov. Sanwo-Olu to the welfare of the pensioners in the state, he said.

The director-general enlightened the retirees on the two payment options available for accessing their monthly pension entitlements which is the Programme Withdrawal and Life Annuity.

He urged the retirees to understand the details of the two options and choose the most appropriate option suitable for their situation.

Source: NAN News

President Buhari

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey and the Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, over the reported earthquakes in the two countries, leaving many casualties.

The Nigerian leaders condolence message was contained in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Sunday.

Buhari commiserated with the families in the City of Izmir, Turkey and Greek islands of Samos and Greece who lost their loved ones.

He also expressed sympathy with the government and people of the two countries, as they made efforts to save lives, while recovering from the shock of the earthquakes.

The government and people of Nigeria stand in solidarity with Turkey and Greece in this trying period, as they deal with the unmitigated fallouts of the natural disaster, he added.

The president prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed and quick recovery for the injured.

Source: NAN News

Faiza Heidar, Egyptian woman professional football trainer

Faiza Heidar grew up playing soccer in the streets with the boys and went on to captain Egypts national womens team.

Now she has become the first woman to train one of the countrys professional mens clubs.

Heidar has been signed up by the fourth division side Ideal Goldi, based in Giza.

There is usually some mockery at the beginning, the 36-year-old told Reuters.

But then they realise that they will learn something, that they will develop their skills.

ICYMI: Soccer star becomes the first woman to coach a mens pro team in Egypt

Reuters (@Reuters)

She said she was the first Egyptian coach male or female to gain the Premier Skills Coach Educator status, certified by Englands Premier League.

Soccer remains an overwhelmingly male sport in Egypt.

I would tell her not to go. She would say: No, I will go. She loved the sport, said Heidars mother, Khodra Abdelrahman.

I let her go and prayed that God help her. And she did go, and she has done so well. (Reuters/NAN)

Source: NAN News

Traffoc on Abuja road

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Following renewed traffic gridlocks on Abuja roads, road users have appealed to all officers handling traffic management in the territory to return to the roads to ensure seamless movement.

The President, Road Users Development Network of Nigeria, Dr John Uket, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of one-day national dialogue on traffic management held in Abuja.

He observed that the renewed bad traffic situations in Abuja and Lagos followed the absence of road traffic personnel from agencies such as the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Police Force, Department of Road Traffic Services (VIO) and others.

According to him, the roads are not manned by traffic and other personnel for fear they could be attacked following the recent EndSars protests.

He tendered an unreserved apology and reassured the personnel of their safety.

We have taken into cognizance the need to reassure you of the public support that you have always enjoyed before the protest.

In the spirit of nationhood and patriotism, we want to kindly appeal to you all to forge a new page in our nations history.

For all the traffic officers who are still feeling hurt, the road users, both motorists and commuters, say sorry for the actions of the hoodlums as we hope that such hoodlums will be brought to justice soon.

He therefore condemned the burning of public facilities by the hoodlums, particularly mass transit buses.

He called for investigation into the matter and advised members of the public to rather safeguard public facilities.

Also speaking to NAN, the Chairman, Federal Capital Territory Administration Traffic Management Team, Mr Ikharo Attah, revealed that his men remained on the road, doing their routine job during the EndSARS protest until it was highjacked by hoodlums.

This, made the officers to seek their safety, leaving the roads blocked and unsafe for the public.

Ikharo bemoaned a situation where traffic personnel were attacked by hoodlums and the people were cheering them, instead of appealing to them to stop the act.

We want to be on the road and do our routine job. We dont want to die. When people are stirred up against us, we get scared. The public should support us. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Minister of F Zainab Ahmed

By Hussaina Yakubu

The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, has urged parents to instill family values in their children as a way to save the country from degeneration.

The minister made the call in Kaduna during a stakeholders engagement with 77 district heads, religious and community leaders from the 23 Local Government Areas of Kaduna State.

We arecallingthe attention of parents that we have failed our children in the sense that the kind of values we use to have is no more.

We need to remind ourselves that our children need to be upright and that this criminality going on, on daily basis, is not for their benefits and the benefit of the state and country.

The minister appreciated efforts by the Kaduna state government in managing security issues in the state.

Ahmed told the stakeholders that the Federal Government had created a N75 billion entrepreneurship support fund, to enable youths in the country grow their businesses and be economically independent.

The minister explained that the fund would support the youth to actualize their innovative and enterprenueral ideas, be productive and employers of labour.

Also speaking, the Minister of Environment, Dr. Muhammad Mahmud, called for collective efforts to tackle the security challenges in the country.

He urged the stakeholders to support government in addressing the security challenges and unemployment in the country.

The minister advised the youths to be self reliant, by focusing onskills acquisition and not depending on government.

Mahmud urged theleaders to be advocates of peace in their respective communities in order to bring about meaningful development.

Earlier, the Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, appealed to the stakeholders to sensitise their communities on the need to always uphold the law in all their conducts.

According to her,the state government will remain resolutein dealing with any lawlessness and criminal acts.

She also condemned the recent spate of looting and destruction of public and private properties.

These mob actions are unreasonable and intolerable, the deputy governor said.

She expressed the hope that the interactions would lead to understanding and collective efforts to develop the state.

As good citizens, it is part of our civic duty to support government in the development of the state.

So, we need this interactions between the government, traditional and religious institutions that allow us to reason together.

It isagreed that there are problems, but government is doing all it can to address them. I urge all onthe need to join forces to save thesociety from those seeking to destroy it.

This is a responsive government and we have listened to the demands of our people and are doing our best to address them, the deputy governor added.

The stakeholders tasked the government to do more in securing the lives and property of the people.

They appreciated the government for its efforts so far in managing the security situation across the state, and requested that such interface be held quarterly, to address emerging challenges.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Ekiti State Governor and Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum, Dr Fayemi Kayode, and Governors of Sokoto and Jigawa, Aminu Tambuwal and Badaru Abubakar, respectively, attended the event. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Hundreds of thousands of first- to fourth-graders returned to schools throughout Israel on Sunday, as a second stage of the countrys exit strategy from a nationwide coronavirus lockdown took effect.

Children below the age of 6 returned to kindergartens throughout Israel two weeks ago, as part of the exit strategys first stage.

Sunday is the start of the working and school week in Israel.

With daily Covid-19 infections hitting local all-time records up until late September, Israel on September 18 imposed a second nationwide lockdown. From early October, numbers have been dropping.

The Health Ministry reported on Sunday that Israel recorded 218 new infections the previous day, down from over 9,000 infections on September 30.

However, fewer people get tested on Saturdays compared to other days of the week, and the preceding six days saw an average of 737 daily infections.

As part of Israels phased easing of its second lockdown, high-street shops are scheduled to open only as of Sunday next week provided that numbers continue to drop.

The first- to fourth-graders who returned to schools on Sunday will be learning for now in turns in smaller groups called capsules, to ensure fewer pupils present in classrooms at any one time.

I think that the solution we gave is a good temporary solution, Education Minister Yoav Gallant said, rejecting fierce criticism by school principals and many others that Israel is neglecting the education of an entire coronavirus generation.

In total, 2,541 people in Israel have died with Covid-19.

Source: NAN News

#EndSARS protesters

By Emmanuel Afonne

The Anglican Archbishop of Owerri, Imo, Most Rev. Dr David Onuoha, has urged Nigerian youths to shun violence and give government time to respond to their demands that necessitated the #EndSARS protests.

Onuoha made the call on Sunday on the heels of protest by some Nigerians demanding an end to police brutality and the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

He said that the protest presented Nigerian youths as resourceful and intelligent with the capacity to make things happen but that they must exercise restraint and allow government to meet their demands.

Having strongly registered your concerns and demands, you should now allow a little time for our leaders to respond, he said in a statement in Abuja.

According to the prelate, the Federal Government and the Imo State Government in particular will not fail in meeting the expectations of the protesters going by the programmes unveiled by the Hope Uzodimma-led administration.

Onuoha therefore, urged the youth to shun violence, looting and destruction of lives as they were not the best ways to resolve issues.

He added: Your demand for an end to police brutality as well as for good governance is very well placed, legitimate and appropriate.

What gain is there when we use the scarce resources available to replace and rebuild damaged structures instead of using it to improve on what we have for our common good?

A lot of people are known to have lost their lives in the violence and brigandage of the nature that we witnessed recently; we do not want to lose you in this manner because you are very dear to God and us.

Active participation and peaceful resistance are recognised globally as legitimate means of redeeming the society. God also approves it; this is a preferred option.

We welcome enthusiastically your resolve to take active part in politics as a way of ensuring the rebirth of this nation.

You must pursue this vigorously and peacefully, Onuoha said.

He urged the youth to always be agents of positive change and to always be civil and peaceful in all their demands as there could not be another country to call ours if the nation is destroyed.

The archbishop urged Nigerians to be steadfast in prayer as the innocent blood of citizens spilled during the protests would surely be the seed of the new Nigeria that all would cherish. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Illustration: Dead body

By Olanrewaju Akojede

In what seemed a myth but a reality occurred at Abeokuta, Ogun, as Pa Israel Akojede and his wife, Mama Esther both died few hours apart having lived together in marriage for 72 years.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that their demise which occurred at Gbonagun Obantoko area of Abeokuta, had Pa Akojede reported dead around 3 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 30, while his beloved wife died a few hours later having got the news of her husbands death.

Pa Akojede, was 103 years, while Mama was 98 years,

The first son of the family aged 70, Mr Joseph Akojede, who confirmed the deaths, said that though the incident remained a mystery to the family, but that it was expected because of the fondness between them.

Their death is shocking but also expected. What we are thinking is maybe there would have been a short interval because they both loved themselves dearly.

I have watched them since I was young and I know they are inseparable, they wear same colour of clothes, have the same belief and always consulted each other for advice.

You can hardly hear them grumbling against each other as mama will say whatever her husband did was final, she wont give a second opinion even if she had any.

Such was the love they shared. Papa died very early in the morning and as we were being careful about breaking the news to his wife, she already knew and few minutes later she gave up the ghost, he said.

The first grandson of the family, Mr Olanrewaju Akojede of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said the demise of the couple was a true version of the popular film, Romeo and Juliet.

I have watched them play Romeo and Juliet whenever I have the opportunity to be with them. Its so surprising to me that they even shared the same mobile telephone.

Whenever I call, its either Mama or Papa that answers the call; it depends on who the phone was with it when I called.

They are so great parents who had lived a pleasant and worthy life that is worth emulating. May their souls rest in peace, he said.

Their burial ceremony will be announced later by the family.

They are survived by children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Main Gate of FMC Lokoja

By Kola Adeyemi

A member of the House of Representatives from Kogi, Tajudeen Yusuf, has appealed to Federal Government to reopen the Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja, in the interest of the people of the state.

The lawmaker, representing Kabba-Bunu/ Ijumu Federal Constituency, made the appeal in a statement obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lokoja.

He said that the closure of the facility for the past four months had affected the health of the people, saying that so many innocent lives have been lost due to the prolonged closure.

Yusuf appealed to the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, to use his good office by ordering the reopening of the centre to save residents from avoidable deaths.

The continued closure has meant more deaths for patients whose health complications would have been better managed at FMC Lokoja, the lawmaker said.

It would be recalled that armed thugs had in July invaded the hospital and attacked staff, vandalised equipment, furniture and other property of the centre.

The incident forced the management to order the closure of the facility which was also at the centre of a disagreement with the state government over the COVID-19 status of the Chief Imam of Kabba, Alhaji Abubakar Ejibunu

The FMC had referred Ejibunu to the National Hospital Abuja where he tested positive for COVID-19, a development which resulted in a dispute between the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the state government.

The state government immediately rejected the result, saying its Ministry of Health was not carried along in the series of tests conducted on the patient.

But Yusuf, however, argued that the ordinary citizens should not be made to continue to suffer for this, and urged the Federal Ministry of Health to reopen the hospital in the interest of justice and fairness.

The FMC, Lokoja, the only tertiary federal health facility in the confluence state, offering quality, professional services to indigenes and residents in the state, was closed on the order of the Federal Ministry of Health, following an alleged invasion of the hospital by thugs.

Since then, our people have been travelling all the way to Abuja or Akure, Ibadan and Lagos for health conditions that could otherwise be treated at FMC, Lokoja.

Patients with prior medical appointments now face the rigours of travelling, even at the risk of further complicating their health challenges.

Many indigent patients are now forced to live in precarious conditions and several of those who can afford the trips to Abuja or other cities face increased likelihood of death.

People from all the three senatorial districts and seven federal constituencies in Kogi State are stridently appealing to the conscience of the minister and others in authority for the reopening of FMC, Lokoja, the lawmaker said in the statement.

According to him, the senselessness of a few irrational elements should not be the basis for which Kogi residents are punished. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

AGF Abubakar Malami

By Ebere Agozie

The Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, SAN, says the Federal Government is set to end impunity for crimes against members of the public including journalists.

Malami made this known in a statement issued by Dr Umar Gwandu, his Special Assistant on Media and Public Relations in Abuja on Sunday.

In a message to commemorate the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, the Minister said it was gratifying to note that Nigeria is no longer among the countries with impunity for crimes against journalists.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the dayagainst is a UN-recognized international day observed annually on Nov. 2.

The day draws attention to the low global conviction rate for violent crimes against journalists and media workers, estimated at only one in every ten case

The 2020 global index for impunity for crimes against journalists by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), released on Oct. 28 indicated that Nigeria is the only country that came off the index from 2019.

He described the achievement as a result of deliberate and committed efforts of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration through the implementation of many reforms in the Nigerian justice sector.

These, he said, include increased access to justice, speedy justice dispensation, decongesting of Nigerias correctional centers and judicious implementation of the Criminal Justice Act and Justice Sector reforms.

The AGF expressed optimism that with the solid foundation of reformed justice sector to be bequeathed by the Buhari Administration, never again will Nigeria feature among nations where journalists, citizens and inhabitants of the country will suffer from any form of impunity in the future.

The recent developments in Nigerias international arbitration against P

By Ikenna Osuoha

Alhaji Nasir Kwarra, Executive Chairman, National Population Commission (NPC) says the commission will set its entire operations on pedestal digitalisation, starting with the National Population and Housing Census.

Kwarra made the promise in his inaugural speech in Abuja on Wednesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) reports that Kwarra was recently appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari as the substantive chairman of the commission.

He said that digitalisation of the registration of vital events such as births and deaths were to ensure the effective delivery on the commissions data collation and dissemination mandate.

We need to put in motion a machinery for the improvement of birth registration coverage nationwide, so that by August 10, 2021, we will have more to celebrate on Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CVRS), he said.

Kwarra, who called for team work among the commissions federal commissioners, promised to motivate the NPC with encouraging remuneration and incentives.

He pledged a synergy with all data generating agencies and end users like the Bureau of Statistics (BOS), the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the Ministry of Health and the National Planning Commission in improving and sustaining the dissemination of data to stakeholders.

At the same time, we will increase the tempo of our engagement with our development partners: UNFPA, UNICEF, DFID, UNDP, Bills

#EndSARS protesters

By Emmanuel Afonne

The United Global Resolve for Peace (UGRFP) an NGO, has commended the Federal Governments directive to states to constitute Judicial Panels of Inquiry to investigate alleged abuses by security agencies.

A statement issued on Wednesday by Mr Shalom Olaseni, Executive Director, UGRFP, described as timely the establishment of the panels in the 36 states and the FCT to ensure accountability and justice for persons who suffered brutality in the hands of the police.

Olaseni urged the appointed members to be guided by the truth so as not to jeopardise the purpose of establishing the panels.

He said that the composition of the panels must be with men and women of impeccable character and verifiable records of respect for human rights.

In the same vein, the judicial panels ought to have represented on it a sizable number of youths approved by their peers so as to lend balance and credibility to the entire set-up, he said.

According to Olaseni, it is satisfactory to note that the panels are not restricted to public hearings on the disbanded SARS alone but has been extended to accommodate complaints against the Nigeria Police Force as a whole.

We have those who suffered police brutality and the policemen and women who were harassed and some killed by hoodlums, are the two broad categories of victims in the matter.

The first group consists of all innocent Nigerians who have suffered from police brutality and unprofessionalism and is further extended to those harassed and killed during the duration of the #EndSARS protest.

The second group is represented by the policemen and women who were equally harassed, and some killed, by hoodlums who hijacked what was a peaceful protest.

We want to specifically identify the killings at Lekki Toll Gate, as constituting a third group of victims with a symbolic leaning and implication for Nigeria as a whole.

These groups are consequential victims of a dysfunctional policing system and it is hoped that justice will be meted in each individual cases without fear or favour, Olaseni said.

He advised the federal government to provide the enabling environment for the people to have confidence in the panels.

As each states Judicial Panel of Inquiry begins its critical job of hearing and verifying claims against the Nigeria Police Force, the public are advised to make the most of the opportunity by actively participating in its summons or hearings.

Federal and State governments must also commit to providing an enabling environment for the hearings to be productive such as convenient logistical arrangements for the members of the panels, complainants and audience, protection for victims and witnesses from targeted harassment.

It must also provide full media coverage to forestall secrecy or manipulations in the panels affair.

Olaseni noted that justice for the Lekki victims by identifying the soldiers who opened fire on the protesters and also who gave order for the shooting, would go a long way to stimulate public confidence in the hearings happening all over the country.

He also said that killer-cops must be brought to book, while unprofessional cops should be shown the way out of service and arraigned where necessary.

The Lekki Toll Gate shooting is a national embarrassment for Nigeria and only by letting justice take its due course for the victims against the perpetrators can national healing occur.

Furthermore, Federal and State governments must exercise restrain in imposing itself over these panels in a manner that impairs its capacity to deliver justice.

All levels of government must also commit to enforcing the conclusions of the Judicial Panels in whatever form it takes, the UGRFP director said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Lucy Ogalue
The maritime sector has the capacity to generate more than 1.6 trillion dollars annually if properly harnessed, Mr Bashir Jamoh, Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has said.

Jamoh stated this on Wedneday while delivering a lecture on Maritime Security and National Development in Nigeria at the National Defence College, Abuja.

The maritime sector can generate not less than 1.6trillion dollars if we can properly harness all the investment opportunities and have foreign investors come and assist in the development.

Development in the shipping sector requires good planning. This is the right time we have to start planning.

With the estimated revenue per annum in the maritime sector, it can provide 30 times what the oil industry can provide.

That means that the journey must start from today to ensure that we harness and achieve such target, Jamoh said.

According to him, a recent publication described NIgeria as having the most dangerous waters to trade in, in terms of maritime security.

He explained that the consequences of the report was that it would transcend to negative impact on the nations growth and development.

The NIMASA boss listed some of the negative effects of maritime insecurity to include negative image of the country internationally, increase in insurance premium, inflationary impact, economic consequences, among others.

On measures to achieve maritime security in the country, Jamoh said it would require good governance, maritime infrastructure development and maritime security.

When you have good governance, you address all the issues.

Today, we are talking of maritime insecurity; the international community wants to make sure that when they arrive Nigeria safely, they will leave Nigeria safely.

From time to time we must have policies that can be able to protect the maritime industry so that good things can continue to flourish.

On governance, he said that Nigeria must introduce macro level policy interventions, fiscal and monetary policies, modular floating dock, stakeholders support system, deep blue project and fleet expansion.

He also suggested ship building, among others, to enable good governance.

The Commandant, National Defence College, Rear Admiral Mackson Kadir, in a remark, called for a change of orientation if Nigeria was to improve participation in the maritime sector.

While commending the efforts of NIMASA director-general toward the growth of the sector, Kadir said that the maritime outfit sharpens the government of the sea.

Multiplicity of agencies will not serve national interest; it is important to link all organisations in the country to drive growth, he said.

Source: NAN News

Buhari with Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has commended President Muhammadu Buhari forbackingDr Ngozi Okonjo-Iwealain emergingas the first female and African Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

The partys National Chairman, Mr Uche Secondus, gave the commendation in a statement issued by his Media Aide, Mr Ike Abonyi, in Abuja on Wednesday.

Secondus welcomed what he described as historic emergence of Okonjo-Iweala, the Nigerias former Finance Minister, as the first female and African D-G of the WTO.

He commended Buhari forputting aside political sentiment in backing both Okonjo-Iweala andDr Akinwumi Adesina, the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB),for the exalted international jobs.

He said Okonjo-Iwealas victory coming shortly after the re- election of Adesina as the AfDB President, gladdened particularly the PDP who he said brought Nigerias best heads into government.

The PDP national chairman said that the victory of Okonjo-Iweala in the highly contested global position mirrors the greatness of tomorrows Nigeria.

Okonjo-Iwealas victory is a reward for hardwork and commitment to excellence as she demonstrated in all positions she held nationally and internationally.

This savoring news coming at this time that the nation is witnessing her worse is relieving and hope rising that a greater tomorrow awaits this land.

Secondus also commended the international community particularly the ECOWAS and the African Union, AU, for showing brotherhood when it was highly needed.

He prayed God to grant her daughter all she would need, including wisdom, the intellect and discerning mind to lead the World trade. (NAN)

Source: NAN News