By Edith Ike-Eboh

The New Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) currently before the National Assembly has proposed the establishment of a Midstream Gas Infrastructure Fund for effective gas development in the country.

The bill obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria( NAN) in Abuja revealed that the fund would help to facilitate gas infrastructure develoment in the country.

NAN recalls that the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, had declared 2020 as the year of gas.

He said that Nigeria had more of gas deposit than crude oil and government was making effort to ensure full development of the country through gas.

Undoubtedly, natural gas has the enormous potential to diversify and grow the Nigerian economy, power its industries and homes, produce ever-so-lacking wealth, create jobs, develop associated industries in the petrochemical sector, raise people out of poverty, the list goes on.

Naming 2020 the year of gas for Nigeria has a really nice ring to it, but marketing alone will not cut it.

Concerted governmental action is essential if we are to see true growth in the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sector, and first of all, we need to see a conclusion to the long delayed Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme, he said.

The new PIB revealed that the Midstream Gas Infrastructure Fund would have a body corporate with perpetual succession and a common seal, adding that it would reside in the Authority, the proposed regulatory body for the sector.

The Midstream Gas Infrastructure Fund shall have power to acquire, hold, and dispose of property, sue and be sued in its corporate name.

There shall be a governing council which shall supervise and make investment decision for the fund, it said.

It further noted that the governing council shall comprise of the minister, who would be the chairman of the council.

The council will have representative of the Central Bank of Nigeria not below the rank of a Director, representative of the ministry of finance not below the rank of a Director and the chief Executive of the regulatory body the Authority.

It added that the Executive Director of the fund and two independent members appointed by Minister of Finance for a period of four years would be part of the council.

It said that the Legal adviser of the regulatory body, the Authority would serve as the secretary of the governing council.

On sources of revenue for the Fund, it said that it should not be more than one per cent of the levy prescribed in a regulation under the act, derived from wholesale price of petrol, electricity products sold in Nigeria and natural gas produced, sold and collected on wholesale basis.

Funds and grants accuring from multilateral agencies, bilateral institutions and related sources dedicated partly or wholly for the development of infrastructure for midstream gas operations in Nigeria.

Interest, if any payable in respect of Money in the Midstream Gas Infrastructure fund and other sum, freely donated or accruing to the fund for development of infrastructure, it said.

It added that the regulatory body, the Authority would ensure the prompt payment of all such sums directly into the funds account.

The bill further noted that the purpose of the fund would be to make equity investments of Government owned participation or shareholders interest in infrastructure related to midstream gas operations.

Increase the domestic consumption of natural gas in Nigeria in projects which are financed in part by private investment and encouraging private investment among others, it added.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

#ENDSARS protesters

By Emmanuel Afonne

Nigerians in the United Kingdom have urged youths to be peaceful, united and coordinated as they demand for an end to police brutality and reform of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

The call was made on Sunday in a statement by Nigerian Community Leaders, UK (NCLUK) comprising of different Nigerian ethnic socio-cultural groups, association and UK Mayors of Nigerian descent.

The group is made up of Central Association of Nigerians in the UK, Nigerians in Diaspora (NIDO) UK, Ohanaeze Ndigbo UK and Northern Ireland as well as serving and former UK Mayors of Nigerian origin.

It urged the youths not to allow themselves to be divided along ethnic or religious lines by people who do not wish them well and those with hidden agenda.

We share and support the objectives of peaceful #EndSARS youths demanding immediate end to police brutality and good governance and a better society in Nigeria.

Nigerian Community Leaders in UK, condemn anarchy, arson, looting, and wanton destruction of private properties, public utilities, institutions and facilities.

The group called for the setting up of a judicial panel of inquiry into the alleged army shooting of peaceful protesters and all forceful disruptions of the peaceful protesters.

It also supported the special fund for families that suffered police or military brutality before and during the #EndSARS protests across the country. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Dr Nnanna Igwe, President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo UK and Northern Ireland

By Emmanuel Afonne

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo UK and Northern Ireland on Sunday condemned the looting and wanton destruction of private properties, public utilities, institutions and facilities by hoodlums following the #EndSARS protests in the country.

The Igbo socio-cultural group in a statement jointly signed by its President, Dr Nnanna Igwe and Secretary Mazi Kingsley Offor (Esq), stated that the acts were not acceptable, and negate the vision of the #EndSARS movement.

Ohanaeze UK, North Ireland, therefore, called on all those involved in the destruction of peoples shops and looting of properties to stop the reprehensible acts of vandalism in the East, South, West and North of Nigeria.

It also expressed its profound condolences to the families of the innocent and unarmed #EndSARS protesters who lost their lives in cause of the protests especially those who died at the Lekki Toll Gate.

We also remember all those killed extra-judicially in Nigeria over the years by SARS and police brutality with utter impunity; our thoughts and prayers are with them.

We condemn strongly the army shooting, attack and forcefully disruption of peaceful #EndSARS protest at Lekki Toll Gate on Oct. 20 in Lagos resulting in significant casualties and loss of lives.

This action was the lowest moment in our history and an affront to our fundamental human rights and freedom of association as enshrined in Nigerian Constitution and the International Law on Human Right to which Nigeria is signatory to.

We fully share and support the peaceful #EndSARS youths protest demanding immediate end to police brutality and request for good governance and a better society in Nigeria.

This #EndSARS protest has no ethnic or religious connotations; it was a spontaneous and united peaceful movement by all Nigerian youths to press for a change in the affairs of the nation.

The Federal Government should set up urgent judicial panel of inquiry into the army shooting and extra-judicial killings of peaceful and armless protesters and all forceful disruptions of the peaceful #EndSARS protest, the statement read.

It also called on the Federal Government to set up a special fund to support the families of those killed and maimed in the #EndSARS protests across the country.

The group urged government and leaders at various levels to listen to the yearnings of the united Nigerian youths involved in the protests.

It urged all security agencies to stop the use of force against the peaceful youth #EndSARS protesters and ensure that the culprits were brought to justice.

This, the group noted would help in dousing the tensions necessitated by the #EndSARS protests across the country.

There are urgent need for restructuring, good governance, rule of law, freedom of speech, freedom of association, preservation of fundamental human rights, equity, transparency, accountability and end of corruption in Nigeria.

Ohanaeze urged the International Community such as the UK, USA, EU, China, African Union, the Commonwealth of Nations, United Nations and Amnesty International, to prevail on Nigerian government to ensure good governance and end to police brutality on citizens.

The International Community must be fully aware of the huge and costly global implications of Nigerian implosion; urgent actions must be taken to stem the tide.

We strongly and passionately appeal to all stakeholders and leaders to work together to end this impasse in Nigeria. The time to act is now, Ohanaeze said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

South-East Governors

By Chukwuemeka Opara

Chairman of the Southeast Governors Forum and governor of Ebonyi, Chief David Umahi, has assured all Nigerians that they would be safe in any part of the southeast geopolitical zone.

Umahi made the declaration on Sunday while inspecting public property damaged by hoodlums at Okposi and Uburu communities of Ohaozara local government area of Ebonyi in the wake of the #EndSARS protests.

The governor said he had spoken with leaders from all the geopolitical zones of the country and assured them of safety for all.

They in turn, assured us of Igbo citizens safety in their lands as those of the southwest in particular urged us to ignore the threats of crisis being circulated in the social media.

We implore people from all parts of Nigeria residing in the southeast to go about their businesses peacefully and report any threat to the governors and security agencies, he said.

He noted that there were criminals across the country and that the youths had been directed to fish out the perpetrators of the destructions to face the law.

We believe in the oneness of the country where justice and equity will thrive.

We believe that together we will be stronger, he added.

Gov. Umahi appeal to Igbos across the country not to join the protests further.

They should not allow anybody to use them in terming the protests an Igbo affair, he stressed.

The governor noted that the country was going through a trying period and urged citizens to toe the path of President Muhammadu Buhari who has spoken in the nations oneness.

The president has encouraged us, commiserated with families of all those who lost their lives, including security agencies and we should give him time to address the protesters demands, he stressed

The governor expressed dismay over the wanton destruction during the protests, noting that youths should not destroy properties which belonged to them.

I will not reconstruct or repair any property that was destroyed except the people identify the culprits for them to face the law, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

COVID-19

The number of confirmed cases in the African continent has reached 1,707,741, the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said on Sunday.

The Africa CDC said in a statement that the death toll related to the pandemic stood at 41,145 as of Sunday afternoon.

A total of 1,399,238 people infected with COVID-19 have recovered across the continent, the Africa CDC said.

The most affected African countries in terms of the number of positive cases include South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Ethiopia and Nigeria.

The Southern Africa region is the most COVID-19 affected region both in terms of the number of confirmed positive cases as well as the number of deaths. (Xinhua/NAN)

Source: NAN News

Donald Duke

By George Odok

A former Governor of Cross River, Mr Donald Duke, has said that Nigerian youths have been neglected and left with no hopes due to wrong leadership in the country.

Duke, who spoke with newsmen on Sunday while reacting to the destruction of properties on Friday and Saturday in Calabar by some hoodlums, said the act was not normal.

He said that the youths feel abandoned and depressed with no leaders to assure them that tomorrow will be better than today, hence they took laws into their hands by destroying private and government properties.

He said that from the videos and pictures he saw on the looting in Calabar, it showed that the youths felt neglected and abandoned by leaders, leaving their future in their hands with nothing put in place for them.

We often want to blame these happenings on criminals and miscreants, but they are no such people, we created them, they are human beings.

I find it deplorable when people regard others as miscreants. They are our children. If you dont provide for them, train them and give them hope, they will take laws into their hands; but the point is we need to rise up and correct these things.

We must mean what we say and say what we mean. When the youths feel that your words are empty statements, they wont take you seriously anymore, he said.

He noted that if the tragic incident that occurred in Calabar should happen again in Calabar, then the state is finished.

Duke, who charged the government to be ready to find solutions to the problems, said that the uniqueness of the state hospitality has been affected.

The youths have been bruised and we need to address that and heal their scars. My desire is to reach out to them, speak to them and ask for forgiveness; so that we can forgive them too and create a better society.

We love Cross River, the soonest we come out, we will encourage others to do same. We need the support of everyone to do this. We should encourage the government to succeed, regardless of what we think.

Some of the protesters are idle, if they are employed, they wont be on the streets. You cant say you have a right to life without given a right to livelihood.

When you see someone carting away a used toilet base, you should know there is a big problem. We need to help our young people to succeed. We need to educate, equip and sustain them, he said.

He said that the furniture, cars and other properties that were destroyed can be replaced, but no human live can be replaced, hence the youths should sheath their swords.

According to him, the youths were passing a strong message to the leaders, not through words that are loud enough. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Lagos State Government

By Florence Onuegbu

The Lagos State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Hakeem Fahm, on Saturday debunked the news that the state governments website had been hacked.

Fahm said in a statement that the information was wrong and should be disregarded by the public.

The attention of the Lagos State Government has been drawn to a publication by the Guardian Newspapers on Thursday, 22nd of October 2020, claiming that the Lagos State Government website was hacked.

I wish to come out to clear the air on the issue. This information is not true. Our website was never hacked.

Members of the public should always verify issues and get facts and figures right before dissemination.

For the avoidance of doubt, I hereby confirm that the Lagos State website is up and running perfectly, he said.

The commissioner said that over the past few days, the flow of misinformation on social media and other channels had been alarming and this has put the security of residents at immense risk.

Fahm assured Lagosians that the state government remains steadfast in its commitment to the safety of lives and property of its citizens and that of the state. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Sen. Folarin

By Akeem Abas

Some suspected hoodlums on Saturday invaded the residence of Senator Teslim Folarin (APC-Oyo Central) in Ibadan and carted away empowerment materials worth N200 million.

The ugly incident was confirmed by Folarin during a radio programme, monitored on Saturday in Ibadan.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the items carted away were meant for constituency empowerment programme of the lawmaker, scheduled to take place in December.

Among the items carted away are about 300 motorcycles, deep freezers and food items.

Folarin, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content and former Senate Leader, said he was relieved that no life was lost.

NAN reports that normalcy has since returned to the house following the intervention of security agents in the area.

Meanwhile, some residents of the area have condemned the act, saying there is a clear difference between protest and robbery.

The residents, who pleaded anonymity, said that the situation is seriously going out of hand, calling on the rampaging hoodlums to desist from the criminal act. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Police IG Mohammed Adamu

By Mufutau Ojo
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, has ordered the immediate mobilisation of all police operational assets and resources to bring to an end the violence in some parts of the country.

The IGPs directives were contained in a statement issued in Abuja by Force Public Relations Officer and Deputy Commissioner of Police, Frank Mba.

He said the directive was to reclaim the public space from criminal elements masquerading as protesters in some parts of the country.

Adamu gave the directive to all Assistant Inspectors General of Police, Commissioners of Police, Heads of Police Operational Units, Squadron and Base Commanders in charge of Zonal/State/FCT Commands.

The IGP also gave the same directive to Police Mobile Force, Counter Terrorism Unit and the Special Protection Unit.

He added that Commissioners of Police and heads of police formations had also been charged to mobilise their personnel and work in sync to dominate the public space while ensuring peace and safety in the affected areas.

The IGP, while saying enough is enough to all acts of lawlessness, disruption of public peace and order and wanton violence, also ordered police strategic managers to personally lead and coordinate the operation.

He, however, urged them to use legitimate means to halt further slide into lawlessness and brigandage.

The IGP enjoined law-abiding citizens not to panic but rather join forces with the police and other members of the law enforcement community to protect their communities from the criminal elements.

He also called for the understanding and cooperation of citizens, assuring them that the action was aimed at promoting public order and safety.

The IGP, however, warned trouble makers not to test the collective will of the nation by coming out to cause any further breakdown of law and order.

Source: NAN News

#ENDSARS protesters

By Ramatu Garba

The Minister of Defence, retired Maj.-Gen. Bashir Magashi has urged the youths not to allow themselves to be used to subvert security and cause anarchy in the country.

Magashi made the call at a stakeholders meeting on peace building in Kano on Saturday.

He said that the call was imperative towards promoting peace in the state and country at large.

Magashi said: In the last two weeks; the country witnessed demonstrations by youths protesting the excesses of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) under the #EndSARS.

The demonstration is largely peaceful at the initial stage until hijacked by hoodlums and subversive elements, which led to the loss of lives and the destruction of public and private property.

Innocent people sustained injuries, a situation which paralysed social and economic activities in parts of the country.

According to him, Nigerian Constitution recognises the rights of the citizens to express their grievances through peaceful process which includes demonstration.

Magashi noted that the government promptly responded to the demands of the protesters, including the immediate dissolution of the SARS and set up judicial panels in the 36 states to investigate the alleged police brutality.

We have also witnessed how the situation degenerated into ethno-religious and political crisis.

As a result of these ugly developments; the citizen are suffering a lot and the countrys image abroad is being ridiculed and battered including burning of the national flag.

Another fallout of the crisis has been the manifestation of fake news and hate speech which has further heated the polity.

We also want to remind us that the sovereignty and unity of our country are sacrosanct and non-negotiable, he said.

Magashi also called on the youths to shun negative sentiments and biases capable of threatening the national security.

He said the country was facing challenges of banditry, cattle rustling, kidnapping and Boko Haram insurgency among others.

The minister stressed the need for collective sacrifice to support government effort to preserve and protect the sanctity of the nation.

We are all critical stakeholders, therefore, we must do everything possible to ensure that there is peace and stability in our state and Nigeria at large.

Also speaking, Rev. Adeolu Adeyemo, Chairman, Kano State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), commended the state government in ensuring peace and stability in the state.

Adeyemo said the association had preached peace and admonished its members to shun violence and acts capable of disrupting peace in the state.

We will continue to practice peace in Kano State and Nigeria.

On his part, the Chief Imam of Kano State, Prof. Sani Zahradeen, called on the people to contribute toward peace building process.

Zaharadeen, said Islamic clerics preach peace in the their sermon, and enjoined youths to eschew violence and be law abiding citizens.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the forum was attended by Alhaji Sabo Nanono, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, AIG Abubakar Bello, in charge of Zone 1 Kano, Commissioner of Police, Mr Habu Sani, and heads of other sister security agencies in the state.

Others were representatives of development organisations and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) among others. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Manchester United frustrated by Chelsea in goalless draw

By Victor Okoye

Manchester United remain winless at Old Trafford in the Premier League this season after they were held to a disappointing 0-0 draw by Chelsea on Saturday.

United, who had lost their opening two home games of the season, have seven points from five games and are 15th on the table while Chelsea are in sixth position with nine points from six games.

Uniteds last outing at Old Trafford was a 6-1 thrashing from Tottenham Hotspur and Chelseas previous Premier League game ended in a 3-3 draw with Southampton.

Given both teams defensive troubles of late, it was perhaps understandable that both managers took a cautious approach.

Paul Pogba started on the bench for the third league game in a row for United, who were solid in midfield and at the back, where Harry Maguire returned from injury.

Yet Dan James, partnering Marcus Rashford in attack, struggled and Bruno Fernandes found it difficult to create many openings.

Rashford produced the first real effort on goal in the 35th minute when he found himself in space on the right but his low drive was well saved by the out-stretched right leg of Chelsea keeper Edouard Mendy.

Mendy was in action again six minutes later, diving to push a Juan Mata snap shot wide off the post.

Searching for a spark to bring the game alive, United Manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, brought on Pogba and Edinson Cavani in the 58th minute.

Uruguayan Cavani, making his United debut, almost scored from his first touch with a clever flick from a Fernandes cross that zipped into the side-netting.

Chelsea offered little threat and it was United who went the closest to a winner, in the 90th minute with Mendy at full stretch to keep out a well-struck, curling effort from Rashford.

Solskjaer said his side had edged the encounter.

Their keeper made two fantastic saves from Marcus, they were the two brightest moments and they were great saves. If there was a winner, it should have been us, said the Norwegian.

Chelsea Captain, Cesar Azpilicueta, conceded that his side could have done more but felt that the Video assistant referees (VAR) should have reviewed a penalty appeal where he was grabbed by Maguire when challenging for a header.

I felt arms around my neck and shoulders. If the referee cannot make the decision, the VAR is there (to help).

In any situation, the referee takes the main decisions and the monitor is there to help. It was 50-50 so why not take 20 seconds to review it? he said. (Reuters/NAN)

Source: NAN News

Terrorists attack Yobe community Police

By Nabilu Balarabe

Terrorists, suspected to be members of Boko Haram, on Saturday attacked Babbangida community in Tarmuwa Local Government Area of Yobe.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Dungus Abdulkarim, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Damaturu.

He said the incident occurred around 4 pm, adding that the Divisional Police Officer and his men had made a strategic withdrawal from the area.

Abdulkarim said details of the casualties of the attack were sketchy as the DPO had not updated him on development.

NAN reports that the terrorists had attacked the same community in October 2019, torching a section of the palace of the Emir of Jajere. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State

By Ifeanyi Olannye

Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has warned hoodlums hiding under the guise of #ENDSARS protest to loot and destroy public and private assets in the state to stop or face the full wrath of the law.

The governor gave the warning while inspecting buildings and other structures torched on Wednesday night in Asaba by suspected hoodlums.

Some of the places Okowa inspected included Koka Modern Leisure Park, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) office, both on Asaba-Benin Expressway and the High Court Complex on Ibusa road, Asaba.

The governor said that he was in support of the reforms in the country being championed by the #ENDSARS peaceful protesters, but condemned the acts of the hoodlums who had hijacked the peaceful protest to loot, maim, kill and cause unrest in the state.

He called on residents of the state to be vigilant and also synergize with security operatives and the government in fashioning out ways to arrest and prosecute those behind the dastardly act.

Unfortunately it appears some people are not quite happy with the beautification we have done here and they decided to vent their anger and criminality on the gardens; they destroyed everything, cut down trees just to deface the city.

Its very unfortunate and you can see that a lot of damage has been done to the High Court that was set on fire.

We also visited the FRSC office and you saw the level of destruction there as well as the beautiful garden we put up at the Ibusa junction that was also destroyed.

It appears that some people are not quite happy with the beatification and the level of development in Asaba, but its very unfortunate.

I know that is not the intention of those who started the protest, but the criminal elements among us have come in and tried to perpetrate this level of arson and violence.

Its obviously unacceptable, and our people must generally condemn it and I believe that even our youths, themselves, are quite unhappy with this.

I urge our youths to stay vigilant because we cannot allow miscreants and criminals to destroy our collective will to develop this place, he said.

Okowa disclosed that he had made calls to those helping to supervise the Warri area, and said that everything was going on smoothly in the axis.

Commending the security agencies for being dutiful and professional, he said, I will continue to appreciate the security agencies and our various community youth leaders who have risen up to the occasion.

I also urge all our traditional rulers and opinion leaders to please call our communities up and ask them to defend our collective will and purpose to develop this state because we cannot allow people to conduct themselves in such a manner that will commit this level of arson that we have seen.

We will continue to dialogue with our youths, those who meant well by asking for reforms, but for the criminal elements, the law will have to take its course.

He urged the security agencies to ensure that the new curfew regime, dusk-to-dawn, in the state was enforced across the state till further notice.(NAN).

Source: NAN News

Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai

Hours after announcing the imposition of curfew in some parts of two local government areas, the Kaduna State Government has extended the 24-hour curfew to cover the whole state.

Samuel Aruwan, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, said in a statement issued in Kaduna on Saturday that the decision was to safeguard lives and properties.

This measure is taken to help safeguard our communities, protect lives and property and contain criminal elements who are looting public and private assets.

The extension of the 24-hour curfew to all the 23 local government areas of the state is effective immediately.

KDSG will keep the situation under review and regrets the inconvenience it may cause to law-abiding citizens.

The state government wishes to appeal to all residents of the state to kindly bear with the government as it takes necessary action to maintain law and order, and protect the right of citizens to live in peace, he stated.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the government had earlier imposed curfew in some communities in Chikun and Kaduna South Local Government Areas. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

#ENDSARS protesters

The Christian Press Association of Nigeria (CPAN), on Saturday, prayed for Nigeria to overcome all its challenges.

The incoming President of CPAN, Mr Gracious Akintayo, led other members during the prayers in Lagos.

Akintayo prayed that the country would not witness a repeat of the #EndSars protest, marked with unanticipated violence, looting , brutality, among others.

He said that the country would overcome the challenges with prayers, calling for all hands to be on deck to work toward achieving unity and peace.

He urged youths to eschew violence and wanton destruction of properties, saying that CPAN prays for Nigerian youths to follow the path of peace.

Nigerian youths should, at all times, engage government in dialogue to achieve their desired objectives.

Akintayo appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to galvanise the role, importance and contributions of the youths toward nation building by giving them more opportunities.

He reiterated CPANs determination to continue to pray for peace and unity in the nation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that CPAN is an association of independent Christian news writers and publishers, with the core mandate of promoting peace in the country and among nations. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

NERC

By Constance Imasuen

Prof. James Momoh, the Chairman, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has called for inclusion of cybersecurity in the academic curriculum of tertiary institutions.

MrMichael Faloseyi, the Assistant General Manager, Government, External and Industry Relations of NERC made this known in a statement in Abuja on Saturday.

Momoh was quoted as making the call while speaking at the International Legislative Stakeholders Conference in Abuja.

He also canvassed for institutional and legal frameworks to prevent cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure.

Momoh, who was recently inducted as a member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering made this remark as a panellist at the International Legislative Stakeholders Conference.

The conference had the theme: Digital Technology and Cybersecurity.

He said that cyber-physical system was networks of interconnected computers used to run critical and sensitive infrastructure and services like banking, hospitals, aviation, and electricity supply, among others.

He, therefore, reiterated on the need for appropriate policy, regulatory and legal frameworks to forestall any attack on the cyber-physical systems in Nigeria,

Which could be devastating on the economy and security architecture, he said.

Momohsaid: There is the need for an institution and legal framework in place so that cyber activists and potential attackers will recognisethis so as toprotect our critical infrastructure. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

#EndSARS protesters

By Moji Eniola

The Lagos State Ministry of Justice has arrested 229 suspects that allegedly took part in the mayhem in Lagos State in the aftermath of the Lekki Toll Plaza incident on Tuesday night.

The ministry said in a statement that it would prosecute suspects that took advantage of the #EndSARS protest to destroy and loot public and private properties in different parts of the state.

The statement, signed by Mr Kayode Oyekanmi, the Director of Public Affairs, was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Saturday.

The Lagos State Director of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP), Mrs Olayinka Adeyemi, has gone round relevant Police formations with a team of prosecutors to evaluate files of those arrested by the police with a view to determine those that have prima facie case made against them.

So far, 229 suspects have been arrested by the police for various criminal offences ranging from arson, murder, stealing, malicious damage of properties and assault before and after the state-wide curfew.

The curfew was imposed by Lagos State Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Oct. 20 to restore law and order in the state.

The ministry said that after the evaluation, those who had cases to answer would be arraigned before courts on Monday, Oct. 26, while those with no cases would be released.

The Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), has called on Lagosians to maintain peace, law and order in their respective communities.

He has pledged the commitment of the state government to uphold the rule of law at all times, the ministry said.

NAN reports that some hoodlums hijacked the peaceful protest of #EndSARS protesters organized against brutality by operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and other police personnel. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Minister of Finance

By Hussaina Yakubu

Minister of Finance, ZainabAhmedhas said that the Federal Government has created a N75 billion entrepreneurship support fund, to enable youth in the country grow their businesses and be economically independent.

The minister made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen after a meeting with Kaduna State Acting Governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, on Saturday in Kaduna.

According to her, N25 billion will be released over three years starting from 2021.

She explained that the fund would support the youth to actualise their innovative and entrepreneurial ideas, be productive and employers of labour.

On her meeting with the acting governor, Ahmed said it was in response to the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari for all ministers to return to their states and get inputs on best ways to empower the youths in each state.

We came to meet the Government of Kaduna State to discussthe issue of the protest that has been happening around us,specificallythe EndSARS protest.

The state has already prepared an excellent reporton all the plans and efforts they haveundertaken and we have also come to understand the challenges that they have and how best to support them, she said.

We are here in response to the directivesPresident Muhammadu Buhari gave all ministers to come back home and engage majorstakeholders within the state to see how best we can support the state to address the security issues that we have at this time.

It was a wonderful meeting and very productive, the minister said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Minister of Environment, Dr Muhammad Mahmud was also part of the meeting.

He noted that the state government had kept a chronicle of events from the very first day of the protest, adding that the delegation was very impressed.

We are very impressed and we can see why the little protests that have taken place here were very peaceful, he added.

On the Federal Government 774,000 jobs, Mahmoud said some of the beneficiaries will be engaged in the various recycling plants built by the government in states, to recycle products especially plastic wastes.

He added that with the approval of the new policy on plastic waste management in the country by the Federal Executive Council on Wednesday, the ministry is working on several initiatives that will create employment opportunities and create wealth for the youths.

The acting governor, had earlier conveyed the appreciation of the state government to the people of the state for remaining peaceful during the protest.

I think in Kaduna we have our own fair share of crisis and we know enough, we want to be conscious on the way we handle such, I think that was one thing that played out for us.

I pray that we continue to have that kind of understanding; whatever it is you didnt get in peace, you wont get it in a war situation. Our youths have now understand how to settle issues.

She advised the youths to always conduct themselves lawfully.

I want them to continue to be law abiding citizens and conduct themselves in a manner that is worthy, Balarabe said.

The acting governor assured that Kaduna state would continue to look into the demands of the youths, so as to make a difference in delivering good governance in the state.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

Gov. Akeredolu of Ondo state

By Ayodeji Alabi

Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has lifted the 24 hour indefinite curfew he imposed on the state, following the return of peace to Akure, the state capital.

Mr Donald Ojogo, Commissioner for Information and Orientation, said on Friday in Akure, that the decision is with effect from Saturday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Akeredolu imposed the curfew on Wednesday to prevent loss of lives and properties as#EndSARS protesters took to the street in some major cities of the state.

According to Ojogo, the decision to lift the curfew follows consultations between the governor and security chiefs in the state after a preliminary assessment of the security situation.

The relative peace in the state capital, Akure, appears very encouraging just as the peoples resolve, especially the youths, not to allow brigandage under any guise is equally palpable.

It is, therefore, only normal that law abiding residents are allowed to go about their legitimate businesses.

Government, however, emphasizes the need for all to be vigilant and law-abiding.

This is moreso, that security agencies deployed to strategic areas of the state capital are under strict directives to enforce law and order for the enforcement of permanent peace, he said.

Source: NAN News

By Muhammad Nasir Bashir

The Minister for Water Resources, Mr Sulaiman Adamu, is to meet with stakeholders in his home state, Jigawa over #EndSARS protest.

Adamu, who paid a courtesy on Gov. Muhammad Badaru in Dutse on Friday, said he would be meeting political, community, religious and traditional leaders across the state with a view to bring about peace and harmony in the country.

He added that other stakeholders to meet with include youth associations, community based organizations and civil society organisations.

The minister pointed out that the meeting followed a directive from President Muhammad Bahuri to members of the Federal Executive Council.

Im on instruction of Mr President, President Muhammad Buhari to come to Jigawa my own state.

And this is the directive he has given to all ministers and other members of the executive council to go to our respective states and engage political, community, religious and traditional leaders on current event happening in the country.

The President also asked me to commiserate with the state and Nigerians, even though there was no turbulence here, but lives and property were lost, and this has emotional and traumatic impact on all citizens of Nigeria, the minister said.

According to him, the President is also thankful to the people of the state, particularly youths, over the way they conducted themselves during the protest.

The President, right from the beginning of the protest endorsed the demand of the protesters to disband the SARS, which he did immediately and promised to reform the police.

Subsequently and unfortunately hoodlums hijacked what was meant to be peaceful and in so doing, began to infringe on the rights of other peace loving Nigerians.

But in spite of that, the government exercised a lot of restrain on the issue which unfortunately led to lost of live and property that is of great concern to any responsible government, especially our own, Adamu said.

He added that Buhari also commended religious and traditional leaders in the state for all their prayers and well wishes.

Nigeria has a lot of challenges and as people that believe in God we all have faith, whether Muslims or Christians, we all believe that in the end, God decides and solves our problems, Adamu said.

The ministerurged youths in the state to continue to support the Federal Governments ongoing economic development programmes.

I urge the youths in Jigawa to take advantage of of opportunities provided by the FG to cushion the effect of COVID-19 pandemic.

Youth leaders should mobilize them to partake in all the FGs intervention programmes meant to better the lives of Nigerians youths, he said.

In his remarks, Badaru commended the residents of the state for their understanding towards the administration of Buhari.

He also thanked traditional and religious leaders, youths, CBOs and CSOs and other well meaning Nigerians for their support to the federal government.

There were a lot of exaggeration that your brothers were being killed in Abia and Rivers states, dont be moved to retaliate.

Were sure our friends over there will not allow hoodlums to attack anyone. Governments in the affected states have taken actions to calm the situation, Badaru said.

He assured that his administration would continue to promote peaceful coexistence among Nigerians, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation.

The minister is expected to meet with Emirs of Dutse, Ringim, Hadejia, Kazaure and Gumel.

Source: NAN News