By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari has met behind closed door with the Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that the meeting was part of the ongoing strategic engagements of the president with relevant stakeholders aimed at finding solutions to the nations security and socio-economic challenges.

Speaking to State House correspondents at the end of the meeting with the president, Gbajabiamila reiterated the commitment of the National Assembly to continue to assist President Buhari as he works hard to find a lasting solution to the present security challenges confronting the nation.

He explained that his discussion with the president centred on security and other matters related to the development of the country.

He said: We always speak about the state of security because that is number one; we spoke about the economy; we spoke about the politics of it all. At least he has a listening ear.

We proffer ideas and he tells us his own views and we come to some consensus one way or the other.

Some of these things, you cannot be privy to them for now. We are still working on a way out and all I will always say is, uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.

According to the speaker, the president is very passionate about finding a solution to the problem.

The President is dealing with a very difficult situation and he is as passionate as anybody else, to bring it to a closure and we are here to help him achieve that, he added.

He revealed that the House of Representatives had since set up a special committee that would offer solution to the nations security challenges.

You are aware that the House of Representatives sometimes passed a resolution where we set up a special ad-hoc committee, which involves all Principal Officers and 30 other members of the House.

We are going to start that process by looking at different solutions and we would be bringing the report to the President.

He is fully aware of it and he is open to any and everything that would help us in coming to a resolution in this security matter, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Abbas Bamalli

Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State has approved the appointment of Hajiya Amina Muhammad as Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Transport.

The appointment was announced in a statement issued to newsmen on Monday in Kano by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Abba Anwar.

According to the statement, the governor also approved the redeployment of four permanent secretaries.

The Permanent Secretaries are; Engr Muhammad Adamu-Musa from Due Process Bureau to Civil Service Commission, Sani Abdullahi from Ministry for Rural and Community Development to Ministry of Planning and Budget.

Abba Mustapha-Dambatta from the Ministry of Planning and Budget to the Due Process Bureau, while Salisu M. Gabasawa moves from the Civil Service Commission to the Ministry for Rural and Community Development.

The appointment and the redeployment was to further consolidate effort in taking the state civil service to greater heights, in tandem with the global best practice, it added.

The statement also said the development was a routine process in the civil service anddirected those affected to offer quality leadership and be more committed to their duties.

It is your leadership style that navigates our strong public service to keep on moving in a positive direction, it quoted the governor as saying.

Ganduje urged them touse IT-based initiatives in the discharge of their responsibilities.

In this world of technology and scientific advancement, your knowledge and use of modern ideas are always welcomed, he added. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Chiazo Ogbolu

Nigeria and the Inter Regional Coordination Centre (ICC) Yaound have formed a forum to galvanise regional and international efforts to ensure security in the Gulf of Guinea (GOG).

The Gulf of Guinea Maritime Collaboration Forum (GOG-MCF/SHADE) was floated after meetings between the Director- General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Bashir Jamoh, representing Nigeria, and Executive Director of ICC Yaound, Admiral Narciso Fastudo Jr.

A joint statement by NIMASA, the Nigerian Navy, and ICC Yaound on Monday said that the GOG-MCF/SHADE, which was purposed to facilitate shared awareness and deconfliction of activities in the Gulf of Guinea, would be open to all GOG countries with similar capacities to join on a voluntary basis.

The statement said: GOG-MCF/SHADE will focus on counter-piracy and armed robbery by bringing together regional, international, industry and NGO partners.

This is to advance and coordinate near term maritime activities with a view to working toward a set of common operational objectives in order to protect seafarers and ships operating off the coast of West and Central Africa, it said.

Jamoh and Fastudo agreed to hold the first virtual meeting of GOG-MCF/SHADE as soon as practicable, noting that modalities would be announced later.

They said that due to its complementary nature, the G7 Group of Friends of the Gulf of Guinea (G7 FOGG) would support the creation of GOG-MCF/SHADE, which would comprise an open plenary session, working group meetings, working group chairs, coordination meeting, and a plenary session report.

Jamoh said: The new maritime security framework speaks to our own integrated approach to security in the countrys waters and the Gulf of Guinea.

We have always believed in bringing all maritime stakeholders on board in the search for security, and we have proffered that as a solution at various forums with our regional and international partners.

I am confident that cooperative efforts and shared capabilities are the best approach to success in our collective quest for maritime security.

GOG-MCF/SHADE is coming as a powerful new force for security in the Gulf of Guinea, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Akeem Abas

The Oyo State Government has paid the sum of N1.38 billion as gratuity to 465 retired primary school teachers and local government staff.

The cheques were distributed on Monday at the lobby of Water Corporation Building, Secretariat in Ibadan.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the gratuity, paid to both the living and dead staff, was the sixth tranche since inception of the Gov Seyi Makinde-led administration.

Alhaji Bayo Titilola-Sodo, the Special Adviser to Makinde on Labour Matters,
appreciated God for giving the governor the required wisdom, strength and strong will to withstand criticism from the opposition as well as pessimists.

You will all recall that Gov. Makinde has been so passionate about the pensioners, thats why their welfare has been so paramount to him.

He does not joke with issues bordering on both the serving and retired personnel at all.

This kind gesture of our dear governor was however reciprocated by the national body of pensioners with an award just recently, the special adviser said.

He said that Makinde was doing everything humanly possible towards ensuring all the gratuity debts were cleared during his time, notwithstanding the economic situationacross the country.

Prince Adebayo Adeyemi, the Chairman, Local Government Staff Pension Board, expressed gratitude to God and thanked Makinde for displaying interest in the welfare of the downtrodden.

He commended the governor for prioritising the welfare of senior citizens who had contributed immensely toward the development of their beloved fatherland.

Most often, when we consider the multifaceted challenges confronting the State in the art of governance, one is marvelled by the governors efforts in tackling the issue headlong, even in the face of the present economic downturn and ever increasing obligations to attend to, Adeyemi said.

The board chairman said that 465 retirees benefitted from the N1.38 billion earmarked for the 6th tranche of cheque distribution.

Earlier, Dr. Ayodele Busari, the Board Secretary, appreciated Makinde for giving the pension board staff a conducive atmosphere to operate.

He also thanked members of staff for working hard to make the payment a huge success.

Pastor Samuel Awobode, the representative of Auditor-General for Local Government and Mr Segun Abatan, the Secretary, Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), appreciated the governor for his effort.

The duo in their separate remarks, applauded the state government for rising to the challenge of regular payment of gratuity/pensions, admonishing the retirees on judicious use of the entitlements.

Mr Akin Funmilayo, the Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Local Government Service Commission; executive members of NUP, management staff of Pension Board and other important dignitaries were present at the event. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), has condemned Saturdays fire that gutted the house of the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma.

The NGF Chairman and Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, in a statement he issued in Abuja on Sunday, described it as criminality taken too far.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that Uzodinmas country home in Omuma, Oru East Local Government Area (LGA), of Imo, was on Saturday destroyed by fire.

Fayemi sympathised with Uzodinma and commiserated with all those who were injured, maimed or killed as a result of the incident.

He called on all good citizens to cooperate with security forces and the government. in the efforts to build a civil, safe and secure environment for the citizens.

For those behind these crimes, they must understand that they do not have the monopoly of violence.

This is taking criminality to reckless and irresponsible heights.

All hands must be on deck to fish out the perpetrators of this dastardly act, as in our view, they constitute a small league of persons trying to harm the corporate existence of our beloved country, Nigeria.

The mantra for every Nigerian at such a challenging time in our history must be how to forge peace and unity across the nations divides, and to shun violence and wanton destruction.

Only then can we have a country to call our own, Fayemi said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Solomon Asowata

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) says it is concluding the Extraordinary Tariff Review process for the 11 Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos).

NERC, which is the regulator of Nigerias power sector, made this known on Monday in a notice to the general public and industry stakeholders posted on its website.

The commission said the review was pursuant to the provisions of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA).

According to NERC, extraordinary tariff reviews are carried out in instances where industry parameters have changed from those used in the operating tariffs to such an extent that a review is urgently required to maintain the viability of the industry.

The commission said it would also commence the processes for the July 2021 Minor Review of the Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO-2020), which is done every six months.

NERC said the reviews would put into consideration changes in inflation, foreign exchange, gas prices and available generation capacity.

The commission said it would also consider Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) required to evacuate and distribute the said available generation capacity in accordance with EPSRA and other extant industry rules.

Further to the above, the commission held series of public hearings and stakeholder consultations in the first quarter of 2020 on the Extraordinary Tariff Review Applications of the 11 DisCos to consider their respective five-year Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs).

However, the evaluation of the DisCos requests for review of the CAPEX proposed in their PIPs could not be concluded for the consideration of the commission during the Minor Reviews undertaken in 2020.

Specifically, Section 21 of the MYTO 2020 Order provides for consideration of DisCos CAPEX application upon further scrutiny and evaluation of the investment proposals, it said.

NERC said the notice was being issued in compliance with the provisions of EPSRA, the Business Rules of the commission and the Regulations on Procedures for Electricity Tariff Reviews in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.

The commission said it was aimed at soliciting for comments from the general public and stakeholders on the proposed reviews and advised them to send their comments to NERCs headquarters in Abuja within the next 21 days. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ikechukwu Iweajunwa

The Imo Police Command has confirmed Sundays robbery attack on motorists in Orji area of Owerri, which left four persons with bullet injuries.

The commands Spokesperson, SP Orlando Ikeokwu, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Owerri.

Orlando said the victims of the attack had been taken to the Federal Medical Center, Owerri for treatment.

NAN reports that the incident took place near the Orji Divisional Police Headquarters on Owerri-Okigwe Road around 10.30pm.

It was learnt that the hoodlums, who were trailing an unmarked security vehicle, double-crossed it at Orji and opened fire on the driver.

Eyewitness account said the gunmen also robbed other motorists and commuters in commercial vehicles at the same spot.

The account further said the robbers shot sporadically after the operation to scare away people, before making their escape.

It was during the sporadic shooting that three more persons around area were hit by bullet, the eyewitness said on the condition of anonymity.

The incident caused tension and panic in the area, forcing residents and passersby to run helter skelter for their lives.

NAN reports that the robbery, which came barely one day after the attack on Gov. Hope Uzodinmas country home in Omuma, had further heightened the fear of insecurity in the state.

In another development, the police spokesman has debunked the report of alleged attack on the Imo House of Assembly.

In a statement made available to NAN, he described the online video, showing the assembly complex under fire, as false.

According to him, the building, which was on fire in a social media, was neither the state house of assembly nor any building in Imo. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Mustapha Sumaila
The Society for Peace Studies and Practice (SPSP), a group known for peace and conflict resolution, has suggested ways to resolve the countrys security challenges.

The Secretary-General of the group, Dr Adeola Adams, gave the suggestions in a virtual lecture delivered in Abuja on Monday.

The SPSP is an assembly of the countrys top certified academics, specialising in peace and security studies.

Adams said that the role of every stratum of the society was needed in solving Nigerias multifaceted problems.

He said if each constituency played its role accordingly, the country would be able to reverse the security situation.

The SPSP scribe noted that governments effort alone could not guarantee peace, adding that there was need to bring all necessary stakeholders on board to resolving these challenges.

He added that this was paramount because of the emergence of powerful none state actors like the multinationals and others that help democratise peace process.

Adams underscored the role of government in the realm of policymaking and implementation, official diplomacy, law making and enforcement in addressing security problems.

He said that other stakeholders should equally play critical roles in peace building to complement the political stratum.

The role of Non-governmental professionals like Local or International NGOs, professional bodies like SPSP, NBA, NLC, providing relief materials to victims of conflict, expertise on specific area of intervention will help and sponsoring advocacy cum awareness programmes also necessary.

Interventions by businessmen and companies like the Dangote Group through job creation and creation of other economic opportunities can help reduce the countrys social friction, he explained.

He, therefore, called for the facilitation of Citizen Diplomacy through individual efforts to peace building and the establishment of mediation centres across the country.

According to him, other critical areas that need to be contributed to the peace efforts are researches in peace studies.

He said the implementation of the outcome of research works would support the entrenchment of rule of law, human rights, the role of faith based diplomacy, funding and media.

The lecture was titled: Multi-Track Diplomacy: A System Approach to Peace in Nigeria.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By George Odok
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi, has called on the Nigerian Army, Navy and the Maritime Police to always maintain a steady presence at sea to enhance security in the state.

Obi made the call on Monday when the Commandant of the Nigerian Army Amphibious Training School, Calabar, Brig.-Gen. Joshua Nimmyel, paid her a courtesy call in her office in Calabar.

The VC explained that steady presence of security personnel along the Calabar channel would prevent hoodlums from using the river to get entrance into the University.

She lamented that the porous nature of the river beside the University had continue to pose a security challenge to the University community.

According to her, most of the suspected kidnappers that have gain entrance into the institution to either kidnap or rob staff came through the river side.

As an institution, we are ready to collaborate with relevant security agencies that are patrolling the waterways.

The University of Calabar is situated beside the river side and this is our biggest challenge because suspected kidnappers now gain entrance through the river side to get into the University and commit all sort of crime.

I want to plead with you to always use the river side beside the University for your practical and training with a view to scare these suspected kidnappers and hoodlums that are terrorising the peace of the University.

We are looking forward to see that a policy is formulated that will constantly mandate security agencies to always patrol the waterways, she said.

The VC told the Commandant that they can also partner in the area of research and training for their personnel where necessary.

She commended the Commandant for contributing largely to the security provision in the state, pleading that such gesture should also be extended to the Universitys community.

Earlier, the Commandant said that the aim of the call was to create a synergy between the military training institution and the University.

According to him, the Amphibious Training School was saddled with the responsibility of training military and paramilitary officers on amphibious and riverine security and policing.

He said that such collaboration would foster security provision, training and research for both the University and the Amphibious Training School.

He congratulated Obi for emerging as the first female VC of the 46-year old institution, describing her emergence as historic. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Kola Adeyemi

The Police Command in Kogi has stormed a kidnappers den and rescued a man abducted on April 25 at PYN junction on Ajaokuta-Lokoja road.

The command spokesman, DSP William Aya, said in a statement issued in Lokoja on Monday, that two AK-47 rifles and 29 rounds of live ammunition were recovered.

According to him, the man was abducted by four gunmen at about 3:30pm on April 25, and forced into the bush by the gunmen.

On receiving the report, a team of policemen led by Ajaokuta Divisional Police Officer, CSP Shola Night immediately embarked on a search and rescue operation.

The effort eventually paid off when policemen traced the kidnappers to their hideout at about 8pm and engaged them in a gun duel.

Aya said that the suspects succumbed to the superior fire power of the police and were forced to flee with bullet wounds.

The victim was rescued unhurt and two AK-47 rifles with 29 rounds of ammunition were recovered, he added.

The command spokesman said the state commissioner of police, Mr Ede Ayuba had directed hospitals and members of the public to report anybody with bullet wounds to the nearest police station. (NAN)

Source: NAN News