Fayose: In One Year, Buhari Succeeded in Running Nigeria Aground

Fayose: In One Year, Buhari Succeeded in Running Nigeria Aground

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Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, today lamented that in just one year of the All Progressives Congress (APC) government led by President Muhammadu Buhari, the country’s economy has been ruined so much that states could no longer pay workers’ salaries.

He said millions of jobs were lost, prices of essential commodities skyrocketed to the extent that Nigerians could no longer afford ‘common’ tomato just as the middle class has been wiped away completely.

In a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Public

Communications, Lere Olayinka, the governor said: “Despite

President Buhari’s electoral promise to reduce petrol pump price from the N87 per litre that he met it and make life more bearable for Nigerians, he has increased the price of petrol to N145 as well as increased electricity tariff in spite of lack of power supply.

“Food scarcity was last experienced when Buhari was that military head of state between 1983 and 1985, and now he has returned to the country with

Nigerians being unable to feed.”

The governor who said Nigerians should remove party, ethnic and religious sentiments and ask themselves what they have benefitted in the last one year, reminded Nigerians that: “Foreign Reserve was $28.6 billion, Excess Crude Account (ECA) was $2.07 billion, dollar was less than N200, petrol was N87 per litre and most importantly, one bag of rice was N8, 500 and power generation was over 5,000MW when Buhari assumed office.”

The statement read in part: “Today, power generation is less than

1,400, foreign reserve has reduced to $26.5 billion, dollar is now over N350, petrol has increased to N145 per litre and one bag of rice is now over N15, 000!

“I read the president’s speech and all that I saw was a president still sounding like he was campaigning for votes more than one year after winning election. It is disappointing that the president’s speech was once again about promises, not about what has been done.

“Not even a mention of one kilometre of road tarred by this administration, no single job was created except the ones created in

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for their cronies and children, not a single

Megawatt of electricity generated. This is shameful.

“The reward Buhari gave to Nigerians for electing him as president was to increase petrol pump price by N58.50 and get the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, to justify the increment by saying Nigeria was broke!

“In other words, President Buhari increased petrol price because

the country was broke and it needed to shore up its revenue base. The

N58.50 added to the previous pump price of N86.50 was an Indirect Tax

imposed on each litre of petrol purchased by Nigerians.

“It is even more worrisome that we have a presidency that is not

coordinated. The president says one thing, his vice says another while his ministers also singing discordant tunes. This is a clear sign of cluelessness and unpreparedness for governance.

“I cannot but agree with the position of former President, Olusegun

Obasanjo, Obiageli Ezekwesili and others that President Buhari has no clue economically. The situation of Nigeria today is like the visually impaired leading those who can see. But I warned Nigerians, and I am still warning Nigerians now that as it happened in 1984 when our

president was a military Head of State, the economy of Nigeria may collapse!

“Therefore, as we look forward to the end of the honeymoon of Buhari’s presidency; I wish to state that if supposed men of honour are going underground because of possible harassment and intimidation, I, Peter Ayodele Fayose will not; because this is our fatherland.”

Airtel The Voice Nigeria: Let the Battles Begin!

Airtel The Voice Nigeria: Let the Battles Begin!

The blind auditions for The Voice Nigeria came to a thrilling end as the coaches once again campaigned for some of the best talent out of Africa. The final auditions had some of the best voices on display and at the end of Sunday’s episode each coach had the maximum number of 12 talents as they prepare for the upcoming battle stages.

#Team2baba scored big with Theodora, a throwback talent reminiscent of the legendary Tina Turner, and the charismatic DNA, identical twin brothers with powerful voices. #TeamPatoranking won over Nonso Bassey, a federal civil servant and the strong-voiced Osuwake Omini. #TeamTimi won over the songstress Viveeyan and the much lauded music teacher Cornel, who wowed the coaches and audience alike with his powerful, Motown-esque voice, whilst #TeamWaje won over Michael, who decided to go with his gut feeling after ironically performing Timi Dakolo’s hit song, ‘Iyawo Mi.’

Sunday’s episode was a fitting climax to the blind auditions and viewers can now expect even more intrigue and a heightened sense of competition as the talents now go head to head in a bid to get the coaches to select the best of the crop.

If you missed Sunday’s episode of The Voice Nigeria you can still catch all the highlights from the show on Wednesday at 8.30pm and 7pm on Galaxy TV and ONtv respectively. You can also download The Voice Nigeria app on the Apple and Android app stores and get updated on backstage photos, news and highlights from Africa’s biggest show. The Voice Nigeria is proudly sponsored by Airtel, in association with Coca Cola.

Labour Pickets Lagos State Secretariat …Public servants protest union’s action

Labour Pickets Lagos State Secretariat

…Public servants protest union’s action

Scores of aggrieved labour activists today marched to the Lagos State Secretariat angrily protesting against the decision of the federal government to increase the pump price of petrol.

The protesters, who were led by the National Vice President, Mr. Amechi Asugwuni, marched into the secretariat complex; blocked the main gate and sealed up the office of Head of Service (HoS), Mrs. Olabowale Ademola.

However, some public servants angrily took on the protesting labour unionists when the office of HoS was picketed, although security operatives quickly intervened and brought the situation under control.

Consequently, the protesters who arrived at the secretariat at about 1:30 p.m., marched around the premises of the secretariat, singing different solidarity songs and demanding the reversal of fuel subsidy policy.

The protesters trooped to the state secretariat through Awolowo road and blocked almost all the strategic roads leading to the seat of power, thereby causing gridlocks virtually in all parts of Ikeja.

The protesters shut the entrance to the complex preventing public servants from entering or going out, a situation which sparked confrontation with the labour activists by some public officials.

A public servant lamented that the organised labour only protest when the situation “is not in the favour of the leaders. What has the organised labour done for the public servants in the state all these years?”

The public servant, also decried that money “is deducted monthly from our salary and yet nothing is done to protect our interest. They only protest when the situation is not in their favour.”

Aftermath of Labour Strike: Teenager Drowns in Edo

Aftermath of Labour Strike: Teenager Drowns in Edo

Tragedy struck last Wednesday in Benin-city, Edo State, when a teenager simply identified as Ikponmwosa who embarked on a fishing expedition in company of his friends reportedly drowned in a stagnant pool and died.

The 15-year-old male student was alleged to have drowned while attempting to catch a cat fish from a pool located on Iyoba Street, Uselu in the city after he returned from school as a result of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) strike against the increase in petrol pump price.

It was gathered that the heightened tension at the scene forced his friends who accompanied him on the voyage to flee and alert his parents.

The distraught mother of the deceased, Mrs. Maureen Igiebor, (Ikponmosa) was sent back from school with his mates as a result of the NLC strike.

She said her son was already dead before a good Samaritan came to his rescue.

"He ran home and removed his school uniform. Later, a little boy came to tell me that my son, Ikponmwosa, whom they went together to fish got drown.

"The boy told me that he got drown while trying to catch a cat fish from the swamp."

Sister of late Ikponmwosa, Omosigho who wept profusely, said: "One little boy just came and said my brother got drown at Iyoba swamp, and that he is dead.

"The government should do something about this swamp because there are other helpless children out there. My only brother is dead."

Also, one Mr. Sunday Igbinidu, a septuagenarian living in the area said: "This pond has been here for a long time. So, we do not want this kind of thing to happen again. The state government should inform the federal government in order to ensure solution to the water is provided.

"The government should to come to our rescue and solve this flooding problem here too.”

The remains of the deceased has been taken to his family house for interment.

When contacted for comment, the Spokesman of the state Police Command, DSP Abiodun Osifo, said: "Please call back later. I'm on a journey. I'm travelling. I can't say anything now."

Oyo: ‘Buhari Policy on Economy is Terrifying’

Oyo: ‘Buhari Policy on Economy is Terrifying’

The Zonal Coordinator of Ibadan chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Professor Segun Ajiboye, has described the increment in the pump price of petrol by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government as a ‘terror policy’.

Ajiboye, while addressing a mammoth crowd of anti-subsidy removal protesters at the University of Ibadan gate today, stated that the pain unleashed on Nigerians in the past one year by the federal government had become unbearable which required a mass anti-terror movement to check it.

The ASUU leader, who noted that the past one year has been full of blames of past government and pain on Nigerians, wondered what the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, wanted to add to the nation by requesting for N13million for a trip to China.

He noted that the many lies of the present government must be stopped before Nigerians will be labeled liars in the international community, stating that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is now All Promises Cancelled (APC).

“They promised to bring down the price of petrol below N50, they promised constant electricity, good roads and qualitative health services but rather than fulfilling these, it has been one lie over another, while they also disobeyed court orders at will.

“This government has been unleashing terror on Nigerians. We thought that when we finished with President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015, succor would come us. All Progressive Congress is now All Promises Cancelled. They disobeyed two court judgments stopping hike in electricity tariffs. People are dying on a daily basis. A government that has no control over the black market but asked people to go to black market is clueless,” he said.

Also speaking, the state Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman, Waheed Olojede, asked Nigerians not to see the present strike as a labour struggle alone but a joint movement to check anti-masses policies. 

He said the present leadership in the country cannot be empowering their friends and unleashing hardships on Nigerians.

Olojede noted that asking people to go to the black market was a ploy by the federal government to bail out their corrupt friends who allegedly stocked their homes with dollars but afraid to take it out due to EFCC onslaught.

Senate Mediates between NLC, FG Face-off * Speaker meets with striking NLC, appeals for living wage

Senate Mediates between NLC, FG Face-off

* Speaker meets with striking NLC, appeals for living wage

*NLC: We are open to negotiations but strike continues

The Senate today intervened in the face-off between the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the federal government over the recent hike in the pump price of petrol from N86.50 to N145.

Meanwhile, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has also met with national executives of the NLC over the ongoing strike against the removal of fuel subsidy.

After a meeting with the leadership of NLC today, Senate President, Bukola Saraki, said the Senate had called the meeting to find a lasting solution to the crisis caused by the hike in the price of petrol.

Saraki also said he was happy to hear from the labour leaders that they were open to dialogue.

According to him, "The meeting with the leadership of NLC was part of the moves to finding lasting solution to the impasse as well as to bring an end to the impending strike and disagreement with government.

"I am happy to report that the NLC has shown their commitment to continue dialogue with government, and our role is to see that we facilitate that so that through dialogue, we can address the issues.

“I am encouraged by what they have said and confident that we would be able to do this. I know when they leave here, they are also going to meet with the House of Representatives and right now, as they are in the Senate, we play our own role in facilitating and ensuring that we can bring the two parties together and find a lasting solution that will reduce the hardships that Nigerians are going through.

Also, Dogara, in his opening remarks, before retreating into a closed door session, appealed to labour to suspend the ongoing strike, noting that the change promised by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government means things would be done differently.

According to the speaker, “It may not matter if two or three persons protest against the policies of the government, in democracy, there is always dialogue. Aspirations of citizens are supposed to be part of progress.

““When citizens only see democracy as a chance to push through their individual needs, they can shatter the country,” as he harped on the need for sacrifice by the citizens.

The Speaker, after meeting with the NLC leaders, also appealed for the payment of a living wage for workers. He told journalists that a living wage would reduce the harsh effects of the hike in pump price of petrol, appealing to labour to suspend the ongoing strike.  

"Workers should be paid a living wage. We appealed to labour to look into this issue again and do the right thing. We have to look at the national interest in all our actions in order to suspend this strike or call it off entirely," Dogara stated.

 

The NLC, on its part, said it was open to further negotiations with the federal government but insisted that the ongoing strike would continue until the government reviews the price of petrol downward.

NLC Chairman, Ayuba Wabba, denied the allegation that his team walked out of a meeting with the federal government.

He said there was no attempt to walk out on the government, explaining that what transpired at the last meeting was NLC's sheer disagreement with the government position.

Wabba said the discussions with the Speaker have been fruitful and that the NLC would resume negotiations with government, adding that the struggle was in the interest of all Nigerian workers whom he said were the victims of the hike in fuel price.

"They have called us to actually brief them about what transpired and that is where we are now, which we have already done. In essence, what we did was to try to give a preview of the process we have followed to arrive at the stalemate we had.

NSE-led Corporate Challenge Race against Cancer Rounds off Third Edition in Lagos

Hundreds of individuals, corporate bodies and celebrities trooped out on the street of Lagos last weekend (May 14) to run against kin in the third edition of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) Corporate Challenge tagged ‘e-Race Cancer’.

The race which was organised by NSE in conjunction with the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy (CECP) started at the Muri-Okunola Park, Adeyemo Alakija Street, Victoria Island aimed at raising awareness and funds for the purchase of 37 Mobile Cancer Centres (MCCs).

Over 600 runners from 100 companies participated in the race that saw Paul Alabi from Aluko & Oyebode emerge the overall winner of this edition of the NSE Corporate Challenge race.​

Anolue Uzochukwu from Cutix Plc and Austin Ani from Stanbic IBTC came second and third respectively, while Esther Obiekwe from Diamond Bank emerge the fastest female, and Rene Gabriel from Nigerian Breweries came first in the senior citizen category.

Meanwhile, as its contribution towards the fight against cancer in Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, has announced its support to a cancer awareness initiative tagged ‘e-Race Cancer’ organised by NSE.
Commenting on the telco’s support to the initiative, Director of Corporate Communications and CSR, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Emeka Oparah, said Airtel Nigeria is committed to partnering credible organisations and platforms to improve the quality of lives of Nigerians.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer, NSE, Mr. Oscar N. Onyema, said: “At the NSE, we are determined to increase cancer survival rates in Nigeria by delivering Mobile Cancer Centres to provide free screening and treatment across Nigeria.

“For this reason, we came up with the NSE Corporate Challenge to support those who are affected with cancer. It is heartening to see so many people step up to help those afflicted with cancer. The tremendous support shown by the community this year is evident from the overwhelming number of people who came out to run and volunteers who assisted. I would like to thank everyone for supporting this cause.”

Onyema added: “I encourage all of you to get informed on cancer prevention and control and to raise awareness and reduce cancer risks. I am also using this platform to call on government at all levels, institutions and individuals to join this action with the goal of multiplying efforts to save lives, and to support initiatives aimed at fighting this dreadful disease.

“It is precisely because every human life counts that the fight against cancer must be undertaken collectively.”

The NSE Corporate Challenge race is a professionally organised and volunteer-driven initiative involving companies listed on the NSE broker dealer firms, non-listed companies and individuals who identify with the initiative.

“This year, we worked in close partnership with various sponsors, media partners and volunteers including Stanbic IBTC Bank, Lafarge, Diamond Bank, FCMB, Union Bank of Nigeria, Seplat, Julius Berger, Heritage Bank, BusinessDay Newspaper, Channels Television, AIT, Nigeria Info FM, Rainbow FM, FRCN, Radio Continental, TVC, CNBC Africa, Proshare, Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency and Spar Nigeria.

“The 2016 NSE Corporate Challenge also had Ali Baba, Burna Boy, Seyi Shay, Marcy Dolapo Oni, Gideon Okeke as well as Praize and TK from Chocolate City as race ambassadors.
The contributions of these companies and individuals assisted in making the event a resounding success,” he remarked.
However, Director of Corporate Communications and CSR, Airtel Nigeria, Oparah, said Airtel’s support for the ‘eRace Cancer’ is a demonstration of its commitment to Nigerians, noting that health intervention is one of the key pillars of Airtel’s CRS programmes for Nigerians.

Enugu Residents Condemn New Pump Price Regime as Queues Return

Enugu Residents Condemn New Pump Price Regime as Queues Return

Residents of Enugu State today berated the federal government for the removal of subsidy on petrol which has consequently increased the price of the product from N86.50k to N145.00.

The organised labour in the state has equally expressed its opposition to the new price regime, insisting that it would impose further hardship on the people.

Also, most filling stations within the metropolis had adjusted to the new price, while a number of independent marketers sold at N155.00 this afternoon.

However, most major stations owned by major marketers remained under lock and key as they claimed that they were still studying the situation resulting to large queues in most places. 

While the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the state, Virginus Nwobodo, said the organisation had already fixed an emergency National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja today, his Trade Union Congress (TUC) counterpart, Chukwuma Igbokwe, said its NEC has equally fixed for Lagos same day to appraise the situation.

Though they condemned the new price regime, they however insisted that a definite position would be taken during their respective NEC meetings.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the state NLC, Nwobodo, and his counterpart in TUC, Igbokwe, yesterday condemned the official increase of the pump price of fuel by the federal government, saying the development will further deepen the misery already being suffered by workers and ordinary Nigerians due to current economic recession in the country.

Nwobodo in his reaction stated that NLC would come out with official position on the matter after their NEC meeting in Abuja today.

They expressed dismay that for such decision to be taken at a time when Nigerians are faced with economic hardship was a clear indication that the government was insensitive to the plight of the people.

Buhari, APC Engaging in Advanced Fee Fraud, Fayose Alleges …As governor Incites labour movements against president

Buhari, APC Engaging in Advanced Fee Fraud, Fayose Alleges

…As governor Incites labour movements against president

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, today accused President Muhammadu Buhari and his All Progressives Congress (APC) of engaging in ‘Advanced Fee Fraud’ over the removal of fuel subsidy and increment of pump price from N86.50 to N145 per litre.

Describing the increment as wickedness taken too far, he asked: “Was the federal government paying up to N58.50 as subsidy on one litre of petrol before now?”

Fayose, who reiterated his call on Nigerians, especially the labour movement, to resist what he called “this wicked act of President Buhari and his party,” added: “Those who opposed removal of fuel subsidy in 2012 and funded the ‘Occupy Nigeria’ protest must not be allowed to get away with this imposition of hardship on Nigerians now that they are in power.”

He said labour unions, civil society organisations and other well-meaning Nigerians should stand up and be counted at this crucial time in the life of the common people of Nigeria.

“There is no justification for the increment at this period when government is not paying salaries regularly, Nigerians are losing their jobs daily, prices of foodstuffs have gone over the roof and life has become so difficult for the common people. To labour Nigerians with this increment is wickedness taken too far,” he said.

In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Public Communications, Lere Olayinka, Fayose said: “In 2012 when the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government of President Goodluck Jonathan

removed fuel subsidy and increased petrol price to N141 per litre, crude oil was selling at $111 per barrel. How can petrol price be increased to N145 per litre when crude oil is now $40 per barrel?

“It is on record that on May 2 this year, the federal government, in the Petroleum Product Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) template released in Abuja, told Nigerians that it was subsidising petrol at

N12.62 per litre.

“If as at May 2 petrol was being subsidised at N12.62 per litre, and now that the subsidy of N12.62 has been removed, what ought to have been added to the N86.50 pump price should be N12.62, which would have increased pump price to N99.12 per litre.

“Increasing petrol pump price by N58.50 when the federal government claimed it was subsidising the product at N12.62 per litre is clear political fraud aimed at further impoverishing Nigerians as the government will be making profit of N45.88 on each litre of petrol bought by Nigerians.”

The governor added: “How can any government with human feelings attempt to make profit of N45.88 per litre on Nigerians who are no longer getting their

salaries regularly? How can Buhari and his party impose another N45.88 per litre levy on Nigerians who are already facing severe hardship? This is wickedness!”

While describing President Buhari as a hypocrite, the Fayose said: “Nigerians should be reminded that the president once said that petrol subsidy never existed and that it was a fraud. How then can the same President Buhari tell us that he has removed the same subsidy he claimed never existed?”

FG Approves Akwa Ibom International Jetty

FG Approves Akwa Ibom International Jetty

The federal government has granted licence to the Akwa Ibom State Government to establish an international jetty at Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of the state.

Similarly, the state government is equally working towards obtaining recertification for the operational of the Oron jetty in the state.

The state Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Godwin Ntukudeh, who revealed this, said when operational, the two jetties would boost the industrialisation pursuit of the state Governor, Udom Emmanuel’s administration.

 Ntukudeh who fielded questions from journalists on the activities of his ministry posited that tug and service boats, drilling vessels of the multi-national companies would now be landing in the state when the jetties become operational.

“With that licence obtained for the establishment of an international jetty in Ikot Abasi, we are looking forward for a greater future in the marine transport in the state,” he said.

 The Oron jetty, he said, would provide leisure for people traveling from Oron to Calabar, Cameroon and the Gulf of Guinea, stressing that the reactivation of the Oron jetty is going to be a major boost to the tourism and economic development of the state.

Ntukudeh added that the new two taxi ways at the Ibom international airport about to be inauguration would also attract jumbo aircraft to the state which will increase activities at the airport and revenue to the state.

The state government, the commissioner said, was working toward achieving a scientific transport system in the state in line with 21st century transportation model, adding that the motor parks are being organised to look like a well-organised airport or railway terminal where one can find comfort, accommodation and security on arrival.

He said all illegally parks in the state have been shut down with every vehicles and passengers now operating from government approved parks strategically located in the city while war against touting would be sustained.

“We are trying to introduce into the system a whole lot so that we can have a better motoring system for our people, a good environment without gridlock. The transport system in the state is being packaged so that when investors, tourists and visitors come to the state the will enjoy smooth movement,” he said.

FG Should Stop Shielding Killer Herdsmen, HURIWA Says

FG Should Stop Shielding Killer Herdsmen, HURIWA Says

A pro-democracy group, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has ‎challenged the federal government to stop shielding the rampaging Fulani herdsmen who have refused to desist from the wanton killings of innocent Nigerians.

The National Coordinator of the group, Emmanuel‎ Onwubiko, who made this known in a statement today in Abuja also accused the federal government of placing ethnic politics above national security interest in the cases of mass killings by armed Fulani herdsmen.

According to him, "There is a well-funded campaign by Northern governors and top federal government officials to seek actively to change the narratives of the real identities of the killer Fulani herdsmen who wreaking havoc across Nigeria."

The rights group wondered why the Minister of State for Agriculture, Mr. Heineken Lokpobiri, appeared before a Senate Committee last Monday and made sensationally untrue and unverifiable claims that the mass killers who are armed Fulani herdsmen are foreigners.

‎Onwnbiko noted that: "The plot, if allowed to continue, is capable of creating the impression that there's grand cover up on the part of the federal government.

“It was an act of sabotage on the part of top political office holders such as Inspector General of Police (IG), Mr. Solomon Arase, and Lokpobiri to affirm that the Fulani herdsmen killers were foreigners even when there are overwhelming evidence based on documented accounts by leaders of the Fulani herdsmen which points to the fact that indeed some of those killings were premeditated acts of revenge for alleged cattle rustlings."

HURIWA also accused the top government officials who are shifting blame to foreigners for the incessant killings of playing to the gallery to please their pay masters who are mostly Fulani by ethnic origin.

 The group stressed that this attempt to change the narrative to suite the whims and caprices of the powers -that -be amounted to the breach of constitutional oath.

PDP will Return to Power in 2019, Rivers Governor Promises

PDP will Return to Power in 2019, Rivers Governor Promises

The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has said that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, will take back the reins of governance at the federal level in 2019.

Addressing PDP delegates at the Rivers State Congress of the party at the Obi Wali Cultural Centre in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, Governor Wike said the reorganisation of the party will place it on a sound footing to attain victory in 2019.

He said: “The PDP will return to the seat of power at the Federal level by 2019. This congress is part of the process of repositioning the party”.

He assured the people of Rivers State that the party will continue to deliver on all fronts in line with the pledges of his government.

The governor said his administration has lived up to the expectations of the people of the state in the execution of pro-people projects and programmes.

He said: “This administration will showcase our superlative performance in the last one year between May 23 and May 29. The people will know first-hand the quality projects we have executed”.

The State Congress witnessed voting for new state executives of the party by 1024 accredited delegates from the 23 Local Government Areas of the state.

Osinbajo’s Claim not True: State House Clinic not for all Nigerians

Osinbajo’s Claim not True: State House Clinic not for all Nigerians

Nigeria’s Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, is well regarded across the country as a stickler for truth and integrity. But it be can authoritatively reported that the nation’s number two citizen did not tell the truth regarding who can receive healthcare at the State House Medical Centre in Abuja.

The vice president was responding to questions at the Pastors and Leaders Retreat of the Fountain of Life Church, Ilupeju, Lagos.

He said the medical centre was a well-equipped general hospital always open for use by the public.

However, when an online medium visited the hospital on May 4 and 7, the Vice President’s claims were found to be untrue.

The question Mr. Osinbajo answered at the event was triggered by a PREMIUM TIMES report of February 2 indicating that the presidency planned to spend more on the State House Clinic than on all the federal teaching hospitals in the country.

Based on the budget proposal in the public domain at the time, the clinic was billed to gulp N787million more in capital allocation than all the 16 federal teaching hospitals combined.

The State House Medical Centre provides services for President Muhammadu Buhari, Mr. Osinbajo, their families and employees of the Presidency.

The 72-bed clinic thus offers services to less than 1, 000 Nigerian elite. But the 350-bed Abuja National Hospital, which caters for millions, got far less in capital allocation.

The same situation applied at the federal teaching hospitals across the country which bed spaces triple that of the state house clinic and cater for millions, train medical doctors and allied health professionals while also serving as medical research centres.

The February 2 report triggered outrage across the country with citizens and activists calling on government to review the funds allocated to the state house clinic downward while pumping more money into health facilities open to millions of Nigeria.

To deflate the mounting criticism of government at the time, Mr. Osinbajo claimed the hospital was open to all Nigerians and that it should not be considered an exclusive preserve of presidency officials.

He said he even preferred that the facility be further equipped to provide higher medical services to those in need.

But our reporter, who sought to access treatment at the facility on two occasions, gathered evidence which countered Mr. Osinbajo’s claim.

The qualification assessment and blockades

The qualification assessment for treatment at the State House Clinic begins over one kilometre away from the facility.

The assessment is not done by health workers but by army officers who mounted blockades.

An army officer stopped our correspondent at the security post on the road leading to the hospital at 11.55 a.m. on Wednesday, May 4.

The security check was not limited to PREMIUM TIMES correspondent but to all those going into the exclusive zone.

“Hello, madam, where are you going?” the young soldier asked.

Upon being informed that she was headed to the State House Clinic, he continued, “Do you work there?”

The reporter responded that she was ill and needed to see a doctor.

Mr. Osinbajo’s claims immediately started falling apart.

“Are you entitled to treatment there,” the soldier asked.

Our correspondent sought to know what he meant just as the officer continued, “Do you have a card?”

The officer, who had no name tag, waved the reporter on when she explained that she was referred by another doctor to see a specialist at the facility.

At the gate to the clinic, another soldier in civilian attire waved the reporter down, asking the same questions his colleagues asked.

When our correspondent repeated her earlier responses, the officer raised his hand and the automatic barricade went up welcoming PREMIUM TIMES into the health facility.

Obi of Owa Mourns Late Benin Monarch

Obi of Owa Mourns Late Benin Monarch

 

Sunday Okobi

 

The Obi of Owa Kingdom in Delta State, His Royal Majesty Dr. Emmanuel Onyike Efeizomor II, yesterday mourned the passing of the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo-N-Oba Uku Akpolokpolor.

 

The Obi, in a statement he signed which was made available to THISDAY, noted that he received the news of the demise of the Oba of Benin with great shock, urging the people of great Benin Kingdom to raise their heads high as well as take heart over the death of the great monarch because he lived a life of total fulfilment.

 

According to Obi Efeizomor in the statement, “The Imperial Majesty, Oba of Benin means many things to many people.

 

“Here in Owa Kingdom, the Omo-N-Oba represents a father, a sign post of peace, a great light of civilization, a bridge builder and a helper. He was a great teacher and a good listener. His sense of humour and personal accommodation made conflict resolution easy.”

 

The Owa king added that the late Oba of Benin brought great respect and industry into the institution of traditional rulership in Nigeria, adding that the deceased raised the intellectual bar of the institution and caused various authorities to understand and respect the institution.

 

“He made it possible for both the high and mighty to understand the true meaning of the institution and how best the institution could be applied for national benefit to mankind. Today, it is true that persons of all facets embrace traditional institution.

 

“Omo-N-Oba N-Edo, the Oba of Benin has left the traditional institution with a flood-gate of interest, aspiration and unlimited drive as a most sort after position in Nigeria,” the statement stated.

 

In the condolence message, The Owa monarch, whose traditional headquarters is in Owa-Oyibu, the political headquarters of Ika North East Local Government Area, explained that Oba’s visits to co-royalties were a baptism of unity and progression.

 

He added that: “By his generous disposition, he (Oba) became the head of traditional Jerusalem to the extent that traditional rulers across the country will continue to reflect on his spirit as the nerve of Africa tradition.

 

“His new definition of the traditional institution has resurrected and promoted the study and preservation of culture and civilization.

 

Oba Eredieuwa was the greatest king of our time, I therefore urge the Binis, their friends, admirers inclusive, to preserve the heritage of our demised leaders in God’s name. Amen.”

 

Operation Crackdown: Time to Back our Military, CPC Charges Nigerians

Operation Crackdown: Time to Back our Military, CPC Charges Nigerians

As the Nigerian military operatives commenced the final crackdown on Boko Haram insurgents in their stronghold, Sambisa Forest, known as Operation Crackdown, Concerned Professionals Congress (CPC) today rallied all Nigerians to wholeheartedly support the military’s campaign to end the terrorists’ carnage in the country.

The group, reputable for its vehement support for Nigerian military, stated that the support and prayers of Nigerians would strengthen the troops, stressing that it would also boost their morale “to accomplish the task of restoring the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation particularly in the North-east region.”

CPC, in a media briefing jointly addressed by its Coordinator, Tukur Tilde, and Chief Media Strategist, Emeka Nwapa,  in Kaduna, stated that the Sambisa Forest operation is similar to United States military final onslaught on Al Qaeda exactly five years ago which led to Osama bin Laden’s death.

Explaining that the highly anticipated victory of the troops in the operation represents the military’s definitive move aimed to wipe out the sad episode of the sect in the nation’s recent memory, the group said: “It would thereby release the potentials of the North-east and its people towards contributing meaningfully to national growth and development.

   

 “It is important to note that the American citizens mobilised and rallied themselves round their military until Laden was hunted down to bring peace to their nation. The military does less than 20 per cent of the job which is operational, but it is the citizens that do the remaining 80 percent.

“This is why it is said that it is the people that own a war. Ownership comes in diverse ways such as prayers, physical support, solidarity rallies and road show among others.”

The group further stated that: “This is why it is said that it takes a nation to win a war. Mind you, the troops and their commanders are part and parcel of the people. They have fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, uncles, nephews, cousins and friends among the people.

“It is the aggregate prayers, support and solidarity of these people that give the troops an edge in battle. We hereby solicit the support of all Nigerians for our military at this critical moment. It will boost their morale to continue to display selfless sacrifice to keep our nation peaceful, united and stable.”

Tilde further stressed that members of the Nigerian Armed Forces are globally reputed for their rare bravery, gallantry and professionalism, noting that their renewed gallantry under the new team led by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Abayomi Olonisakin has continued to give hope that the days of terror in the North-east are numbered.

Abia Civil Servant Commits Suicide over Unpaid Salary

Abia Civil Servant Commits Suicide over Unpaid Salary

As the effects of unpaid salaries bite harder, a civil servant in Abia State tragically ended his life at the weekend when he could no longer cope with the pressure of life.

Dee Nwankwo, 52, a staff of the Ministry of Lands and Survey, was said to have hanged himself in his sitting room while his wife and three children left the house for church service.

His dangling body from the ceiling was discovered by his family members when they came back from church service in the afternoon.

According to an eye witness, the alarm raised by the wife of the deceased attracted neighbours who expressed shock at the ugly development as some saying that the deceased had taken an extreme decision of taking his own life.

He said the father of three had left a suicide note, saying he could no longer bear the pangs of unpaid salaries and the attendant shame of not being able to live up to his responsibilities as husband and father.

The deceased, like other civil servants, was owed two months’ salary arrears by the state government. His suicide note was given to the police while the body of the deceased was deposited in the morgue.

The late civil servant was said to have been agonising over the difficulties he had been facing to fend for his family, including his inability to buy the wrapper his wife requested for in celebration of the Mother’s Sunday.

A neighbour of the deceased told journalists that he had been assisting him with food stuff each time he came to ask for help, adding that when he visited last Saturday, the rice in his house had been exhausted hence he could not assist him as usual.

“Since I didn’t have food in the house, it’s possible he (deceased) had begged some other people to assist him with food and they turned him down, so the shame and frustration weighed down heavily on him,” he said.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Onyeke Udeviotu Ezekiel, said he was yet to get the full details of the incident from the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Ehimiri the jurisdiction where the sad incident took place.

Safety Guidelines for Drone Operators in Nigeria Outlined

Safety Guidelines for Drone Operators in Nigeria Outlined

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)  today said it has recognised the growing requests for the use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) leading to its proliferation in Nigeria and has therefore issued safety guidelines to check its use in the Nigerian airspace.

The authority has therefore directed that no government agency, organisation or an individual will launch an RPA/UAV in the Nigerian airspace for any purpose whatsoever without obtaining requisite approvals/permit from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and Office of National Security Adviser (NSA).

The regulatory body noted that in recent times, RPA/UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) are being deployed for commercial and recreational purposes in the country without adequate security clearance.

“Therefore with the preponderance of these operations particularly in a non – segregated airspace, there has to be proactive safety guidelines.

The development of the use of RPA nationwide has emerged with somewhat predictable safety concerns and security threats. The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) is yet to publish Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs), as far as certification and operation of civil use of RPA is concerned,” NCAA said in a statement signed by its spokesman, Sam Adurogboye.

The agency said it has put in place Regulations/Advisory Circular to guide the certification and operations of civil RPA in the Nigerian airspace.

“This is contained in the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs 2015 Part 8.8.1.33) and Implementing Standards (Nig.CARs 2015 Part IS.8.8.1.33).

“Therefore no government agency, organisation or an individual will launch an RPA/UAV in the Nigerian airspace for any purpose whatsoever without obtaining requisite approvals/permit from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and Office of National Security Adviser (NSA),” the authority said.

NCAA also reiterated that all applicants and holders of permits to operate RPA/Drones must strictly be guided by safety guidelines.

In addition, operators must ensure strict compliance with the conditions stipulated in their permits and the requirements of the Nig.CARs. Violators shall be sanctioned according to the dictates of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs).

 

NRC Management Regrets Derailment of Kano-Bound Train as Four die in Jebba

NRC Management Regrets Derailment of Kano-Bound Train as Four die in Jebba

The management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has described the derailment of Kano-bound train as unfortunate and regrettable as it also sympathized with the families of the victims involved in the accident.

Four people-three male and a female-were confirmed dead in the accident involving a Lagos-Kano intercity passenger train which occurred at the entrance point of railway station in Jebba bordering Niger and Kwara States.

THISDAY learnt that the accident which happened in the early hours of last Saturday involved two baggage vans and a power car coach which capsized, adversely affecting the coach (guard van) next to them.

The NRC Director of Public Relation (DPR), Abdulrauf Akinwoye, who spoke to THISDAY on the phone today stated that the corporation acting Managing Director, Fidet Ohkiria, who was at the scene of the derailment lamented that: "It is an unfortunate incident and he really sympathized with the families of the affected victims.

"So far our men are at the site working to ensure that the track is restored while all trains across the rail network nationwide are moving normally. It all happened at Jebba and as I speak we are on site."

The acting MD reassured all commuters of the commitment of the NRC to ensure continued safety and comfort on board all trains, saying they should not entertain any fear and that railway remains the safest mode of transportation.

Akinwoye said the four people who were confirmed dead died inside the guard van which usually houses the security men on board the train. As at the time of filing this report, it was not clear which of the arms of the security that lost its personnel.

There are usually policemen and private guards on board the train.

Besides one passenger coach derailed standing in the incident, it was gathered.

The bodies of the dead, according the the DPR have been deposited at the mortuary, while three people others who sustained injuries have been treated at the hospital, discharged and continued their journey to Kano.

Following the incident, the entire management team and engineers of the corporation led by Okhiria have relocated Jebba where the unfortunate incedent took place

Akinwoye revealed to THISDAY that Investigations are said to be ongoing to unravel the course of the incident, adding that the remaining stocks of the train had since continued the journey.

He noted that the incident had not disrupted the movement of “our train operations as all our train network remain steady in operation all over the country.”

He added Nigerians not to be discouraged by the odd incident as the NRC management is on top of the situation to avoid a repeat of the unfortunate accident, saying rescue and restoration of the tracks are still ongoing.

IG to Probe Murder of Akwa Ibom Medical Doctor

IG to Probe Murder of Akwa Ibom Medical Doctor

The Inspector General of Police (IG), Solomon Arase may take over investigation into the murder of the Head, Pathology Department of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), Dr. Ivy Umana, the Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Folorunso Adewole has said.

Adewole, who addressed the management and staff during a visit to the Hospital at weekend also pledged federal government assistance to the health institution to meet its obligation especially in the completion of projects and recruitment of nurses.

Calling for a minute silence in honour of the late Umana, the minister expressed disgust that more than two weeks after the killing, the culprits have not been arrested to face the law.

“I will take it up with the IG when I get back to Abuja so that they can appreciate the seriousness and urgency on the matter.

“I will also raise it with the state Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, because unless we apprehend those who committed the terrible act, nobody is secure and that is why it is important to do justice and build trust and confident in our people.

“We can only develop in an atmosphere of peace and no one can make progress if there is no peace,” the minister noted.

THISDAY learnt that at the visit, the Adewale was confronted by union leaders in the hospital over the murder of the pathologist, Umana, with no arrest made more than two weeks after the crime was committed

Umana was declared missing by the university authority two days after not reporting to work. This prompted the management to raise the alarm, and during the search, she was discovered to have been murdered by suspected hired assassins at her private residence in Shelter Afrique Housing Estate in Uyo, the state capital.

“We demand justice for Dr. Umana who was our teacher and mentor. The death has been taken to the national level and everybody has to know that, and the culprits must be found and dealt with. Two weeks without seeing the culprits is too long. Something has to be done,” they said.

The state Chairman of Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Augustine Umoh, also said: “We are truly in a state of mourning because exactly two weeks ago the body of the senior pathologist was found murdered in her house. The implication of this is extensive.

“If you understand the fact that a pathologist has to work in a diagnostic situation and has to work in a situation where he has to tell the facts how they are without fearing that he might die today, murder tomorrow, kidnap or dealt with, it is imperative that the killers of this colleague be brought to justice.”

The state chairman of NMA called on the state governor to do something about the dead and get to the root of the matter. “We cannot be working freely if we know we are in danger, whether at home or at our place of work,” he said.