Relief as Doctors Agree to End Strike ...Strike unwarranted, illegal, Ngige insists

Striking resident doctors have reached agreement with the federal government to end their four-day industrial action. The doctors also allegedly apologised to the federal government over their strike, blaming it on communication gap and bottlenecks in the implementation of agreement reached between the government and the association. At the end of the reconciliatory meeting held on Wedenesday at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) accepted to meet with its executive council with a view to calling off the strike by today. The communiqué issued after the meeting stated that: "In view of these understanding, NARD will consult with its executive council within the next 24hrs with a view to calling off the strike by September 10, 2020." The meeting agreed that nobody would be victimised for any activity connected with or for participating in the industrial action. In a communiqué jointly signed by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige; Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN); Minister of State for Health, Senator Olorunmibe Mamora; Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris for the federal government, and Secretary-General of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Ekpe Philip Uche, and President of NARD, Dr. Sokumba Aliyu, the federal government accepted that the N4 billion appropriated for Residency Training under a wrong heading for Medical Residency Training will be vired before expenditure. It said the process of amendment is ongoing and is expected that the process and cash backing would be through in two weeks. On the payment of outstanding 2014, 2015, and 2016 arrears, the meeting recalled that it had been agreed that the issue would be further discussed post-COVID-19, and therefore, no agreement was breached. On the implementation of the payment of the Special Hazard/Inducement Allowance, the meeting expressed satisfaction that the N20 billion already appropriated in 2020 COVID-19 budget has been exhausted to N19 billion. The meeting commended the federal government for approving additional N8, 901, 231, 773.55 to pay up the large chunk of the June 2020 COVID-19 allowance to all medical health workers. This has been cash backed and the mandate sent to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for payments to start by September 9. The communiqué further stated that discussions for the review of a Permanent Hazard Allowance for all health workers would commence as soon as possible after consultations by the Minister of Labour and Employment with all stakeholders in the health sector. “Based on the principles of ability to pay, this will cover all health workers in a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA),” the communique said. It said a meeting would be convened as soon as possible to take up the matter. At the opening of the talks, the leaderships of NMA and NARD both tendered the apology during the reconciliatory meeting brokered by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Ngige, and Keyamo. NARD had declared a nationwide industrial action last Monday demanding the payment of the medical residency training to all its members as approved in the revised 2020 budget among other demands. However, Secretary-General of NMA, Dr. Philip Ekpe, who intervened during reconciliatory meeting, said he was apologising on behalf of the members of NARD for taking the extreme measure of declaring the strike and portraying the government as deceitful.

Anxiety over Fate of Four Kaduna Female Students Held in Captivity

Palpable fear has gripped parents of the four female students of Prince Academy, Damba-Kasaya, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, who were abducted along with their teacher over two weeks ago. The students were abducted on August 24, 2020, when bandits invaded the community at about 8a.m. that fateful day. One person was killed during the incident, while many Junior Secondary School (JSS3) students of the academy, who were receiving lessons for their final examinations, were abducted. However, some of the students were said to have escaped following the intervention of security agents who pursued the hoodlums to the bushes. The four students, including their teacher, also a female, have been in captivity since then without any communication from the gunmen. The parents of the students are becoming agitated following the killing of a 14-year-old girl, an officer of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and a police officer, who were also abducted by bandits in their homes at the Mararaban Rido area of Kaduna metropolis on August 28. The bandits were said to have killed their victims after collecting ransom. Speaking in an interview on Wednesday in Kaduna, a family member of one of the abducted students said since their abduction, there had been no communication from the bandits. He said: “We have been having sleepless nights over their whereabouts. We are deeply worried about the girls and their teacher. We are concerned about their safety. “Right now we don't have any information about them because the bandits have not been communicating. The kidnappers called only once after they were abducted. “They called the parents to inform them that the girls are with them. Since then, they have not communicated again. We have not heard anything from them.” The family member called on the bandits to have mercy on the students and their teacher and set them free, adding: “I am appealing to them to fear God; have mercy on them and free them.” Efforts to reach the spokesman of the Kaduna State Police Command, Mohammed Jalige, for his reaction were unsuccessful as his mobile phone was not connecting.

Oshiomhole, Wife of Edo Deputy Gov Bicker over Alleged Threat to Life

Wife of Edo State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Maryann Shaibu, has petition the state Commissioner of Police over an alleged threat to life by the immediate-past Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole. While reacting, Oshiomole described the petition as nothing but a futile attempt to divert the attention of Nigerians from the trending video of Mrs. Shaibu threatening to flog women old enough to be her mother if they dare exercise their fundamental human rights to attend any event other than the one she organises. In the petition dated September 8, 2020, by her counsel, Idemudia Ilueminosen and Co, titled: ‘Threat to Life’, Mrs. Shaibu said Oshiomhole had threatened to deal with her after casting aspersions on her at a rally in Etsako West Local Government Area of the state. The petition alleged that Oshiomhole at the rally sent several warnings that she (Mrs. Shaibu) should stay clear of campaigning for her party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on which platform her husband is running with Governor Godwin Obaseki for the September 19 governorship poll. According the petition, "We are further informed by our client that the said Oshiomole did not only threaten to deal with her, but he has also declared that he has sent some thugs to monitor her movements in Etsako West area with a view to carrying out the threat of ‘dealing with her’. "Consequent upon this, our client, for fear of being hurt or harm by Oshiomole and the assigned thugs, has not been able to continue with her campaign anymore. "It is on this note that we passionately appeal to you on behalf of our client to use your good office to investigate this incident. "Investigation is also necessary with a view to bringing the said Oshiomole and his cohorts to book in order to avert any unpleasant and unforeseen harm coming to our client especially as the state gubernatorial election is close, precisely on September 19, 2020. "This is moreso that the lives of our client and her family (by this threat) are at stake and the situation may degenerate into a full blown crisis if nothing urgent is done. "We count on your good self to expedite actions on this grave concern to nip in the bud whatever may be the nefarious plan and intent of Oshiomole and his cohorts as life has no duplicate.” Speaking through his media aide, Mr. Victor Oshioke, Oshiomhole said he is focused on marketing the governorship candidate of the APC, and cannot, under any circumstances, be distracted by the "buzzing of baby mosquitoes like Mrs. Shaibu." According to him, "The allegation is baseless and an attempt to drag Oshiomhole's name to the mud. "This petition is nothing but a futile attempt to divert the attention of Nigerians from the trending video of Maryann threatening to flog women old enough to be her mother if they dare exercise their fundamental human rights to attend any event other than the one she organises."

Wada Accepts S’Court Judgment on Kogi Election, Congratulates Bello

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the governorship election in Kogi State, Mr. Musa Wada, on Wednesday accepted the decision of the Supreme Court on the election, and congratulated his main rival, the state Governor, Yahaya Bello, on his victory. However, Wada in a statement said the Supreme Court verdict did not take into account the violence and disenfranchisement of citizens whose mandate had by the result of the appeal been silenced, but that being a democrat, he had to accept the verdict as there would always be an end to litigation. He nevertheless lamented that the lot of the Kogi people was worsening by the day as evidenced in arrears of salaries and lack of basic amenities that make life worth living. Wada congratulated Bello, and charged him to quickly address the sufferings of the ordinary man in the street, pointing out that other more focused states were rising up to the challenges of development currently eluding the Kogi State. He attributed the late acceptance and congratulating his opponent to certain indispositions, and pledged to continue doing his bid to help the ordinary Kogi man to have better living standards. Bello challenger said: “Nevertheless, the Supreme Court has spoken, and as a democrat, I heartily congratulate Governor Yahaya Bello, and also to remind him at this crucial point in the state history that this has all been about Kogi people, and I shall continue in my quest to ensure a better life for the people of the state. God bless Kogi State and God bless Nigeria. ‘‘Despite the controversy that heralded his ascension to power, many had hoped that Bello would be the breath of fresh air which the rancid political environment sorely needed. But Bello’s four years was a disaster, as many groaned in pain and gnashed their teeth. As a result of unpaid monthly salaries to civil servants, some workers died in penury, families got destabilised and many children whose parents were civil servants dropped out of school. The situation in Kogi State is still so bad and under siege. Bello’s mis-governance is not hidden even to the blind. "However, as the maxim goes, 'there is always an end to litigation', and that holds true for me in my quest to wrench my people of the state from the stranglehold of misrule, maladministration and mis-governance that had characterised the past four years; however, that effort has come to an end in our quest to reclaim a mandate rightly given to us.”

Osun Receives 15 Trafficked Girls from Lebanon

The Osun State Government on Wednesday received 15 of its citizens, who were trafficked in Lebanon. The returnees were formally received on behalf of the state government by the Commissioner for Women, Children and Social Affairs, Mrs. Olubukola Olaboopo, and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Diaspora Matters, Mrs. Titi Fadahunsi-Ajayi. Addressing them during the reception, Olaboopo expressed delight that the ladies had returned alive from Lebanon. She said the state government had put necessary measures in place for their reintegration into their communities as well as the state. According to her, "I welcome our ladies back to the state of Omoluabi. You are safe in the state, and the government will do all that it can to ensure that you have a good life going forward. "There is no harm in trying. The fact that you went abroad to hustle does not mean that you should be stigmatised. We as a state are very proud of you for taking a bold step and trying something new. "You have had the experience firsthand, and you are going to be the state ambassador on issues of trafficking. The state government expects you to put in diligence in serving your motherland. You have seen the other side of life, and of course, you can see that there is no greener pasture anywhere but home. "We want to know your qualifications to see how the government can assist you. Besides, we have organised an empowerment programme for you, and your resource persons are on ground to take you through the training." Speaking also at the reception, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Diaspora Matters, Mrs. Fadahunsi-Ajayi, commended the state Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, adding that he felt the pain of a father, which informed his response. Fadahunsi-Ajayi said: "Sometime in August, a letter came in from the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission to the governor asking for help in evacuating some of our citizens stranded in Lebanon. "It was a distress call from these ladies, who were going through hell in Lebanon, and had to cry out. They had terrible experiences, which made some of them decide to run away from their masters. "Immediately the governor got the letter, he released funds that same day. He was so magnanimous of him, as he felt the pains of a father. The process was stalled by the COVID-19 pandemic, but we thank God 15 of them are back and the others will join us later. "The governor did not only release funds for their tickets, he also approved a token for each of the girls to empower them.” One of the returnees, Amina Kajobola, thanked the state government and the governor on behalf of the girls, adding that the governor was the reason they were not marooned in Lebanon. "We are grateful that we called and the governor answered us. If he did not respond, there was nothing we could have done about it. The state government stayed in touch with us until we returned home,” she stated.

Owa King Urges Traditional Rulers to Champion Peace, Development

Traditional rulers in the country have been urged to be alive at all times to their fatherly role of championing policies and programmes that would bring about peace and development in the society. The Chairman of Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers, the Obi of Owa Kingdom, HRH Dr. Emmanuel Efeizomor II, made the appeal during a thanksgiving service to mark the 61st anniversary of his coronation at his palace grounds in Owa-Oyibu, the administrative headquarters of Ika North-East Local Government Area of the state. Efeizomor said their role as royal fathers placed great burden on them towards ensuring that there is peace and security in their respective domains and the society at large without which development and progress would be impossible. While expressing gratitude to God for the opportunity to preside over the throne of his forebears for over six decades and elevating him to a position of influence far beyond his traditional domain, the Owa king said he has been able to empower over 250 persons, including the physically challenged, less-privileged and indigent students. He also advised the youths particularly to take advantage of all opportunities in education and learning of skills as well as embrace reading culture. The monarch commended the state Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, for his administration commitment to human capital and infrastructural development policies and schemes. Several eminent guests at event, including the Onogie of Igueben, Edo State, HRM Ehizogie Eluojierior; the Obi of Ubulu-Unor, Delta State, HRM Dr. Henry Chikachukwu; the Obi of Idumuje-Unor, HRM Charles Ayansi III, and chaplain of the Owa Palace Chapel, Rev Benjamin Ebue, extolled the virtues of the Owa monarch, including his commitment to peace building and legendary transformation of the kingdom from a rural area to an enviable urbanised environment during his reign.

Constitution Review: Senate Extends Memoranda Submission Till Next Week …Omo-Agege advises Nigerians to lobby lawmakers for state creation

The submission of memoranda by the Nigerian public to the Senate Committee on Constitution Review which was scheduled to close on Tuesday has been extended till next week Friday. This is just as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, advised agitators for additional state creation to be ready to lobby both the federal and state legislators as well as other geo-political zones in the country. It was learnt that the extension of the date for the collection of memoranda from interested groups and individuals was not unconnected to enormous pressure mounted by various interest groups physically and through telephone calls to the Deputy Senate President, Omo- Agege, in his capacity as the chairman of the committee. It was gathered that the committee had to go against its earlier plan to stop the collection of memoranda last Tuesday in line with 14 days grace given for that purpose on August 26, 2020, when it called for submission of memoranda from Nigerians. A secretariat staff told journalists that: "We were supposed to stop the collection of memoranda yesterday (Tuesday) or even today (Wednesday) based on earlier announcement made to Nigerians, but a counter directive has been given that such collection should continue till September 18, 2020, apparently due to pressures being mounted on the committee." As at close of work on Wednesday, 18 additional memoranda were submitted in addition to 50 others earlier collected by the committee, making the total number 68. Among the memoranda collected by the secretariat of the committee yesterday were those from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Movement for Creation of Zuma State out of Niger State, Movement for Creation of Savana State out of Gombe, Taraba and Adamawa States. Others include Yiaga Africa, Okun Development Association, Benue State Government, Concerned Nurses Association of Nigeria, Urhobo Progressive Union and Zontai International among others. Omo- Agege had in his advice yesterday to state creation agitators while playing host to the apex socio-cultural umbrella body of the Urhobo people, Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), said getting the buy-ins of other legislators and groups from other parts of the country are key and very important for such agitations if they are to see the light of the day. According to him, "Let me also make this clear that the constitutional review exercise is not a tea party by any means. It is a very tedious exercise. If you check Section 9 of the constitution, it lays out a very difficult procedure that you must go through before you can achieve success with respect to the amendment. "I don't know what is in your submission but what I hear from the grapevine is that there is likelihood that UPU is asking for a state. If that is right, I am sure you also know the provisions of Section 8 of the constitution. "That is even more tedious than every other procedure because unlike other sections of the constitution that recognises a constitution amendment bill to pass with two-third majority of both chambers here and two-thirds majority of state Assembly, for state creation, which is under Section 8, it requires four-fifth of majority, even more majority than the regular two-third. "But that is not to say it is impossible. If the demand is genuine and legitimate, there is no reason why it should not succeed. But you have to do the needful. You have to reach out to others. You have to lobby as to why this should be the case. "As the chairman of this committee, I am not supposed to take a position. You have to reach out to the people in different geopolitical zones and make your case. "If they see the merit in your argument, then they could, acting through their members in the House of Representatives and Senate, go with you and vote in support. You have to go out and lobby. You don't stay at home and they reward you with a free state. It is only in the military that states are created by Fiat. But under democratic set up, in the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the procedures are well laid out under Section 9 of the constitution." He assured the UPU representatives that federal lawmakers from the area would not support anti-Urhobo legislations in the National Assembly. Speaking earlier, leader of the group and Okobaro of Ughievwen Kingdom, HRM Dr. Mathew Ediri Egbi (JP) Owahwa II, said the group decided to pay a courtesy call on the deputy Senate president after submitting its memorandum to the secretariat of the Constitution Review Committee. He urged Omo-Agege to always protect the interest of Urhobo people using his position as the Nigerian number six citizen.

Ortom Expresses Shock over Killing of Wanted Militia Leader, Gana ...Suswam demands probe of incident

Benue State Governor, Mr. Samuel Ortom, has expressed shock over the interception of a government convoy, arrest and killing of Terwase Akwaza popularly known as Gana by military authorities. Also, the former state Governor, Senator Gabriel Suswam, has condemned the alleged extra-judicial killing of the notorious criminal, who had been terrorising the state, and called for investigation. Ortom made his feelings known on Wednesday at the Benue Peoples House in Makurdi while briefing journalists on the state of the second amnesty programme of his administration, which covers Sankera geopolitical zone. He, however, noted that he was still awaiting briefing from the Commander of Operation Ayem A Kpatuma from Doma in Nasarawa State, Major General Moundhey Gadzama Ali, who promised he was coming to brief him on their operation. The governor stated that five repentant youths from Ukum Local Government Area of the state, who were among those arrested by the Nigerian Army were released and were conveyed to the Benue Peoples House in Makurdi by the LGA Chairman of Ukum, Hon. Stephen Ayua, to be part of the amnesty offer. The governor explained that the amnesty programme was not truncated as those who could not make it to Makurdi, due to the confusion created by the military operation, would be given another chance. He urged the people of Sankera to remain calm as he was still investigating the circumstances surrounding the arrest and killing of Gana before taking action on the matter, stressing that he owes the Benue people the duty to protect their lives and property. Ortom had earlier addressed the 42 repentant youths, and commended them for choosing to abandon their negative ways to open a new chapter in their lives. Gana was killed on Wednesday in Nasarawa State by the military after exchanging gun duel with them. Meanwhile, Suswam has condemned the alleged extra-judicial killing of Gana by the military, and called for investigation. Suswam urged Ortom to set up an independent judicial commission of enquiry with a view to getting to the root of the matter. Suswam, who represents Benue North East senatorial district in the National Assembly, in a statement issued yesterday, which was titled: ‘A Time to Heal’, emphasised that setting up of an independent judicial commission of inquiry into the killing would unravel facts of the matter to serve as lessons for the future. He punctured the claim by the military that the repentant criminal was armed at the time he was killed, saying: "The claim that Gana was killed in a gunfight needs further explanation because those who accompanied him and watched him being taken away, including his LGA chairman, do not believe he was in possession of any arm." The chairman of the Senate Committee on Power expressed concern that the repentant criminal could be killed by the military after he had formally laid down his arms. He said: "I was totally dumbfounded to learn that while Gana was on his way to Makurdi, the state capital, to present himself to the state governor, who was waiting, his long convoy that included political leaders, traditional rulers, clergy men and security agencies was ambushed by alleged armed soldiers and he was isolated and taken away. In the midst of the confusion, pictures began to circulate on social media of the bullet ridden body of Gana with a rifle callously placed on his side.” "While I have been consistent in condemning the reign of terror he unleashed on his community, I cannot in good conscience as a lawyer of over three decades and a senior parliamentarian accept cold-blooded extra-judicial murder of an unarmed person as a solution to our security problems. The lessons of the Boko Haram escalation after a similar murder of its leader are still with us today.”

Nigeria in State of Helplessness, Bode George Tells Buhari

Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has warned that Nigeria is now in a state of "hopelessness and helplessness" under the President Muhammadu Buhari. He lamented that in the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government, the gulf among the ethnic nationalities in the country is widening, warning that this may be a prelude to a greater disaster. George, who was speaking while counselling PDP aspirants in the forthcoming Lagos East senatorial and Kosofe 2 state bye elections, stressed that "no Nigerian today can express happiness with what is going on the country. Are we better off today? I want to see that Nigerian who is better off today than four and a half years ago." The PDP leader insisted that the APC has failed woefully, even as he stressed that contrary to the position held by Mallam Mamman Daura, "zoning is vital for the peace, the growth and the progress of the country. Now, the nature of Nigeria, the size of Nigeria, and the way Nigeria was brought together by the British was not natural. It was a forced union for the benefit of the economic business of the British people. That's all! "Since then, we have been trying to stabilise, and manage ourselves all along. Just take a country like Switzerland with three major tribes-the French, the Italians and the Germans. They rotate the leadership of their country, is that novel to Nigeria? Have you ever heard of any crisis in that country? "So what is so difficult about this issue of zoning? We thank God today there is no part of this country that does not has some academics and brilliant people in in Nigeria. The system we are running today is very defective. I have seen both sides, I have been in the military. Each time I look at it, and I remember it, it's like I see it's a military government. "You know you have one man sitting in Abuja and giving directive to your local government authorities. What is his business in your local government area? The nearest government to you is your local government authorities, next is your state; the power at the centre is humongous, and too strong, so it's not acceptable.” George urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that the will of the people is respected in the elections, even as he advised the PDP aspirants to conduct themselves with decorum and respect for one another, saying: "We will not accept any resort to brigandage, thuggery or other forms of violence. "The will of the people must and should be respected at all times. This is what strengthens popular government. This is the life-blood of democracy. Every voice must be heard. Every contribution must be given a fair hearing. But the will of the majority must always prevail in the end.”

Police Kill 15 Bandits, Arrest 140 Suspected Rapists in Katsina

The Katsina State Police Command has eliminated 15 bandits and arrested 50 other criminals, including kidnappers and cattle rustlers in the state. The state Commissioner of Police, Sanusi Buba, who disclosed this on Thursday while parading some suspects, said the command has also recovered 220 rustled cattle from the hoodlums and rescued 20 kidnapped victims. He explained that the command also recovered 10 AK-47 rifles, 20 locally made guns, 20 motorcycles and a huge amount of money from both the killed suspects and those paraded in the ongoing onslaughts against the miscreants in the state. The commissioner added that the command also apprehended 140 suspected rapists in 87 reported cases and were charged to court for prosecution after preliminary investigation. He said: "Recently, the command have arrested over 50 suspected bandits, kidnappers, cattle rustlers and arm robbers. We recovered 10 AK47 riffles, 20 locally-made guns, 20 motorcycles and 220 rustled cattle. "The command also killed 15 bandits and rescued 20 kidnapped victims in the ongoing war against all forms of crime in the state. "On the fight against the menace of rape bedeviling the state, a total of 140 suspected rapists were arrested in 87 reported cases, and all were charged to court for prosecution." Buba reiterated that the command was collaborating with traditional and religious leaders, parents and other critical stakeholders to tackle the prevailing cases of rape in state.

Senate May Hold Emergency Session over Petrol Price Hike

The Senate may cut short its annual vacation to hold an emergency session to discuss the last Wednesday's hike in pump price of petrol from N145.00 to N151.60 per litre by the federal government, it was has learnt. This is just as a ranking Senator, Obinna Ogba, emphasised that the recent increase in both fuel price and electricity tariff showed the level of insensitivity of the federal government to the people's feelings. It was gathered yesterday that many senators had approached the leadership of the upper chamber of the National Assembly on the need for the Senate to take a decision on the fuel price hike. A senator confirmed to journalists on the condition of anonymity that representations had been made to the President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, on the need to hold an emergency session to discuss the latest developments in the country, especially the hike in both the fuel price and electricity tariff. The ranking senator said: "Yes, it's true that we have approached the leadership of the Senate about the possibility of holding an emergency session to look into the issues of fuel price hike and increase in electricity tariff from N22.00 to N66.00 per kilowatt. "We are doing this based on reports from our constituents, who believe that the time is not ripe for such increase, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic period, and as their senators, we need to heed to their cries and act accordingly." When contacted on the issue, the Senate spokesman, Senator Ajibola Basiru, said he could not confirm whether the emergency session will hold or not as he was out of Abuja for the All Progressives Congress (APC) assignment. According to him, “I’m currently in Imo State for an APC assignment. I’m out of touch. I can’t confirm whether or not an emergency sitting will be called by the Senate since I’m not in town and not in touch." He, however, did not rule out the emergency session, saying: "The Senate president called me a while ago, but I’m not sure what he wanted to discuss with me. It may have been related to that. But I can’t tell." Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Obinna Ogba, has said the increases in electricity tariff and fuel price at a time the economy was yet to recover from the deadly effects of COVID-19, showed that the government at the centre is highly insensitive. According to him, "The country, and indeed the world, is facing serious problem right now because of the coronavirus pandemic. Therefore, these increases are not good at all. It is like adding insult to injury. "The government is just displaying insensitivity to the plights of Nigerians, because by increasing the pump price of petrol and electricity tariff, the suffering of the people would become worse. It is not fair. "You cannot put the blame on the agencies, because there is no way any of the agencies can increase the price of its commodity or service without first getting directive from the leadership of the country."

Nigerian, Ghanaian Officials Meet to Improve Bilateral Relations

Senior government officials from Nigeria and Ghana met on Thursday as part of ongoing efforts to improve the deteriorating bilateral relations between both countries. The spokesperson of the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ferdinand Nwonye, in a statement issued yesterday said the delegations of both countries had successful bilateral engagement on improving the Nigeria-Ghana relations. The statement was however silent on the details of the meeting. Nwonye said: "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform the public that a delegation of senior Ghanaian government officials led by their Minister for Trade and Industry, Hon. Allan John Kyeremanteng, arrived in Abuja today (yesterday) to have discussion with their Nigerian counterparts. "Other members of the Ghanaian delegation included the Minister for Information, Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, and the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Mohammed Habibu Tijani." Nwonye added that the Nigerian delegation to the meeting was led by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo. Others present at the meeting were the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed; the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Zubairu Dada, among others.

ASUU Rejects Reopening of Universities over Poor Funding

The Sokoto State zonal chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has kicked against the calls for the reopening of Nigerian universities by some stakeholders in the country. The union, citing the COVID-19 pandemic and poor funding from the federal government, insisted that the universities are not safe for reopening. ASUU Sokoto Zonal Coordinator, Mr. Jamilu Shehu, disclosed this on Thursday at a press conference at the Umaru Musa Yar'Adua University, Katsina. The Sokoto zonal office of ASUU comprises Federal University Dutsin-ma; Usumanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto; Umaru Musa Yar'Adua University, Katsina; Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero, and Sokoto State University. Shehu said if the federal government reopened the institutions, the government would be held responsible if anything happens to the students. According to him, "It is far from the truth to say that universities can fulfill the conditions laid down by the government for their reopening. With the hostels and lecture rooms choked up with students, how do you practice social distancing? "How many universities in Nigeria have running water on the campuses? The private universities clamoring for reopening, what percentage of students do they have compared to the public universities?" He, however, lamented what he termed fraudulent practices committed by some vice chancellors, which he said have compromised academic standards and subverted university ethics. Consequently, Shehu called on the National University Commission (NUC), as the universities regulating body, to immediately investigate the activities of the vice chancellors. He said: "With the winding down of COVID-19 lockdown, ASUU calls on the NUC, as the regulator of the universities, to take immediate steps to investigate all fraudulent practices committed by overzealous VCs who have compromised academic standards and subverted university ethics."

House Minority Caucus Rejects Petrol Price Hike

The Minority Caucus in the House of Representativeson Wednesday rejected the increase in pump price of petrol from N148 to N151.56 as announced by the Petroleum Product Marketing Company (PPMC). The lawmakers in a statement by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, described the increase as unacceptable as it will result in increase in the already high cost of consumer goods and services in the country, and worsen the current economic hardship being suffered by Nigerians. According to Elumelu, “The minority caucus in the House of Representatives rejects the announced increase in the pump price of fuel. This is because such increase will directly result in more hardship on our citizens, particularly at this critical time when majority of Nigerians across the country are struggling to survive under the burden of high cost of living and low purchasing power occasioned by the prevailing economic challenges. Any increase in the cost of essential commodity like fuel will therefore bring more hardship to the people, and as such, should not be contemplated.” The Caucus challenged the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government to rather come up with strategies that will lead to decrease rather than increase in the cost of domestic fuel, including revamping the country’s refineries, instead of always resorting to price increase to the detriment of Nigerians. It also directed the PPMC to immediately rescind its announcement and revert to the former price with a view of a downward review.

APC, PDP in Verbal War over Alleged Assassinate Attempt on Oshiomhole through Auto Crash

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State has insinuated that the road crash involving the entourage of former state Governor, Adams Oshiomole, on a trip to a campaign event last Tuesday was a deliberate attempt to assassinate him. Two policemen lost their lives when a truck reportedly rammed into the former governor’s convoy at Oluku junction while heading to Usen, Ovia South West Local Government Area for a scheduled APC campaign event. In a statement issued by the Publicity Secretary of the state APC, Chris Azebamwan, the party alleged that the crash was a ‘premeditated plot’ to take the life of the former state governor who he said has been a thorn in the flesh of the Peoples Democratic Governor (PDP) since his return from Abuja to join the electioneering of the APC governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu. Azebamwan, who chronicled previous instances where the state Governor and the candidate of the PDP, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and his Deputy, Mr. Philip Shaibu, had both allegedly threatened and orchestrated attacks on Oshiomhole, said the context leaves no doubt on the intention of the incident. According to him, “Today, the entourage of Oshiomhole making its way to Usen, Ovia South West LGA, was rammed into by a trailer which, as described by members of the entourage and other eye-witnesses, deliberately veered off its lane in an apparent mission to take the life of the former governor. “This trailer first rammed into the Toyota Hilux van escorting the former governor’s entourage before going ahead to hit the Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) conveying Oshiomhole. “From all indications, including factual accounts from members of the entourage and other eye-witnesses, the unfortunate crash which took place at Oluku Junction near Benin-city, was a plotted and near-successful assassination attempt. “Without preempting the investigation of the police, we have no doubt on the identity of those responsible for this dark, heartless, and evil plot which led to the death of two excellent police officers.” But in its reaction, the state chapter of PDP has described as preposterous and irresponsible, the claim that last Tuesday’s accident involving the convoy of Oshiomhole was an assassination attempt. The state Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chris Nehikhare, who spoke to journalists on behalf of the party’s Campaign Council yesterday in Benin-city, said: “The claim is childish, irresponsible and preposterous, and if anything, Oshiomhole should be answering questions over his convoy’s frequent involvement in road crashes that have claimed the lives of about 10 persons since 2008.” Nehikhare noted that “if the APC is sure about the intent of the truck driver that reportedly rammed into Oshiomhole’s convoy, even before investigation is carried out by the relevant agencies of the government, the APC should also know who the assassin is, the sponsor, if any, and should be courageous enough to name them.” The PDP explained that “before the latest accident that claimed the lives of two security personnel and left others severely injured last Tuesday at Oluku, there had been at least three other fatal accidents involving Oshiomhole’s convoy, or is the APC saying that all the crashes were assassination attempts?” Nehikhare said: “In December 2008, five persons, including the then Chief Press Secretary to Governor Adams Oshiomhole, Mr. Chris Nwachukwu, and the Personal Assistant, Mr. Greg Haruna, lost their lives in a motor accident along Auchi Road. “According to reports, the accident occurred at Agbede in Etsako West Local Government Area of the state when the Kia Cerato official car of the CPS had a head-on collision with a mini-bus belonging to the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, Delta State chapter, while on their way to Auchi for a friend's wedding ceremony among other fatal road accidents.”

Lagos Gives Tank Farm Operators One Week to Regularise Operations

The Lagos State Government on Wednesday given tank farm operators one week to commence the process of regularising their facilities planning permit or face closure. The state Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Idris Salako, who gave the ultimatum at a meeting with tank farm operators at the state secretariat Alausa, Ikeja, observed that only eight out of the 41 tank farms’ operations in the state have planning permits authorising their establishments. According to him, most of the tank farms in the state had been operating illegally and in variance with Section 27 of the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) and Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) regulations 2019, which stipulates that anyone who built in Lagos State without planning permit commits an offence liable to enforcement, imposition of penal fees or removal of structure. He emphasised that any tank farm that failed to start the process of regularising its facility after one week would face serious sanctions. "Considering the importance of the activities of the tank farms to the economy of the country, it is pertinent that they embrace best practices and operate in the friendliest manner to the host communities," he stated. Salako said the operations of the tank farms had thrown up many challenges for the state, including pipeline vandalism, environmental degradation, fire outbreak, traffic congestion, destruction of public infrastructure, among others. He stated that viewing the challenges posed with serious concern, the state government had chosen to engage operators of tank farms to find a lasting solution. To ease the challenges, the Physical Planning Commissioner maintained that it was paramount for the tank farms to provide complementary facilities and services such as holding bays, traffic personnel as well as the maintenance of buffer zone of 250m to 500m between the tank farm and the community. He added that the state government had approved the preparation of Action Area Plan for Ijegun Egba to address the planning issues raised by the operators of tank farms such as road connectivity, security and transportation linkage. The Commissioner for Energy and Minerals Resources, Olalere Odusote, speaking through his Head of Oil and Gas Department, Sesan Odukoya, stated that discussion at the interactive meeting reinforced previous engagements with the operators of the installations by the Lagos State Government with a view to finding a lasting solution to challenges posed by their operations.

NCFront Rejects New Increase in Petrol Price

The National Consultative Front (NCFront) on Wednesday stated that it is incensed and aghast over President Muhammadu Buhari government's ‘inhuman ambush of Nigerians’ with an increase in the ex-depot price of petrol. It also said being a grassroots mass movement, it has observed the melancholic mood of Nigerians following the report that the Petroleum Products Marketing Company, a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation ( NNPC), last Tuesday increased the ex-depot price of petrol from N138.62 per litre to N151.56 per litre. According to a statement issued by the group's Head of Bureau of Public Affairs, Dr. Tanko Yunuda, "With the ex-depot price being the amount at which the product is sold to marketers at the depots, it is a no-brainer that this unconscionable hike by the federal government will translate to an increase in the pump price of petrol thus worsening the woes of Nigerians who have just been yoked with an increased electricity tariff among other devastating policies of the government. "We utterly regret that the administration is carrying on as if its sole aim of seeking and acquiring another term of political power is to punish Nigerians for a supposed grouse that has remained unclear. Else, there's no other reason as to why a government would so prey on hapless citizens still battling with untold hardship foisted by COVID-19 lockdown. However, it is now up to Nigerians to join hands with NCFront leaders of conscience in emancipating themselves from a ruling class that can neither guarantee their security nor care about their welfare." The group explained that some of the litany of woes visited on Nigerian citizens by the Buhari government ranges from the serial increase in petroleum products since it came into power, jacking up of the Value Added Tax (VAT), introduction of stamp duties in all banking transactions, and the obnoxious, callous and unconscionable recent introduction of tax on all tenancy and lease agreements. NCFront lamented that "Nigerians, if nothing is done, can expect more vindictive economic policies tailored towards ensuring that the citizenry is pauperised into docility and submission to the administration's full-blown dictatorial proclivities. The recent punitive amount of N5 million for hate speech announced by the Minister for Information, Mr. Lai Mohammed, was another building block in the construction of the edifice for despotic rulership by the Buhari regime. "We believe that the impoverishment of citizens by the demobilising economic policies of the Buhari government is aimed at weakening Nigerians' resolve to challenge the ruling political at elections by making them docile, malleable and submissive to the Buhari regime.”