Segun Awolowo to Speak at Ifelaw National Business Summit 2017

Segun Awolowo is a typical product of change and progress. He believes in achieving greatness out of smallness irrespective of the difficulties and limitations around.  His philosophy is ‘start small, grow tall and get big’

He is passionate about Business and Ministry.  His passion for business made him to start Stretch International Ltd- an Audio Visual Company in 2004. Stretch is one of the leading audio- visuals companies in Nigeria.
He has worked with both great and small organizations and has handled several projects within and out of the country, fulfilling his passion.
Stretch emerged as African Most Trusted Quality Audiovisuals Company in 2016 & 2017. He also got The Best Global  Quality Audiovisual Company of the year 2016 & 2017 and Award of Excellence as Leading Audiovisual Company in Nigeria.
Olusegun also received Distinguished Leadership award from the prestigious Center for Leadership and Good Governance International.
Segun is a member of International Resource Center, USA, Institute of Enterprise Management and Analytics, African Chief Executive Officer Business Network and Lagos Business Club. He is the host and Organizer of "Economic and Empowerment Conference" and " Purpose and Leadership summit".

He is the president and founder of Firstword International.  FWI reaches out to schools, churches, institutions and cities propagating the Gospel and influencing others to live a better life.
Segun is also the Chairman of Perfect Edge Global School; a School of global standard set up to raise a new generation of blessings.
He  is a speaker and the author the popular ‘The Budding CEO’ and ‘The Budding Millionaire’ and  many titles to his credit.  Part of his write up includes: "Don’t be Stupid, Fulfillment and Adversity, Go and Sell your goods, God is not just theAlpha and Omega, You need Help, Relevance and Appearance, Trust and Money, Business Digest and several others."
Segun trained as Electrical/Electronic Engineer, He has a degree in religion philosophy from the prestigious Evangel Christian University of America, USA  and masters in Business Administration from Metropolitan School of Business and Management – UK. He has also attended several other courses in Leadership, Customer Service and others.

Segun Awolowo is happily married to a beautiful damsel, Oluseyi Awolowo and they are blessed with children.

We’re not terrorists —IPOB

We’re not terrorists —IPOB


The Indigenous People of Biafra yesterday faulted its declaration by the Defence Headquarters as a terrorist organisation .
In a phone interview with the Channels Television, the group said it is a non-violent movement and that it has never carried arms or killed anyone.
“It is very, very laughable that that is coming from a military intelligence officer,” Prince Kanu, younger brother of the embattled leader of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, said.
“One, IPOB is a non-violent movement. We do not carry arms. We’ve never asked anyone to kill for us, neither have we killed anyone.
“If you look at our records, our records are clean and straight
“From inception, Nnamdi Kanu made it clear to the whole world that we are non-violent freedom fighters, and that is the way it has been.”

Source: The Nation

Military declares IPOB terrorist organisation

Military declares IPOB terrorist organisation

The separatist group, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is now a “militant terrorist organisation” in Nigeria, military authorities declared yesterday.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said in a statement in Abuja that IPOB poses security challenge to the country by clandestinely and actively terrorising the general public.
It listed such acts of terrorism as the formation of a Biafra Secret Service, claimed formation of Biafra National Guard, unauthorised blocking of public access roads and extortion of money from innocent civilians at illegal road blocks.
The DHQ therefore urged parents to dissuade their wards from joining the group.
The Director, Defence Information (DDI), Maj-Gen. John Enenche, who signed the statement, spoke of the determination of the Armed Forces to confront “all security challenges facing the country.”
Enenche also pledged the continued protection of lives and property in all parts of the country by the military.
He said: “After due professional analysis and recent developments, it has become expedient to notify the general public that the claim by IPOB actors that the organisation is non-violent is not true.
“Hence, the need to bring to public awareness the true and current state of IPOB.
“In this regard, some of their actions, clandestinely and actively, that have been terrorising the general public include: the formation of a Biafra Secret Service, claimed formation of Biafra National Guard, unauthorised blocking of public access roads and extortion of money from innocent civilians at illegal road blocks.
“Militant possession and use of weapons (stones, molotov cocktails, machetes and broken bottles, among others) on a military patrol on Sept. 10, 2017.
“Physical confrontation of troops by Nnamdi Kanu and other IPOB actors at a checkpoint on Sept. 11, 2017 and also attempt to snatch their rifles.
”Attack by IPOB members on a military checkpoint on Sept. 12, 2017, at Isialangwa, where one IPOB actor attempted to snatch a female soldier’s rifle.
“From the foregoing, the Armed Forces of Nigeria wish to confirm to the general public that IPOB, from all intent, plan and purpose as analysed, is a militant terrorist organisation.”
The Nnamdi Kanu-led IPOB was previously a relatively passive organisation.
In the last one year, however, it has become confrontational with the authorities, demanding the creation of an independent state of Biafra.
It is also threatening to make the November 18 governorship election in Anambra State impossible.
Kanu opted out of a peace meeting with South-East governors on the demands of his group scheduled for yesterday.
The army, earlier in the week, deployed soldiers to the Southeast for “Operation Python Dance II” aimed at getting them ready for battle.
The international community remains divided over a universally acceptable definition of terrorism, leaving individual countries, regional and international organisations to adopt a patchwork of approaches.
Nigeria’s Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2011 defines ”act of terrorism” as an act which is deliberately done with malice, aforethought and which:
(a) may seriously harm or damage a country or an international organization;
(b) is intended or can reasonably be regarded as having been intended to—
(i) unduly compel a government or international organisation to perform or abstain from performing any act;
(ii) seriously intimidate a population;
(iii) seriously destabilise or destroy the fundamental political, constitutional, economic or social structures of a country or an international organisation; or
(iv) otherwise influence such government or international organisation by intimidation or coercion; and
(c) involves or causes, as the case may be—
(i) an attack upon a person’s life which may cause serious bodily harm or death;
(ii) kidnapping of a person;
(iii) destruction to a government or public facility, a transport system, an infrastructure facility, including an information system, a fixed platform located on the continental shelf, a public place or private property, likely to endanger human life or result in major economic loss;
(iv) the seizure of an aircraft, ship or other means of public or goods transport and diversion or the use of such means of transportation for any of the purposes in paragraph (b)(iv) of this subsection ; *
(v) the manufacture, possession, acquisition, transport, supply or use of weapons, explosives or of nuclear, biological or chemical weapons, as well as research into, and development of biological and chemical weapons without lawful authority;
(vi) the release of dangerous substance or causing of fire, explosions or floods, the effect of which is to endanger human life;
(vii) interference with or disruption of the supply of water, power or any other fundamental natural resource, the effect of which is to endanger human life;
(d) an act or omission in or outside Nigeria which constitutes an office within the scope of a counter terrorism protocols and conventions duly ratified by Nigeria.
(3) an act which disrupts a service but is committed in pursuance of a protest. However, demonstration or stoppage of work is not a terrorist act within the meaning of this definition provided that the act is not intended to result in any harm referred to in subsection (2) (b)(i) , (ii) or (iv) of this section.

Source: The Nation

LAUTECH: ASUU vows not to resume work

LAUTECH: ASUU vows not to resume work


The Academic Staff Union of Universities ( ASUU ), Ladoke Akintola University of Technology ( LAUTECH ), Ogbomoso Chapter has vowed not to resume work in the midst of the varsity reopening.
This was made known in a press release obtained by The Nation, which was signed by the Secretary Dr Toyin Abegunrin which reads “Comrades, we believe that our members are fully informed and clear about the issues that led us into the crisis. None of the issues has been addressed and the Governing Council that promised to get back to us after their meeting with the Union but up till now we haven’t gotten any response from them.
In the light of the above, our strike is still in full force. The national body of our Union is fully briefed on the state of Things in LAUTECH and is on the same page with us. Let us remain resolute, we shall overcome.
Dare to struggle, dare to win.
Speaking with the ASUU chairman Lautech Chapter, Dr Biodun Olaniran, he said “We are not concerned with the reopening of the varsity but as a union we are still on strike. In the Congress we had yesterday we all came to a conclusion that we would not resume any work because our needs are not addressed”.
“Our demands are; Earned academic allowances, Pension and gratuity, national health insurance, conditions of service, promotion arrears, budget monitoring committee, payment of salaries and arrears”, he said
It should be recalled that the institution has been reopened after so many month due to lack of poor funding of the lecturers since December 2013.

Source: The Nation

Senior lawyer to Falana on prison amnesty: you’re wrong

Senior lawyer to Falana on prison amnesty: you’re wrong


With much fanfare, glitz, blitz and bazaar, Mr. Falana also placed reliance on the authority of Iloegbunam vs. Iloegbunam (2001) , and even made allusion to his arguments therein. In quoting the finding of Oguntade, JCA, however, Mr. Falana twisted the meaning of the dictum, which was meant to address the constitutional question raised by Chief Anah, SAN. Let me quote exactly the portion quoted by Mr. Falana: “There is power in the Chief Justice of the Federation or any of the chief judges of the states to order the release of persons detained in prison custody in the exercise of their power under section 1(1) of the Criminal Justice (Release from Custody) (Special Provisions) Act Cap 79 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990 is not in doubt.
“The exercise of that power by the Anambra Chief Judge would definitely constitute a different cause of action for the present respondents if they feel aggrieved by it.
“And an action founded on the exercise of that power which action is challenging the authority of the chief judge is one that should be brought before the High Court of Anambra State by virtue of Section 272 of the 1999 Constitution.”
A correct dissection of the above dictum is as follows: (a) a chief judge has power under Section 1(1) of the Criminal Justice (Release from Custody) (Special Provisions) Act, 1990 (not under the Constitution- as I have consistently argued) to release detained persons; (b) Chief Anah, SAN, wrongly challenged the constitutionality of that Act in that present appeal – he ought to have brought a fresh action in the High Court under Section 272 of the Constitution!
How then would Mr. Falana claim in his rejoinder that “the Court of Appeal had upheld the constitutional validity of the Criminal Justice (Release from Custody) (Special Provisions) Act,” when that court starkly held that only a fresh action pursuant to the original jurisdiction of the High Court under Section 272 of the Constitution would enable such judicial pronouncement?
Again, Mr. Falana relied on some foreign common law happenings to support his arguments, the first of which is the Writ of Petition (Civil) No. 406/2013, delivered by the Indian Supreme Court, sitting in a judicial (as opposed to an administrative) capacity! Mr. Falana inadvertently shot himself in the hip, by relying on this judicial decision, which supports my arguments right from the very beginning against administrative as opposed to judicial release of prisoners! Indeed, that court, constitutionally empaneled, sat under its original civil jurisdiction and entertained arguments from parties and even amicus curiae before making those orders!
Mr. Falana also made reference to the situation in Pakistan, which unfortunately for him operates a parliamentary as opposed to a presidential system. May I remind Mr. Falana that Nigeria operates a presidential system, just like the United States (U.S.), hence presidential powers of pardon cannot be abridged by any enactment other than the Constitution itself. ‘Abridgement’ here includes enacting an Act like the Criminal Justice (Release from Custody) (Special Provisions) Act, in a manner that will make it compete with sections 175 and 212 of the 1999 Constitution.
That was why the U.S. Chief Justice Burger held Schick vs. Reed, 419 US 256 (1974) at 266 that “the unbroken practice since 1790 compels the conclusion” that the power of the US President to grant pardon “flows from the Constitution alone, not from any legislative enactments,” concluding that such presidential powers “cannot be modified, abridged, or diminished by the congress.”
In conclusion, and I hope this will satisfy Mr. Falana this time around, Section 1(1) of the Criminal Justice (Release from custody) (Special Provisions) Act, being in contradiction or at least competition with sections 35(4), 175 and 212 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, is null and void. The Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria and the various states’ chief judges have no constitutionally-recognised or cognisable power to conduct prison amnesty.

Source: The Nation

FEC orders probe of past JAMB, NIMASA chiefs

FEC orders probe of past JAMB, NIMASA chiefs


Forensic probe of some government agencies has been ordered.
The exercise is to recover unremitted revenues, according to Minister of Finance Mrs Kemi Adeosun, who briefed State House correspondents at the end of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
With Mrs Adeosun were Minister of Water Resources Suleiman Adamu, Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udo Udoma and Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity Femi Adesina.
According to her, some of the government agencies suspected to be diverting government revenues will be made to account for the past revenues.
She said the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), which had been remitting N3 million annually, remitted N5 billion this year alone and disclosed that it had N3 billion more to remit to the government’s purse this year.
The minister also listed past management of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) among the offenders.
She said: “Secondly, we spoke about revenue generation. The VAIDS Programme is ongoing and we are having quite a positive response in terms of tax compliance.
“We also reported on the progress made by a number of our agencies some of whom have reported very significant increases in the amount paid into the consolidated revenue fund.
“Council discussed JAMB, which recorded significant progress and NIMASA as well as others and gave us the charge to really go and look at these agencies, look in some cases the past management of those agencies and see where those agencies were leaking and to encourage agencies that haven’t done so to continue with efficiencies,” she said.
Asked to disclose the figures expected from the agencies, Mrs Adeosun said: “The highest amount that JAMB has ever remitted to the consolidated revenue fund before this management was N3 million. This year, so far, they have done N5 billion and the Minister of Education reported that they have additional N3 billion that they are ready to remit, which will take this year’s figure alone to N8 billion.
“Now they have not increased their charges nor their fees. So the question that Council members were asking was that where were all these monies before?
“So the directive was given that we must call those who were the heads of those agencies and similar ones to account and that is what we intend to do.”
She added: “It’s a similar story with other agencies and these are the leakages which we are now blocking. These are the monies in the consolidated fund that is now being applied in the projects that really need to get the economy moving. These are the monies that are missing that has led us to the position we are in. It is the grandest looting that this administration action has come in to address.”
The minister also disclosed that FEC approved for Nigeria to rejoin the African Trade Insurance Agency.
She said: “This is an agency that is out to provide risk guarantee for private investors coming into Nigeria as well as exporters from Nigeria.
“It will provide risk guarantees, so instead of projects asking for sovereign guarantees, we will be able to provide that risk mitigation through the African Trade Insurance Agency. Many other countries are already members, so Nigeria will also be joining.
“This agency has an A rating international and is able to guarantee long term projects. So, what we see as a result of this is that there will be increased level of investments particularly PPP where every often the investors want some guarantee from the government. Instead of the government issuing sovereign guarantee directly, this agency will step in and issue it. It is very similar to MIGA, the Multi-lateral Insurance Guarantee Agency that is owned by the IFC.”
She went on “My second activity was part of the briefing on the economy and to speak to the fiscal conditions and outlook.
“As you know, we are on the part way of resetting the economy and adjusting permanently to a sort of lower oil pricing.
“The recent announcement of the exit from recession we see as statically backed indicator that we are moving in the right direction.
“We recognised that there is a lot to be done. I briefed the council on various fiscal initiatives that we are pursuing. These include continued fiscal consolidation and cost efficiency, driving cost savings in government; there is still a great need to do so.
“I have some progress report on the work we have done with payroll where we are still seeing contraction. Every time we put agencies into our automated payroll system we see contraction and we intend to continue with that.
“So, in summary, the outlook is positive. We did some comparative analysis in June 2014 with oil price of $109, federation allocation was N844 billion and in June 2017 it was down to N318 billion, just to give you an idea of how much income the country has really lost in the last few years.
“So, we are adjusting very strongly and we believe if we continue with this trajectory not only will we stay permanently out of recession but, more importantly, we will have a positive and growing economy what works for all Nigerians which is our aim.” she said
Udoma Udo Udoma said his ministry briefed the Council on the recent 2017 Second Quarterly Report of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
He said: “We were encouraged by the GDP growth rates. The report is very encouraging for the government as it shows that we are on the right direction.”
The Minister of Water Resources disclosed that he briefed FEC on floods and possible threats of flood.
He said there was no threat of flood in the country.
The Ministry has observatory units in Niamey and Lokoja, he said, adding: “If there is any indication of significant rise or threat to lives and properties, we will promptly issue warning alerts.
“For now, there is no cause for alarm. We cannot stop the flood but we can provide early warnings.”

Source: The Nation

Falana to Buhari: call off soldiers from Kanu’s home

Falana to Buhari: call off soldiers from Kanu’s home


Activist-lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) yesterday urged President Muhammadu Buhari to cal off ssoldiers from the residence of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu.
“I wish to submit, without any fear of contradiction, that the deployment of armed troops in Abia state and the house arrest of Mr. Kanu are illegal and unconstitutional,” Falana said in a statement.
Falana said although the President was empowered by Section 217(2) of the Constitution to deploy the armed forces for the “suppression of insurrection and acting in aid of civil authorities to restore law order” he cannot exercise the power until there is an insurrection or civil disturbance that cannot be contained by the police.
To him, there was no insurrection in Abia State which the police could not contain.
“The deployment of armed troops by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces cannot be justified in law,” he said.
According to Falana, if the Federal Government has evidence of other criminal offences committed by Kanu, the Police should have been directed to arrest and charge him.
He said neither the Constitution nor the Armed Forces Act empowers the army to arrest any citizen who is not subject to service law.
“In view of the foregoing, the President should direct the armed troops who have invaded Aba in Abia State to withdraw and return to their barracks forthwith.
“At the same time, the Commissioner of Police in Abia state should be allowed to take over the case of Mr. Kanu in line with the provisions of the Constitution and the Police Act.
“If he is indicted in the investigation that is expected to be conducted by the Police he should be charged to court as he is not above the law.
“But on no account the army should the army be involved in the arrest, investigation and possible prosecution of Mr. Kanu or any other civilian in the country,” Falana said.

Source: The Nation

Policeman dies, vehicles damaged as IPOB strikes

Policeman dies, vehicles damaged as IPOB strikes


Members of separatist group Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) yesterday killed a policeman during an early morning “surprise attack” on riot policemen at Oyigbo Junction in Port Harcourt.
They took away the slain policeman’s gun, injured two other policemen and burnt down their patrol vehicle, the police said.
It was the second day of their attack on policemen in the Rivers State capital. The attacks started following rumours that soldiers had killed members of the group in Abia State.
Rivers State Commisioner of Police Zaki Ahmed, who confirmed the attack and killing, said in a statement: “The command was awaken with yet another attack incident today (yesterday) at about 12:10 am, when some members of IPOB regrouped and launched a surprise attack at mobile policemen stationed at Oyigbo Junction, killing a police sergeant identified as Steven Daniel, attached to Mopol 19, injuring two others and burning down their patrol vehicle.
“Also, one sterling SMG riffle belonging to the deceased officer was taken away by the attackers.
“They were, however, repelled by the police, about nine of them were arrested, bringing the total number of suspects arrested to 32.
“They are helping us in investigation and will be due in court as soon as the investigation is concluded.
“The situation has since been brought under control. People are now going about their lawful businesses. I can assure you that justice will be done in the circumstance. All those connected to this senseless carnage will be brought to justice.
“We shall spare no efforts in dealing with any criminal element in the state.”
Ahmed debunked the alleged attack on a mosque and businesses owned by northerners and said no other person, apart from the policeman, died.
He said the expressway blocked by the agitators had been opened for smooth movememt.
Recalling the attrocity committed by the group on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, CP Ahmed said ”members of IPOB, at about 2:00pm on Tuesday unlawfully blocked Port Harcourt /Aba expressway and attacked some residents.
“The same group, without justification for their action, also attacked a police van from Nonwa Police Training School enroute Port Harcourt International Airport, and burnt the van to ashes.
“The driver of the van, Inspector Emaikwu Ochochi, was badly injured and he is at present on admmision in a hospital. The attackers also carted away one AK47 riffle with 60 rounds of live ammunition and one Barretta pistol with eight rounds of live ammunition.
“At the end of their rampage, many vehicles were damaged and scores burnt. The timely response of the police restored normalcy and brought the situation under control as adequate deployment was made to arrest the situation.
“The mob was despersed with minimum force, thereby restoring law and order at the end of which 23 IPOB members were arrested.”

Source: The Nation

Bill Gates says we're on track for a record HIV epidemic

Bill Gates says we're on track for a record HIV epidemic

The world has made enormous leaps in the fight against HIV/AIDS, to the extent that someone HIV-positive, with the right treatment, can expect to live as long as their healthy neighbor.
But as billionaire Bill Gates recently noted, without the proper funding, the virus could make a dangerous resurgence.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation this week published the first-annual "Goalkeepers" report - an exhaustive document that identifies and tracks more than a dozen measures of global public health, including child mortality and family planning. The foundation plans to release a report every year until 2030, keeping tabs on the progress made on each metric along the way.
HIV infection is one of the first metrics listed in the 2017 "Goalkeepers" report. At last count, there were 36.7 million people worldwide living with the virus, roughly 1.8 million of whom were children under 15 years old. Today, the infection rate is about 0.14 people per 1,000 population, down from a high of 0.30 in the early 2000s.
But funding gains for HIV control are slowing down. People seem to be getting complacent with the progress that's been made over the last 15 years, Gates wrote, "and now there's talk of cuts." Models developed by the Gates Foundation in partnership with the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation show that a 10% cut in HIV treatment funding could lead to 5.6 million deaths by 2030.
Even if funding stays flat, HIV could seen an explosion of new cases, particularly in Africa, where the disease is most prevalent. The continent is currently home to 94 million people between 15 and 24 years old, the group most at risk for HIV. In the wake of the population boom over the last several years, that group is expected to balloon in size to 280 million.
"What that means is pretty clear," Gates wrote. "If we only do as well as we've been doing on prevention, the absolute number of people getting HIV will go up even beyond its previous peak."
The conclusion Gates draws is that treatment isn't the only solution. "I'm not advocating for a blank check for HIV treatment," he wrote, "because I don't think we need one." Instead, he sees prevention as the biggest factor in driving the infection rate as low as possible.
According to Gates, Kenya is the world leader in adopting preventive strategies. The East African country encourages safe-sex practices tested to reduce HIV risks. Additionally, Gates has called on scientists to keep investigating preventive drugs, including a vaccine. But such discoveries require funding for research and development.
"In the meantime, if we don't spend more to deliver the tools we have now, we'll have more cases," Gates wrote. "If we have more cases, we'll need to spend more on treatment, or people will die."

Source: Business Insider

Apple Event: All You Need To Know About iPhone X, iPhone 8, Apple TV 4K, And Watch Series 3

Apple Event: All You Need To Know About iPhone X, iPhone 8, Apple TV 4K, And Watch Series 3


Apple Watch Series 3
Adding LTE capabilities will open Watch to a new kind of buyer and will likely spur upgrades of current users who can see the value of being fully connected without an iPhone. Some users will value the convenience of only needing Watch without an iPhone, others will see value in staying in the moment, others will see it as freedom from another device. While specifics of battery life on LTE is not available yet, Apple is committing to 18 hours of mixed use. As more information about battery life while on LTE and carrier rates becomes available, users will be more comfortable purchasing, but I think it will be their first question.
With the new W2 wireless chip, Watch increases Wi-Fi performance and will not only speed up downloads but will also save on energy consumption, potentially to give those savings to make up for LTE. The new dual core processor will make Watch faster, more responsive and result in an improved experience, more important when not using an iPhone simultaneously. Apple also announced it would start giving notifications for abnormally high heart rates and also with Stanford, created an opt in
Apple also announced it would start giving notifications for abnormally high heart rates and also with Stanford, created an opt in program to analyze heart rates for irregular beats. I believe this kind of arrhythmia detection capability is what wearables were always intended to do, and that is to detect maladies before they impact people. This is a great step in the industry.

Apple TV 4K
Apple was the last vendor to add 4K to their streamer and the company says it was waiting for the intersection of 4K, HDR10 and Dolby Vision content. This is fair, as the new Apple TV is the only streamer that will ship with this capability which supports both standards now. I believe this new Apple TV will result in the biggest Apple TV upgrade cycle the company has ever had as it removed the objection of not having 4K.
The device not only plays 4K content but will also upscale 1080P content to 4K. As a huge bonus, all “HD” content purchased on iTunes will be converted to the highest native resolution at no additional cost. Much of the newer content will be native 4K. The new A10X Fusion chip adds the same processor that is in the iPad Pro and will further extend capabilities for more advanced applications found in game consoles.

Source: Forbes

1999 Constitution amendment: Is Senate afraid of restructuring?

1999 Constitution amendment: Is Senate afraid of restructuring?

The crusade for restructuring has suffered a setback. At a time stakeholders, including statesmen, politicians, human rights crusaders and leaders of ethnic nationalities, are intensifying their agitations for decentralisation of power, the Senate is aloof. The casualty of the gross insensitivity is the proposed devolution of powers. Having rejected the item, it is evident that the National Assembly has embarked on cosmetic amendment of the 1999 Constitution. The outcome of the exercise will not offer any solution to the national question. To Nigerians, the so-called piecemeal amendment may be a waste of time and an exercise in futility.
The National Assembly may be the major beneficiary of the intended amendment. For example, senators are pushing for a law that will make the president lose the power to assent to the amendment. If the amendment scales through, the legislature will have sweeping powers to alter the constitution. In its bid to escape the searchlight, the lawmakers are also thirsty for immunity. Besides, they want former Senate Presidents, House of Representatives Speakers and their deputies included in the Council of State. Although, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is to be perceived as the symbol of unity, non-indigenes should forfeit the right to serve as its minister. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which is struggling to cope with the conduct of general elections, is to be saddled with the additional workload. If the Senate has its way, the national umpire should be conducting elections in 776 local governments.
Although, other items in the proposed amendment-the time frame for budget presentation, the separation of the offices of Federal Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, and the Accountant-General of the Federation from the Accountant-General of Federal Government-are laudable, the motivation for dumping the most important item is unknown. The rejection of power devolution has far-reaching implications for the polity. The structural imbalance is inadvertently sustained. The skewed power distribution between the distant power-loaded centre and pauperised states will continue unabated. The centre will remain attractive to competing political blocs in their stiff competition for power and abundant, yet elusive federal resources. The centre may remain unproductive; it will continue to hold the chunk of the money, but unable to perform corresponding responsibilities. The Land Use Act is left intact.
Also, security may continue to be at a low ebb. Lack of devolution means that state or community police will remain a dream. Governors who are chief security officers of their states will continue to depend on the Inspector-General’s orders to maintain law, order and peace. The crisis of distribution may linger in the absence of a satisfying formula for national creation and distribution. This may be infuriating to champions of resource control and derivation principle. Thus, the on-going constitution amendment may not inspire a new national spirit among Nigerians who are disillusioned with the boring social order. Neither can the amendment proposals they voted avert disintegration.
The disposition of the senators underscore their tacit endorsement of the unitarist legacies of the military regimes, which their civilian successors have failed to alter in the last 18 years. It may fuel a renewed clamour for a Sovereign National Conference (SNC) where representatives of the various nations constituting Nigeria will discuss the basis for peaceful co-existence.
However, the Senate’s position is not final, even for now. To amend the flawed constitution, two-third of the 36 Houses of Assembly must vote in its support. The envisaged “legislative referendum” may become the albatross of the entire exercise. It is doubtful, if the amendment will pass the test at the state Assemblies. What the tone of the debate on the floor of the hallowed chamber suggested was that the majority of senators voted without wide consultations with their constituencies. There is shortage of courage to embark of fundamental constitutional reforms. Obviously, there is a deep gulf between the elected representatives and the electorate. When the majority of constituents are clamouring for the redress of the injustice of lopsided federalism and their representatives are facing the opposite direction, their behaviours smack of failure of representation.
In a fit of irony, the senators rooted for autonomy for Houses of Assembly and local governments. The move may spark a fresh row. While financial independence is desirable for the legislative arm at the state level, the proposed autonomy for the local council is a subject of controversy. Under the constitution, the power to create and dissolve the local government is vested in the House of Assembly. The additional requirement that the newly created council should listed in the constitution is an abnormality. It is an affront on the federal principle. It is akin to asking the Federal Government, which exercises sweeping powers over the “Exclusive Items” in the constitution, to at the same time appropriate a portion of the “Residual Powers” of the state. The supporters of the approach fail to acknowledge that local government is an extension of the states created for ease of administration at the grassroots. If the House of Assembly creates a local government, should it be excluded from the constitutional mechanism for financial control, management and discipline?
The meaning of restructuring is not beyond the ken and comprehension of the Senate. The Senate may also not be under any influence to jettison or reject the clamour. The Upper Chamber has just refused to make history by not taking a bold and novel step towards the remaking of Nigeria. While a comprehensive constitutional review cannot be undertaken by the Senate within a short time, mere endorsement of devolution, even without reflecting it in the amendment, would have conveyed the impression that the lawmakers are on the same page with Nigerians.
Does the struggle for restructuring lacks justification? A legal luminary, Kola Awodein (SAN), in a paper titled: “Restructuring and Constitutional Review,” said restructuring presupposes the existence of a structure, which is built on a faulty platform or foundation that then requires to be rebuilt or rearranged. Therefore, instead of building of the defective 1999 Constitution, a concerted effort should have been made by the parliament to critically look at the document and amend the provisions that tend to retard federalism.
Awodein listed fundamental issues central to restructuring, and hence, the preservation of unity and corporate existence of Nigeria. The issues should be the focus of any constitution review. They include the secularity of the state, return to federalism as embodied in the 1960 Constitution, marginalization and rotation of the presidency, ethnicity and need for mutual co-existence, abolition of the Land Use Act and abolition of the Petroleum Act.
Others are the adoption of the six zone structure, reforms of the electoral laws and the civil service, fiscal federalism, the structure of the federation, scope and limits of the powers of the central government, proportional representation in governance, the police, the strucOn state police, Awodein said: “A united central police organisation is still in place, making serious and effective policing difficult and almost impossible. The chain of control in the Nigeria Police of today is too long and remote from the centre of operation, weakening discipline and resulting in an ineffective law enforcement process.
“Centralisation and unification have also resulted in significant delay in the administration of criminal justice. The police is overburdened as it is responsible for enforcing all federal, state and local government laws and regulations. This is in addition to its responsibility of investigating cases, prosecuting offenders and controlling traffic and other doing other welfare services.”
Between 1951 and 1960, the three regions existed as semi-autonomous entities in an atmosphere of ‘true’ federalism. They were competitive centres of development, which looked inward and developed at their own pace and based on the judicious use of resources. That competitive spirit was killed by the introduction of the unitary spirit and collective dependence on oil for survival.
Reflecting on the emasculation of the federal principle, an eminent jurist, the late Justice Kayoed Eso, reasoned that “over-centralisation of power invariably stifles local initiative, promotes inefficiency and a sense of over-dependence on the central government.” He queried: “What has happened to the resources which the government the three regions depended upon to fund their respective economic and infrastructural development programmes before the advent of oil?”
In their quest for restructuring, the only route left is to intensify the convocation of a Sovereign National Conference (SNC). As Prof. Ben Nwabueze (SAN) argued: “The power of the sovereign people of Nigeria to make a constitution cannot have been taken away by the provisions in the 1999 Constitution for constitutional amendment. The mandate conferred on the president and members of the National Assembly by their election is only a mandate to govern under and in accordance with the provisions of that constitution, and to make, as may be necessary, such changes in them not affecting the fundamental structures and principles of the system of government established by the constitution.
“It is a limited mandate, and is not meant to substitute the government for the people as the repository of constituent power. The constitutional amendment provisions should not be read without regard to the limitation implied by the universally accepted convention underlying them.”

Source: The Nation

Senators under fire over power devolution vote

Senators under fire over power devolution vote

Senators came under fire yesterday for rejecting the devolution of power to states.
The House of Representatives, which voted on some bills yesterday, also rejected power devolution in a bid to amend the constitution.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and some senior lawyers slammed the lawmakers for passing “self serving” bills rather than working on issues that affect the polity.
Atiku described the failure of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Senate to approve power devolution as a betrayal of the party’s promise.
Atiku, in a statement from his media office in Abuja, described the action as “shocking and saddening”.
He said: “This blockage of the Bill by an APC-led Senate majority is a betrayal of our party’s pre-election promises. It was an important vote and I’m shocked by some so-called progressives’ visceral and cynical opposition to restructuring.”
The former vice president frowned at what he described as the reluctance of democratically-elected lawmakers to remove the insidious structural impediments to development, which decades of military rule had foisted on our nation.
He argued that “instead of building the foundations for a true federation, a small group of so-called progressive senators decided to stick with the new party line, pretending they didn’t know what restructuring was all about, and that even if they knew, it couldn’t be done.
“I think this is disingenuous. I think it is a sad day for our party. But I am confident the APC will learn the right lesson from this self-inflicted defeat, and remember the mission and mandate given to us by the people.”
The Waziri Adamawa hopes that Nigeria’s lawmakers would find the courage to stand by what is right, and not by what serves their personal vanities and political interests.
“Let me be clear. Restructuring is no panacea to all our nation’s problems. But devolving resources and responsibilities from an overbearing, unresponsive, and ineffective federal government to the states is the first step we must make if we are serious about putting our nation back on track, and our people back to work,” he said.
The Pan-Igbo Socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, was disappointed over the decision on power devolution.
President-General Chief John Nwodo, in a statement said:”The barrage of voices in this country lately shows clearly that majority of Nigerians are desirous of the country running a true federal system and one expected the NASS to have appreciated this in all their actions especially in constitutional amendment,” Nwodo said.
The Ndigbo umbrella body counseled the National Assembly that rather than go into constitutional amendment at this time that the mood of the country was tuned towards total restructuring, they should have concerned themselves in making the legislative enactment to empower the convening of a national conference for real constitutional drafting.
He said any action by either the executive or legislator that does not address the agitation of Nigerians would not yield results.
”Any action whether legislative or executive in this country today that is not programmed to respond to the yearnings of the populace will amount to exercise in futility.
”Ohanaeze therefore urges the National Assembly and other legislative levels involved in the constitutional amendment in the country to put the interest of the country first and ensure that its actions are such that would help to douse the tension and stabilise the country,” the statement said.
The group urged the National Assembly to revisit the 2014 Conference Report which implementation had generated heated argument among the political class.
”Ohanaeze finally charged all the legislative bodies involved in constitutional amendment to consider seriously the 2014 Confab report if they really desire political progress and stability for the country,” the statement added.
Senior lawyers also criticised the National Assembly’s constitutional review move.
Mr Femi Falana (SAN) said: “If the amendment is passed, it will not affect the on-going review of the Constitution as it cannot have a retrospective effect.
“The proposed amendment bill will have to be signed into law by President (Muhammadu) Buhari. If he withholds his assent, the votes of two-thirds majority of the National Assembly members and 24 states will be required to pass the proposal.”
Mr. Babatunde Fashanu (SAN): “I take the position of my teacher, Professor Akin Oyebode, of the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, that what the National Assembly should be doing right now is to be deliberating on and enacting laws for the setting up of a Constituent Assembly to produce a brand new constitution.”
Mr. Sebatian Hon (SAN) also said: “It is not well intended. It is a sharp break from our constitutional history of amending the constitution. The Senate needs to convince Nigerians if they have good intentions for introducing that amendment.
Mr. Seyi Sowemimo (SAN) said: “The areas they have dwelt on now, to me, are not really the important areas we require constitutional amendments. They should focus on devolution of powers, restructuring generally, not this other things which they have done.”
But the Indigenous People of Biafra( IPOB) praised the Senate for rejecting the proposed restructuring of the country.
A statement by the group’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful,said: “We are equally thanking them for voting down the controversial call for restructuring that cannot benefit anyone in Nigeria. We Biafrans and other sensible Nigerians can now believe that Northern senators have demonstrated, through their rejection of restructuring that IPOB remains the only legitimate voice that understand the plight of the masses and prepared to do something about it. Only a referendum can resolve the issue of Biafra not restructure. It remains the only way the masses can decide their future in Nigeria.”

Source: The Nation

Obaseki orders arrest of teachers over exam malpractices

Obaseki orders arrest of teachers over exam malpractices

Obaseki during his visit to one of the primary schools that organised the examination

The Edo State Governor , Mr . Godwin Obaseki, has ordered the arrest of some primary school teachers over their alleged involvement in examination malpractices .
It was learnt that the teachers were arrested while attempting to manipulate the conduct of the School Leaving Certificate Examination held in selected centres in the state on Saturday .
Obaseki , who paid an unscheduled visit to some of the examination centres along with the Head of Service , Mrs . Gladys Idahor , and his Chief of Staff , Mr . Taiwo Akere , was said to have been miffed by the actions of the erring teachers .
Those arrested were alleged to have attempted to gain access into the centres when they were sighted by the governor .
Some of the Benin centres visited by the governor and his entourage are Ebenezer Primary School; Ivbyenova Primary School; St . Saviour ; George Idah Primary School ; and Ologbosere Primary School, in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of the state .
Obaseki said , “We are bothered about the corruption and malpractices in examination process . As you can see , a lot of parents had to be kept out particularly those from the private schools , who might have paid for their children to do well.
“They wanted access into the schools to be able to influence the process of the exams and they were stopped . I am happy that our officials have done well in ensuring that the standards we require and want to set are met.
“For the private school teachers , who were caught trying to influence the examination , they would face the law as we are going to investigate them . And l am sure that the Ministry of Education has its own rules on how to deal with such matters .”
He said that his administration desired to improve basic education as a vital step to repositioning the state ’s education system .
The governor said , “It is going to be rigorous and tough . We believe that if we get the basic education right, everything else will follow . The challenge we have today in our country is that for some unfortunate incidents in the past, we just could not hold anybody responsible for basic education because of the way it is structured .
“Under the UBE , it is distributed between local government , state and federal government and that caused a bit of dislocation . As a state , we have decided to take the bull by the horns to ensure that we take charge and have a proper basic school administration system so that we can track the progress of every child from Primary One through to JSS 3 .”

Source: Punch

42 anti-malaria drugs banned in Europe still consumed in Nigeria, says Senate

THE Senate yesterday raised the alarm that all the forty two anti- malaria drugs banned in Europe were still being stockpiled, sold and consumed in Nigeria.
According to the Senate, the situation is already trending and generating panic as well as concern among medical practitioners and members of the public.
Against this backdrop, the Senate has mandated the Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary), led by Senator Olarewaju Tejuoso, APC, Ogun Central, to urgently carry out a holistic investigation into the matter and report back to the Senate for further action to save the lives of Nigerians.
The resolution of the Senate was sequel to a motion by Senator Theodore Orji, PDP, Abia Central.
In his presentation, Senator Orji said: “The Senate notes that recently the European Union banned the sale and consumption of 42 Anti-Malaria Drugs in all countries within the European Union;

“It notes that the 42 Anti-Malaria Drugs are: Alaxin 60mg tablet (dihydroartémisinine)B/8; Alaxin oral suspension (dihydroartémisinine) FL/80ml; Amodiaquine 200mg compressed B/1000; Amodiaquine 200mg compressed B/1000; Arinate 100mg tablet (artésunate) B/6; Arinate 50mg tablet (artésunate) B/6; Arsumax 50mg tablet (artésunate) B/12; Artemax 60mg tablet (dihydroartémisinine) B/8; Artémédine 40mg capsule (artemether) B/12; Artémédine 50mg tablet (artemether) B/12; and Artenam 50mg tablet (artemether) B/14.

“Also on the list are Artenam 60mg tablet (artemether) B/8; Artésiane 300mg child powder oral suspension (artemether) FL/38g; Artésunate 100mg compressed B/120; Artésunate 50mg tablet B/120; Artexin 60mg tablet (dihydroartémisinine) B/8; Camoquin 200mg tablet (amodiaquine) B/9; Camoquin 200mg tablet (amodiaquine) B/25 blisters; and others.

Camoquin 200mg tablet (amodiaquine) B/55 blisters; Camoquin 200mg tablet (amodiquine) B/24; Camoquin 600 mg tablet (amodiaquine) B/3; Camoquin oral suspension 50mg/ 5ml (amodiaquine) FL/60ml; Cotecxin oral suspension (dihydroartémisinine) FL/80ml; Cotecxin 60mg tablet (dihydroartémisinine) B/8; Daraprim tablet (pyriméthamine) B/30; and Falcinil 50mg tablet (artésunate) B/12.

 

 

We don’t understand what Nigerians mean by restructuring — APC

We don’t understand what Nigerians mean by restructuring — APC

The All Progressives Congress, APC, has explained its confusion in the face of clamour by some Nigerians for the restructuring of the country, saying it didn’t understand what people meant by it.
Consequently, the party has set up a committee to come up with the party’s own definition of restructuring.
APC said the committee, headed by Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State, was not to come up with modalities for restructuring the country but to merely define the concept, since it didn’t understand the meaning of the concept as bandied about by some Nigerians.
Party spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, said.“We just finished the meeting with our governors and we considered a number of issues. They include the issue of restructuring, national convention of the party and these regular meetings would be expanded to include principal officers of the National Assembly from now on.”
He spoke, yesterday, in Abuja shortly after a meeting of its National Working Committee, NWC, and its 24 state governors.
Flanked by the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Abubakar Yari of Zamfara State, Simon Lalong of Plateau and Yahaya Bello of Kogi, Abdullahi said: “When we talk about a committee on restructuring, what we are talking about is a committee that will articulate what APC means by restructuring because we have realised that over a couple of days now or weeks, when people use the word restructuring, we don’t know if we are talking about the same thing and people have gone about saying APC promised restructuring.
“So this committee that is set up that will now be chaired by the governor of Kaduna is mainly to define what APC means by restructuring, so that every member will know what we exactly mean”.
Other members of the nine-member committee are Governors of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola; Kano, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; Plateau, Simon Lalong; Ogun, Ibikunle Amosun; and former governor of Edo State, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor.
Others are APC National Organising Secretary, Sen. Osita Izunaso; National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi and Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi, who will serve as secretary.

Inability to hold convention

Meanwhile, the party has blamed the illness of President Muhammadu Buhari for its inability to fix a tentative date for its midterm non-elective national convention.
Speaking further, Yari said as a prelude to its convention, the party has now fixed July 29 for its nationwide congresses.
He said: “We have been on this matter of convention but you know that as a party, the President is the leader of this party.”
‘’One, before getting to the convention, there is some kind of process, the National Working Committee NWC, must agree on the time and at the same time we have to adopt the report submitted by the national working committee to the larger National Executive Council, NEC, members which the President must be in attendance as a leader of the party and you know the situation of our President.
“We have been fixing time but because of his illness, we are unable to hold the meeting but we have to put a kind of process in place, so that we can at least have a mid-term convention, it is not an elective convention. These congresses that is going to commence on July 29 is to come for this convention to fill some vacancies taken in to the executive side, those that died or went for other appointment. This has nothing to do with PDP. PDP is a party on its own right and PDP is a ruling party. This convention has no connection with the PDP convention,” he explained.
According to Gov. Yari, the governors and party leadership have not also been able to meet with the acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, due to his tight schedules both as Vice President and as Acting President.
He, however, expressed optimism that the meeting would hold soon in order to arrive at a date. The governors had after a meeting with the party leadership in May, promised to immediately meet with the acting President towards fixing a date for the exercise.
“We have agreed collectively that we are going to meet with acting president. Acting President should understand that that he is acting in capacity of the President of the country as well as the vice-president. T
‘’omorrow he is going to perform the function of Vice-President as chairman of NEC and the entire issue of security, economy, administration lies on him, so we can not take him as an easy man to deal with. It’s two in one.
‘’Therefore the committee is in place. As we are talking today, we reiterate that we are going to [create room] for other issues and the issue of convention.
“We discussed the election of Osun which we really know what happened, the media and everyone in the party, we know what happened, it was APC, APC, APC. PDP doesn’t have muscle to win elections and we are on top of the situation. It is a wake-up call on dealing on things like that in the future.’’

Source: Vanguard

Govt to replace kerosene with gas, says NNPC boss

Govt to replace kerosene with gas, says NNPC boss

The Federal Government is planning to make liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) the primary domestic fuel for cooking.
The aim is to de-emphasise the use of firewood and kerosene and reduce the health risks of the two traditional sources of cooking.
The government is relying on the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NNLG) to achieve this goal.
In a statement, NNPC’s Group Managing Director Dr Maikanti Baru said the need to replace firewood and kerosene with LPG was imperative to reduce health hazards and death.
The corporation, he said, would leave no stone unturned in increasing the use of cooking gas by individuals and industrial concerns.
He said Indonesia had succeeded in kerosene substitution, stressing that NNPC is looking forward to cooperating with Indonesia to achieve a similar feat.
Baru said: “The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation will also like to partner with Indonesia and other countries in the area of bio-fuels production in order to diversify the nation’s energy mix for growth. Already, the Corporation has launched a campaign on deforestation to reduce tree felling and its attendant depletion of the ozone layer.”
At a stakeholders’ forum in Abuja, NLNG’s Managing Director, Mr. Tony Attah, said the company was planning to increase LPG to increase the product’s accessibility.
He said Nigeria LNG would increase the penetration and market share of LPG by 32 per cent from 400,000 metric tonnes per annum (MTPA) to three million MTPA in five years, as part of efforts to make more Nigerians use the product.
A study by the company showed that the country must increase LPG production by 32 per cent, adding that given the right condition, the firm would achieve this goal soon.
“It is expected that an aggressive and well-coordinated market expansion strategy should lead to the growth of the Nigerian LPG market at annual rates of up to 32 per cent from the current level of over 400,000MTPA to over three million MTPA in five years with a potential increase in per capita consumption from approximately 2kg to over 12kg, well above the sub-Saharan average of 3.5kg per capita,” Attah said.
The NLNG chief said the gas giant had taken up the drive to improve LPG use in Nigeria, adding that its efforts must be complemented by the government to ensure the market peaks in line with the estimate revealed by its study.
On the subsector’s problems, Attah said dearth of investments in LPG reception facilities and supply infrastructure, onerous fiscal regime and regulatory environment, such as the imposition of Value Added Tax (VAT) on LPG produced in the country, among others, were inhibiting the growth of LPG ‘ market.
He urged the government to remove fiscal and regulatory bottlenecks to create a conducive business environment for private sector investment in all segments of the value chain.
“The removal of VAT on LPG as well as taxes and duties, concessions for LPG equipment and cylinders must be at the top of the priority list for the government,” he said, adding that more people would use LPG in the country when these problems are resolved.’’

Source: The Nation

TAKING COKE PRODUCTS AND VITamin C: Coca-Cola fails to stop judgement execution

TAKING COKE PRODUCTS AND VITamin C: Coca-Cola fails to stop judgement execution

The Nigeria Bottling Company, NBC, has failed in its attempt before a Lagos State High Court to stop the execution of a judgment declaring Fanta and Sprite poisonous soft drinks when taken with Vitamin C.
The court dismissed the application by NBC seeking the order of the court to stay execution of the judgment.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, also suffered some legal injuries for not taking appropriate measures before approving such dangerous soft drinks such as Fanta and Sprite, which is glaringly poisonous to health when taken with Vitamin C.
The trial judge, Justice Adedayo Oyebanji, however, ordered conditional stay of execution of N2 million cost awarded against NAFDAC.
The judge ordered the agency to pay the money into an interest yielding account in the name of the Chief Registrar of the court pending the hearing and the determination of the appeal by NAFDAC.
Justice Oyebanji had observed that contrary to the argument of NBC that its business interest would be adversely affected if the order was not stayed, it is important to consider the preservation of human life, adding that “The business interest of Nigeria Bottling Company cannot, in my respected view take precedent over public health.
“It is beyond argument that if the application for stay is granted and human health is consequently adversely affected, it is most unlikely that there can indeed be a return to status quo. It is imperative to add the resultant effect of the order sought to be stayed is the preservation of human life, the business interest of Nigeria Bottling Company cannot in my respected view take precedent over public health.
“Accordingly, Nigeria Bottling Company ‘s application for stay of execution fails and it is hereby dismissed,” Justice Oyebanji held.
In a related development, Professor Taiwo Osipitan, SAN, also filed and argued an application for stay of execution of the judgment of the court on behalf NAFDAC.
However, in opposition, Abiodun Onidare, who is the counsel to the claimants, Dr Emmanuel FIJABI Adebo and his company Fijabi Adebo Holding, argued that the paramount interest of the public was what mattered most and not the business policy and reputation of the Nigeria Bottling Company
It will be recalled that in a judgment delivered by Justice Adedayo Oyebanji on the February 15, 2017, the court had ordered NAFDAC to forthwith mandate Nigeria Bottling Company, Plc to include on all bottles of Fanta and Sprite soft drinks manufactured by the company a written warning that the content of the said bottles of Fanta and Sprite soft drinks cannot be taken with Vitamin C as same becomes poisonous if taken with vitamin C.

Source: Vanguard

Scores killed in renewed Southern Kaduna violence

Scores killed in renewed Southern Kaduna violence

Scores of persons were feared killed in a renewed round of violence between farmers and herders in Kajuru, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Sunday and Monday.
Although the state Police Command said it was not aware of the number of casualty, sources in the area put the number of dead at about 37 persons, while several others were injured.
It was gathered that renewed violence started when Kadara youths in the area allegedly killed a herdsman, who they said was a known bandit that had been terrorising the area, prompting a reprisal attack from his fellow herdsmen, who allegedly stormed Ungwan Uka.
A youth from the area, who spoke on condition of anonymity, alleged that the herdsman that was killed had gone to harass the people of the area when youths mobilised and confronted him.
He claimed that the leader of the Fulani community in the area, who he said also knew the man to be a bandit, was informed about the development, but their youths insisted on avenging the man.

The youth said: “The Chief of Kajuru even called them and spoke with them, but we were surprised that in the early hours of Sunday, they came and carried out the attack.”
It was gathered that the reprisal attack led to the death of five youths alleged to be involved in the killing of the herdsman.
The incident led to another round of attack as the Kadara youths mobilised and attack Fulani settle-ments in the area, burning their tents while living scores of them dead.
An eyewitness, Salisu Mohammed, said after the attack on Monday, some security agents were drafted to the communities and things calmed down.
He said things got out of hand when the security men left and Kadara youths launched another attack on Fulani settlements, killing no fewer than 10.
He said: “These are the bodies that have been recovered. We do not know the actual number of casualties as our people are scattered all over running for dear life.”
He said the victims were buried in a mass grave and while at the graveside, they got a message to prepare for the burial of another nine bodie recovered in the bushes.
Contacted, the Acting Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Yakubu Sabo, said the Police is aware of a misunderstanding among some individuals in the community, which later led to a clash.
He said the Police and the Army have, however, gone to the place and brought the situation under control.
Sabo, however, said the Police are yet to confirm the number of casualties, assuring that “as soon as I confirm the casualties figure, I will let you know.”

Source: Vanguard

SERAP seeks prosecution of public officers on double pay

SERAP seeks prosecution of public officers on double pay


A rights group, Social-Economic Right and Accountability Project (SERAP), has urged the Federal Government to prosecute indicted former governors, senators and ministers, who are receiving double pay and pension.
SERAP Executive Director Adetokunbo Mumuni, in a statement yesterday, urged the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami to recover the over N40 billion the affected public officers accumulated within seven days after acknowledging the receipt of its letter.
The group considered the action of the former governors and minister exploitative, noting that it would institute legal proceeding to compel compliance with Nigeria’s international anti-corruption commitment.
Mumuni said: “SERAP is concerned that several serving senators and ministers are receiving salaries and life pensions running into billions of naira from states that are currently unwilling or unable to pay their workers’ salaries.
“Public office is a public trust, and as such, citizens depend upon their governors, senators and ministers to act in the public interest, not for their own or another’s profit or benefit.
“Under the UN Convention against corruption to which Nigeria is a state party, it is forbidden for any public official to engage in self-dealing, and place him/herself in a position of conflicting interests, and to hold incompatible functions or illicitly engage in providing to him/herself emoluments deemed unacceptable under international law. This is a clear case of the former governors placing their private or personal interests over and above their entrusted public functions, and unduly influencing the level of benefits they receive.”

Source: The Nation

South African Church bars black people from worshiping

A South African Church; The Afrikaanse Protestante Kerk church in Orania has barred blacks from attending service as the church on Sunday disallowed two black journalists from entering.


They told the journalists “the church is only for whites”.

According to Africa Review, the journalists were on an assignment and decided to attend aSunday service before returning to Pretoria but they were intercepted by a church leader, identified as Mr Theunis Oukamp, at the door who said allowing black people into an all-white church would be violating the “rights of Afrikaans people. I am now in a difficult situation. You know that Orania is only for white people, this is why we are here.  You must understand I know you want to serve God and everything but I have to protect the rights of Afrikaans people. So I cannot let you in, you guys can go to any other church, but this one is only for white people'.


Orania, the city where the church is located is an Afrikaans-only South African town located along the banks of the Orange River, in the arid Karoo region of the Northern Cape Province.


The president of the South Africa Union Council of Independent Churches, Archbishop Modiri Patrick Shole, expressed shock that there was still segregation in the body of Christ, 23 years after apartheid ended, he said, 

'we don’t discriminate in church because before God we are one whether white or black. I find it weird that we still have discrimination in the church".

Linda Ikeji at 6/27/2017 02:30:00 pm