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  • UN Expert Says Malaysia ‘Vastly Under-Counting Poverty’

    (FLOWERBUD NEWS)  UN human rights expert critized Malaysia on Friday as having “vastly undercounted poverty” by using an “unduly low poverty line” and by “excluding vulnerable populations from its official figures.”

    Philip Alston, the UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, said that Malaysia achieved “undeniably impressive growth in reducing poverty in the last 50 years.”

    However, he said, “the official claim that poverty has been eradicated, or exists merely in small pockets in rural areas, is incorrect and has crippled policymaking.”

    Official statistics suggest Malaysia’s official poverty rate dropped from 49 per cent in 1970 to 0.4 per cent in 2016. However, the percentage is calculated off a poverty line of RM 980 (235 dollars) per household per month – a figure Alston called “tragically low.”

    “Actual poverty rates are much higher than official figures suggest, and the Government needs to reassess how it measures poverty,” Alston said in a report published following an 11-day factfinding mission.

    The undercounting had led to “underinvestment in poverty reduction and an inadequate social safety net that does not meet people’s needs,” he added.

    Alston pointed to indigenous communities, migrant workers, refugees and the stateless as groups that had been “systematically excluded from official poverty statistics.”

    Alston’s findings corroborate a 2018 report by non-profit Khazanah Research Institute that found structural weaknesses in official poverty measures and said that poverty statistics would be higher if the index was adjusted to reflect reality. (dpa/NAN)

  • Integrity Group Nigerian Law School On Ondo Deputy Speaker Studentship

    (FLOWERBUD NEWS) The Integrity Group which is a leading advocacy group has written to The Director General, Nigerian Law School, Bwari, Abuja to complain against the reckless abandon of Legislative Duties by Honourable Ogundeji Iroju of Ondo State House of Assembly, currently representing Odigbo 1 Constituency.

    The failure of the self styled Deputy Speaker of Ondo State House of Assembly to perform his duties has generated so much crisis in the running of the house.

    According to Dr. Dan Obidike and Mr Olaseeni Akinbote who signed the letter, they wonder how he is able to participate in Nigerian Law School, which is a full time program when he is in Ondo State.

    Dr Dan Obidike further said,
    We are a Public Advocacy Group tasked with the responsibility of ensuring public peace, promotion of democratic values and ensuring that public Institutions and public officials are alive to their core responsibilities.

    We are constrained to bring to your attention the activities of Hon. Ogundeji Iroju- a two-term lawmaker (elected on the platform of the APC) that currently represents Odigbo 1 Constituency in the Ondo State House of Assembly which was proclaimed on the 3rd day of June 2019 by the Executive Governor of Ondo State.

    The self-same Hon. Iroju Ogundeji is also currently a student at the Abuja Campus of the Nigerian Law School. It is a well known fact students admitted to the Nigerian Law School are supposed to be physically present full time while we also aware that the membership of the Ondo State House of Assembly is also supposed to be a full-time public assignment.

    The reality is that Hon. Iroju Ogundeji uses proxies to perform his functions at the Nigerian Law School, Abuja while he is on his seat at the Ondo State House of Assembly where he is presently the Deputy Speaker.

    Similarly, he is undergoing Chambers Attachment at R.O Kazeem & Co,(Legal Practitioners) at Ikare Akoko while he did his mandatory Court Attachment at the Chief Magistrate Court No. 4, Akure. From the foregoing, it is crystal clear that the membership of Hon.

    Iroju Ogundeji at the Ondo State House of Assembly and his studentship at the Nigeria Law School, Abuja are two full-time assignments which cannot be performed pari-passu.

    We had earlier drawn the attention of the affected Honourable member to this state of affairs and the need to ensure that he does not allow his current studentship at the Nigerian Law School, Abuja to affect his core responsibility of rendering effective representation to his constituents at Odigbo 1 at the Ondo State House of Assembly coupled with his administrative functions as the Deputy Speaker of Ondo State House of Assembly, but the Honourable member chose to turn deaf ears.

    Hence, we were left without any other option than to present this petition to your good office.

    We therefore urge you sir to use your good offices in ensuring that Honourable Ogundeji Iroju be made to forfeit his present studentship at the Nigerian Law School, Abuja so as to allow him to fully concentrate on his public service as the lawmaker representing Odigbo 1 Constituency in the Ondo State  of Assembly in addition to other appropriate disciplinary actions you may wish to initiate

  • Rep. Solicits Support For Development In Idah

    (FLOWERBUD NEWS) A member of the House of Representatives, Rep. David Zacharia (APC-Kogi), has called on Mr Emmanuel Egwu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join him to bring dividends of democracy to people of Idah Federal Constituency of Kogi.

    Zacharia made the call while reacting to the judgment of a tribunal which upheld his election on Thursday in Abuja.

    Egwu contested in the 2019 National Assembly election for the House of Representatives against Zacharia of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and lost.

    He challenged the outcome of the election at the tribunal, alleging that the election was marred with violence, snatching of ballot boxes, multiple voting, none use of voter card readers and unlawful vote allocation.

    His petition was, however, dismissed by the Chairman, Justice A.O Chijioke for lack of merit.

    Chijioke said that the petitioner failed to discharge the burden of prove laid on him as there were not enough evidence to back his claims.

    Zacharia said that it was time to work together for the development of the constituency.

    ”I call on the petitioner to join hands with me to deliver the dividends of democracy. I am satisfied with the judgment and the time it took the tribunal to deliver it,” he said.

    The lawmaker dedicated the victory at the tribunal to God Almighty and to the law abiding people of his constituency.

    Zacharia currently represents Idah Federal Constituency of Kogi which is made up of Idah, Ibaji, Ofu and Igalamela Odolu Local Government Areas.

    Reacting to the judgment Isiaka said that though they are bound by the judgment, they will study it and take further legal actions.

    The counsel said he would discuss with the petitioner with a view to appeal the judgment.

    On his part, the legal counsel to the accused, Mr Smiala Abbas described the ruling as victory for democracy, for the people of the constituency and for Nigeria in general.

  • FG Affirms Commitment To Reduce Shipping Cost, Boost Trade In Africa

    (FLOWERBUDNEWS)  The Federal Government on Monday affirmed its commitment toward reducing cost of shipping to boost trade in Africa.

    Vice President Yemi Osibanjo made this known at the Sub-Regional Summit on Unfair Shipping Surcharges and High Local Shipping Charges at the Ports of West and Central Africa in Abuja.

    Osinbajo, represented by the Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi said Federal Government was aware of the disturbing cost of transportation of goods through the ports in the sub-region due to freight rates and arbitrary imposed surcharges.

    He said that the government was equally mindful that member-states of the Union of African Shippers Council (UASC) were concerned of the lack of consultation, timing and structure of these surcharges.

    The vice president said the aim of the summit was to adopt a common position on how to reduce the incidences of unfair surcharges and related issues.

    He said that government through the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) had put in place machinery to address some of these challenges posed by high cost of doing business in the country.

    “There is need for West and Central African countries to come together and adopt common political diplomatic and operational strategies that will positively impact on economy of the sub-region.

    “This can be done through the constitution of a standing group of experts to represent the sub-region and engage ship owners on surcharges and related issues.

    “Nigeria will not hesitate to take appropriate measures including legislation to check these unfair trade practices.

    “And I affirm the commitment of government to adopt the resolutions reached at this meeting and our determination to implement them to reduce cost of doing business, boost trade and develop the sub-region,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the minister in his address reiterated the need for the UASC member states to collaborate to check activities of shipping lines servicing the ports in the sub-region.

    Amaechi also stressed the need for a direct consultation with the ship owners rather than use of third parties to reduce cost.

    “The Federal Government through the NSC has been using its influence in the Global Shippers’ Forum (GSF) to resolve cases affecting Nigeria’s trading interest,” Amaechi said.

    Mr Hassan Bello, the Executive Secretary of NSC, while reiterating the importance of collaboration between UASC member states, said NSC had been engaging Nigeria’s shipping lines on reduction of shipping charges.

    According to him, reduction of cost is the responsibility of all stakeholders including the government in ensuring the provision of modern, efficient, integrated and connected transport infrastructure.

    “It is also important that government encourages transparent processes and procedures and generally ensure that an efficient, competitive and friendly environment is created.

    “It is important to state that in the long run, arbitrary and unilateral increase in charges will not benefit operations or general procedures in our countries.

    “Transport should be appropriately priced with the aim of providing balance and equilibrium,’’ Bello added. (NAN)

  • El-Rufai’s Wife Pledges Empowerment Loan For Women

    (FLOWERBUDNEWS) The Kaduna State Governor’s wife, Mrs Ummi El-Rufai, says the second phase of loan disbursement for women’s empowerment will soon commence in the state.

    She said this during a ‘thank you’ visit by `Gida-Gida’ Campaign Team to Chikum and Igabi Local Government Areas of the state.

    Mrs El-Rufai said that the governor had already worked out the modalities to further improve the lives of the people of the state.

    She expressed appreciation to the people for their support towards her husband’s re-election which, she said, was a demonstration of the existing bond between the community and the government.

    “My husband will do his best to fulfil all his campaign promises and also ensure better and effective service delivery.

    “The second phase of the loan disbursement for women’s empowerment will soon commence and many women across the state will benefit,” she said.

    The District Head of Hayin Danbushiya, Alh. Muktar Haruna, thanked Mrs El-Rufai for the visit, saying that the re-election of Gov. El-Rufai had become necessary so that he could complete the projects he had started, particularly in their area.

    “The governor recently promised to build a secondary school for our community and also to provide a bigger market after relocating us from the previous market,” he stressed.

    Haruna said that immediately after the governor’s re-election, he announced the commencement of road construction in various communities across the state, adding that their community was lucky to be a beneficiary.

    In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Saratu Umar, a resident of the community and beneficiary of the first phase of the loan, expressed gratitude to the government for the empowerment scheme.

    “I am grateful to this administration because I happened to be a beneficiary of the earlier loan disbursed to women by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Development.

    “The capacity of my poultry farm has expanded from 50 to 200 birds,” she said.

    Another resident, who expressed gratitude to government for the gifts of slippers and food items by the team, said that no governor’s wife had ever visited their community after any election to appreciate their support.

    Earlier, the President, Kaduna Polytechnic Quarters Women’s Association, Hajiya Zainab Masari, represented by Hajiya Aisha Hadi, assured of the association’s continued support for the government.

    Masari commended the governor’s wife for fulfilling her promise of visiting them after her husband’s success at the polls.

    NAN reports that in continuation of the appreciation tour by the team, Mrs El-Rufai also visited Rigasa, Rafinguza, Badarawa, Unguwar Dosa and Poly Quarters. (NAN)

  • Kyari Did Not Influence Oyo-Ita’s Investigation – EFCC

    (FLOWERBUDNEWS)  Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says   the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari is not influencing ongoing investigation of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Winifred Oyo-Ita.

    EFCC’s Spokesman, Mr Wilson Uwujaren said this in a statement in Abuja on Monday.

    The EFCC is investigating Oyo-Ita over alleged N3 billion contract scam, abuse of duty tour allowance, money laundering, among others.

    According to Uwujaren, the attention of the EFCC, has been drawn to reports by a section  of the media.

    “The reports are insinuating that the ongoing investigation of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation by the commission was instigated by Chief of Staff to the President, Alhaji Abba Kyari.

    “The commission wishes to state that there is no truth in these claims, and urges the public to disregard the reports as the handiwork of mischief makers.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, investigation by the EFCC is evidence-based.

    “Most often, they are triggered by petitions or intelligence.

    “In the case of the HoS, Oyo-Ita’s investigation, it was prompted by intelligence received by the commission,” he said.

    Uwujaren further said that the EFCC was an independent agency created by law to fight corruption without fear or favour.

    “In the discharge of its mandate, the commission does not take instructions from extraneous bodies neither will it lend itself to be used to settle scores by anyone.

    “The commission again wishes to appeal to the media to be circumspect in their reportage and not lend themselves to actions that can befuddle the activities of the commission,” he said.(NAN)

  • Association Urges Plateau Framers To Grow Oil Palm

    (FLOWERBUDNEWS)  The Plateau chapter of the Oil Palm Growers Association of Nigeria, has urged farmers and residents of the state to venture into the production of oil palm for commercial purposes.

    Mr Manasse Watyit, the Protem Secretary of the association in the state gave this advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Jos.

    According to him, the state will enjoy huge economic benefits by the time oil palm is grown in commercial quantity by farmers.

    The secretary explained that the Federal Government had placed a ban on the importation of the product into the country in order to promote its local production.

    Watyit also said that government had earmarked over N30 billion as intervention fund to support farmers to venture into the production of oil palm in the country, hence the need for farmers in Plateau to tap into the initiative.

    He added that government had directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to open Micro-Finance Banks across the 36 states of the federation to enable farmers access the facility at one-digit interest.

    “With the ban on importation of oil palm into Nigeria, it is a clear indication that government wants to promote the production of the product among Nigerian farmers.

    “This is why it has earmarked over N30 billion for farmers to support them in producing oil palm in commercial quantity.

    “We are now calling on farmers and residents of Plateau to venture into oil palm farming. This is because it has huge economic potential,’’ he said.

    Watyit assured intending farmers of the product, that oil palm could be grown in any part of the state; hence there was no need to entertain fears of producing it at a loss.

    “Oil palm can be grown in any part of Plateau; even in the rocky areas of Kanke and Pankshin, the lands will do excellently well,’’ he assured. (NAN)

  • Catholic Archbishop tasks new Ministers on diligence, patriotism and selflessness

    The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos,  Most  Rev  Dr  Alfred  Adewale  Martins  has

    admonished the newly sworn-in Ministers of the Federal Republic to serve the nation

    with utmost diligence and deep sense of patriotism in their various Ministries in

    other to help the President move the nation to greater heights.

    In a press release made available to newsmen through the Acting Director of Social

    Communications, Lagos Archdiocese, Rev Fr Anthony Godonu, Archbishop Martins,

    while congratulating the new ministers on their appointments, reminded them that

    they have a great responsibility ahead of them as the country was going through

    very difficult times in all facets.

    He challenged them to rise up to the demands of their offices by hitting the ground

    running and being alive to the yearnings of all segments of Nigerians who have been

    clamoring for a better lease of life irrespective of their religion, political party or

    ethnic affiliations.

    “There have been varying analysis and evaluation of the appointments but what is

    beyond contention is that the challenges  before the new ministers  are enormous.

    They are coming in or being re-appointed at a time when there is so much distress,

    anger and dissatisfaction among the people. The expectations of Nigerians are high

    since their desire for no more than the barest minimum of good living has been left

    unfulfilled for far too long. So, we hope that the Ministers would hit the ground

    running. Their two-day gathering or retreat should have helped them to identify the

    various ways their ministries can impact meaningfully on the lives of the people. The

    ruling Party has made a lot of promises and Nigerians hope that the Ministers would

    work to ensure that the promises would not go the way of similar promises in the

    past that were not satisfactorily discharged. It is only by making the lives of people

    manifestly better that they would be able to justify their appointments to these

    high offices.”

    The Prelate also called on President Muhammadu Buhari and his Ministers to avail

    themselves of  wise  counsel  from  all  well-meaning  Nigerians  irrespective  of  the

    source of counsel. He advised the President to use his second term in office to make

    amends for all  the  shortfalls  of  his  first  tenure,  namely:  security  of  lives  and

    property, supply of  constant  and  stable  power  (electricity),  fixing  the  dwindling

    economy  as  well  as  consolidating  on  the  construction  and  provision  of  social

    infrastructure in country.

    While praying God to imbue the President with wisdom and all the virtues needed for

    his office, he implored him not to discountenance the growing agitations coming from

    the  different  corners  of  this  country  calling  for  the  restoration  of  the  Federal

    character of the country, often referred to as restructuring of the country.

    The  Archbishop  noted  that  President  Muhammadu  Buhari,  as  the  father  of  the

    nation,  should  be  prepared  to  make  every  sacrifice  needed  to  rebuild  and  make

    Nigeria a peaceful nation, united and prosperous. We have for too long been the butt

    of jokes and cynical remarks and we hope the tides would change very soon.

  • Gov. Buni of Yobe approves N365m for LG retirees

    (FLOWERBUDNEWS)  Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe has approved the release of N365 million for payment of accumulated pension arrears and gratuities to 279 local government retirees.

    Alhaji Abdullahi Bego, Director-General media affairs to the governor, said in a statement that the approval followed the recommendations of the Committee on the Payment of Local Government Staff Pensions Arrears, Death Benefits and Gratuities headed by the Auditor-General for Local Governments.

    “Out of the 279 beneficiaries, 71 are deceased and their benefits, amounting to N110 million will be paid to their next of kin through the probate division of the State High Court.

    “The remaining N254 million will be electronically paid directly to the remaining 208 living retirees.”

    NAN reports that Gov. Buni in July, also approved N228 million for the payment of the benefits of l98 other local government retirees.