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  • PCC to establish e-platform for complains

    By Hafsah Tilde
    Barrister Chile Igbawua, Chief Commissioner of Nigeria’s Ombudsman, the Public Complaint Commission (PCC), says the organisation will launch an e-platform by October ending for electronic lodging of complaints.

    He said that PCC’s services are free and has the legal weight of the constitution, adding that its decisions are enforceable. ( accessing some of its services.

    He added that with this platform, complainants would be able to check the progress of their complaints.

    “We realised that e-platform is the in thing. Many Nigerians are on line. As our roadmap, we are introducing this platform to increase the number of people that can enjoy the services of PCC in their comfort zones,” he said.

    The Commissioner pointed out that the e-platform would bring the organisation’s services closer to the people.

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    Igbawua said that PCC was also strengthening its Town Hall meetings in the grassroot areas to exhibit the practical aspects of the organisation’s activities and services in the states across the federation.

    “Since I assumed duty, whenever we go out to our state offices across the federation, we organised Town Halls. We used thing platform to show what we can offer and results have been achieved. People at the grassroots are now aware of the workings of the commission.”

    He also disclosed that PCC received 33,631 complaints from January to June 2018 and resolved 4,334 with 29,297 pending.

    He said that PCC’s services are free and has the legal weight of the constitution, adding that its decisions are enforceable. (NAN)


  • 2019: Female presidential aspirant urges women to contest for elective positions

    A female presidential aspirant, Dr Elishama Ideh, has urged women to participate actively in the 2019 general elections by contesting for elective offices.

    Ideh, who is an aspirant on the platform of the Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN), gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Epe, Lagos State, on Wednesday.

    Ideh said that women had been shortchanged over the years from occupying some key positions in governance.

    She said that women should contest for elective offices of their choice, to exhibit their potential.

    “Public officers should give women the opportunity to actively participate in governance.

    “We must be given equal opportunities to participate and play our roles as public officers.

    “It is against this backdrop that I am seeking to join the race for the number one office in the nation,’’ she said.

    According to her, women have been deliberately denied the opportunity to display their administrative skills as public officers.

    Ideh further affirmed that women who had been privileged to serve in elective positions have proven to be more active than their male counterparts.

    “At this critical time when the country is going through tough times, women are the only people with capacity to redirect the economy back on track.’’

    She promised to alleviate poverty, ease public suffering, enhance national security and stem corrupt practices.

    Ideh also said that she would create employment opportunities, increase investment planning and stabilise the economy, if given the opportunity to serve as president. (NAN)

  • Malaysian PM denounces caning of 2 women for attempting lesbian sex.

    (Reuters/NAN)Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on Thursday denounced the caning of two Muslim women for attempting lesbian sex.
    The women had pleaded guilty to charges under Islamic laws forbidding lesbian sex.
    They were caned on Monday in front of dozens of people at a sharia court in Terengganu, a conservative state in the east, prompting an outcry from human rights activists, who described the punishment as torture.

    Mahathir’s government has appeared divided about the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender.  (LGBT) community, while the premier himself had been silent on the caning and recent attacks on transgender people and marginalised groups in the Muslim-majority country.

    In a video posted on his Twitter account, Mahathir said the caning “did not reflect the justice or compassion of Islam”.

    It was the women’s first offence, he said, which warranted a lighter sentence, such as counseling.

    “This gives a bad impression of Islam,” the 93-year-old leader said.

    “It is important that we show Islam is not a cruel religion that likes to impose harsh sentences to humiliate others.”

    The LGBT community is routinely persecuted in Malaysia, where it is seen as a threat to conservative values.

    Mahathir’s government swept into power in May after campaigning on a reform agenda, but has been unconvincing in its handling of matters relating to race, religion and minorities in the multi-racial country.

    The caning followed a series of incidents in recent weeks that civil rights groups say illustrate growing hostility against gay and transgender people.

    Last month, a gay bar in Kuala Lumpur was raided by police and religious enforcement officials, while a transgender woman was beaten up by a group of assailants in Seremban, near the capital.

    The minister in charge of Islamic affairs also came under fire, including from other ruling party lawmakers, after he ordered the removal of portraits of two LGBT activists from an art exhibition.

    Malaysia describes oral and anal sex as against the order of nature.

    Civil law stipulates jail for up to 20 years, caning and fines for offenders, although enforcement of the law is rare.

    Muslims are also governed by state-level Islamic laws, most of which carry provisions outlawing same-sex acts.(Reuters/NAN)

  • Ameh becomes IPAC Chairman, calls for patriotic politics

    Abuja, Sept. 5,2018(Flowerbudnews) High Chief Peter Ameh, of People’s Progressive Party (PPA) newly elected Chairman of Inter Party Advisory Council(IPAC) has called on political parties and politicians to ensure patriotism above other interests,especially in the build up to 2019 general elections.

    Ameh made the call on Wednesday after his declaration as winner above Dr. Chekwas Okorie of United People’s Party(UPP) and Barister Michael Ndu of Alliance for United Nigeria(AUN).

    according to him, political parties should sustain spirit of sportsmanship and high level of patriotism displayed before during and after the election.

    “Everyone is a winner at the end of this election because high level of maturity and commitment to credible election.

    “That is the way election into any office should always go in the country. It is a call to serve the nation and not self,I urge us to sustain this sense of maturity,” he said.

    During the election, 82 delegates registered to vote nine out of 20 contestants into office.

    Ameh got 51 votes, Okorie-28 and Ndu-1,in the chairmanship election while Geff Ojinika of C4C emerged Deputy national chairman, having defeated Mr. Garshon Benson of DPP.

    Similarly, Georgina Dakpakpa of YDP emerged national secretary,defeating Gani Galadima of ACPN.

    Also, Alhaji Abubakar of UPN lost to Eunice Atuejie of NIP who emerged new Deputy Secretary of IPAC.

    speaking with newsmen, Mr. Ademo LA Babatunde ,National Chairman, Nigerian Community Movement Party(NCMP) also a delegate said conduct of the election restored hope for the nation’s politics.

    “If every political party that participated in this election can ensure transparency and maturity displayed here today, Nigerian elections will produce only credible candidate for political offices.

    “I also commended the media for staying vigillant and active which gave no room for any form of sharp practice.

    “It is a dawn of new era in Nigerian politics, which shows that 2019 elections and subsequent ones will give electorate the true power to determine their leaders, ” he said.

  • PDP Primaries: Prove capacity, transparency, not zone, says Dankwambo’s spokesperson

    PDP Primaries: Prove capacity, transparency, not zone, says Dankwambo’s spokesperson

    Zoning

    By Esbee Oguns

    Abuja, Sept.7,2018(Flowerbudnews) Dr.Ayoade Adewopo, Director, Media and Strategic Communication, Dankwambo Pressidential Campaign Organisation urges Presidential aspirants of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to consider individual competence, accountability and transparency in canvasing for party ticket.

    Adewopo,spokesperson , Ibrahim Dankwambo’s presidential campaign train, made the call in a statement signed on Friday,made available to Flowerbudnews.

    According to the aspirant’s spokesperson, proven leadership qualities of eventual candidate will raise the party’s hope of victory in 2019 Presidential election.

    Flowerbudnews reports that some members were routing for zoning of candidate to a particular geo-political zone in the North, saying it will help the primary election to be wieldy.

    “I strongly believe that every Nigerian with credible fit and proven credentials deserves the right to contest the highest office in the country.

    “If such condition as zoning should be considered to forge a formidable front in 2019 Presidential election, the Northeast deserves priority in the region.

    “That would have been because the zone has only been opportuned to produce only one out of nine northern president’s of the country,leaving indellible mark.

    “It is on record that late Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, a selfless and dedicated Prime Minister, served the nation with all he had, including his dear life 52 years ago.

    “The best way our party, PDP, can put up favourable fight in the race for presidency and profit from the increased political awareness of the electorate across is by fielding candidate with national and internationally acceptability.

    “We must ensure that the winner has evidence of good stewardship and unblemished record of accountability,” he said.

    However, Adewopo said history would again be made in good leadership if Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo,sitting governor of Gombe State, Northeastern state,saying Providence prepared him for the post.

    “Dr. Dankwambo’s exceptional brilliance, coupled with transparency as a chartered accountant with proven career in private and public offices for the past 33 years in his 56 years of existence.

    “It is worth mentioning that he occupied that position Accountant-General of his state and later the federation unblemished for six years each.

    His contribution to emergence of Treasury Single Account (TSA) and Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System(IPPIS) policies of government remain immeasurable .

    “Those policies are being celebrated and lauded by patriotic Nigerians including former President Goodluck Jonathan(GCFR) and the sitting President Muhammadu Buhari(GCFR).

    “Dankwambo remains irredeemable proponent of justice and fairness in all aspect of human endeavour.

    “He believes that militancy, insurgency and every other vices in the world blossom due to lack of justice to aggrieved parties,” he said.

    Adewopo called on party delegates to use those measures in choosing a candidate so that the country would be proud of their sense of jugement.

    Flowerbudnews reports that Mr. Kola Ologbodiyan, Publicity Secretary of the party had cleared the air on micro-zoning of presidency in party, saying every interested party should join the race. 

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  • China to invest N2.16trn in Africa in three years

    By Victor Asije
    China is ready to invest N2.16 trillion ($60 billion) in Africa in the next three years.

    The Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Mr Chao Xiaoliang disclosed this in a post-summit article entitled, “FOCAC Beijing Summit: A New Milestone in China-Africa Relations”.

    Chao said the new investment drive was one of the outcomes of the just concluded summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation(FOCAC).

    He said China would also in the next three collaborate with African
    countries in industrial promotion, infrastructure connectivity, trade
    facilitation, green development, capacity building, healthcare,
    people-to-people, peace and security.

    “President Xi Jinping has announced that China will launch eight major initiatives in close collaboration with African countries in the next three years.

    “The eight initiatives are in areas of industrial promotion,
    infrastructure connectivity, trade facilitation, green development,
    capacity building, health care, people-to-people, peace and security.

    “To make sure these eight initiatives are implemented, China will extend 60 billion U.S. dollars (N2.16 trillion) financing to Africa in
    different forms which includes 15 billion U.S. dollars (N5.4 trillion) grants, interest-free loans and concessional loans.

    “China will also encourage Chinese companies to invest more than 10
    billion U.S. dollars (N3.6 trillion) in Africa in the coming three years,’’ he said.According to him, China and African countries are destined to be good
    friends, good brothers and good partners.

    Chao said that the Chinese government had also planned to set up ten
    Luban vocational workshops and an China-Africa innovation cooperation centres for youth innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa.

    “There will also be a tailor-made programme to train 1000 Africans, as well as offer of 50,000 government scholarships to Africans.

    “There will also be training opportunities for 50, 000 Africans through workshops and seminars and 2000 exchange opportunities for African youth,’’ he said.

    Chao said the Summit was attended by President Muhammadu Buhari, 49 other Heads of State and Government, African Union (AU) Commission’s Chairperson and more than 240 Ministerial representatives from 53 African countries.

    The consul-general said the meeting between Presidents Xi Jinping
    and Muhammadu Buhari at the summit, ended with the signing of more bilateral cooperation agreements between China and Nigeria.

    He added: “We are confident that the FOCAC Beijing Summit and the meeting between the two Presidents will bring new opportunities for the comprehensive development of China-Nigeria strategic partnership.

    “FOCAC Beijing Summit has set a new milestone for China-Africa
    relations. China with Nigeria and other African countries are ready to
    join hands to build a China-Africa community.

    “A community with a shared future that features joint responsibility,
    win-win cooperation, happiness for all, common cultural prosperity,
    common security, and harmonious co-existence.’’ (NAN)

  • Police Dismisses Police Personnel that invaded the House of Edwin Clark Unauthorised.

    DISMISSAL FROM SERVICE OF THREE (3) OF THE POLICE PERSONNEL AND INTERDICTION OF THE ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE INVOLVED IN THE UNAUTHORIZED, ILLEGAL AND UNPROFESSIONAL MISCONDUCT IN THE SEARCH OF ELDER STATESMAN, CHIEF EDWIN CLARK’S RESIDENCE IN ASOKORO, ABUJA ON THE 4th OF SEPTEMBER, 2018.

    The Inspector General of Police has approved the dismissal from the service of the Nigeria Police Force, three (3) Inspectors namely: (i) AP/No. 18858 Inspr Godwin Musa (ii)  AP/No. 225812 Inspr Sada Abubakar and (iii)     AP/No. 225828 Inspr Yabo Paul, and the immediate interdiction of AP. No 158460 ASP David Dominic who were involved in the unauthorized, illegal and unprofessional misconduct in the search of the residence of Elder Statesman, Chief Edwin Clark in Asokoro, Abuja on 4th September, 2018.

    Ap. No. 158460 ASP David Dominic was queried and being investigated for Discreditable Conduct, Negligence of Duty and an Act unbecoming of a Police officer which constitute Serious Misconduct and if not checked can be inimical to the image of the Nigeria Police Force and violation of fundamental human rights of the Elder Statesman as provided for in the 1999 Nigeria Constitution as amended. The gravity of the offences against the officer is serious in nature and dismissal from service is imminent.Consequently, the Inspector General of Police approved that AP. No 158460 ASP David Dominic, be on interdiction from Service pending the determination of his case by the Police Service Commission.     

    The IGP also approved and upheld the dismissal from service of (i) AP/No. 18858 Inspr Godwin Musa (ii)  AP/No. 225812 Inspr Sada Abubakar and                     (iii) AP/No. 225828 Inspr Yabo Paul, after the trio were tried under Oath in Orderly Room Trial for Discreditable Conduct, Illegal duty, Disobedience to Lawful Order and other misconduct contrary to the Rule of Law.

    The suspect (Informant) Ismail Yakubu from Waru Village, Apo District, Abuja, has been charged to Upper Area Court Mpape, Abuja for giving false information and telling falsehood that misled Police action.  

  • NAF Air Strike Task Force Commences Operation Thunder Strike 2, records success in Borno

    NAF Air Strike Task Force Commences Operation Thunder Strike 2, records success in Borno

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says its Air Task Force (ATF) has commenced ” OPERATION THUNDER STRIKE 2? against the Boko Haram terrorists in the North-East, and has recorded successful strikes against the insurgents.

    Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

    ” The Operation, which commenced on Sept.3, is an independent Air Interdiction Operation targeting selected Boko Haram terrorists’ locations within the fringes of Lake Chad and Sambisa forest in Borno.

    ” This is with a view to further degrading the remnants of the insurgents, curtailing their freedom of action and denying them bases from which they could launch attacks against our ground troops’ locations.

    ” On Day Two of the Operation, Sept.4, air strikes by NAF aircraft resulted in the destruction of Boko Haram terrorists’ hideouts and neutralisation of scores of insurgents at three locations namely; Tumbun Rego, Sabon Tumbun and Tumbun Allura, all on the fringes of the Lake Chad.

    ” Tumbun Rego, which is located at about 140Km Northeast of Maiduguri, has been identified as a major logistics/communications base and staging area for the insurgents.

    ” Accordingly, the ATF detailed F-7Ni and Alpha Jet aircraft to attack the identified Boko Haram terrorists’ logistics/communications hubs,” Daramola said.

    He said that the identified hubs were subsequently destroyed by the strikes, adding that a number of solar panels were spotted and destroyed during the attack.

    He explained that the attack on Sabon Tumbun was undertaken based on Human Intelligence reports, which were later confirmed following several days of Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, indicating that the settlement was a Boko Haram terrorists’ tactical operations base.

    The NAF spokesman said that the settlement also had some equipment and vehicles cleverly concealed under thick foliage.

    ” Accordingly, the settlement was attacked in successive waves of strikes by Alpha Jet, F-7Ni and Mi-35M Helicopter Gunships, leading to the destruction of Boko Haram terrorists facilities, equipment and structures in the settlement as well as the neutralisation of several insurgents.

    He said that Tumbun Allura, another major operations base of the insurgents on the fringes of the Lake Chad, was attacked by Alpha Jet and F-7Ni aircraft.

    ” Overhead the area of interest, several of the terrorists were observed and the objective attacked leading to the complete destruction of one of the specific target buildings under a tree.

    ” Many of the fleeing insurgents were also mopped up by subsequent follow-on attacks.

    ” Meanwhile, at the time of filing this report, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, was still in Maiduguri, where he had gone to motivate the frontline personnel while also obtaining first-hand information on the progress of the operation,” Daramola said.(NAN)

  • Facebook loses more younger users – Survey

    Facebook loses more younger users – Survey

    The world largest social media platform Facebook is losing a large number of young users as about one in four of them had removed the app from their smartphones in the past one year, a new Pew Research Center survey.

    The survey found that a whopping 44 per cent of users aged between 18 and 29 have removed Facebook’s app from their phones in the past 12 months, and about 42 per cent have taken a break from checking the platform for several weeks or more.

    The findings coincided with Facebook Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg’s appearance before a U.S. Congress hearing on Wednesday on how Facebook addresses political content on the platform.

    Facebook has been under heavy scrutiny for the way it  handled privacy issues and misinformation activities over the past months since a scandal erupted earlier this year following revelations that a former British consulting firm Cambridge Analytica had illegally accessed data of more than 87 million Facebook users without their knowledge.

    The Pew surveyed more than 3,400 U.S. Facebook users in May and June, and found that more than 54 per cent of users aged 18 and older have adjusted their privacy settings.

    The number of young people who deleted their Facebook app is about four times higher than that of users who are 65 years and older, with about 12 per cent senior users quitting the app in the past 12 months, said the Pew study.

    Older users were less frequently adjusting their privacy settings with only a third of them doing so, in comparison with the 64 percent of younger users more willing to do the readjusting.

    An estimated 9 percent of Facebook users have downloaded the personal data about them after Facebook updated its privacy settings to make it easier for its users to download the data collected by the social media site, according to the Pew study.

    The survey showed that among the users who have downloaded their private data from the Facebook platform, nearly half of them, or 47 per cent, have dropped the app from the cell phone.

    It showed that majority 79 per cent chose a higher level of security options in their privacy settings in the wake of the Cambridge Analytica scandal. (Xinhua/NAN)