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  • No defector will win in 2019 elections — APC lawmaker

    Amuwo Odofin (Lagos State), Aug. 2, 2018 (NAN) An All Progressives Congress (APC)   lawmaker in Lagos State, Mr Adedotun Adegbola, on Thursday said that politicians who defected from the party would not win in the 2019 elections.

    Adegbola spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of Mrs Risikat Adegeye’s declaration to contest Amuwo Odofin Federal Constituency in the 2019 elections.

    He described those who left APC as frustrated opportunists.

    “None of them will win their elections. None of them will win another seat. That is their last tenure. They’re gone with the winds.

    “It makes us stronger. The virus in the party is going out.

    “Ordinarily, there may be virus in your system but the moment they start getting out of your system, you start feeling better, feeling stronger,” said the Lagos lawmaker.

    Another lawmaker, Mr Tunde Ajayi, told NAN that the defections were done for selfish ambitions.

    “I’m not bothered; they scampered in and scampered out. So we’re not bothered at all.

    “If you look at them, it is for selfish reasons and because they can’t achieve their selfish ambitions, that’s why they’re going back,” he said.

    Ajayi urged the people to take advantage of the ongoing voter registration exercise which would end on Aug. 17 to get their permanent voter card (PVC).

    caption id=”attachment_1067248? align=”aligncenter” width=”300?] Cross section of participants at the event[/caption][

    Speaking at the event, the leader of Olusi Market in Festac Town, Alhaja Nurat Shittu, urged women in politics to be firm in spite of many challenges they faced at home.

     

    “Women must be firm in politics and get our rights from the men. If you don’t win today, you can win tomorrow.

    “As a politician, you just have to stay firm. Let’s continue doing it, I know one day, we’ll get there,” she said.

     

    An APC youth leader, Mr Omosona Olakunle, said he supported Adegeye because of her performance when she represented Amuwo Odofin Constituency 1 in the Lagos House of Assembly.

     

    “She facilitated many developmental projects in the area and empowered many youths of which I am a beneficiary.

     

    “She has empowered over 1,000 youths of Amuwo Odofin through vocational trainings like fashion design, events management and makeup,” Olakunle.

     

    Earlier, Adegeye told NAN that she was confident that she would achieve more for the constituency if elected into the House of Representatives.

     

    “Education is very paramount to me. I plan to sustain the educational projects we have in place already.

     

    “I also plan to have an old people’s home for my constituency and help improve on healthcare,” she said.

     

    She promised to provide work tools to about 350 individuals who just completed their skills acquisition training at Amuwo Odofin Local Government (AOLG) and Oriade Local Council Development Area (LCDA). (NAN)

    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Wale Ojetimi

     

  • Alhasan denies resigning from government

    Alhasan denies resigning from government

    Hajiya Aisha Alhassan, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development says she has not resigned her position as a member of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

    Alhassan disclosed this while speaking in a phone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday.

    “Contrary to insinuations especially in the social media, I only sought for permission from President Muhammdu Buhari to begin consultations.

    “This is preparatory to my seeking nomination from our great party the All Progressive Congress (APC) to contest for the office of the governor of Taraba state in 2019, which he has graciously accepted,” she said.

    Alhassan added: “The letter in circulation in the social media does not in any way mean or suggest resignation.

    “The letter is straight forward and unambiguous.

    “Our esteemed supporters and loyal party men and women in Taraba should please disregard any rumour of my resignation.

    “When the time comes for me to resign, I will do so in accordance with the laid down procedure and regulations.’’

    Alhassan said she is presently preoccupied with the task given to her by President Buhari as Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development.

    “I am also helping in mobilising support for him and the APC for the 2019 election,’’ she said. (NAN)

  • Sen. Adamu attributes current political atmosphere to jealously over Buhari’s achievements

    Sen. Adamu attributes current political atmosphere to jealously over Buhari’s achievements

    Sen. Abduallhi Adamu (APC-Nasarawa West) has attributed the recent developments in the country’s political space to acts of jealousy over President Muhammadu Buhari’s achievements.

    Adamu said this while addressing All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders at an expanded meeting on Thursday in Lafia.

    “We do know for a fact that what is happening in the political space of this country is the handiwork of democratic dissidents who do not see good in what President Buhari is doing.

    “They are being goaded by people who are highly jealous of Buhari’s achievements in terms projects, social welfare and well-being of the people; achievements those before him failed to deliver.”

    Adamu reaffirmed the determination of the people of Nasarawa State to Buhari’s re-election bid.

    According to him, those defecting from the APC had seen the defeat awaiting them in 2019 and had to look for who to blame for their misfortune.

    He alleged that said some politicians were behind the security challenges in parts of the country in order to create an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear.

    He further said that their aim was to make people believe that Buhari was failing in terms of security.

    The senator, however, urged the stakeholders not to relent until the re-election bid of the president was realised.

    “It is not enough to seat in our abode and say it would happen; it would only happen when we match our commitment with action,” he said.

    He also expressed optimism that the APC, with quality leadership, would reclaim Benue and Kwara States from the opposition in 2019. (NAN)

  • FG defends $823m Abuja light rail project

    The Federal Government on Thursday said that the 823 million dollars spent on 45.245 km Abuja light rail mass transit, inaugurated by President Mugammadu Buhari on July 22, was justifiable.

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed who took journalists on a tour of the rail project in Abuja, said contrary to misconception by critics, the project was beyond the laying of tracks.

    “A particular media outlet reported that this project is indefensible and it is on the high side.

    “What they did was to simply look at the number of kilometres of the light rail and divide it by the fund involved, but that is a too simplistic approach.

    “Yes, there are 45 kilometres rail track, but there are 13 bridges,with each bridge made up of 528 beams.

    “One beam alone is 32 tons which is more than one trailer load of cement. Meaning that for a bridge, you need more than 528, about 600 trailers load of cement.

    “You do not do an arithmetic that does not take into consideration the other infrastructure supports that make it work.

    The minister said that the project was made up of infrastructure, including 12 railway stations built with first class facilities.

    He said the projects also include 13 railway bridges, adding that trains would pass above while cars pass under the roadway and 16 flyovers,where trains pass under and cars pass above.

    Mohammed said there were also nine pedestrian bridges for human and motor cycle, six dry culverts for cattle and other animals to cross over the railway lines.

    According to him, the project also include the railway stock depot with 21 buildings, including the operation control centre, offices, training centre and accommodation facilities.

    He said the depot also consisted of maintenance parking bays that could accommodate 50 coaches, washing bay and spray workshop.

    The minister said no fewer than 10,000 Nigerians were employed during the construction of the rail project while 100,000 people would be directly or indirectly employed when the project begins full operation.

    He said the Buharu-led administration was building a legacy of enduring infrastructure for posterity.

    Mohammed expressed the confidence that Nigeria possessed the required technical competence to manage the Light Rail Project and turn it into a huge success.

    The Secretary of Transportation in the FCTA, Mr Kayode Opeifa, said the present administration inherited the Abuja Light Project at 53 per cent
    completion stage and delivered the project within 18 months.

    He said the project was the first integrated mode of transportation in Africa connecting the railways and the airport in order to ensure seamless movement of passengers.

    Opeifa said a desk would be assigned to the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture at the Airport station to showcase the nation’s rich cultural heritage and tourism attraction

    The Chief Resident Engineer for the Abuja Light Rail Project, Mr Anthony Agbakoba, said the project was on a test run with three coaches.

    He said contract for the construction and supply of 48 additional coaches had been awarded while the coaches were expected to be delivered in batches.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports during the tour, some passengers on free ride in the train to the airport terminal commended the government for the project (NAN)

  • Rep donates 700 anti-snake venom vials worth N25 million to Plateau clinic

    By Martha Azi
    Rep. Johnbull Shekarau (PDP-Shendam/Mikang) has donated 700 vials of Anti-Snake Venom (ASV), worth N25 million, to Zamko Comprehensive Health Centre, Langtang, Plateau State.

    Dr. Nyam Azi, Medical Officer of the health centre, an outpost of the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) who confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), described the gesture as “wonderful”.

    “The 700 vials donated to the hospital have been of immense help here. The number of deaths from snakebites have reduced drastically,” Azi told NAN on Thursday in Langtang.

    Azi said that 440 cases of snakebites had been received this year.

    “Of the figure, only nine deaths have been recorded because of the availability of the drug,” he said.

    He said that snake bite cases were rampant because of the farming season, adding, however, that most of the victims were children who inserted their little fingers into rat holes.

    Azi said that the clinic’s wards were filled up with snakebite victims, adding that some patients were left in corridors while others sleep on benches.

    According to him, the mortality rate has gone down because more people rush to the hospital instead of the usual traditional herbalists.

    “Many people are aware that there are free drugs and rush here once they are bitten.

    “In the past, they would resign to fate and remain at home because they cannot afford the cost of the drug. Now, they rush here because the drugs are free,” he said.

    Speaking to NAN on the gesture, Shekarau said that he was moved to assist when he visited the clinic and found many snake bite patients.

    “I was just passing by the clinic one day and decided to enter. I was shocked at what I saw and immediately made up my mind to assist,” he said.

    Shekarau regretted that snakes had killed so many people in the area, describing the reptiles as “constant companions” on the farms, roads, homes and the grasses.

    The lawmaker said that the drugs were not restricted to members of the constituency.

    “I have told the cinic’s authorities to give them to every victim. There should be no discrimination,” he said.

    He urged the federal government to begin local production of the ASV to reduce its cost and make them affordable so as to reduce the number of deaths from snake bites.

    Shekarau also appealed to the federal, Plateau and local governments to procure the drugs and donate same to the clinic to assist indigent victims of snake bites.

    “We should show a sense of concern to the poor. We owe them a duty to show love, care and affection,” he said.

    The lawmaker also appealed to governments at all levels to enlighten members of the public on measures to minimise snake bites. (NAN)

  • 11,100 Nigerians return home from Libya- EU

    By Mustapha Sumaila
    The European Union (EU) on Tuesday said no fewer than 11,100 Nigerians, who were among irregular migrants in Libya, had so far returned to the country.

    Mr Richard Young, the EU Deputy Head of Delegation in Nigeria, made the disclosure at a Public Lecture and Book Launch to commemorate the 2018 World Day Against Human Trafficking organised by NAPTIP in Abuja.

    The United Nations had in 2013 adopted a resolution that every July 30 should be set aside as the World Day Against Human Trafficking.

    This is to raise awareness on the situation of victims and for the promotion and protection of their rights.

    Young explained that 9,000 Nigerians were brought back to the country by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), while the Federal Government also brought 2,100 in the recent evacuation exercise.

    According to him, 57,000 of them are still stranded in various camps in Libya, according to the figures made available by IOM after its survey conducted in various camps.

    The EU deputy head of delegation said that the union was working with relevant stakeholders and agencies to ensure that the stranded Nigerians return home.

    Young said EU was in partnership with NAPTIP to ensure that human trafficking was defeated.

    He called for a joint task force with the International Law Enforcement Agencies for effective war against human trafficking.

    In her remarks, the NAPTIP’s Director-General, Ms Julie Okan-Donli, said that the issue of human trafficking should be a concern for every nation as it affected all aspect of human life.

    Okah-Donli explained that human trafficking endangered public health, fuels violence and organised crimes.

    “We shall be talking about injustice, man’s inhumanity to man, the outrage of human trafficking which must be called by its true name, modern slavery.

    “This event is, therefore, a clarion call on us all to deploy all possible strategies to rescue and empower victims of human trafficking.

    “This will be done by ensuring that they see and rise beyond the boundaries of uncertainties,” the NAPTIP chief said. (NAN)

  • John Abebe, Obasanjo’s brother-in-law remanded in prison

    John Abebe, the brother-in-law of former president Olusegun Obasanjo was remanded in Ikoyi Prison, Lagos today over an alleged forgery slammed against him by the the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

    Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos ordered the remand after listening to a four-count charge of forgery, fabricating evidence, using fabricated evidence and attempt to pervert the course of justice.

    One of the count reads: “That you, Dr. John Warimeme Abebe, on or about the 22nd day of June, 2010 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, knowingly forged BP Exploration Nigeria Limited’s letter dated 30th November,1995 to Inducon (Nigeria) Limited by inserting in page 2 of the said letter the following words: “Also note that the ‘Buy-Out Option’ only applies to the pre-production stage of the NPIA. The $4m buy-out is thus irrelevant from production of oil in any of our fields” and purported same to have been issued by BP Exploration Nigeria Limited and committed an offence contrary to Section 467 of the Criminal Code Cap C17, Law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2003.”

    Another count reads: “That you, Dr. John Warimeme Abebe, on or about the 22nd day of June, 2010 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, knowingly used a fabricated evidence in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/224/2010 Between Dr. John Abebe, Inducon Nigeria Limited And Statoil Nigeria Limited, before the Federal High Court, which evidence was admitted and marked exhibit BB in the said suit and committed an offence contrary to Section 120 (2) of the Criminal Code Cap C17, Law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2003.”

    The defendant, who is late Stella Obasanjo’s brother, pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him.

    In view of his plea, Rotimi Oyedepo asked the court for a trial date and prayed for accelerated hearing.

    “I urge your Lordship to invoke the spirit of Section 19 of the EFCC Act and I also pray your Lord to remand the defendant in prison custody.”

    The defence counsel, Uche Nwokedi, SAN, however, informed the court of a bail application.

    He also prayed the court to remand the defendant in the EFCC custody, pending the outcome of the bail application.

    In his response, Oyedepo confirmed receipt of “the bundle of documents in court”, while the Judge was delivering a judgment (in another matter).

    He, therefore, prayed for a short time to enable him respond to the application “because of certain allegations on oath that was deposed to.”

    Consequently, Justice Dada adjourned the matter to August 2, 2018 and ordered the defendant to be remanded in Ikoyi prison custody pending the hearing of the bail application.

  • Assad discusses Syrian settlement with Russian delegation

    MOSCOW, (Xinhua) — Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Wednesday discussed Syrian settlement with a high-level Russian delegation in Damascus, Russia’s Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.

    The delegation included Russia’s special presidential envoy to Syria Alexander Lavrentyev, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin and representatives of the Defense Ministry, it said in a statement.

    The parties confirmed the necessity to “continue uncompromising fight against terrorism and active efforts to achieve a long-term political settlement in the interests of all Syrians without exception.”

    Particular attention was paid to the tasks of post-conflict reconstruction of the country, including ensuring the prompt return of Syrian refugees and displaced people to their places of permanent residence, it said.

    Assad expressed the willingness to create necessary conditions for the safe and decent reception and accommodation of Syrians returning to their homeland.

    Russia’s Defense Ministry said in a separate statement Thursday that 232,541 Syrian citizens have returned home from abroad since Sept. 30 2015, when Russia announced the start of an anti-terrorist operation in Syria.

    Currently, 6.9 million Syrian refugees have registered in 45 countries and 1.7 million of them have expressed intentions to return home, it said.

  • Offa robbery: Saraki makes ‘cautionary’ statement to the police

    Senate President Bukola Saraki has now made a statement to the police, in respect of the investigation into the multiple robberies in Offa on 5 April, in which 31 people were killed.

    The police in a short statement on Thursday night reported the Senate President  “made cautionary statement to the Police Investigation Team investigating the case of Offa bank robbery that occurred on 5th April, 2018”.

    The police said investigation is in progress on the matter.

    The Inspector General of Police had on Monday invited Saraki  to report to the Head of investigation team, of the Intelligence Response Team ( IRT) on July 24 at 8 a.m. in Guzape, Abuja. But Saraki ignored the invitation until Thursday 26 July.

    The police had on 4 June asked for Saraki’s reaction to the statement made by some of the suspects arrested in connection to the most deadly robbery in the history of Nigeria. Saraki wrote a statement dated 7 June.

    Idris ruled the statement inadequate.

    “After a careful perusal of your letter to the Police, it was discovered that the statement requires further clarification and coupled with the fact that you stated that the full text of the statements of the suspects were not shown to you, it is imperative you report to the Police to make further statements after giving you the full text of the statements of the suspects.

    “It is in line with the above that you are requested to report to the head of the Investigation Team at the Intelligence Response Team at Guzape Junction, Asokoro Extension, Abuja on 24th of July, 2018 at 8am for further investigation on the matter.”

    In a response, Saraki  described the invitation as a mere afterthought which is designed to achieve political purpose.

    “The Police have obviously corrupted and politicized their investigations into the Offa robbery incident. They have turned it into an instrument for the party in power to suppress perceived opponents, witch-hunt issue for blackmailing people from freely choosing which platform on which they want to pursue their ambition and a matter for harassing the people whose exit from APC would harm the chances of the party in the forthcoming elections.

    ” I want to make it apparent that I have no hand in either the robbery incident or any criminal acitivity. The Police in their haste to embarrass me sent the invitation to me at 8pm and requested that I report to the station by 8am tomorrow morning. This obviously demonstrated their desperation as I do not see why they are now in a hurry.”, Saraki said.

    The invitation was later to be mired in controversy as a report by the Ministry of Justice was leaked to the media. The report by the Office of Federal Prosecutor said the Police had no evidence to hang any charge on Saraki, in connection with the robberies in which 31 people were killed same day.

    The police clarified the position of the federal prosector, Samuel Ogundipe:

    “It is incumbent on the Force to educate the writer of the story that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) of the Federation in the legal advice did not restrain or restrict the Force from investigating further, the indictments against the Senate President, Sen. Bukola Saraki and the Governor of Kwara State, Abdulfattah Ahmed by the principal suspects arrested in connection with the Offa bank robbery of 5th April, 2018.

     “The DPP advice did not exonerate the Senate President, it only called for further investigations into the matter

    “It is in the course of further investigations into the case that a letter of invitation dated 23rd July, 2018 was sent to the Senate President to appear on 24th July, 2018 at 8.00am before the Investigation Team at Intelligence Response Team office, Guzape Junction, Abuja.

    ” Consequently, the Force is hereby re-affirming that the Senate President, Sen. Bukola Saraki has case to answer by virtue of the facts that the statements submitted by the Senate President, Sen. Bukola Saraki earlier to the Investigation Team was not explicit and detailed enough, and was discovered to require further clarifications and interrogation, and coupled with the fact the Senate President, Sen. Bukola Saraki in his statement, claimed that the full text of the statement of the suspects who indicted him in their confessional statements to the Police was not shown to him. It is therefore, imperative for the Senate President, Sen. Bukola Saraki to report to the Police to make further statement after sighting the full text of the statement of the suspects”.