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  • I am still in APC – Sen Akanbi

    Sen. Soji Akanbi, one of the senators listed to have defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC), to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has said that he was still with the APC.

    Senate President Bukola Saraki had announced at plenary on Tuesday that 15 senators had defected from the APC to the PDP. Among those listed was Akanbi, who represents Oyo South.

    But Akanbi, who briefed newsmen after the plenary, said that he was still with the APC.

    “Today, my name was wrongly mentioned in the list of the people that defected to PDP.

    “When I heard my name, I raised a point of order and was able to clear my name. I have never been part of defection from APC to PDP.

    “I remain a member of APC. I am a committed and unrepentant member of the party,” Akanbi stated.

    On why the error occurred, he said that it might have been caused by a rumour that he had an ambition “either declared or undeclared”.

    “Because you have a crisis in your state with your governor, people assume that you will automatically leave your party

    “In Oyo, we don’t have crisis with my governor, Abiola Ajimobi.

    “Ajimobi is the leader of the party in the state and I remain his associate and very close ally.

    “In my state, we strongly believe that if there is any crisis in the party, we must find a way to solve it,” he said. (NAN)

  • Plateau virology centre ready to provide HIV Serology – Manager

    Plateau virology centre ready to provide HIV Serology – Manager

    The Plateau State Human Virology Research Centre (PLASVIREC) Laboratory has been accredited to provide HIV Serology and Viral load procedures to the general public.

    The South African National Accreditation System (SANAS), which accredited the centre, described PLASVIREC as competent and excellent.

    Mr IIle Mamman, the PLASVIREC Laboratory Manager, disclosed this on Tuesday in Jos during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    He said that with the accreditation, the centre has acquired a national and international recognition, and competent to provide HIV serology, HIV Viral Load.

    “We can also conduct Early Infant Diagnosis for HIV exposed infant using standard procedure and good laboratory practices.

    “The accreditation of the centre will improve the quality of HIV data which would in turn enhance the quality of test results for the effective treatment of people living with HIV/AIDS,” he said.

    Mamman said that the feat would make give clients more confidence in the accuracy of their test reports because it has been generated by competent staff with the aid of reliable equipment.

    “It will also increase productivity, credibility of result and in turn decrease clients complains,” the manager said.

    According to him, the present status of the centre will greatly attract national and international research collaboration, which will also boost the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state and the country at large. (NAN)

  • Lawmakers’ defection won’t affect APC chances in 2019 general elections – APC

    Dr Matthew Achigbe, Chairman, All Progressives Congress in Cross River, has said that the defection of APC Senators and House of Representatives members will not affect the party’s chances of emerging victorious in 2019.

    Achigbe said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar on Tuesday.

    NAN reports that 15 Senators including Rabiu Kwankwaso, Dino Melaye and Isa Misau had in a joint letter to the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, made their intention to leave the party known.

    NAN also reports that more than 33 House of Representatives members also defected from APC to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the plenary on Tuesday.

    The APC chairman said that the defection would give the party the strength to emerge victorious in 2019, adding that the party now has its true members.

    “The APC is not shaken by this defection. If you have a pain in your neck, will you not be happy to excise it so that you can be comfortable?

    “Those that are not comfortable with APC are free to go. Those who are finding the party comfortable are also coming in. This is a political exercise that throws people front and back.

    “These are people who are not interested in the lives of Nigerians. They are only interested in themselves. From the look of the argument, everything they are doing is all centred on themselves.

    “None of them are thinking about the ordinary Nigerian. What is that thing that they cannot come together and put an end to? They are challenges everywhere and they will equally find same in PDP.

    “As far as I am concerned, they are free to go. APC is a political party; there is free entry and free exit,’’ he said.

    The chairman told NAN that it was time the political class changed their attitude from selfishness to service, adding that no APC member ever drove the lawmakers to other parties.

    “We must be prepared to make national sacrifices because of the sensitive nature of the offices we hold. But, the way some politicians behave is very embarrassing to the country and even the international community.

    “Whether they go or not, APC remain strong and we will emerge victorious in 2019 because there is no leader that has the clout of President Muhammadu Buhari. (NAN)

  • Buhari reiterates Nigeria’s readiness to assist African countries in distress

    Buhari reiterates Nigeria’s readiness to assist African countries in distress

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday reiterated Nigeria’s readiness to assist African countries in distress.

    President Buhari stated this When he received the outgoing High Commissioner of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Mrs Haja Afsatu Kabba, at the State House, Abuja, on Friday.

    The President said brotherly assistance extended to the West African country during the Ebola epidemic and the recent mudslide natural disaster, was the least Nigeria could do.

    “I congratulate your new President on his election, and believe that our long-standing relationship, which dates back to almost 60 years, will continue to flourish,” he said.

    He wished Kabba, who had spent two years in Nigeria, the best of luck in her next assignment.

    The outgoing High Commissioner expressed gratitude to the government and people of Nigeria for the support granted her and her country.

    She expressed optimism that the good bilateral relations between Nigeria and her country would continue. (NAN)

  • Nigeria Air has immense economic potential for Nigeria — economist

    Nigeria Air has immense economic potential for Nigeria — economist

    The newly unveiled National Carrier, Nigeria Air has the potential to boost the nation’s economy if professionally managed, expert says.

    Prof. Hassan Oaikhenan of the Economics and Statistics Department, University of Benin, said this in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka on Friday.

    Oaikhenan advised the Federal Government to ensure that structures were put in place to guarantee the sustainability of the new National Carrier.

    NAN recalls that the Federal Government on July 18, at the Farnborough International Air show in London unveiled a new National Carrier known as “Nigeria Air’.

    The announcement was coming 15 years after the liquidation of Nigeria Airways.

    According to the Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, the National Carrier is Private sector driven. It is a business, and not a social service.

    “Government will not be involved in running it or deciding who runs it. The investors will have full responsibility for this.

    “The Nigerian Government will not own more than five per cent maximum of the new National Carrier. Government will not be involved in running it or deciding who runs it.”

    The economist said it would result to favourable Balance of Trade in the industry and also reduce outward bound foreign exchange.

    Oaikhenan, who is on sabbatical leave to the University of Africa, Toru-Orua, Bayelsa described aviation enterprise as `a sensitive and delicate business’.

    He posited that Nigeria Airways crumbled due to corruption, adding that the new carrier must be immune from bad politics and other pitfalls.

    “Nigeria Airways collapsed because of corruption, I am not so optimistic about this unless it will be operated differently this time.

    “I hope that it was not set up just because we want to own one.

    “It is economically reasonable for us to have our own carrier, it is paradoxical that Nigeria with large aviation market does not have a carrier.

    “Nigeria Air has immense economic gains if properly managed, it will help us to retain some foreign exchange because these foreign airlines rake in so much from Nigeria because they are paid in hard currency.

    “What we need now is competent hands to manage the enterprise, the right technical partners must be brought on board and we keep our obligations to them.

    “There are lessons to learn from the defunct national airline, the aircraft must be serviced, and we shouldn’t afford to have one aircraft fall from the sky because no business survives it,” he said.

    According to the economist, Nigeria should be ready for competition because it is a global industry, but advised that the immediate target of operation should be West African sub regional routes.

    He said the establishment of the national carrier would contribute tremendously to the economy as foreign exchange flight from foreign airlines would be retained in the country.

    “The aviation industry is a global one, Nigeria Air need to be a global player. Their job is not just to carry Nigerians in and out of the country.

    “It must be ready to compete with Ethiopia Airline, Kenya Airways, British Airways and all the rest.’’ (NAN)

  • Judiciary deserves commendation inspite of challenges–Lawyer

    Judiciary deserves commendation inspite of challenges–Lawyer

    Mr Ishmael Bluejack, a Port Harcourt-based lawyer, on Friday commended the nation’s judiciary, saying Nigerians were still accessing justice inspite of the current challenges.

    Bluejack, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt, was reacting to the outcome of the judgment in the Jaja Estate suit in which his client, Charles Jaja, emerged victorious.

    The legal practitioner, who represented the younger Jaja, the claimant in the suit– Mr Charles Jaja vs Mrs Baebel and others, said his client got justice on Wednesday inspite of the length of time to conclude the case.

    Bluejack, who commended  the court presided over by Justice Silver Iragunema for granting   all the reliefs sought by his client, maintained that the judiciary remained the last hope of the common man.

    NAN recalls that the claimant, who was the  first son of late Joseph Jaja had gone to court to enforce his inclusion in the administration of his father’s estate.

    The claimant had told the court that the respondent and her children had administered her husband’s estate without involving him.

    NAN recalls that the late Jaja had died in Germany on Nov.  18, 2009. (NAN)

  • It’s not survival of the fittest; actresses can co-exist: Janhvi Kapoor

    PHOTO: VOGUE INDIAPHOTO: INDIA TODAY

    2018 seems to be the year of debutantes and amongst them are the late Sridevi’s daughter Janhvi Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor’s half-brother Ishaan Khattar, who are gearing up for the release of Dhadak today.

    Kapoor says she is excited about being new talent but finds it very disappointing to see how everyone makes it a competition and pit actors against each other, reported Deccan Chronicle.

    PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/ JANHVI KAPOOR

    PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/ JANHVI KAPOOR

    The 21-year-old Kapoor stated that she has high hopes for fellow debutante Sara Ali Khan, daughter of actors Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh.”I’m really excited to see so many new faces, so much new talent. I’ve had the pleasure to know Sara; I think she’s stunning, full of so much life and energy. I’m so excited to see what she’ll bring,” said Kapoor.

    PHOTO: INDIA TODAY

    PHOTO: INDIA TODAY

    The budding starlet also revealed that she had often been asked about her ‘competition’ with Sara while her co-star Khattar managed to escape such questions. “Over the course of this past month, I’ve been asked about competition a lot. I find it odd because Ishaan hasn’t been asked about it and I think that’s because I’m a girl.”

    ‘Dhadak’ to clash with ‘Teefa in Trouble’ in Pakistan this weekend

    She continued, “It’s sad that sometimes we make it about how only one of the girls can be successful because we are very capable of being happy for each other. I think it’s not a nice thing to put on the young girls in our society. I don’t think it’s survival of the fittest. Coexisting is natural and it should be encouraged amongst young girls…”

    PHOTO: HINDUSTAN TIMES

    PHOTO: HINDUSTAN TIMES

    Khattar made his debut with Majid Majidi’s Beyond The Clouds. Dhadakis the Hindi adaptation of critically-acclaimed 2016 Marathi film Sairat.
    Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.

    PHOTO: VOGUE INDIA

    Culled from The Express Tribune

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    Culled from The Express Tribune

  • Ortom meets Oshiomhole, denies leaving APC

    By Emmanuel Mogbede

    Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state denied dumping All Progressives Congress (APC) confirming APC Chairman Adams Oshiomhole’s claims that the governor was going nowhere.

    Ortom on Thursday in Abuja told newsmen after a closed door meeting Mr Adams Oshiomhole, the APC National Chairman.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Ortom on Monday announced that the Benue chapter of the APC had given him  a red card.

    He likened himself to a footballer who was out of the football pitch waiting to be picked by another club.

    The governor and Sen. George Akume, also a former governor of the state had been having a running battle over who controls the state party structure.

    “It was the Benue APC that gave me a red card not the national APC and that was enough to make myself available out of the pitch.

    “But the leadership of the party told me that its decision is superior to that of any individual or group of people and I think that is good enough.

    “They have spoken to him, and have spoken to me and the state stakeholders are going to be spoken to and that’s where I belong.

    “We have not concluded the matter, it’s an ongoing process, I have always stood for peace, and I always want peace to prevail, that’s what I call for.

    “I am here in APC, I am a member of APC, I am still flying the flag of APC, I only said I was given red card but I have been corrected by the national secretariat,” he said.

    The Benue Governor appreciated the party’s leadership for intervening in the matter and expressed hope that it would be able to resolve the differences.

    Oshiomhole, while reacting to the development, said the APC does not have red cards in its cupboard and could not give what it doesn’t have.

    He noted that there could however, be legitimate legal issues and disagreements in some of the party’s state’s chapters.

    This, he said, was evidence of the fact that the APC was a free democratic party, adding that it was the responsibility of the its leadership to help aggrieved members to find a common ground.

    Oshiomhole added that the issues in the Benue chapter of the party were not too fundamental that it could not be resolved.

    He expressed confidence that the issues between Sen. Akume and Gov. Ortom would be resolved by the party’s national leadership.

    He maintained that Sen. Akume, was a very respected leader, of the party and would recognise the need for peace, adding that the APC leadership had what it would take to make peace.

    “In Benue, we are going for a win-win solution. Gov. Ortom is not going anywhere, he is a very prominent member of our party, and we appreciate his leadership in Benue.

    “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that is hovering around must know that it is only people without honour that will vomit in the morning and convert it to lunch in the afternoon.

    “People like Ortom can’t leave PDP three and half years ago with his eyes open and two three years later, because of some tension, he is thinking of returning.

    “He is a man of honour and he knows that once  you move one step forward, you will want to take the second step to consolidate the first step, that’s the way to go.

    “Be assured that the PDP can go and do whatever they want to do, but it won’t change the situation in the minds of those who are convinced in building the future,”Oshiomhole said

    This, he said, would not be without contestation, but would be based on the understanding the party had the qualities required to resolve issues on a win-win manner even when contestations comes up.

    He assured that such tools would be deployed in Benue to make both Gov. Ortom, Sen. Akume and the people of the state, not just APC members, happy.

    He further assured that the APC leadership would do everything possible to help those who had issues to have those issues resolved.

    Oshiomhole stressed that the APC leadership would do everything possible to address crisis within its states chapters and ensure that its committed members remain in its fold. (NAN)

  • Melaye halts constituency projects inauguration, thanksgiving service over security situation

    Melaye halts constituency projects inauguration, thanksgiving service over security situation

    Sen. Dino Melaye (APC-Kogi West), on Friday put on hold his constituency projects inauguration and thanksgiving service over alleged attacks and tensed security situation in Kogi West Senatorial District.

    Melaye disclosed this in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Gideon Ayodele, and made available to newsmen in Lokoja.

    He said the tour of his constituency and inauguration of projects which commenced on July 18, was marred by violence.

    He said: “You would recall that several weeks ago I announced plan to tour my Kogi West senatorial district and as well use the opportunity to commission numerous projects I facilitated for my constituents in different locations.

    “The inauguration of projects started on Wednesday, July 18, despite the unwarranted arsonism on two schools in Lokoja Local Government area, which can only be the handiwork of my political enemies.

    “It has become necessary to put out this statement in the face of  Thursday’s unprovoked Police assault on my entourage while returning from Yagba Federal Constituency where I went to commission my constiuency projects,” he said.

    Melaye added that all the programmes were expected to culminate in a Grand Finale/Thanksgiving Service on Saturday in his hometown, Aiyetoro-Gbede.

    The senator, however, said that all the programmes would have to be put on hold in view of concerns arising from the security situation.

    He apologised to his constituents and invited guests for the inconveniences the development might cause them.

    “This is however a painstaking decision for me in order to safeguard precious lives and property of peace-loving people of Kogi West,” he said. (NAN)