Buhari not behind Saraki’s trial – Presidency

The Presidency on Sunday said the ongoing trial of the President of the Senate, Sen. Bukola Saraki, by the Code of Conduct Tribunal was purely judicial and constitutional issue.

A statement in Abuja by the Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, described the attempt to link the Presidency to Saraki’s trial as unacceptable.

The statement also frowned at the views to the effect that the Code of Conduct Bureau and the Code of Conduct Tribunal could only act upon external instigation.

According to the statement, there is no place in law that the Bureau and the tribunal should take instructions from any quarters.

“As an independent institution equal to any superior court of record, the tribunal is set up by the constitution to determine the issue of default,false declaration or forgery in assets declaration.

“This, therefore, is purely a judicial process and has nothing to do with the presidency.

“If anyone has an axe to grind with what they are doing, they should do it in a judicial manner by challenging those actions in a proper court of law.

“Let them hire a good team of lawyers to prove their innocence.

“Government has no desire to persecute anybody,” the statement maintained.

Mob vandalises police station as APC crushes two siblings

Tragedy struck in llesa, Osun State on Sunday when a driver of police armour personnel carrier crushed two kids of the same parents to death.

Our correspondent gathered that the kids were playing around their parents’ residence when the driver of the APC who some residents said was drunk rammed into an electric pole before crushing the kids to death.

The older kid, Sade was said to be five years old while the other one, Aanu was three years old.

Sympathisers, mostly okada riders reportedly chased the police vehicle, but the driver was said to have sped away from the scene and escaped the wrath of the angry mob.

Irked by this, the angry mob was said to have attacks the ‘A’ Division Police Station at Ayeso where they vandalized all the operational vehicles parked in the station including other valuable property and police quarters inside the station.

Policemen on duty were reported to have engaged the mob by firing tear gas and gunshots into the air repeatedly to scare them, but they remained adamant and did not leave the station until they accomplished their mission.

The distraught father of the kid was said to have gone to the police station to collect the corpses but he was denied.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Folasade Odoro, when contacted said that policeman who drove the APC lost control and hit an electric pole which eventually electrocuted the kids.

She described the accident as unfortunate and lamented that the mob destroyed all operational vehicles at the police station.

The PPRO appealed to residents of the town to remain calm, while assuring them that the matter would be thoroughly investigated to know what really happened.

Billionaire Antonio Dehinde Fernandez goes home

The remains of late Nigerian billionaire, Chief Antonio Dehinde Fernandez have been laid to rest, on Friday, September 18, 2015, in Brussels, Belgium.

In attendance at the burial were the late billionaire’s children, family members and friends, including the Publisher of Ovation Magazine, Chief Dele Momodu and Founder of Latter Rain Assembly, Pastor Tunde Bakare.

Chief Fernandez, 78, died in Belgium on September 1.

See photos:

Founder of Latter Rain Assembly, Pastor Tunde Bakare (5th Right) conducting the final rites of Dehinde Fernandez, alongisde other family members

Durbar Festival: Emir appoints committee

The Emir of Borgu , Senator (Dr) Haliru Dantoro, Kitoro III has appointed Mallam Ibrahim Musa Goni, the Kogunan Borgu as Chairman of a Six Man committee to oversee the successful implementation of the work plan for 2015 Gani –Durbar Festival slated for 7th – 14th November in Kainji, New Bassa, Niger State.

Other members of the committee which is expected to deliver a new bench mark for the international festival are Alhaji Nurudeen Mohammed, the Tafidan Kiama (vice – Chairman), Alhaji Damisa Yau Mohammed, the Danmasanin Borgu (Director – General), Alhaji Abdullahi Umar, the Madanin Borgu, Mr. Frank Meke and Mr. Peter Nze.

The Emir who directed that the committee should fast – track the registration of a company to manage the affairs of the festival, enjoined the committee not to leave any stone unturned in the quest to deliver a world class festival that would not only promote tourism and culture in Borgu land but will bring about change to Nigeria quest to attract international visitors and revamp tourism as a business with employment windows.

And in line with His Royal Highness Directives, the committee has set –up contract office in New Bussa and Abuja with a plan to officially unveil the programmes of the festival including the theme to corporate sponsors and stakeholders before the end of September.

In a press release issued by the media team in New Bussa, the chairman of the committee, Mallam Ibrahim Goni assured the Emirate council, the people of Borgu and Niger State government of the preparedness of his team to deliver a festival that would reverberate across the nation and our borders, particularly in restoring and rebranding the traditional sport, history and culture of northern Nigeria and also help put Borgu land on global tourism map as must visit destination.

my husband sleeping with pprostitutes?

recently found out, through a colleague in his office, that my husband of almost 20 years has been sleeping with prostitutes. according to this colleague, some of them call at the office and he takes time off to take them to motels.

lovers

I haven’t confronted him yet – i’m still in shock. how could he? now i just wish i’d never found out in the first place. i still love him and can’t imagine life without him. we have three teenage children.

Wunmi, by e-mail.

Dear  Wunmi,

You’re bound to be deeply upset at the moment, but you need to find out how credible your ‘informant’ is. Not only has your trust been blown away, but you should be worried about your own s6xual health too.

You need to sit down and have it out with him. In order to save your marriage, he needs to stop. You’re still in love with him and it would be a major upheaval if you left him. Sadly, a lot of married men resort to prostitutes for s6xual gratification in spite of the health hazards involved. So have things out in the open and pray he’s not yet a s6x addict!

Samsung raises bar in home experience with Activ dualwash

While technology evolves,Samsung has continued to excite consumers with something new particularly at the upper end of its ‘washing machine line-up’.

This development has earned Samsung a reputation in the Nigerian market for its wide range of top quality home appliances and hand-held devices, including, smartphones and Ultra High Definition televisions.

This year, the company has again raised the bar in home experience with the introduction of more traditional and professionally-inspired Activ dualwash, with smart built-in sink, water jet, magic filter and dispenser, with a warranty of 10 years.

Understanding consumer constraints in washing, the Activ dualwash cares for not only the clothes, but also the homemaker.

The product, a first of its kind with a built-in sink is designed to elevate the everyday home experience for consumers, making laundry at home easier and even providing health benefits.

The Activ dualwash is a result of years of research to improve the time and energy spent doing laundry.

Unique attraction

The Activ dualwash is uniquely and innovatively designed with a built-in sink with water jet and a gentle scrubbing surface. This all-in-one solution saves time, reduces effort and avoids mess by enabling consumers to presoak, scrub and auto wash the entire wash process in the washing machine, instead of having to spread the process over multiple locations, giving users more time to do other important things.

Benefits

The Activ dualwash system comes with a dedicated sink that provides a convenient space to soak and/or hand-wash delicate items and comfortably pre-treat heavily stained areas of clothes before starting a normal wash cycle. The water jet, which starts and stops at the push of a button, provides access to water, thus allowing for easy soaking and scrubbing. Once that is done, the laundry and water can easily be poured into the machine by simply lifting the sink. This drops the items into the tub below for a spotless wash that completes the effortless, all-in-one washing process.

Magic dispenser

The magic dispenser eliminates residual detergent on fabric, leaving users with clean and fresh clothes. It achieves this by creating a powerful water vortex that dissolves detergent and disperses it completely, thoroughly and evenly before the wash cycle starts. Washing has never been better!

Magic filter

The Magic Filter is a long and wide filter, located at the tub’s water level. It takes care of the details that make clothes look fresh and clean. It keeps unwelcome specks off whites and darks by gathering lint, fluff and particles, so you can look good without having to inspect and tidy the little things. It does all this while protecting your drain from getting clogged.

Wobble technology

The product utilises Samsung’s revolutionary Wobble technology, which helps to protect delicate fabrics from friction damage without compromising the washing performance. State-of-the-art wobble pulsators generate a dynamic, multi-directional washing flow that prevents tangles, twists and knots while thoroughly cleaning your clothes with increased washing power that requires less water consumption. Ironing has been made easy for users as the fabric comes out with less tangling.

Rear control panel

Located at the back of the machine, the Rear Control Panel provides better visibility and ease of use while also being protected from water splashes during hand and pre-washing. The panel’s dual cluster design clearly separates the control buttons so that they are much simpler to learn and use.

With the Smart Check automatic error-monitoring system, there is absolutely no need to refer to paper manuals any more as it can detect and diagnose problems, using a smartphone app.

Design

The Samsung Activ dualwash is uniquely designed, with a naturally rounded and elegant curves, an LED display, a strong and durable tempered glass door and a smart functionality with remote monitoring system.

Bottom-line

The Samsung Activ dualwash washing machine is synonymous with innovation and sleek design, making it the first and the best digital washing technology available without compromising on style.

Not only does it deliver incredible speed and accuracy through advanced washing features, it is durable, works smart and users can trust it.

The Activ dualwash has been engineered to offer superior washing experience while maximizing simplicity and ensuring that users are just one click away from seamless laundry – definitely a must-have for the homemaker concerned with optimising her time.

Lack of long-term finance hinders progress in developing countries — World Bank

World Bank report has attributed the choking of investment-backed growth of companies in developing countries to the shortage of long-term financing since the 2008 crisis.

Naira-Dollar

The new report tagged “Global Financial Development Report 2015-2016, released on Tuesday in Dar es Salaam, added that it also hampered the ability of credit-worthy families to borrow for education and housing needs and escape poverty.

It noted that the shortage of long-term financing also meant that in spite of appeals by the Group of Twenty (G-20) and other key international groups, developing countries were struggling to mobilise funds in financing badly-needed infrastructure in order to grow their national and regional economies.

According to the new report, the long-term Financing’, extending the maturity structure of finance is considered to be at the core of sustainable financial development.

It said in securing long-term financing, defined as investment funding that matures in a year or more depends on the same fundamentals essential to tackling the current volatility in global capital markets.

The report says policy-makers need to focus on institutional reforms, such as promoting macroeconomic stability, establishing a regulated and legally enforceable banking and investment system that protects creditors and borrowers, and setting a framework for capital markets and institutional investors.

Jim Kim, World Bank Group President, said it would be a challenge to achieve a sustainable rates of economic growth if countries fail to invest in social infrastructure, schools, roads, power generation and electricity distribution and communications.

Kim cautioned that private sector construction of plants and investment in machinery and equipment were also important.

He warned that without long-term financing, households face great hurdles to raising income over their lives.

“By investing in housing or education and may not benefit from higher long-term returns on their savings.

“While commercial banks remain the primary source of financing for firms and households around the world, capital markets have grown rapidly, especially in emerging market economies like China and India” he said.

Kaushik Basu, World Bank Senior Vice President and Chief Economist, noted the report structured out the path that countries could follow to make available the kind of long-term finance, which could support sustainable and equitable growth.

He said the report highlighted examples as well as innovative approaches that some countries have taken to win access to long-term financing.

“Too little credit information makes it difficult for lenders to assess risk reliably and pushes them toward shorter lending maturities.

“Bulgaria and Nicaragua sharply increased average loan maturities after private credit bureaus were established,” he said.

NNPC secures $1.2bn alternative funding for 36 oil wells

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation has secured a $1.2 bn multi-year drilling financing package for 36 oil wells under the NNPC and Chevron Nigeria Limited Joint Venture.

This is contained in a statement by Mr Ohi Alegbe, NNPC Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, in Abuja on Sunday.

The statement stated that the NNPC and Chevron JV deal was executed at a signing ceremony in London.

It stated that the $1.2bn would be channelled into the development of 23 onshore and 13 offshore oil wells on OML 49, 90 and 95 in two stages over 2015 to 2018.

It stated that the fund was designed to supplement the Federal Government’s cash call commitment in the oil and gas sector.

It stated that the funding package which was being financed by a consortium of Nigerian and International lenders was an integral part of the accelerated upstream financing programme initiated by NNPC.

It stated that the programme was designed to address the perennial challenge experienced by the Federal Government in providing its counter-part funding of JV upstream activities.

The statement explained that the initiative would also help in the maintaining the current production levels in the short term as well as replace depleting reserves.

It stressed that the stage one of the project made up of 19 oil wells was projected to deliver 21,000 barrels of crude oil and condensate per day.

It also stated that the first stage would also lead to the production of 120,000 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (mmscf/d) over 2015 and 2016.

“Stage two of the project which comprised of 17 wells is projected to yield 20, 000 barrels of crude oil and gas production of seven mmscf/d between 2016 and 2018,” it stated.

It added that both stages of the project were envisaged to generate up to two to five billion of incremental revenue to the Federation Account.

Beyond the contribution to the national treasury, the projected peak incremental gas production of 127mmscf/d.

NMA calls for LUTH, psychiatric hospital medical directors’ sacking

The Lagos State Chairman, Nigerian Medical Association, Dr. Tope Ojo, has called for the removal of the Chief Medical Directors of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi- Araba, Prof. Chris Bode and the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Dr. Raheem Lawal, over allegations of insecurity and poor welfare at the tertiary hospitals.

Ojo, who made this call at a press briefing by members of the association in Lagos on Sunday, accused the medical directors of violating civil service rules on retirement.

According to the doctor, the medical directors have passed the stipulated age of retirement and have refused to relinquish their respective positions, a decision they claimed had led to an indefinite strike by health workers at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric hospital in Yaba.

Ojo said, “We ask that the present medical directors step down immediately to make way for the process of appointing new ones.

“They have both attained the mandatory retirement age of 60 years. It is important that they respect the civil service rule to prevent crisis in these hospitals.

“The ongoing strike by consultants and other health workers at the psychiatric hospital in Yaba is solely to ensure the termination of the tenure of the medical director and to put an end to flagrant disregard for rules at the hospital.”

The association also condemned an attack on one of their colleagues by security operatives at LUTH and alleged that incidents of harassment of health workers had increased under the LUTH CMDs’ leadership.

He said, “There has been a lot of dispute between the LUTH management and its workers but this has escalated since the tenure of the current CMD, Prof. Chris Bode. We witnessed the use of legitimate institution security agents to harass a consultant gynaecologist, his children and pregnant wife within the hospital’s premises at 1am, a case that is currently being investigated by the State Security Services. We call on the Federal Government to institute an inquiry into recent activities at the institution before an avoidable crisis ensues.”

US confirms release of two US citizens in Yemen

The United States on Sunday confirmed the release of two Americans who had been held hostage by Shiite Huthi rebels in Yemen for months, and said they had arrived in Oman.

National Security Council spokesman Ned Price said Washington was “deeply appreciative” of those who helped obtain the release of the two citizens, who were not identified in the statement. He specifically thanked the government of Oman, and Sultan Qaboos.

Monarchs back Ekiti airport project

Monarchs in Ekiti under the aegis of Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers have backed the State Government’s bid to construct an airport in the state.

According to them, the airport will help hasten economic development in the state.

In a communique in Ado-Ekiti, which was signed by the Council’s Chairman and the Ologotun of Ogotun-Ekiti, Oba Oladapo Oyebade, and made available on Sunday, the monarchs said the project, which was approved by The Presidency in 2010, must start without further delay.

“Council appreciates the new move by the Ekiti State Governor, Dr Peter Ayodele Fayose, to pursue this worthy cause to logical conclusions. Council uses this opportunity to remind the President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria of an earlier appeal by the good people of Ekiti State at the Ewi’s Palace during his presidential campaign visit to Ekiti State on this subject. Council uses this medium to solicit the support of Mr President for the execution and completion of the project.

“We also appeal to Ekiti sons and daughters and well wishers across the globe for their full support. Now is the time for all good people of Ekiti to support this project for the promotion of the socio-economic emancipation of our beloved Ekiti State,” the communique stated.

The monarchs urged all Ekiti people to support the government to execute the project.

Fayose, at different fora, had said his government was committed to the project, promising that the project would be completed before the end of next year.

He said a fund raiser would be held in Lagos where corporate bodies and individual would be able to contribute to the project.

Service to humanity, focus of my govt – Ambode

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, at the weekend said selfless service and positive difference is what his administration is committed to deliver in the next four years.

The Governor, who spoke when members of the Hubert H. Humphrey Alumni Association and Representatives of the Public Affairs Section of the US Consulate General, Lagos, paid him a courtesy visit at the Lagos House, Ikeja, said his administration is set out to impact positively on the lives of the people in the state.

Governor Ambode, who is also an alumnus of the association, said he has benefitted from the fellowship programme in many ways, which he has resolved to bring to bear in the course of his administration.

“Part of the things I have benefitted from this programme is the way I have tried to touch the life of the next person I come across.”

“The truth is that your essence is your ability to touch as many people as possible and you know what our mantra is; you have to go out there and make a difference and ensure it’s a positive difference and that’s the whole essence of public leadership.”

“We are here in this administration to ensure that we make a difference and we are also here to make sure that the difference is a positive one that will touch the lives of all Lagosians and that’s why in everything that we have said, we want to make life easier for the people, we want to make them happier and at the same time make things more comfortable for them. That’s the whole essence of this administration and that’s what I stand for.”

He said the experience garnered when he joined the Hubert Humphrey Association prompted the setting up of new offices and realigning of ministries in the civil service to match up with the changing times in the quest of his administration to better the lot of the people.

Buhari commiserates with Osinbajo, sends delegation to Ikenne

President Muhammadu Buhari has placed a personal call to the family of the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo to commiserate with them over the death of the matriarch of the Awolowo family.

The late Hanna Idowu Dideolu Awolowo is the grandmother of Dolapo, the Vice President’s wife.

He described the deceased Mrs. Awolowo as “an institution in her own right”and “a model of motherhood.”

In a statement on Sunday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, the President described the late Hanna Idowu as one of the greatest female political icons in Africa who was deservingly revered for her remarkable virtues.

Buhari noted that Idowu’s shining virtues as a great mother, wife and motivator, would live after her.

The President,according to the statement, has equally dispatched a powerful federal government delegation to condole with the Awolowo family at Ikenne, Ogun State.

The delegation, which met the Vice President and other members of the Awolowo family was led by Malam Abba Kyari, the Chief of Staff.

He was accompanied by the Secretary to Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, the Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. Abayomi Olanishakin and the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Ambassador Oke.

“The delegation extended his condolences to the family, the government and people of Ogun state over the death of Mrs. Awolowo,” the statement said.

PDP’s ceaseless accusations, needless distractions – APC

The All Progressives Congress has said the rash of wild accusations against the APC-led Federal Government has confirmed itsearlier statement that the People’s  Democratic Party has perfected plans to distract the Buhari Administration from its onerous task of reviving the country’s fortunes.

”The PDP is wondering why we are not responding to the wild accusations emanating from their futile imagination. It is because we consider the accusations nothing but an irritant,” the party said in a statement issued in Lagos on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

It said there is no doubt that in issuing his bombastic statements, the PDP spokesman most often mistakes the APC for his party, hence he keeps attributing to the APC the failings of his own party, the same failings that have propelled the former ruling party into the opposition.

”Mr. Metuh wrote that ‘this administration must come to terms with the fact that democracy requires accountability, adherence to the rule of law and constitutional order’. Very interesting, because if the PDP had known all that, it would still have remained in power at the centre.

”It is therefore clear that the PDP spokesman has been so traumatised by the defeat of his party that he sometimes imagines he is writing about the APC when indeed he is listing the failings of his fallen party, the PDP,” APC said.

On a personal note, the party challenged Mr. Metuh to substantiate the claim in his Sunday statement about contracts allegedly awarded to the APC National Spokesman or be ready to do so in court.

”For the avoidance of any doubt, the APC spokesman has never been involved in any airport fencing contract in Osun or any deal involving fraudulent  purchase  or supply of ambulances anywhere in Nigeria,” it said.

APC insisted that Mr. Metuh is mortally afraid that he could be consumed by the ongoing anti-corruption battle, because of theallegations of graft hanging on his neck, as contained in published petitions to the anti-graft agencies from within his own party, rather than mere conjecture from anyone.

”Mr. Metuh’s assault on the Buhari Administration’s anti-corruption battle is a futile attempt at saving his own neck and that of his party. Unfortunately, it is too late in the day for them, going by the quantum of allegations against them,” the party said.

Nigeria’s biggest beneficiary from Afreximbank’s loans, projects

Nigeria is the biggest beneficiary from Afrexiimexbank’s loans and projects, the bank’s President, Mr Jean-Louis Ekra, has said.

Ekra disclosed this at a press conference in Cairo on Sunday as part of activities marking the inauguration of the head office of the bank.

He said that as a multilateral finance institution, the bank had never discriminated against any African country in spite of having its head office in Cairo.

The bank boss also said that 37 Africa governments had shares in Afreximbank, explaining that projects were always financed based on merit.

Ekra listed some projects which the bank financed in Nigeria to include those in power sector, oil and gas as well as projects involved in the development of local contents.

He said that a Nigerian construction firm designed the 14 million dollars head office of the bank in Cairo.

Ekra said that the bank recently launched a $500m Egypt Africa Trade Promotion Programme to leverage economic strength of the country.

He said many private sector operators in Egypt had shown interest in the fund and promised that the fund would be disbursed through a local commercial bank.

Ekra said the bank had intended to increase its paid up share capital by 2016, but this had even been achieved through positive response from shareholders

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Afreximbank is a Pan African finance institution designed to accelerate growth in Africa through trade finance.

It was established in 1993.

Osun lecturers decry non-payment of eight months salaries

Lecturers under the aegis of Council of Academic Staff Unions of Osun State-Owned Tertiary Institutions have described the nonpayment of their eight months salaries despite the release of bailout as the zenith of insensitivity.

The lecturers, who are members of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, Iree and Esa Oke and the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, Ilesa and Ila Orangun in a statement made available to our correspondent on Sunday dissociated themselves from the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Nigeria Labour Congress and Osun State Government.

The statement was signed by the CASUOSTI Chairman, Lasisi Jimoh; secerayry, Olusegun Lana; Chairman Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic, Iree, Dotun Omisore; ASUP chairman, Esa Oke, Adesola Akande; COEASU Ila-Orangun Chairman, Segun Onifade and COEASU Ilesa Chairman, Oladele Ojo.

The council accused the state government of not remitting contributory pension deductions from their salaries for many months.

The lecturers said rather than addressing the factors which forced them to embarked on a strike running to four months, the state government was wasting money to blackmail them and to coerce them to resume work.

But they vowed not to succumb to the tactics, saying the strike was a fight for their rights and they would not give up no matter the intimidation unless the issues were addressed.

The statement read, “Non-payment of salaries for the past eight months and leave bonuses for two years even after collecting bailout fund from the Federal Government for that purpose.

Volkswagen to probe emissions allegations

Volkswagen chief, Martin Winterkorn, promised on Sunday a full investigation into allegations that the vehicle company manipulated emissions testing on its cars in the United States.

The charges pose huge potential costs to the firm which is Europe’s largest car maker.

“I personally deeply regret that we have let down the trust of our customers and the public and I am addressing the issue as an utmost priority,” Winterkorn said.

The Environmental Protection Agency on Friday issued a notice of violation of the US Clean Air Act to the entire Volkswagen group in the US.

Democracy sliding under Buhari, PDP insists

NATIONAL leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has vowed to remain focused despite what it described as high level of intimidation by the All Progressives Congress, APC led government.

According to PDP, the APC should address the issue it raised with respect to assault on the nation’s democracy, insisting that democracy was sliding under President Buhari.

In a statement Sunday by PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, the party vowed that no amount of blackmail and diversionary tactics by the APC  would deter it “from exposing the deliberate agenda, already in motion, by the present administration to destroy the nation’s democracy and impose a dictatorship in the country.”

The PDP noted that  by resorting to insults, threats and personal attacks on its leaders, instead of responding to issues of emerging fascism raised by the PDP on Saturday, September 19, 2015, the APC and the Federal
Government further “confirmed their intolerance, disdain for democracy and frenetic appetite for totalitarianism.”

Metuh noted that  Nigerians await answers to issues and would not be hoodwinked by the antics of APC’s spokesperson, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, whose cleverness in using insults, personal attacks and wild allegations to divert attention is well known.

He said: “While we understand the nervousness of Alhaji Lai Mohammed to remain relevant, especially in the face of desperation for an appointment, this administration must come to terms with the fact that democracy requires accountability, adherence to the rule of law and constitutional order, and not the crass infractions, executive arrogance, intolerance and undermining of the legislature; the symbol of the sovereignty of the people that we now witness under the APC.

“The question is, has the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC government not exhibited all the trappings of despotism, including ruling without a constitutional component of a cabinet, persistent abuse of power,
corrupting of democratic institutions, quest to appropriate the National Assembly, in spite of the principle of separation of powers; invasion of state government and personal houses, injecting confusion into the judiciary and hounding of individuals perceived to be against its interests?

“What is APC’s position regarding the anti-democratic statement by the President, who, in an interview, during the recent visit to France,
expressed his reluctance to appoint ministers, in addition to his disparaging allusion to cabinet ministers as noise makers? Does this not
smack of totalitarianism?

“How else can one explain the relentless interferences in the activities of the National Assembly, a separate and independent arm of government, in addition to the bitterness with which the Presidency and the APC hold the duly elected leadership of the Senate, simply because it is not occupied by their preferred candidates?

“If not for a possible ulterior motive of appropriating the federal legislature as a means to undermine its statutory role of checks and balances and set the stage for dictatorship, what other reasons could there be for the current fixation on the leadership of the Senate by the
APC and the Presidency?

“Nigerians are still waiting for APC, a party which prides itself as a progressive platform, to respond to the widely condemned invasion of
Akwa-Ibom state government house by the Department of State Services (DSS), under the direct instructions from the Presidency. Is it not part
of the plot activated for possible forceful takeover of PDP states and impose a one-party regime in Nigeria?

“What about the July reprehensible invasion and sealing of Rivers local
councils by the federal controlled Police, who also barred members of caretaker committees that were duly appointed by the state government to take charge of the councils?

“In the same vein, how else can one explain the undue interferences of
the DSS in the activities of election tribunals in PDP controlled states of Rivers, Akwa-Ibom, Delta, Abia, Taraba and others where electoral
officers are being harassed, intimidated and detained, ostensibly to influence judgments against the PDP?

“This is not to talk about the intolerance and arrogance witnessed in the venom with which the APC attack well-meaning Nigerians, including
highly revered national leaders, for daring to counsel the Federal Government on some observed undemocratic tendencies under their ‘new Sheriff’, a development which has resulted in the setting in of an environment where citizens, irrespective of political affiliations, can no longer freely express their views.

“Is the PDP therefore not justified when we described as a mockery of reasoning, President Buhari’s use of choice words to condemn the coup in
Burkina Faso whilst his government engages in brazen contravention of our own constitution?

“Whilst we note the failed efforts of the APC spokesman to divert attention, we invite the Presidency and the APC to be informed that their attempt to harass and/or intimidate us with plethora of well instigated, sponsored, immature and wild allegations can never deter us from remaining focused on issues.

“Nevertheless, as we restate our commitment in providing issue-based opposition as well as our support for the fight against corruption, our final word for the APC spokesman on this, is that being ethically challenged, includes embezzling funds meant for fencing of an airport in an APC-led South West state. It also includes fraudulently refusing to supply ambulances after collecting monies from another APC South West state.

“It is then a comedy of roles when Alhaji Lai Mohammed speaks on corruption, a topic he practices and has well learnt, being a personal aide to one of the most corrupt politicians to ever bestride the political landscape of the country.”

FG signs financing deal for 36 oil wells – NNPC

Nigeria’s oil firm NNPC said Sunday it had signed a deal with a consortium of local and foreign lenders to develop 36 oil wells that would also boost domestic power generation in Africa’s largest crude producer.

NNPC has secured “a $1.2 billion multi-year drilling and financing package for 36 offshore/onshore oil wells,” the firm said in a statement.

The NNPC said the deal signed in London at the weekend would swell the country’s coffers and help to maintain current production levels as well as replace depleting reserves.

Oil accounts for more than 90 percent of Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings but the nation’s economy has been badly hurt by the fall in global oil prices since mid-2014.

The new government of President Muhammadu Buhari, which came to power in May, said it inherited an “almost empty” economy and is struggling to pay its bills.

Nigeria is Africa’s largest oil producer, exporting some two million barrels per day and has crude reserves of 37.4 billion barrels.

The NNPC said the 36 oil wells would be developed in two stages from 2015 to 2018.

“Stage one comprising 19 wells is projected to deliver 21,000 barrels of crude oil and condensate per day alongside 120,000 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (mmscf/d), over 2015 and 2016,” it said.

“Stage two, comprising 17 wells, is projected to yield 20,000 barrels of crude oil and condensate per day alongside gas production of seven mmscf/d between 2016 and 2018,” it added.

The NNPC said the project would generate between $2 to $5 billion in revenue to cash-strapped Nigeria.

Beyond the contribution to the national treasury, the projected gas production — the electricity equivalent of 400 megawatts — “would help boost the federal government’s domestic gas aspirations with … (a) positive effect on power supply,” it added.

Osun govt. provides free train service

The Osun Government on Sunday said it would provide free train service for its citizens who would be travelling to Osogbo from Lagos for the Eid-el-Kabir festival.

This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Semiu Okanlawon, the media aide to Gov. Rauf Aregbesola, and made available to newsmen in Osogbo.

According to the statement, the free train service would convey people from Lagos to Osogbo on Tuesday and Wednesday at 11:00 am.

It stated that the return journey to Lagos from Osogbo would hold on Sunday, Sept. 27, at 11: a.m.

The statement said the gesture by the state government was aimed at facilitating a stress-free homecoming for the people during the festival.

It noted that the state government had, since 2011, been making such similar arrangements for the people of the state to travel home during festive seasons.

The statement urged the travellers to take advantage of their homecoming to assess the ongoing developments in the state.

“We encourage holiday makers to use this opportunity to update themselves about the developments that are taking place in the state as against the persistent negative media campaigns by our traducers.

“This is one of those opportunities they have to see things directly in order to be guided by future campaigns of calumny which our political opponents are committed to,” it said.

Edo PDP suspends ex-Dep. Gov. Imasuen, two others for anti-party activities

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has suspended one-time deputy governor and former state Vice Chairman (Edo South) of the party, Chief Lucky Imasuen, and two other members for anti-party activities.

The two other members are a former Deputy Chairman, Hon Christopher Adesotu and a former Organising Secretary, Mr Richard Ehimagbi.  The suspension came just as Imasuen and Adesotu were  among more than 3,000 PDP members who defected to the ruling All Progressives Party (APC)  in the state, yesterday.

The suspended members have been directed to appear before a disciplinary committee of the PDP tomorrow (Monday) in accordance with the party constitution.

A statement signed by the PDP Publicity Secretary, Mr Chris Nehikhare, said the decision was “in the spirit of rebirth and reorganization of the PDP and in line with the solemn pledge to bequeath a responsible and responsive government to Edo people in 2016.”

The party also commended the Edo State National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal for reaffirming the victory of Senators Matthew Uroghide (Edo South Senatorial District) and Clifford Ordia (Edo Central Senatorial District) in the March 28 senatorial election.

Meanwhile, Imasuen; a  former deputy governorship candidate of the PDP  in the 2012 poll,  Hon. Johnson Abulagba; and  Adesotu  dumped the party for the  APC with over 3,000 of their supporters.

Imasuen, who led the defectors at a well attended rally, held  at the traditional Urhokpota Ground, described the claim of being suspended as nonsensical, asserting: “We are tired of the PDP and the manipulations of the leadership and we decided to leave and they are dead in Edo South and across the state”.

Governor Adams Oshiomhole, who received the defectors, described the occasion as the final funeral rite for the PDP in Edo and assured the decampees that the APC will integrate them to enable them  enjoy all benefits accruing to old members.

Every society needs viable opposition, says Okowa

 Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta on Saturday said every society needs a viable and strong opposition for sustainable democracy.

Okowa said this in a paper he delivered at public lecture to mark the 83rd birthday of former Military Governor of the defunct Bendel State, retired Brig. Samuel Ogbemudia.

The governor said, “strong opposition will consistently and responsibly expose the weakness of the ruling party and challenge it to deliver on its campaign promises.
“It is the duty of the opposition to articulate, aggregate and advance its ideology as superior to that of the ruling government and that the people’s interests are better served with them.

“That makes the opposition to keep the government on its toe and motivate it to deliver on good governance.

“Party ought to play their rightful roles in the democratisation process, while the party in government must seek to provide good governance and the enabling environment for growth and sustenance of democracy, “ Okowa said.

Okowa urged political parties to plan for the present and future needs of the people for democracy to be sustainable in Nigeria.

The governor also urged civil leaders and elected representatives to embrace the principle of deferred gratification and long term planning that has the welfare of the people at its core.