Obasanjo: Proposed Pipeline Protection Commission is Avenue for ‘Chop-chop’

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Read Time:4 Minute, 13 Second

The former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has said the proposed Pipeline Protection Commission by the federal government to combat pipeline vandalism is unnecessary, saying it was an avenue “for chop-chop.”

Obasanjo said this yesterday in Abuja, during a thanksgiving service in commemoration of 50th birthday anniversary of former Minister of Education, Mrs. Obiageli Ezekwesili.
The former president also disagreed with the  former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN),  on the need to setup an agency for national integration.

Obasanjo said the Nigerian constitution was based on principles that guarantees integration.
Agabi had earlier commended the Obasanjo administration for performing creditably well, except that the administration did not create an agency for national integration so as to foster the unity of various groups in the country.   

In a swift reaction, Obasanjo said: "Kana Agabi is exemplary, as a Christian, he is exemplary in integrity, he is exemplary, but this morning he goofed, How can you say that, there is need for a commission for national integration? The constitution of Nigeria is for integration, what more do you need, you have a constitution that is based on integrating of this country, you have things like the federal character, what is that meant to do? To integrate.
"If we now failed to implement it, then you can even say we have breached the constitution of Nigeria. So, we don't need an agency for national integration, read your constitution very well, and you are a lawyer."

Obasanjo wondered why the government would conceive the idea of setting up a special commission to combat pipeline vandalism despite the availability of the Nigerian Police and other security agencies.

"This morning, I was coming from Abeokuta and I was listening to the radio, I heard that they are going to setup an agency for pipeline protection, what are the police there for? What are all the securities agencies that we have there for? Another 'chop-chop'," he said.
Obasanjo, who described Ezekwesili as a patriot and honest citizen of Nigeria, said Nigerians should hold him responsible for any failure recorded during his administration.

"Let me say what Oby stands for and the exemplary service she has rendered, under my own administration and indeed to the global world, I thank God for making you available to serve Nigeria and to serve God. For those who worked with me to achieve whatever we may think we achieved and I have always said it, whatever you want to blame in my government, blame me, because I was in charge, don't blame any of those who assisted me, if there is any credit to dispense we will share that.

Oby,  for those who want to probe you, if they are honest, they would discover that the government of Nigeria should specially give you money for what you have done for this country," he said.

He, however, said Nigeria was a nation loved by God, adding that God had done everything for the nation.
"Stop tempting God with prayers. I just hope that we will get it right. We have no choice, we have to get it right, let us decide individually that I will do what I have to do to bring about change in Nigeria, and if you do, you will be called names, some people are hired to do that. But say what you believe is right and stand by it," he added.

Describing the celebrant, Obasanjo  said Ezekwesili and Iyabo Obasanjo, were exactly the same in character.
"One thing about Oby is that she looks like me,  unfortunately for her, she behaves a little like me, and even some people said she walks like me, but she has a younger sister, Iyabo, they are in character exactly the same, they will abuse me when they feel they should abuse me, but I don't answer them, except to say that even when you are 50 years old, you are still my daughter, and even when you are 60 years old, you will still be," he said.

Also, a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, who spoke at the reception, said Ezekwesili was a patriot who loves her country and want her country to be free of corruption.

El-Rufai described the celebrant as Nigeria's Margaret Thatcher.
"Oby is one of the most honest and genuine persons I know, she says it as it is, and in this country, saying the truth is controversial, so I am not surprised she is said to be controversial. What said was to draw attention to the waste of resources in the administration and it is true, I honestly see Oby as our Margaret Thatcher, I see Oby as one Nigerian that should be the President of this country at some point, then I will actively support her," he said.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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A’Court Slams Lagos Govt over Handling of Mustapha, Shofolahan’s Case

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Read Time:1 Minute, 15 Second

 The Court of Appeal in Lagos Monday, expressed dissatisfaction over the Lagos State Government’s approach towards the hearing of the appeal filed by the convicted Chief Security Officer (CSO) to late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha and the Protocol Officer in the campaign organisation of late M.K.O Abiola, Alhaji Lateef Shofolahan, against the judgment of the trial court, which sentenced them to death.

Justice Mojisola Dada of a Lagos High Court, had passed the death sentence by hanging on both of them after they were arraigned on a four-count charge of conspiracy and murder of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola in 1996, along Lagos/Ibadan Expressway.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN),  the appeal could not be heard yesterday  as counsel to the Lagos State Government, Mr. Femi Adamson, informed the appellate court, presided over by Justice Chuma Nweze, that the respondent had an application for extension of time dated April 29, 2013, to enable the state government file its respondent’s brief of argument.

“Gentlemen, as you can see, it is not the fault of the court not to hear the appeal. Counsels should desist from the attitude of filing applications late in any case,” Justice Nweze emphasised.
Adamson, who is Assistant Chief State Counsel in the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, apologised for late filing of the said application and explained that it was due to hitches beyond his control.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Boko Haram: What Northern Leaders Must Do, by Kuku

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Read Time:2 Minute, 13 Second

 Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Niger Delta, Mr. Kingsley Kuku, at the weekend linked resolution of security challenges arising from the activities of Boko Haram to genuine participation of political, traditional, intellectual and religious leaders in the North in the on-going peace process.

Kuku, who was a guest speaker at the Woodrow Wilson Centre in Washington DC, United States,  said with the setting up and inauguration of the Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North, President Goodluck Jonathan had shown that his administration “is irrevocably committed to the restoration of peace, safety and security in the northern part of the country.”
Kuku, who is also the Chairman Presidential Amnesty Programme, however warned that the President’s genuine intentions might become futile if known and respected leaders in the North continued to remain aloof.

He explained that President Jonathan “has shown good faith. He has shown leadership and he has shown commitment. He truly wants every part of Nigeria to be in peace. However, respected leaders in the North must help Nigeria; they must help our president; they must get involved in the peace process.

“They must help rein in the leaders of the Boko Haram sect. These northern leaders know several of these persons. They have to help bring them to the negotiating table. This is how this crisis can be solved.”

He commended those who accepted their nomination to serve in the committee constituted by the government, noting that it was a crucial national assignment and that his office was willing and open to share knowledge and experience with members of the committee on how to resolve the crisis.

Speaking on how the Niger Delta militancy was curbed, Kuku said if not because the Niger Delta leaders keyed into the late President Umaru Yar’Adua’s vision to dialogue with former agitators in the zone, the Niger Delta amnesty programme would not have been a success and that part of Nigeria would still be in turmoil.

“It is true that it was President Yar’Adua who proclaimed amnesty for agitators in the Niger Delta but it must also be clarified that Yar’Adua proclaimed amnesty for the former agitators in the Niger Delta after months of dialogue with them. The process was led by then vice-president, who is now the president, (Jonathan),” Kuku said.

He added that Jonathan defied security advice and went to the then dreaded Camp 5 in Delta State to dialogue with the militant leaders led by the dreaded Tompolo and extracted peace commitment from them.

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Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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NIGERIA: FG Warns Polys against Conducting PGD Programmes

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Read Time:1 Minute, 57 Second

The federal government has said it is illegal for polytechnics to run post-graduate diploma (PGD) programmes as it is not within their mandate.

The Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufa’I, stated this  MONday, at the inauguration of Governing Councils for National Teachers Institute, National Educational Research Development Council, 15 Federal Polytechnics and 19 Federal Colleges of Education in Abuja.

Rufa’I, who warned tertiary institutions against holding convocations without issuing certificates to their graduating students, noted that the certificates should be signed by the Provosts and Registrars as applicable, which was the same way it was done in the universities.

“Issuance of certificates to graduating students is a prerequisite for approval for holding convocations: thus no certificate, no convocation,” she said.

The minister reminded the councils of their duties, which include to encourage responsive unionism among students and staff in their institutions and curtail the spread of cultism, drug abuse and other social vices by students.

She called for the development of effective strategies as a framework for the early detection and eradication of all forms of vices such as examination malpractice, sexual harassment, extortion, inducement, loss of examination scripts and results.

The minister also urged the council not to follow the practise, where honorary degrees and prestigious fellowship awards were turned to chieftaincy titles or not awarded based on merit.
Meanwhile, the National Universities Commission (NUC) has dissociated itself from a circulated list on the internet of ‘top 100 and top 50’ universities in Nigeria, which were said to be the outcome of an assessment by the commission.

The NUC, in a statement issued yesterday by its Chief Information Officer, Mrs. Bukola Olatunji, said although it was already building up to carry out an assessment for ranking, the last ranking exercise was carried out in 2004.

It was gathered that the ranking was based on data from an assessment of percentage of academic programmes of the university with full accreditation status, compliance with carrying capacity (measure of the degree of deviation from carrying capacity) and proportion of the academic staff of the university at professorial level.

Other considerations included foreign content (staff), foreign content (student), staff with outstanding academic achievements, research output, student complcompletion rate, Ph.D graduate output for the year, stability of university calendar and student-to-PC ratio.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Labour Kicks against FG’s Plan to Retrench 11,000 PHCN Workers

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Read Time:4 Minute, 0 Second

The federal government may have concluded plans to lay off about 11,000 employees of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) in a bid to cut cost. The figure represents 27.5 per cent of the 40,000 members of staff of the electricity company.

THISDAY learnt that the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BP E) had two weeks ago issued a directive to the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of the PHCN to compile a list of staff members that would be affected in the exercise.

The implication is that those that would be affected would not be paid their pension entitlements ahead of the winding down of the public corporation.

However, the unions in the sector have kicked against the move, stating that it was rather unfortunate and provoking that the federal government could hatch such obnoxious idea when agreement reached with the unions on the payment of severance benefit is yet to be implemented.

It was gathered that the two unions in the sector had petitioned the federal government through the Ministers of Power and Labour and Productivity explaining the dangers and futility of the government action when the agreement on labour issues had not been honoured.

General Secretary of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), Joe Ajaero, who confirmed the directive, said it had become obvious that the federal government had decided to truncate the implementation of the collective agreement reached with the unions.

Ajaero said the union had equally directed its members to stop work should the government make good its threat to retrench workers in the sector when labour issues had not been settled.

He added that government should be held responsible for any reaction the directive may generate in the power sector.

“Information reaching us reveals that arrangement to close down PHCN’s Corporate Headquarters has been put in place. While people are still working, government plans to kill their management.

“It was equally gathered that the federal government has concluded plans not to pay pension or transfer money to the Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), all in the name of driving workers to their early graves.

“We are worried that the government could be privatising without cash backing, as information at our disposal suggests that about N43 billion is available out of the over N400 billion agreed with the unions. At moment, agreement on certain indices to be used in calculating entitlements like life expectancy which the federal government put at 114 years is yet to be reconciled.
“While there is still opportunity for the federal government to follow due process, we wish to state unequivocally that PHCN workers will legitimately resist every attempt to shave their hair in their absence.

“Should the federal government make good its threat to retrench workers in the sector when labour issues have not been settled, all members are advised to stop work, while those monies are paid into their accounts should see it as free money,” Ajaero said.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in conjunction with the Trade Union Congress (TUC) yesterday said it had concluded plans to build 600,000 houses across the country for the benefit of Nigerian workers.

Chairman of the NLC/TUC joint committee on the centenary celebration, Mr. Promise Adewusi, said this during a pre-May-day media briefing in Abuja.

Adewusi stated that only worker from both the public and the private sector would be entitled to benefit from the housing scheme.

"All Nigerians are workers, but only worker from either the public or the private sector, whose employers guarantee their payment will benefit from the houses," he said.
The committee noted that this year's May-day  celebration was special and it is being planned with the collaborative efforts of Nigeria Centenary Celebration Committee, as it coincides with the nation’s centenary.

The committee also disclosed that events marking the 2013 workers day would commence tomorrow with a symposium which would feature foremost  human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), and Senator Uche Chukwumerije,  amongst others as discussants.

Adewusi said the symposium would focus on major national issues, such as corruption, national security, job creation and the challenges of nation building.
He also said President Goodluck Jonathan was being expected to roll-out the government's welfare package for the workers on May 1.

"This is the May day that is going to come before the centenary celebration,  and it  is going to be a joing celebration by the NLC and the TUC, we are starting with a symposium on Tuesday which will be resourceful," he said.

Adewusi said the NLC had concluded arrangement to inaugurates a documentary on the evolution of Nigerian labour movement in relation to national development.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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NIGERIA: Police Foils Bank Robbery In Aba

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Read Time:1 Minute, 33 Second

The Aba Area Command of the Nigerian Police Force on Sunday foiled plans by a six man robbery gang to break into a branch of Diamond Bank Plc in Aba, the commercial nerve centre of Abia State.

The Aba Area Commander, ACP Rabiu Dayi told journalists at the crime scene that the robbers gained entrance into the bank’s premises around 2.00am Sunday morning, adding that the operation was frustrated through the quick intervention of the police team.

He stated that the leader of the gang was killed during the operation while five others escaped through the bank’s fence at the instance of police response.

Dayi said that the timely response of the Aba Area Commands anti robbery squad, Police Mobile Force 28 and other Police Patrol teams foiled all the efforts made by the fully armed robbers from gaining access into the bank.

According to him, “17 shells of expended bullets, a master key and a GSM handset were recovered at the crime scene. Out of the six members of the gang, the leader whom you see lying dead here was killed by the Mopol officer on duty, while other five members of the gang escaped through the backyard fence when they noticed the heavy presence of police team.”

ASP Anari Anari, Officer in charge of the Anti Robbery Unit of the Command said that his team has declared a manhunt for the fleeing members of the gang.

He charged the public to give information about criminals to the police, warning that the anti robbery squad would stop at nothing in making Aba unsafe for criminal activities.

“I am sounding a note of warning to all the criminal elements in Aba and its environs. The anti robbery unit in collaboration with other security agencies in Aba will make here unsafe for their operations.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Fashola: We’ve Learnt Greatly from the Boston Attack

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Read Time:3 Minute, 38 Second

The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, at the weekend said his government picked up critical lessons from the Boston marathon attack in the United States, a couple of weeks ago, which left many people dead and scores badly injured, some with permanent damage.

Speaking at the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, John Hopkins University, Washington D.C,  where he delivered a lecture, Fashola said he kept long nights taking notes on how the US government managed the situation from the moment the attack was launched.

Describing terrorism as a trans-boundary crime, Fashola told the audience that: “I kept long hours at night following the events, taking notes about how the first responders reacted and how the law enforcement carried out their duties. They are notes that I have shared with my colleagues in government that are in charge of health and security services and many of them shared some of those long nights as well.”

The governor described the occasion of the lecture as “an appropriate opportunity to personally convey the sympathy of the people and government of the state to all of you Americans here and members of the free world for the unfortunate and horrific incident that happened in Boston over a week ago. We join you in condemning and fighting terror wherever it rears its ugly head.

“For those who still fail to understand, terror is a trans-boundary crime with global ramifications. Even though we were not physically here with you during those traumatic moments, we were deeply affected by the events as we watched on global news.”

The incident aside, Fashola also shared his experience on the trip to the US when he said: “Violence and devastating consequences compelled me to review my invitation to speak here today. I asked myself if it was safe to come. I asked myself if the law enforcement and border security agencies would be increasingly hostile to visitors in view of the origins of the suspects of the crime.

“I asked myself if people like me, a Muslim, would not be profiled for all sorts of body searches. I considered calling Professor Peter Lewis to cancel the trip. The event is a call I never made. I decided to personally experience whatever new measures that visitors to this country would now have to contend with.

“I am pleased that I never picked up the phone to call Professor Lewis. I am also pleased to say that none of my fears about the possible heavy-handed reaction were borne out– at least, certainly not from my experience or that of my entourage. But something that was non-official, in this sense, did not represent the manifest position of the government of this country, happened,” he noted.

Continuing, Fashola said “As we were being assisted through Immigration by my country’s ambassador, the very amiable Ambassador Archibong, an elderly American lady shouted out: ‘Why should these visitors go through before me? This is my country.’ Her words will stay with me for a long time as I struggle to make meaning of them. But why are they relevant here?

“It is because Professor Lewis asked me to speak on a topic that relates to the challenges of governance and development in Lagos State, and governing Nigeria’s federal system. I had chosen the topic ‘Liberating and coordinating diversity.’ But I did not write my speech until Wednesday, the day I got here.

“As far as I know, many countries that have opted for a federal system of government have done so because it is the best known system for managing diversity; whether of tribes, nationalities, religions, ethnicities or languages. In this sense, this country and my country, especially my state, Lagos, are no different.

“Lagos shares many similarities with New York: as former federal capitals, as current commercial capitals, as melting pots of different people from different walks of life. Where would our two countries be without the diversity of their immigrant population- an immigrant population whose skills and financial resource help to keep the wheels of development turning?” he asked, adding: “I will let you ponder over these thoughts, and move to the content of my speech.”

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Court Orders Fashola to Pay Ex-deputy Gov, Ojikutu, Pension

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Read Time:3 Minute, 42 Second

A Lagos High Court has ordered the Lagos State Government to pay retirement benefits and pension to a former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Sinatu Ojikutu.

Ojikutu had in her suit prayed the court for an order compelling the state governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), to pay her pension and other benefits as provided for under the public office holder (payment of pension) Law No 11 official gazette of Lagos state, 2007.

The applicant was the Deputy-Governor of Lagos State between January 1992 and November 1993 before she was forcibly removed from office as a result of a coup led by General Sani Abacha, now deceased.

Justice Atilade in her judgment delivered last Friday, granted all reliefs sought by the former deputy governor.
The applicant through her lawyer, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN), also joined as respondents; the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye, as well as the Ministry of Establishments, Training and Pensions, Lagos State.

Specifically, the applicant, in her originating summons brought pursuant to order 3 Rule 6 of High Court of Lagos state (Civil Procedure) Rules 2004 and sections 1-6 of the Public Office Holder (Payment of Pensions) Law 2007, No 11 official gazette of Lagos State, asked the court to declare that she is entitled to the payment of pension and other benefits as provided for under the Public Office Holder (Payment of Pension) Law No 11 official Gazette of Lagos State, 2007 to wit:

She also requested for an annual basic salary equal to 100 per cent of the annual salary of the incumbent Deputy-Governor of Lagos State subject to review every five years or salary review by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission in line with section 210 (3) of the constitution as amended in 2011.

In her statement of claim, the former deputy governor stated that towards the end of the administration of the former governor of the state, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the state assembly enacted a law stating among others that:
“Any person who held office as an elected governor or deputy governor (referred to in this Law as Public office Holder) shall be entitled to the payment of pension at the rate equivalent to the annual basic salary of the incumbent governor or deputy governor and other benefits as provided by the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission.’’

“Any person duly elected as public office holder shall upon the successful completion of his term be entitled to a grant of pension for life by the state; Provided that such a person shall not be entitled to a grant of pension under this law if he was removed from office by the process of impeachment or for breach of any provision of the constitution.’’

“The total emolument of the public office holder shall include salary, allowances and fringe benefits as contained in the schedule to this law;  In line with this law, the applicant prayed the court to declare that she was a public office holder under the 1999 Constitution (as amended).”

Besides, she asked the court to declare that as a serving deputy governor she was not removed by virtue of any constitutional breach or impeachment process by the state legislature.

‘’One residential house for the applicant at any location of her choice in Lagos state; two cars and in addition one pilot and one backup car to be replaced every three years for the applicant; 300% of the annual salary of the incumbent Deputy-Governor of Lagos State payable every two years en-bloc as furniture allowance; 10% of the annual basic salary of the incumbent Deputy-Governor of Lagos State as house maintenance allowance; provision for cook, steward, gardener, drivers and other domestic staff to work for the applicant and who shall be pensionable by the 1st respondent; free medical treatment for the applicant and members of her immediate family; one State Security Service detail and two policemen, one each for the house and personal security for the applicant; 25% of the annual basic salary of the incumbent Deputy-Governor of Lagos State for a Personal Assistant; 30% of the annual basic salary of the incumbent Deputy-Governor for car maintenance; 10% of the annual basic salary of the incumbent Deputy-Governor for entertainment and 20% of the annual basic salary of the incumbent Deputy-Governor for utility.

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Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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PIB: Senate to Hold Zonal, FCT Public Hearings

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Read Time:3 Minute, 52 Second

The Senate Joint Committees on Petroleum Upstream, Downstream, Gas and Judiciary handling the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) will hold public hearing in three zones of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

A source within the committee who confided in us, listed the zones and designated places to include Lagos in the South-west, Port Harcourt in the South-south, Kaduna in the North-west and Abuja.

According to the source, who said dates of the hearing in each zone had not been fully agreed upon, all stakeholders in the oil industry would be invited to the events.
He also said in preparation for the formal take-off of the public hearings, a preliminary workshop had been scheduled to take place this morning in Bolingo Hotel, Abuja.
The aim of the workshop, he said, was to sensitise members of the committee with the general features of the bill as well as the modus operandi of the agenda.

He also disclosed that as part of the agenda on the bill, the joint committees would visit some onshore-offshore platforms in oil producing areas with a view to ascertaining whether the onshore-offshore dichotomy really existed.

He also said the committees had already outlined fixed working plans on how it would handle the bill, beginning from the preliminary workshop taking place today to the time of the final presentation of its reports to the Senate for approval.

The committee is already behind schedule as upon passing through the second reading on March 7, the joint committee was given six weeks to carry out further legislation on the bill including the conduct of public hearing and report back to the Senate within the period.

In another development, the persistent agitation for special status for Lagos State as a former Federal Capital Territory (FCT) may soon become history if the current bill in the Senate, seeking special recognition for the state sails through.

 Tagged “A bill for an Act to Establish Special Economic Assistance Programme for Lagos State,” the bill is sponsored by Senators  Oluremi Tinubu  (Lagos Central), Ganiyu Solomon  (Lagos West) and Olugbenga Ashafa (Lagos East).
The bill has passed through the first reading in the upper chamber.

According to the bill, Lagos deserves special economic assistance in recognition of its status as the former capital of Nigeria as well as the volume of institutions and economic activities therein.

Further, the bill which advocates the designation of the state as a Special Area, wants the federal government to make financial grants to the state every year  as supplements to the revenue accruable to it from the federation account.

Section two of the bill states that such financial grants shall be determined by the president on the advice of the state governor in consideration of the total revenues accruable to the federation account directly from taxes, levies, duties and other charges on individuals and corporate bodies as well as transactions within Lagos State.

The bill also stipulates that the financial grants shall not be less than one per cent of the share of revenue allocated to the federal government in the federation account which shall “be payable only upon appropriation by the National Assembly in the Federal Government budget for the relevant year.”

It further states that the financial grants shall be aimed at building new roads, bridges, railways and other public infrastructure; maintaining the existing infrastructure to keep them serviceable and ease the movement of traffic across the state; improving facilities in public primary and secondary schools; building police stations, prisons and other security establishments as well as procurement of equipment for public health institutions.

 It also states that the grants shall be used for promotion of a conducive socio-economic environment for the assistance of federal institutions and related activities as well as the improvement of the state government’s capacity to host the increasing number of personnel and activities in the state.

The bill, which also provides for the expenditure of financial grants made under the Act through the approval of the House of Assembly each year, also stipulates the establishment of a committee to be known as the Joint Lagos State Development Committee.

The committee, according to the bill, shall consist of six members with three of them each appointed by the President and the governor of Lagos State.

The committee shall among others, prepare a report to be presented to the president and the governor respectively not later than September 30 of each year with information on the level of activities and revenues from federal institutions and agencies in Lagos.

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Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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NIGERIA: Homosexual stabs partner to death, police arrest neighbours

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The Lagos State Police Command has started investigation into the murder of a banker, Adindu Ohamara, who was stabbed to death by his suspected homosexual lover in Akoka, Bariga Local Council Development Area of Lagos State.

It was gathered that Ohamara lived in a three-bedroom flat with his elder sister, Flora and one Collins, an undergraduate of the University of Lagos.

According to residents, the banker was stabbed repeatedly at his residence located at 26 Obayan Street.

CODEWIT Metro learnt that Ohamara, who was believed to be a homosexual, was fond of bringing different men, who were also believed to be into same sex relationship, to his home.

It was learnt that trouble started when he (Ohamara) decided to get married due to pressure from his family.

A resident, who craved anonymity, said after the banker had his wedding introduction, a man, believed to be also a gay came to fight him.

He said, “A few weeks ago, Ohamara did his wedding introduction and shortly after that, one man came to the compound to fight him.There was a lot of noise over the issue and even neighbours had to come to settle the matter.

“The unidentified man complained that he had been jilted and threatened to deal with Ohamara before he left in anger.”

Our correspondent learnt that on April 9, 2013, the banker returned home with a man, who allegedly stabbed him at midnight and left.

According to police sources, hours before the incident, Collins went to Oharama’s room where he met the stranger sitting on Oharama’s bed, discussing with him.

A domestic worker in the house, who craved anonymity, said he saw the suspect fleeing with a laptop at midnight.

He said, “It was a Friday evening. Ohamara came home with the man and they went inside. I went to sleep but at midnight, I saw the man carrying a laptop and then he opened the gate and left. He did not run so I was not suspicious.

“Around 4am, Collins and Flora started shouting for help. A neighbour came to help them and they took him into his Toyota Camry and drove to a hospital.”

It was learnt that Ohamara was taken to Jonken Hospital from where he was referred to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital Idi Araba where he was confirmed dead.

Our correspondent, who visited the house on Monday, learnt that the police later arrested all the adult occupants of the building, including the security guard identified only as Kazeem.

The policemen allegedly demanded N350,000 from each of the detained persons before they could be released.

The landlord of the property, Yemi Oketola, said the deceased had issued him two post-dated cheques as payment for his rent.

Oketola on hearing of the arrest of his other tenants, visited the SCID and appealed to the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Damilola Adegbuyi, for their release.

He said, “I do not live in the house but immediately I got wind of the incident, I went to the SCID and I met with the DCP in charge. I complained that a neighbour, who took Ohamara to the hospital ,was arrested. The DCP promised that my tenants would be released.

“When I went to see the Investigating Police Officer, he informed me that the cost of bailing each person was N350, 000. I called the DCP and he was very angry when he heard about the demand. He said he would make sure that the tenants were released.”

When contacted on the telephone, the spokesperson for the state police command, Ngozi Braide, confirmed the murder.

Braide however said she could not confirm if the deceased was a homosexual or not.

She said, “According to information I got at the SCID Homicide unit, there are only two suspects in custody, the deceased’s sister (Flora) and the UNILAG student (Collins). I am not aware of any other arrests.

“Also, I am not aware of any N350, 000 bail because bail is free. Investigations are ongoing and we will get to the bottom of it.”

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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