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LOKOJA—Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has said that President Muhammadu Buhari is very passionate about the completion and effective operation of the Ajaokuta Steel Company, located in Kogi state.
Fayemi who stated this yesterday in Ajaokuta during a one day official visit to the company, said the new government is taking a holistic look at the company to ensure that the steel complex works for the benefit of Nigerians.
“I want to let you know that the President is very passionate about the Ajaokuta steel company. We will take a look at the company holistically with a view of making it work for the benefits of Nigerians.
“We are looking at the entire steel complex. We are not going to segment the plant. We are told that the captive power plant, has been reactivated. After taking the one needed by the company, we will be happy if Kogi and its environs could benefit from the remaining Megawatt”, Fayemi stressed.
The sole Administrator of the company, Isah Joseph Onobere, had earlier said that since the determination of the Russian contract, the original designers of the company, in 1994, no significant progress was made in the fortunes of the company.
Onobere called on the FG to ensure the timely completion of the company, saying that the minister’s visit after few months in office, is a clear demonstration of government’s good intention to complete the steel plant.
He described the much taunted obsolete nature of the technology adopted by the Ajaokuta steel company as borne largely out of ignorance and campaign of calumny against the Nigerian state, “The campaign is to ensure that the company perpetually remain a dumping ground for steel products from the developed nations.
“I commended the workers of the company for there resilience. They have shown uncommon patriotism in defending and protecting the steel plant equipment and facilities in the last 21 years.”
Also speaking, representative of the Iron and Steel Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, ISSSAN, and Steel and Engineering Workers Union of Nigeria, SEWUN; said no nation can attain economic stability, real industrial and technological advancement without massive investment in the steel sector.
Comrade Bello Itopa who spoke on behalf of the duo bodies, said the greatest gift the Federal Government can give the country is to ‘emancipate its citizens from economic slavery”.
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.
Abuja — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday, re-arrested the former Director-General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Patrick Akpobolokemi, over fresh allegations of fraud to the tune of N12, 905, 485.
The former DG was arrested shortly after his trial was adjourned by Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court, Lagos, where, alongside five other individuals, he is facing criminal charges to the tune of N2.3 billion.
Akpobolokemi’s arrest was on the strength of fresh evidence that he allegedly converted N11, 737,854,485 and another N816,000,000, meant for the development of the temporary site of the proposed Nigeria Maritime University, Kurutie, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, for his personal use.
The suspect was said to have obtained a presidential approval of N13, 000,000,000 through the office of the then National Security Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan, Colonel Sambo Dasuki( retd) for the acquisition and development of a temporary site for the Nigerian Maritime University.
Of the total approved amount, N11,737,854,485 was allegedly paid into a company suspected to be owned by Chief Government Oweize Ekpemupolo, a.k.a Tompolo.
A source in EFCC said that after the said money was paid, the DG caused the sum of N6, 000,000,000 to be moved into another account belonging to one of the associates of the indicted DG.
Also, the sum of N816, 000,000, allegedly obtained through a presidential approval for the Voluntary International Maritime Organisation Members State Audit (VIMSAS) implementation in Nigeria, was diverted to Akpobolokemi’s personal use.
From the courtroom, the operatives moved the former DG to their detention centre where he is being quizzed.
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.
Lagos — A Federal High Court in Lagos has set aside a fresh Concession Agreement on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway reconstruction project. The court stopped the concession until the determination of the main suit.
While delivering his ruling in a suit filed by Bi-Courtney Highway Services Limited against the Attorney General of the Federation, the Federal Ministry of Works, the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), the Infrastructure Bank Plc and Motorway Assets Limited (MAL) on Friday, the Court granted a Mandatory Injunction on the fresh concession agreement, purportedly signed by the defendants on January 16, 2015, as prayed by the Plaintiff/Applicant.
Among the prayers sought by Bi-Courtney in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/727/2015 was an Order of Mandatory Injunction setting aside the Concession Agreement granted MAL, over the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in the form of a Finance, Operate and Transfer arrangement involving the Federal Authorities. The Court held that the grant of the Concession to MAL in the circumstances of the case was a flagrant disregard of the established principles of law.
Bi-Courtney also sought in its application an “Interlocutory Injunction restraining all the Defendants/Respondents, particularly the 1st, 2nd and 5th Defendants/Respondents, from implementing, giving effect to, actualizing, operating or, howsoever, taking any steps or actions whatsoever in furtherance of, or pursuant to, the Concession Agreement dated 16th January 2015, between the 1st, 2nd and the 5th Defendants/Respondents, which purports to grant a concession over the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in the form of a Finance, Operate and Transfer arrangement to the 5th Defendant, pending the hearing and d determination of the substantive suit herein.”
Just before delivering the ruling, the defendants sought to prevent the Court from delivering the said ruling by filing an application in court. The court deprecated the attempt to arrest its ruling and proceeded to deliver the said ruling and granted “an order of mandatory injunction…setting aside the Concession Agreement dated 16th January 2015 between the 1st, 2nd and the 5th Defendants/Respondents, which purports to grant a concession over the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in n the form of a Finance, Operate and Transfer arrangement to the 5th Defendant.”
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.
HAVING been the slogan with which the All Progressives Congress, APC, achieved tremendous success at the last general election, it is not surprising that many want to see the change mantra translate into socio-economic prosperity.
While the possibility of such national transformation would have been achieved through collaborative undertakings between the Federal Government and the citizenry, Nigerians characteristically expect much from the Federal Government in that regard.
It is against that backdrop that the issue prominently featured at this year’s edition of the annual international concert, The Experience, which was held in Lagos.
The event provided a platform for the country”s diverse people to put aside denomination, tribe, colour and gender to praise God and offer intercessory prayers for good counsel and wisdom for President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.
Both the pre-event activities and the forum itself were avenues to urge Nigerians to contribute their quota in order to bring positive change to the country.
Positive change
Leading the call at the forum whcih was attended by a mammoth crowd, was the convener who is also Senior Pastor of House on The Rock Church, Pastor Paul Adeferasin. The cleric said the change slogan must not be sounded by the government alone but also by all citizen in their endeavours.
“It would be imprudent of us to consider our present circumstances as a nation as one of economic meltdown.
We must begin to review our plight as divine economic redirection,” he noted, adding, “this is not the time to give up or throw in the towel; this is not the end for Nigeria; this is simply an opportunity for a renewed beginning with our best still in front of us.
Change is here He continued: Change is not coming. Change is indeed here. Genuine transformation will begin in our lives and in our dear country when we introspectively consider the losses of yesterday and count the blessings of today.” Desired transformation: Continuing, he said: “The transformation we desire will not only come from the governments of our land or from beyond our shores, it must also come from our hearts; it must also come from our faith and our families. It must come from our offices, market place, streets, immediate communities and our local governments.
Our change will begin when we realise that we are all change agents and transformation catalysts. We are in this nation to serve Nigeria with all of our hearts, with all of our strength and with all of our minds. We must transform to accomplish the change that we so fervently desire as a nation,” Adefarasin said.
Indeed, the event which was the tenth in its series showcased a number of international gospel artistes, who performed alongside their Nigerian counterparts. Great advertisement for Nigeria
One of the international artistes, Don Moen, described The Experienceas a great advertisement for Nigeria in terms of culture and excellence in preparation and execution.
I feel like this is part of my family. It is a celebration of excellence; a first class and world class event and one of the best organized. I have been involved in it. It is a great advertisement for Nigeria,” he said.
While responding to a question an American preacher, Pastor Donnie McClurkin, said they were always eager to return to Nigeria for such programmes.
“This is the call of God and God will continue to protect us every day. If God is worth living for, he is also worth dying for. This has a global impact, it impacts us and takes us out of our culture and our myopic ministry and we enjoy having that platform. There is no terrorist, there is no problem that God will not hold back so that the light of this gospel can shine forth,” he said.
Some of the other performers at the event were Sammie Okposo, Micah Strampley and Sonnie Badu from Ghana, The Midnight Crew, Chioma Jesus, Hezekiah Walker, Frank Edwards, Kim Burrel, Jessica Reedy, Fred Hammond and Nathaniel Bassey.
The congregation was led in prayers of thanksgiving to Godfor peace during the last general election and deliverance during the Ebola outbreak by Engineer Ntiense Ubon-Israel.
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.
A chieftain of All Progressives Congress, APC, in Delta State, Chief Micheal Johnny, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to direct the Returning Officer for the Bayelsa State governorship election to announce the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area results and subsequently declare Chief Timipre Sylva the governor-elect.
Johnny, in a statement, yesterday, in Warri, while reacting to threats by Asari Dokubo and some self acclaimed former warlords, said that if Sylva is declared winner, heaven will not fall as their threats should be disregarded.
The Ijaw leader said that APC and Sylva won the election overwhelmingly in the Southern Ijaw council, results of which gave APC and Sylva the highest votes cast in the December 5 and 6 governorship election in Bayelsa.
He pointed out that PDP was not an Ijaw party, noting that the former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan is a member of PDP who could not even execute and commission one single federal project in Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta in general, for over six years.
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.
Folawiyo Energy Limited (FEL) has denied violating regulations that guide the sale of petroleum products, noting that the company has not had its own products in storage for the past three months.
The company said during the period that it only stored and distributed products for the NNPC, without any involvement in collecting payments from the companies taking the NNPC stock.
The company’s spokesman, Adeshola Komolafe , said that FEL has notified the appropriate authorities of these facts and has protested the unfair attempt to tarnish its corporate reputation.
Reacting to a statement issued by DPR announcing sanctions on Folawiyo Energy Limited, for allegedly “allowing Sahara Energy to use its depot to sell above the stipulated price,” Adeshola Komolafe, in a statement said, “The management of Folawiyo Energy Limited (FEL) has affirmed that its operations conform to best practice and are not in breach of any regulations. FEL is not involved in any conduct that could either invite fines or be construed as selling fuel stocks above regulated prices. How can you sell product you don’t have?”
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.
ASABA—CHEVRON Nigeria Limited, CNL, has committed over N16 billion in its Global Memorandun of Understanding, GMoU in the past 10 year in its operational areas in Nigeria, which has led to improved relationship with host communities.
Olatunji Idowu, Manager, Social Performance and Planning, CNL, at a two-day media capacity building for journalists organised by NNPC/Chevron joint venture, in Asaba, Delta State, stated that the policy was aimed at placing more emphasis on projects and programmes that would enhance sustainable economic empowerment and employment generation.
On her part, Mrs. Clementina Arubi, Deputy Manager, Community Development ‘B’ of the Public Affairs Department, PAD, NNPC-NAPIMS, called for joint efforts in curbing the hydra-headed monster of pipeline vandalism which has become a recurring decimal in the oil industry.
Arubi made the call in her lecture titled “Securing the operational environment and eliminating oil theft and pipeline sabotage.”
According to her, there have been 2005 breakages of pipeline between January and September, this year alone.
The Deputy Manager lamented that between 2009 and 2011, 136 million barrels worth $10.9 billion was lost to crude oil theft and pipeline sabotage.
She listed some practical ways of eliminating oil theft and pipeline sabotage to include continuous education, sensitization and creation of awareness of the communities on the dangers of vandalism, continuous monitoring of the pipelines and more improved skill acquisition programmes.
The Manager, Offshore Assets- Chevron Nigeria Limited, James Okereke, called for increased funding of the joint venture to be able to remain competitive in the long haul, insisting that not doing so will discourage investors in committing to further investment which is needed to drive the oil sector.
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.
The Investigation on the $2.1billion arms purchase funds given to the former National Security Adviser, Col Sambo Dasuki rtd have revealed that President Muhammadu Buhari was among those that benefited for the Security spending.
According to Dasuki’s office, alleged that General Muhammadu Buhari collected $300,000 initial payment as compensation over Boko Haram’s attack on him. His Bullet proof car that worth Millions was also replaced with new ones by Dasuki.
President Buhari benefited from the alleged diversion of Arms budget by Dasuki with Newspapers owners, whose Business was disrupted by both Boko Haram attacks and the Military seizing their Newspapers or disrupting their distribution channels.
President Buhari was also alleged to have received 5 bullet proof Jeeps from Sambo Dasuki valued over N500million without the approval of the Presidency.
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.
Hotel Owners Association Abuja laments over the Nigerian economy and how greatly businesses have been affected as a result of imposed multiple taxation by the Nigerian government and the Municipal Area Council.
“The general operating environment is still very challenging for us. I have already made mention of the lull in business so far in 2015” says Mrs Bola Onigbogi, President of Abuja Hotel Owners Forum. “But our regulatory environment has not kept apace. We have been saddled with new regulations and tariffs that has made our operations very difficult, she lamented.
Addressing members during its annual event Friday, 11 December 2015 in Abuja, Mrs Onigbogi, President of the association said, “The year started with a 40% increase on our electricity tariffs. Then we were asked to pay an additional 5% of our revenues to a new body called “FCT Entertainment and Events Center Department”. We have also had to enter into discussions with Abuja Municipal Area Council to discuss some of the new Tariffs and taxes that they have levied on us this year. A combination of this punitive regulatory regime and low sales has resulted in a cocktail of hardship for Hotels in 2015.”
Speaking at the annual event organised by the association, Mrs Bola Onigbogi, President of the association said hoteliers are made the guinea pigs for every regulatory experiment. “Can we also ask that our regulators synchronize their activities amongst themselves? She asked. She then added that “The situation where we are billed from multiple agencies on the same item has to stop. A good example is the 5% entertainment fee which we have been asked to pay. What then is the use of paying VAT?”
Mrs Onigbogi went on to state that the continues squeezing of the hotel owners will be counter-productive to the socio-economic balance of Abuja.
“Our member hotels who have closed shop and laid off workers in their hundreds are a testament to this. A quick count of the amount of taxes that we pay shows that we pay up to 40 different taxes in Abuja. Can anyone survive this onslaught? Can any business thrive under this regulatory environment?”.
The association President also noted that businesses have been greatly affected as a result of the dwindling economic crisis after the general elections, “This year has not been a perfect year for the hotel industry in Abuja. Our sales and occupancy figures are dependent on the activities happening in the Abuja socio-economic environment. It will not take a genius to decode that with the elections and handover of government, things have been pretty slow in Abuja.
“We should remind our regulators that HOFA is a body of law-abiding corporate citizens. We will always live up to our civic responsibilities as stipulated by the law. But where we are confused as to the veracity of any regulation, we will be forced to ask for an interpretation from the appropriate quarter”. She concluded..
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.
We the Igbo Ekunie Initiative, IEI, comprising of individuals in Nigeria and the Diaspora; are shocked beyond belief at the indiscriminate killing of unarmed pro-Biafran protesters in Onitsha at a scale that clearly and unequivocally constitute crimes against humanity. Amongst the most fundamental freedoms of mankind are the freedoms of expression and of peaceful protests more so in a democracy where such freedoms are supposed to be the defining essence of society and government. It is therefore not only morally repugnant but utterly abhorrent that the security services on the under “change” President Buhari, IGP Arase and COAS Buratai Tukur chose to indulge in a mindless attack on our collective humanity by so brazenly killing peaceful protesters who were exercising their inalienable and constitutional rights to freedom of expression and of peaceful protests. For the avoidance of doubt, no excuse or circumstance can justify the cowardly, barbaric, morally obscene and criminally culpable indiscriminate massacre of women and young men some of whom have been identified as Miss Anthonia Nkiruka Ikeayionwu, Miss Felicia Egwuatu, Kenneth Ogadinma, Chima Onus, Angus Chikwado and many others yet to be identified just because they were engaging in peaceful protests. Such callous and criminal acts should be a shock to the conscience of the nation and a reminder that President Buhari and his security chiefs are gradually and surely dragging the nation back to the dark days of tyranny and despicable human rights violations that characterised erstwhile malevolent military regimes. This dastardly assault on peaceful protesters violates the African charter on human rights, the United Nations charter on people’s rights and all international treaties and conventions to which Nigeria is signatory. We therefore accordingly call for the prosecution of all the officers and security personnel implicated in this heinous mass slaughter of innocent civilians. We also use this opportunity to notify the United Nations, European Union, Commonwealth nations, African Union, Amnesty International, Greenpeace, Human rights watch and other rights organisations of ongoing human rights violations under President Buhari, IGP Arase, COAS Tukur Buratai, and other security officers. Indeed, the notoriety of Nigeria’s security services as it concerns extra-judicial executions and other human rights violations is already well known and documented being the reason for which the “Leahy act” which banned the sale of weapons to Nigerian security services was enacted by the United States government. All other rights respecting nations have likewise banned the sale of weapons to Nigerian security services for the same reasons. We make bold therefore to state that the Onitsha massacre is only a continuation and confirmation of a long and notorious record of human rights violations that the Nigerian security services already stands globally indicted for. We hereby serve notice that pursuant to the charter and articles of the International Criminal Court (ICC) as it concerns crimes against humanity, we shall be lodging a formal complaint against President Muhammadu Buhari, IGP Solomon Arase and COAS Tukur Buratai in the first instance in the International Criminal Court (ICC). We shall also be pursuing other legal channels which include individually suing the indicted officials in the European Court of Human Rights to open channels for their arrest and prosecution whenever such officials visit any country in the EU. In closing, we warn that from now henceforth any killing of innocent protesters will be additionally lodged with the International Court of Justice as we build our case against those who continue to engage in such heinous crimes against all civilised norms in the 21st century. Maazi Tochukwu Ezeoke- President Igbo Ekunie Imitative Email: ezetochukwu@yahoo.com Follow me on Twitter: MaaziEzeoke
Lawrence Nwobu- Secretary Igbo Ekunie Imitative Email: lawrencenwobu@gmail.com
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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