Breaking: Abuja-Kaduna train services resume tomorrow with improved security

Minister of Transportation Chibuike Amaechi has reassured Nigerians that there would be improved security on the Abuja/Kaduna train route even as passenger service resumes Saturday.

The service was suspended by the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) after a suspected terrorist attack on a train and tracks on Wednesday.

Amaechi who revealed plans to digitalize security on the nation’s railway facilities during an unscheduled assessment tour of the train service to ascertain the level of damage caused on the rail tracks after it was attacked with explosives.

He said, ” We want to assure the public that beyond the physical presence of Police and the Military along this track, we will get a rail bus for patrol regularly so that we can see what is happening even before the train takes off, and it will be end to end. Apart from this, there has not been any security challenges on this track. What this has done to us is that we would fasten the procurement process of the digital security system that we planned to put in place. It has gone to the Cabinet two weeks ago and it has returned. So, we’ll re-present it to Cabinet to ensure that we get approval for the installation.

“The essence of the digital security system is to enable us to know when there’s an impact on the rail to forestall this kind of attack. We will get the Police involved so that they will be here before the installation of the digital facility”he said.

The Minister said , though he may not be happy that the attack occured, fact has shown that Nigerian Engineers are now capable of constructing their own railway.

Hear him, “I am not happy that the security breach took place but what it has done is to show that we actually have the capacity to fix our rail . The essence of this is to make sure that by the time the Chinese leaves we should start the gradual process of constructing our own railway. The repair was done by our own Nigerian Engineers in record time and by tomorrow (Saturday) we will run the first train”, he said.

Speaking during the inspection, the Managing Director of the NRC, Fidet Okhiria insisted that it was better to run more trains as running more trains would not give people the opportunity to tamper/interfere with the tracts.

He disclosed that a train just passed from Abuja to kaduna not quite 30mins when the explosion were executed and planted.

“The people would have to work very hard to be able to plant explosives. I believe that when we restart we would start with eight trips when we come back tomorrow maybe tomorrow we may run four trips but Sunday eight trips because Sunday is a busy day. After fixing the locomotive that was affected, we would run our usual ten trips”.

“On safety, the Commissioner of police came here, the dss are now going to be fully involved. The minster spoke about inntroducing technology and we have an active responsive team that would respond to the information that would be provided by the technology”.

He disclosed that the organisation will not yield to the scare tactics by the bandits.

“We should not be scared so that we don’t allow the people who don’t wish Nigeria well to succeed. I would say that we are determined to provide service for Nigerians and Nigerians should also be determined to not allow the system to die”.

The Manager of Abuja-Kaduna rail line assured passengers assured passengers who bought tickets but couldn’t make their of the option of refund.

“NRC is a very responsible organisation. We are going to give them the option of reusing that ticket for a rescheduled trip. However there may be some pockets of cases where people are not regular customers or passengers on this route say someone from lagos and may not come back until after a year, we can’t ask the person to keep the ticket perpetually . If such people seek for refund, we go to the mobile process and refund it.”

TRANSPORT MINISTER URGES HIGHER STANDARDS IN SHIPS INSPECTIONS, PORTS CONTROL

Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has made a case for Port State Control Officers (PSCOs) to display high level of professionalism in carrying out their duties of inspecting foreign ships at national ports.

Amaechi spoke at the 11th Port State Control Committee (PSC) Meeting of the Memorandum of Understanding on PSC for West and Central Africa Region also known as Abuja MoU, Wednesday in Lagos.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Director Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Transportation, Eric Ojiekwe and made available to the Nigeria Times.

The Minister explained that the essence of PSC is, “the inspection of Ships, to verify their condition, equipment, and whether the ship is manned and operated in compliance with the requirements of international conventions and regulations to ensure maritime safety and security of lives, assets and to prevent pollution.”

Referring to PSCOs as ambassadors of the MoU, the Minister stated that continuous trainings are required to maintain set standards at Ports, and called on member states to work together in achieving set goals.

“Bearing in mind that Port State Control Officers are ambassadors of the MoU, it is therefore important that they constantly undergo continuous trainings which would impact on their knowledge and skills, as well as on their overall standard of inspections at the Ports. However, this cannot be achieved without the commitment, financial and otherwise of every Member State.

“We must all join forces and strive to ensure that we constantly uphold the ideals and objectives upon which the MoU was established. For this reason, I urge all Member States to play their part in contributing towards the growth of the Abuja MoU, so that we can constantly meet with expectations and safeguard our marine domains,” he said.

Amaechi however thanked Member states for ensuring that the Abuja MoU performed well in the face of Covid19 and urged them not to relent in their commitments to inspections, trainings and overall contributions.

“I must thank most of our Member States for their performance and swift responses in declaring seafarers as key workers and in lending their support to ensure that the impact of COVID- 19 did not disrupt global shipping. While it is to be noted that the resulting effect of the pandemic slowed down inspection of vessels, nonetheless, based on our 2020 Report, the Abuja MoU performed relatively well in the inspection of vessels that called at our Ports,” he said.

In the same vein, Ghana’s Minister of Transportation and Chairman of Abuja MoU, Hon. Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, in his opening speech said “Port State Control acts as an important safety-net to eliminate the operation of sub-standard ships to ensure the needed safety. It is therefore refreshing to note that notwithstanding the COVID-19 pandemic, our performance as Flag States have been very encouraging.

He called on member states to “prioritise the vaccination of seafarers, their off and on signings, especially in the repatriation process, and ensure strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols to protect PSCOs and Crew of vessels visiting their ports.

Asiamah also stated that member states “must be guided by the IMO’s Code of Good Practice for Port State Control Officers and other relevant circulars and Statutory Documents in conducting inspections within the Framework of the Regional Memorandum of Understanding and Agreement on Port State Control,” while ensuring that their PSCOs are empowered to safely conduct inspections, “and to always aim at exceeding the agreed 15per cent minimum number of foreign vessels that call at our ports. States should also accept and endorse the IMO’s guidelines on Cyber Security as part of the Safety Management Codes,” he said.

The Ghanian Minister also called on women to explore careers in PSC and other related fields as according to him, “Women are great agents of change.” He tasked member states to create avenues for the participation of women as Port State Control Officers.

Other Ministers at the meeting include Sierra Leone’s Minister of Transport and Aviation, Hon. Kabineh Kallon and Nigeria’s Minister of State for Transportation, Sen. Gbemisola Ruquayya Saraki among others participating online.

Group urges Sowore, Sahara Reporters against blackmail, falsehood

The Publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, has been asked to henceforth desist from engaging in journalism of falsehood and blackmail.

A group, Equity and Justice in Politics and Governance Movement, EJPGM, Thursday in Abuja, called on Sowore and his platform to desist from series of blackmail and name- callings that he and his media outfit, Sahara Reporters have been known for in recent times .

According to the group,  Sowore’s journalism of blackmail will not take him anywhere.

In a statement made available to the Nigeria Times, the Convener, EJPGM, Momodu Tarka, “In the last few days, there have been series of reports in Omoyele Sowore’s Sahara Reporters, the number one ‘carrier’ of fake news in the country about the activities of the government of President Muhammadu Buhari and other government officials.

He said to discerning minds in the country, it is a known fact that churning out fake news is the stock in trade of Sahara Reporters, an online news organisation notorious for fabricating concoctions as news.

“Ordinarily, we at the EQUITY AND JUSTICE IN POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE MOVEMENT would not have joined issues with Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters, who is known for blackmail or naira and kobo journalism but we felt that, if we don’t, it may be taken by some gullible readers as the whole truth, especially some Nigerians who do not know the modus operandi of Sahara Reporters.

“Sowore’s Sahara Reporters is known for castigating the administration of President Buhari and its officials. So many unfounded allegations have been made against them.

“The latest is the attack against President Muhammadu Buhari,  accusing him of seeking a third term in office with the connivance of the the Attorney- General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami, SAN and other “very top government officials”.

“This was the same President Buhari that, as allegedly reported by Sahara Reporters, lost confidence in Malami and purportedly about to sack Malami will still confide in the Chief Law Officer of the country for undemocratic practice. This is highly unthinkable and untainable illogical fabrication.

“The online publication did not stop there, it went further by also alleging that the AGF had exhausted the budget of the Ministry. Sowore also alleged that that the AGF who has performed excellently well in office since President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him minister has been penciled down for sack with 14 others. The article didn’t mention other 14 members even by characterisation as it didn’t also specify any justification for that.

“All these allegations and many more remain outrageously laughable! 

“In the recent past, Sowore and his online publication, notorious for fake news have made several unfounded allegations against Governor Buni, the AGF, the CBN governor, the DSS and many other government officials.

“As a matter of fact, Sowore sees nothing good in the administration of President Buhari and his ministers.

Before now, Sowore, the fake news publisher had accused Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe state of failure to declare his asset. He also accused the CBN governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, of  throwing a lavish party abroad where the ‘who is who’ in the country were present.

“According to Sahara Reporters, the DSS was described as lawless.

“We, at EQUITY AND JUSTICE IN POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE MOVEMENT are bold to say that the laziness of the approach of Sahara Reporters can best be established by their failure to investigate the reports before publishing them. As a matter of fact, our findings revealed that Sahara Reporters depend on gossip and mere beer parlour talks as their major sources of news report.

“We earlier stated that no sane person in the society will take the kind of journalism practiced by Sahara Reporters seriously and we still stand by that statement.

“Rather than engage in campaign of calumny, Sowore should join hands with other well-meaning Nigerians to move Nigeria forward.

“Also, we feel we should remind Sowore that President Buhari is a lover of democracy and has worked tirelessly to ensure that it is rooted in the country and therefore, will not do anything to truncate it by seeking a third term in office through the backdoor.

“Again, Sowore should be reminded that the Honourable Attorney-Gemeral and Minster of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami, SAN, has been a lawyer for decades with considerable years of experience as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and had also distinguished himself in law practice in the country. It is the sterling qualities the President sees in him that earned him the appointment as AGF in 2015 and therefore, will not give any advise to the President that will be detrimental to the advancement of democracy in Nigeria.

“We think professionalism is thrown to the wind by Sowore’s Sahara Reporters at the expense of mischief and malicious considerations on account of their deliberate failure to deepen their investigation in the direction of factual expositions.

“The question in the circumstances of the wild allegation against the Attorney General of the Federation and others is this: 

Where is the search report? Where is the evidence that proves ownership of all the property allegedly owned by him.

Absence of search report and associated transactional links only established a case of mischief and frivolity against Sahara Reporters and further re-establish their upscaled status in mischief and falsehood journalism engagements.

“For example, a report by the purveyor of fake news failed to tell its readers that salaries are not paid from and/or by the Ministers or ministries but centrally coordinated at the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, through the IPPIS. In what ways are ministers connected with payment of salaries? Are ministers accounting officers or salary payers? We reaffirmed that this is the kind of report that lacked every ingredient of credibility and should be discarded”he said 

Tarka said it  is a clear case of laziness for an investigative journalist or a newspaper to simply make an allegation and fail to substantiate or give any iota of credibility to the report.

“When Sahara Reporters make allegation, then, they should be ready to back it up with document or evidence because that will add a little bit of credibility to their report but unfortunately, that is not always the case with Sowore and Sahara Reporters because they are known for fake and unsubstantiated reports.

“We, at EQUITY AND JUSTICE IN POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE MOVEMENT will advise the AGF and others not to glorify them by making comments on frivolous allegations by a media platform known for frivolity and falsehood. We have verified and we can authoritatively say that the report by Sowore Sahara Reporters against President Buhari, the AGF, the Yobe state governor among others are false and should be disregarded by all Nigerians seeking the good of the country.

“We advise the AGF not to say anything in reaction to a media platform whose stock in trade is frivolity, falsehood and lacking in international journalism standard.

“In conclusion, we advise Sowore and Sahara Reporters to stop disparaging government officials. Their journalism of naira and kobo and blackmail will take them nowhere. There is still room for Omoyele Sowore to join patriotic Nigerians to join hands with the government of President Buhari to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.

“The pull him down syndrome of Omoyele Sowore and his Sahara Reporters has failed and will continued to fail.

“We want the government not be distracted on its stance against separatists, violence instigators and those accused of disrupting the internal peace in the country” he added.

AFRICAN MINISTERS RESIST COMPULSORY VACCINE PASSPORTS FOR AIR TRAVEL

African Ministers of Aviation have described the much-touted proposal to impose vaccine passports for air travelers as unacceptable. They described it as discrimination against certain groups of population, especially on the African Continent which still has considerable number of its citizens who are yet to receive the vaccines.

They also described the proposal as going against the intent of the Chicago Convention on the need to preserve friendship and understanding, reduce threat to general security and establish international air transport based on equal opportunity, operated soundly and economically.

According to a statement by Director Press and Public Affairs, Ministry of Aviation, James Odaudu, the African Ministers Delegation’s position was made known Wednesday in a presentation to the ongoing International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) High Level Conference on Covid-19 in Montreal, Canada.

Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika who made the presentation on behalf of his colleagues recommended that rather than imposing vaccine passports, States party to the Convention on international civil aviation should continue to minimize the risks during travel by ensuring compliance with existing multinational treaties, international frameworks, guidelines, and recommendations.

Sirika, on their behalf, also recommended that Human rights, regional/continental/global health security, economic growth, social cohesion, and good international relations, and use of innovation and technology worldwide to harmonize requirements should be promoted, while transmission of critical information across borders related to public health issues such as COVID-19 and coordination among key players should also be considered.

He also stated that African nations frowned at States imposing unilateral measures of global nature related to public health and asked such states to refrain from such practices and instead take measures that would facilitate the reopening and reconnection of the world.

“There is a clear onus on both public and private stakeholders, to take full measure of the dire circumstances now facing the air transport sector, and to ensure sufficient operational sustainability. These actions are critical to make sure that the world is adequately reconnected, as aviation plays a critical role in the global economic recovery and achieve the realization of the goals of both AU Agenda 2063 and UN Agenda 2030 for sustainable development”.

On the general strategies for recovery, Sirika said: “the global distribution of emergency and humanitarian supplies including the vaccines will no doubt depend on an economically viable aviation system. Aviation is also capable of stimulating recovery and growth of global economy by acting as an enabler and multiplier of economic activity”.

“Considering that the global aviation industry operates as an interconnected ecosystem, it is therefore imperative that all the States of the world implement the ICAO Council Aviation Recovery Taskforce (CART) recommendations and guidance, which are based on the latest development of the COVID-19. ICAO, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, is required to bring to maturity in short term a consensual modality for establishment and deployment of a global health passport as well as the specification of infrastructure (soft/hard) and training of professionals”.

“As well captured by the Preamble of the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention, 1944), there is an important need to develop international civil aviation to preserve friendship and understanding, reduce threat to general security and establish international air transport based on equal opportunity, operated soundly and economically.

“It is worth noting that the WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) Roadmap for Prioritizing use of COVID-19 Vaccines in the Context of Limited Supply, acknowledges that there is still a limited supply of vaccines and puts forward seven key assumptions regarding vaccines. This further strengthens the fact that vaccines are still not widely available to all world regions, particularly Africa”.

“It is also important to note that the African Union-led initiative of Safe Reopening of Borders to Save Lives, Economies and Livelihoods in Africa has conducted detailed work including a call to action that recognizes that the COVID-19 vaccine rollout will be uneven in all its Member States, while conscious of the progress made in science on the same’.

He also disclosed that two continental joint meetings of African ministers responsible for health, ICT and transport have been so far organized, with the second joint meeting rolling out the African campaign Against COVID-19: Saving Lives, Economies and Livelihoods endorsed on 20 August 2020 by the Bureau of the Assembly of the African Union Heads of State and Government with chairpersons of the Regional Economic Communities of the African Union.

The meetings, according to him, charged African countries to work together towards harmonizing travel entry and exit requirements, and to increase mutual recognition and cross-border information exchange for enhanced surveillance.

“It is worthy to also note that at Regional level Nigeria hosted on the 17th of March 2021 Nigeria hosted a virtual High- Level Ministerial meeting on Enhancing Air Transport Connectivity and Growth in West Africa. The event, which was organized with support from International Partners for Aviation Development, Innovation and Sustainability, (iPADIS) ICAO Dakar Regional Office and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was meant to reimagine, revitalize and retool the aviation system in region to meet present and future challenges, within the contest of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic”.
According to Sirika, the outcome of this high-level Ministerial meeting in Nigeria, which also reassessed the role and contribution of civil aviation to the region’s economic growth, social progress, and integration, as well as the overall sustainable development, was the development of a Plan of Action.
He therefore called on ICAO to support the African region in the implementation of this Plan of Action.

Group expresses confidence in Audi’s leadership at NSCDC

A group,   Stand Up Nigeria, has passed a vote of confidence on Dr Audi Ahmed following what it described as superlative leadership reforms in the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC.

The group which early this morning besieged the National Assembly vowed that Audi wont be distracted despite several calls for his removal.

The Convener, Sunday Attah in his speech said in the wake of critical calls and heightened concerns for President Buhari administration to rejig the nation’s security architecture in line with the yearnings of the Nigerian people, one of  Nigeria’s most celebrated security operatives in the person of Dr Audi Ahmed in February 2021 emerged top in a keenly contested process which culminated in the appointment of a new commandant general of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). 

“Of course, since the appointment of Dr Audi Ahmed as commandant general  of the NSCDC, no nigerian is left in doubt the sagacity with which he has brought to bear on the organisation within a short time. Top on the priority of the new regime is the implementation of a very robust and clear mandate as handed down by Mr President through the ministerial directive of the minister interior. 

“But barely a year into office, some elements who are bent over board to distort president Buhari administrations blueprint are at it again. With all manner of fictitious and smear campaigns of calumny  on the person of Dr Audi and the institution of the NSCDC. This is not only shameful but outrightly condemnable and must be reversed and aborted. Evil people can not go Scot free each time they try to sabbottage Mr President. We need to stand up to defend our heritage and here we are!!

“We Must not as custodians of our joint heritage fold our arms and watch enemies of the Nigerian state destabilize the system while we look the other way. What then is our obligation as the conscience of the nation?

“At a time, when Mr President is gaining on the economy, you see the enemies making desperate inroads to change the narrative, when they are defeated, you see them trying to sabbotage the military efforts, when they fail, they turn to the police, now as the gains of president Muhammadu Buhari continue to manifest, the enemies have seem to shift to the paramilitary agencies with their focus on the newly appointed commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Dr Audi Ahmed Mni. Good news is that nigerians are not caught unawares. This time unlike before, we will always stand fair and square in defense of our progress” he said

Attah said the march to the National Assembly was convened to give clarity and confidence to the nigerian masses to the effect that, president Buhari administrations commitment to the welfare, safety and security of lives and property of citizens is unwavering. It is this mandate that Dr Audi as well his lieutenants are poised at implementing at the NSCDC . No distractions, no smear campaigns, no intimidation will suffice. The ongoing reforms at the NSCDC under a clear ministerial directive remain sacrosanct. 

” People with vested interests in the affairs of governance must put the  country first” you do not seek to destroy an institution as a politician or business man at the expense of the Nigerian national life'” patriotism entails sacrifice. Let us support those who have demonstrated the will and resolve to help move this country forward.

“Dr Audi on assumption of duty has brought life and vigour into the NSCDC no doubt. He should be encouraged. 

” Nigerians have seen the gains of Dr Audi’s inputs within a short time on the saddle as CG NSCDC, it is time to consolidate and not to distract”

Recent media reports against the person of the commandant  general no doubt are intended to undermine and down play president Buhari administrations wise choices and decisions for the security and economy of the nation.

” Otherwise, who is in doubt the giant strides at the NSCDC? Under Dr Audi, our public infrastructure is almost insulated from vandals , public perception of the NSCDC has been tops, internal institutional co-operation has returned to expected limits within the NSCD ranks etc. But the enemies won’t let Nigerians have a deserving taste of good leadership” this is the reason for the ongoing blackmail against the institution of the NSCDC and the person of the  commandant general , Dr Audi Ahmed mni

“Ladies and gentlemen, as you can see, it is time to say enough of this evil and it for that reason that thousands of Nigerians are here to show support and solidarity with our president and his lieutenants. 

“We therefore sound a warning to all dissidents to desist from further sabotaging the Nigerian government efforts but to join in positive conversations with a view to getting the country of our dreams.

“We therefore, pass a resounding vote of confidence in the administration of president Muhammadu Buhari and his security architecture particularly the positive disposition of Dr Audi Ahmed Mni, to reform and rebuild the NSCDC for the future of our Nations infrastructure and general safety” he said.

Action Women for GYB Nigeria Project 2023 flags off mobilisation campaign

A political advocacy platform, Action Women for GYB Nigeria Project 2023, was today flagged off at Abejukolo, headquarters of Omala Local Government Area of Kogi State.

According to its founder, Hon. Joy Odaudu, the group is driven by the overall objective of mobilizing women across the country towards supporting the call on Governor Yahaya Bello to run for the presidency of the country.

Hon Odaudu who is also the Secretary of Omala LG, is one out of the large numbers of women in Kogi that Governor Bello has thrusted into political positions in the state from the Local to the State level.

The event attracted crowd of enthusiastic women and youths from the eleven wards in the area and beyond who converged to be part of the historic moment in the birth of a movement for the actualization of Governor Bello’s national political aspirational.

While reeling out Governor Bello’s achievements, great strides, she pointed out, qualifies him for Nigeria’s top office, Hon. Odaudu described the Kogi Governor as, ” the biggest and most acceptable personality to sell anywhere across the country”.

Governor Bello, she maintained, has demonstrated uncommon concern and commitment to the welfare, development of the state, and the political liberation of women in the state, noting that he has achieved unprecedented feats in the political history of the 30 year old Kogi state.

The burden of ensuring Nigerians experience a new direction in the leadership of the country, she argued, is on Kogi women and youths to market the Governor to Nigerians ahead of the 2023 election.

Joined at the flag off ceremony were; the Chairmen of Omala Local Government, Alhaji Ibrahim Aboh and his Ankpa LG counterpart, Alhaji Ibrahim Abagwu, who called on women across the state to rise up to the challenge of mobilizing for the success of the Governor’s outing in the 2023 presidential race.

Other dignitaries at the event include; Senior Special Assistants on Youth Empowerment, Kogi East, Hon. Matthew Ochada and his counterpart for Tourism, Hajia Mariam Ibrahim as well as other political leaders from various part of the state.

Culled from the Graphic Newspaper

NIMASA, CUSTOMS AGREE ON FAST DELIVERY OF DEEP BLUE PROJECT ASSETS

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Customs Service have agreed on modalities for seamless and timely delivery of the Deep Blue Project assets currently at the ports.

The agreement was reached in a meeting between the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh and Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd.), in Abuja Thursday.

According to the CG of Customs, “because of the peculiarities of the urgent need of these assets, there is a need to find a common ground that would assist in the full deployment of these assets”

While appreciating the Comptroller General for the efforts to clear the Deep Blue Project assets still at the ports, Dr Jamoh urged the Customs to share information and capacity with the Agency to ensure successful implementation of the Deep Blue Project.

The NIMASA DG also raised the issue of the Modular Floating Dock, which he described as a public asset to be managed by the ICRC.

He said, “The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) is fully involved in the process to select a management partner for the Modular Floating Dockyard. We urge the Nigerian Customs to see and treat the asset as a national asset that should enjoy some concession in terms of duties.”

When it becomes operational, hundred of direct jobs will be created and thousands of indirect employment will also be created.

The meeting took place at the office of the Comptroller General in Abuja

Group Threatens Legal Action Against INEC Over Electronic Transmission of Results

The ongoing debate over the most acceptable mode of transmitting election results in the country has taken a different twist following widespread media reports that the Independent National Election Commission (INEC) chair, Prof Mahmoud Yakub body language is suggestive of an unholy alliance with the main opposition party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Reacting to the worrisome development, the Center for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJET) has taken a swipe at the INEC boss insisting Prof Yakubu’s body language suggest a glaring conspiracy against Nigerians.

Dr Oduma Festus , exeucutive director of CESJET in a press conference highlighted points to underscore why every reasonable patriot should be worried by the haste of the INEC boss to implement electronic transmision of results mid way into discussions of the national assembly over the contentious issues that would lead to an eventual legislation on the subject matter.

“We are worried just like every other Nigerian is, because this is not a good sign” how could the man supervising elections in a country of over 200 people be seen to be sympathetic to the main opposition party? What impression is Prof Yakubu creating ? Or is he just joining the band wagon of detractors to raise tensions and heat the polity?

“Granted the INEC boss is supposed to be impartial, can he say he is impartial on this subject matter? Recall that the national assembly had put on hold the passage of the bill so as to clear all ambiguities , now in the circumstance , why don’t the INEC boss stick to the existing law guiding the conduct of elections? Is this too much? Why the haste?

Recall the INEC under Prof Yakubu’s watch has been quoted at many times making statements that are at variance with existing legislation on results transmission” the group maintained.

“To make matters worse, Prof Yakubu has indicated desire to implement electronic transmission in the up coming elections in Anambra state which is a few days away.

” Nigerians are asking, what law is Prof Yakubu led INEC is relying on to implement the proposed results transmission?

” Prof Yakubu’s body language is not only an afront on the national assembly as institution, but to over 200 million Nigerian tax payers and citizens ”

“Nigerians are curious indeed for many reasons, why would the head of an election body take sides with the main opposition party even in the face of glaring challenges?

” Election management is a serious affair. The process of any election remains the bedrock of any nation, Prof Yakubu should be guided by the law and not sentiments”

“The Nigerian Communication communication (NCC) the government agency responsible for deploying the needed technology has taken a clear position to support electronic results transmission where practicable , while still in the process of perfecting the otherwise novel proposal “

“Claims of INEC that it had the required technology to deploy for the purpose of electronic transmission of results is laughable and Nigerians are rightly concerned” Dr Oduma stated.

The group said, there were indications to signal Prof Yakubu’s basis for sympathizing with the PDP.

“Was it not former President Jonathan that nominated same the current INEC chairman on the CONFAB conference under the same PDP? What are we talking about? Nigerians will not wait for the pending implosion if Prof Yakubu is allowed to carry on his sinister agenda with the main opposition party, the PDP .

” Nigeria will truly be a laughing stock if INEC boss is allowed to conduct and transmit results electronically without an appropriate legislation” This would be dangerous and Nigerians will not wait for the moment.

The group said, in order to save Nigerians from the impending implosion orchestrated by Prof Yakubu and the main opposition PDP, it will mobilize a one million March at the INEC headquarters to call for Prof Yakubu’s, sack should he fail to resign having abused his office.

“Let Mr President act now before Prof Yakubu mortgages our democracy in exchange for a pot portage .

“It is a peaceful fight for the soul of the nations democracy” it is indeed a fight to finish. No electronic transmission of results untill appropriate legislation is enacted and signed into law.

“INEC was created to serve the interest of the masses and enable democracy, not to sabbottage ongoing efforts and create unnecessary tensions to provoke emotions for political capital, in this case, in favour of the PDP”.

Railway: Amaechi decries ethnicity as bane of Nigeria’s development

Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has condemned what he described as the attempt at politicising railway development Nigeria. He insisted it a major challenge facing the country in the government’s effort to stimulate the economy.

He also said ethnicity is a big challenge to development in Nigeria, noting that rail projects around the country are built with the economy at the heart of it, because the economy should be the deciding factor for such developments, not ethnic biases.

Amaechi who was speaking as the guest lecturer, at the recently held annual Public lecture of the Department of Economics at the University of Lagos said Transportation as a mode involves logistics, and is responsible for driving the economy of nations.

“Virtually everything we do involves Transportation. It is a key element in driving development of economies all over the world, and it creates possibilities for other sectors. Therefore, you can’t even create employment if you don’t create logistics.

“Nigerians are too ethnically conscious. You think first as your ethnicity before you think as a Nigerian. We have very few Nigerians, and ethnicity is putting pressure on the economics of railway construction. What you hear is, ‘I’m a Yoruba man, I’m an Hausa man, I’m an Igbo man.’ The Yoruba man is happy that we have done Lagos-Ibadan; the moment you do railway up to Enugu, the Igbo man would be happy. I call it the politicisation of railway construction.

“Railway is fuelled by economic activities, it’s not fuelled by tribe. What determines a railway construction is economics, how many tons of cargo can be conveyed.

“Ethnicity is not the way to go. Those who fan the embers of ethnicity are those who were benefitting from the government in the past, but are no longer benefitting from the government,” he said

Amaechi also said financing is another challenge to railway development as Nigerians keep complaining about loans.
“From the budget we are now constructing Kaduna-Kano rail line while still negotiating the loan for Ibadan to Kaduna, because the plan is Lagos to Kano.

So far, the Federal Government has laid out plans for the construction of Lagos-Calabar at $11.1 billion, Ibadan-kano at $5.3 billion for single track, Port Harcourt-Maiduguri at $3.02 billion for reconstruction of narrow guage, $12 to $13 billion for standard gauge approved by the President with additional spurs, Abuja-Itakpe at $3.9 billion in addition to the central line; and Lagos-Ibadan completed at $2 billion.

Group says IPOB, Yoruba Nation Agitators plan to infiltrate judicial officers

The Conference of harmonised Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria, COHCSON has raised alarm over alleged plots by the Indigenous Persons of Biafra (IPOB) and the Yoruba Nation agitators to infiltrate judicial officers. 

COHCSON President,  Solomon Semaka at a press conference in Abuja said following an emergency expanded meeting of the COHCSON, there is need to condemn what is turning out to be an execution of a detailed plan to subvert and undermine  the country’s judicial system. 

He said,  “When we first heard that the dissident and seccesionist IPOB and Yoruba Nation groups were planning to infiltrate the courts at all levels we dismissed the allegations. But latest developments have indeed forced us to raise this alert.

He said it has come to the notice of  the groups that they are resorting to blackmail and intimidation to hoodwink the judges into granting them unmerited judicial favours. 

“Recently a State High in Oyo State presided by Justice Ladiran delivered a judgment in favour of Sunday Igboho and awarded him 20billion naira as claims. 

“As part of the evil plots, IPOB has instituted a 5Billion naira case at the Abia State High Court Umuahia where a Judge would, out of fear of harassment and violence, grant them the plea. It has become obvious that IPOB intends to use its violence stricken sit-at-home enforcement style to force the judges do their bidding. 

“On the case of Igboho, we are aware that having failed to secure his release from  Benin Republic authorities, the leaders  resolved to raise  funds to patronise friendly judges in Nigeria who are sympathetic to their cause. A serving governor  in the south West appears to be part of the plot. The leaders  in that meeting also agreed to sponsor more rallies  abroad to give Nigeria a bad image internationally. Aside raising  funds from diaspora groups and  individuals who share in the evil dream of dividing the country, the group agreed to shop for a friendly judge to award them claims against the government  thus the 20billion naira.

“We are aware too that the representative of IPOB was mandated in their last meeting in Benin Republic to also institute a fresh suit against the federal government agents.This fresh suit by IPOB though an afterthought which confirms our position. These judges at the state level are said to be emotional attached to their ethnic groups and the separatists.

“We like to use this medium to appeal to  judges and lawyers to resist the temptation to betray their secret oath of office and to stick to the law in the over all interest of the country. No amount of inducement should entice any patriot to endanger  the lives of over two hundred million Nigerians. Judges and lawyers who administer justice should be reminded that the survival of nations depends on the patriotism of the judiciary 

“Following deliberations by the representatives of IPOB and Yoruba nation agitators , they had set up a fund raising Commitee to raise a financial war chest to compromise the judges and confront the Nigerian Government. So far, the groups have raised a huge sum in dollars to bribe  two  judges in the south west and now South East? Why would judges be induced if the litigants have no predetermined motive? Are they already aware of the legal outcomes, having successfully bribed their way through? 

“We are using this opportunity to appeal to the national judicial council (NJC) to rise to the occasion and sanction erring judges. The recent warning  given by  the Chief Justice Of Nigeria should be enough to guide the Honourable Judges. No desperate seccesionists should be allowed to rubbish our collective unity and threaten our sovereign existence or undermine the integrity of our courts”he said

The group urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria to caution  chief  judges of states to monitor developments within their durisdiction in the interest of the nation and the integrity of the judiciary.

“We request the chief  judge of Abia state to reassign the suit filed by IPOB lawyers at the Abia high court or the Judge should recuse himself. 

“We do not have confidence in a few identified judges to sit on the cases in question. Available evidence  suggest glaring  judicial  bias and solidarity for one party, IPOB and Yoruba nation agitators as well as politicians.

“Gentlemen of the press, it is now your duty to utilise your platforms to enlighten and educate  Nigerians to rise up in defense of our judicial heritage and preserve our sovereingty” he said.