Lekki Port: Amaechi Satisfied with Pace of Construction, May Commence Operations in 2022

By Nats Odaudu

The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi has expressed great satisfaction with the level of progress recorded at the construction of the Lekki Deep Sea Port project.

Amaechi made this known Saturday during an inspection visit to the Port by the Federal Ministry of Transportation and other government agencies including the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Nigeria Shippers Council (NSC) and lthe Nigerian Maritime Administrative and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

“I am very delighted and impressed with the pace and the progress of construction work on this project from the last time I was here in November 2020.

The promoter of the project-Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited has demonstrated strong commitment and capacity to deliver the project as agreed, he said.

The Minister further urged the management of Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited and other stakeholders to work tirelessly to ensure that the Port becomes operational by mid 2022.

While briefing the Minister and his entourage on the status of construction of the Port, the Chairman, Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited, Mr Abiodun Dabiri disclosed that the entire port construction is now at 55.48% completion.

Giving a further breakdown of the status of the components of the port, Dabiri noted that dredging and reclamation has reached 61,11%, Quay Wall 50.39%, Breakwater 67.49% while the landside infrastructure development has reached 33.70% completion.

Dabiri assured the Minister and the stakeholders that the project is on course and going according to schedule. He declared that at the end of third quarter (Q3) 2022 would complete the construction work while commercial operations will commence by fourth quarter (Q4) 2022 as planned.

We understand the significance of this project is to the Nigerian economy and we would not fail to play our part to ensure that it is delivered as and when due, he said.

The Chairman expressed profound appreciation of the company to the Minister and his team for providing the necessary support that has assisted the company to deliver on the mandate for the project.

He stressed further that upon completion, Lekki Port would be a world-class Port operating with best in class equipment to ensure seamless operations and would comply with global environmental protection standard. He added that Lekki Port as the deepest seaport in the sub-Saharan African region and would serve as transhipment hub for the region.

Also speaking during the visit, the Acting Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority, Mr Mohammed Bello-Koko assured that the Nigerian Port Authority is ready to play its part to ensure smooth take off of port operations upon completion of construction. He disclosed that NPA has commenced the process of acquiring all necessary marine equipment including tug boats and mooring boats.

The delegation that accompanied the Minister on the inspection visit included the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation (FMoT), Dr. Magdalene Ajani, Executive Secretary, Nigeria Shippers Council, Mr Emmanuel Jime and the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administrative and Safety Agency, Dr Bashir Jamoh.

Railway: Amaechi promises succour for Abuja – Kaduna as passenger traffic surges on Lagos – Ibadan

By Nats Odaudu

The Minister who spoke Friday during a post commissioning inspection of the Lagos-Ibadan railway blamed the situation with Abuja-Kaduna on the lack of spare parts from China.

The Minister of transportation, Rotimi Amaechi has assured travelers on the Abuja =Kaduna railway that the constant  breakdown of their trains will soon be a thing of the past.

Amaechi hinted that President Muhammadu Buhari had approved the purchase of spare parts for the Lagos- Ibadan rail  but part of it will be deployed to fix the Kaduna-Abuja problem.

“After the last breakdown of the Kaduna-Abuja train, I instructed the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to rest that particular locomotive. I am surprised that there was a delay related to another breakdown in the early hours of today.

“The issue with the break down of the Kaduna-Abuja train is down to lack of maintenance which is attributable to a lack of spare parts from China. We have written to Mr President on this issue and he has graciously approved the purchase of spare parts for the Lagos-Ibadan trains. Very soon, the Chinese people will supply us with enough spare parts for the Lagos-Ibadan rail. By the time they do that, we will be forced to use some of these spare parts for the Kaduna-Abuja trains and hopefully, the issue of incessant breakdown of the trains will be resolved, ” Amaechi said.

He said the inspection was necessary to ensure that little details identified pre-commissioning have been fixed by the contractors.”

The Minister also disclosed  that the Lagos-Ibadan trains conveyed 42,000 passengers in the month of June 2021. The situation of surging number of passengers was also witnessed by the Nigeria Times during the routine inspection.

The minister who was excited at the increased passenger traffic said patronage is good and on the increase.

ⁿOn the Lagos-Ibadan trains, 42,000 passengers were moved in June. We expect the figure to increase in the coming months because if we can move 42,000 in the month that we started, then the figures will increase as more people become aware of the train services between Lagos and Ibadan.”

On the completion stage of the train stations, the Honourable Minister explained that due to a recent kidnap of some Chinese officials in the Olodo area of Ogun State, the train station there is yet to be completed.

Most of the stations have been completed except for Olodo which is delayed due to a recent kidnap of some Chinese officials. The contractor has completed most of the communication and signalling work, but we need to observe the project for the next six months to be sure everything is working perfectly as planned.

“If not, we won’t be able to do the 16 trips-a-day train schedule as planned. The reason we are inspecting is to be sure everything is working as planned. After six months, when we are very sure of what we are seeing, then we can bring in new coaches and locomotives and increase the trips.

Concerning the frequency of trips on the Lagos-Ibadan rail. The Minister disclosed that he has directed the Nigeria Railway Commission (NRC) to scale up the number of trips per day from four to eight. ”

Speaking about passenger demand for more trains and coaches as well as an increase in the number of trips on that route, the Minister said he had given a directive to scale up from four to eight subject to observing the signaling efficiency for six months.

He called on Nigerian contractors interested in handling railway projects to ensure they have the competence and the pre-requisite requirements for the Jobs before applying to avoid stalling the process.

Rotimi Amaechi commended the TEAM ,the supervisors of the project as well as the CCECC for the quality of work done in delivering the project.

Passengers eating for the train at the Ibadan station expressed joy that they can now access the train services and expressed satisfaction with the service.

The Lagos-Ibadan railway was inaugurated recently by President Buhari for a full paid operation by the Nigerian Railway Corporation after about a year of free test-run. Our reporter joined the train to and fro Lagos from Ibadan and tells his experience in this report…Lagos-Ibadan trains  Lagos-Ibadan trains

Sirika Congratulates Matazu on World Meteorological Organisation Appointment

The Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika has congratulated the Director-General/CEO of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Mansur Matazu, on his appointment into the Executive Council of the World Meteorological Organisation.

Professor Matazu who is also the Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the Meteorology regulatory body, was elected at the seventy-third session of the Executive Council of the WMO, a statement Wednesday signed by General Manager, Public Relations, NiMet, Muntari Ibrahim reveals.

According to the Minister, the election of Matazu is a testament to the critical contributions of NiMet, and Nigeria, to the global meteorological growth and development.

He recalled the recent graduation of meteorological technicians trained by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency which was held in Banjul, The Gambia as one of the critical contributions of Nigeria to the growth of global meteorological science.

Sirika charged Professor Matazu to see his election as a challenge to take NiMet to a higher pedestal than it currently occupies, and make it a one-stop Agency for climate and weather information and training.

“Your election is in furtherance and propagation of the message and ideals of the science of meteorology in the West African Sub-region and the continent of Africa as a whole” he said.

Also congratulating the NiMet Director-General, the Secretary-General of the WMO, Professor Petteri Taalas said “I look forward to your future participation and effective contribution to the work of the Council for the benefit of all our members. I would like to assure you of my full support as well as that of the Secretariat in the accomplishment of your new duties’’.

The Executive Council of the WMO implements decisions of the Congress (i.e., the supreme body of the Organization which is the general assembly of delegates epresenting Members of WMO), coordinates programmes, as well as manages the budgets of the Organisation.

The Council also considers, and acts on resolutions and recommendations from the Regional Associations (RAs) and Technical Commissions (TCs), studies and makes recommendations on matters affecting international meteorology and other related activities.
Nigeria’s membership of the Executive Council will, among other benefits, strengthen multi-lateral and bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and other countries on weather, climate, water, environment and sustainable development issues.

The World Meteorological Organisation, WMO, is a specialized agency of the United Nations, dedicated to international cooperation and coordination on the state and behaviour of the Earth’s atmosphere, its interaction with the land and oceans, the weather and climate it produces, and the resulting distribution of water resources.

NIMASA Introduces New Ship Registration Certificates, Restructures office

By Nats Odaudu

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has commenced the issuance of new certificates of ship registration while simultaneously phasing out the old permits. This is in a bid to ensure the utilisation of secured statutory certificates and prevent the entry of unseaworthy and sub-standard ships into the Nigerian flag.

Director General of the Agency, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, said, “We are restructuring the Nigerian Ship Registration Office to serve you more efficiently and effectively. We are determined to grow our national fleet and tonnage to an enviable height.”

According to a press statement signed by Edward Osagie,
the Assistant Director, Public Relations
NIMASA, Jamoh said “We are committed to ensuring that our Ship Registry remains of International Standard and this is why we have enhanced our certificates with more security features that would stand the test of time. The all-encompassing process of issuance will ensure robust screening of vessels that would visit our waters.”

The new regulation, which took effect from July 1, involves the Certificate of Nigerian Registry, Provisional Certificate of Registry, Certificate of Nigerian Registry for Bareboat Chartered Vessel, Fishing Boat and Certificate of Cabotage Ship Registry for Wholly Owned Nigerian Vessel, among others.

The Certificate of Cabotage Ship Registry for Bareboat Chartered Vessel; and Foreign Owned Vessels are also affected.

Others are Certificate of Cabotage Ship Registry for Joint Venture Owned Vessel, Deletion Certificate, Bill of Sale and Transcript of Registry.

The Certificate of Mortgage to Secure Account Current and Certificate of Freedom of Encumbrance have also been changed.

All existing certificates issued by the Registrar of Ships before the commencement of the new regulation remain valid and should be carried on board vessels until their expiration. But vessel owners or Masters may apply for the reissuance of their existing certificates

The Merchant Shipping Act, 2007 makes it mandatory for the Originals of Certificates of Registry to be carried on board vessels at all times.

It should be noted that issuance of these certificates is a fulfilment of Section 30 of the Merchant Shipping Act 2007 which provides, inter alia, that “the Registrar of Ships shall on completion of the registration of a ship, issue a certificate of registration in such form as may be approved by the Agency”.

PIB a birthday gift, S’south Forum celebrates Sylva at 57

The South-south Emerging Leaders’ Forum (SELF) has said that it was not by accident that the long awaited Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) was passed into law few days to the birthday anniversary of Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva.

The minister will be 57 on Wednesday July 7, 2021.

The forum said Timipre Sylva’s name has come to occupy a chapter in the contemporary history of Nigeria based on the empirical indices of his nationalistic, patriotic and detribalised values and contributions to national cohesion and development in general.

For over 20 years, the PIB has witnessed a lot of setbacks but was unanimously passed into law by the two chambers of the National Assembly on July 1st, barely a week to the minister’s birthday.

In a statement signed Tuesday in Abuja, by its national coordinator Comrade Benjamin Kolowei, said the forum is proud of Sylva’s achievements as a public officeholder since he joined politics.

Kolowei said specifically that the minister is being celebrated because passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill into law is one of the 9-point agenda Sylva rolled out to achieve when he took over as Minister of State for Petroleum.

While commending the minister’s advocacy role on the bill, the group said the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) under Timipre Sylva will now be more accountable with the passage of the bill, even as its profits would be accrued to the country and subsequently moved to the Federation Account.

“The Ministry of Petroleum Resources under the supervision of Chief Timipre Slyva has become a formidable front driver in the process of diversifying the country’s mono cultural economy by exploring and promoting the midstream sector of huge gas production, for both local consumption and export purposes.

“As a forum, we are particularly happy because apart from nipping in the bud the perennial problem of scarcity of petroleum products and long queue for fuel, the completion and commissioning of the 17 storey Headquarters building of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and commissioning of the Walter Smith Modular Refinery, developed with 30 percent equity from the NCDMB are sterling success story for the Timipre Sylva led Ministry of Petroleum Resources.

“We are also celebrating the 57th birthday anniversary of our amiable ambassador because of the on-going diversification under his watch through gas which will create lots of jobs to stimulate the nation’s economy. This is an addition to creating the National Gas Expansion Programme basically to exploit the country’s comparative advantage in the abundance of natural gas reserves.”

The forum said it will not forget in a hurry “the heroic exploits of Timipre Sylva in the wake of militancy in the Niger Delta when he was governor when he traversed the most dreaded militant camps in the region in search of peace and tranquility. The singular action which yielded fruits with multiplier impact.”

The statement, however, called on Nigerians home abroad not only to celebrate Sylva’s 57th birthday anniversary but give him all the needed support to transform the petroleum industry for the benefit of all Nigerians.

African Aerospace University Abuja gets provisional approval from NUC

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has expressed readiness to expedite action on the proposed Aviation and Aerospace University by the Ministry of Aviation.

Receiving the concept document submitted by the Minister of Aviation Senator Hadi Sirika.
Executive Secretary, National University Commission, Professor Abubakar Adamu Rasheed who gave the assurance after receiving the note from the Minister, said the commission will engage some professors to perfect the concept note for immediate approval.

“I can assure you that by the end of the month (July), we are going to have a brand new University, the first of its kind in Abuja, first African University dedicated to aviation and aerospace study in the country”.

According to a statement by the Director Public Affairs, Ministry of Aviation, James Odaudu, the Executive Secretary commended the Minister for his boldness and courage saying the value of such university can’t be quantified .


“This aviation under your guidance, will be the first to show the way that we can support the establishment of specialized university that won’t only serve us but serve the African region and the International community”. He stated.

Presenting the Concept Note earlier, Sirika who was accompanied by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Directors and Heads of Agencies, said that the ‘African Aviation and Aerospace University Abuja’ will be dedicated to research and development of knowledge in Aviation and Aerospace.

The Minister stated that the decision to establish the specialised university was informed by the need to fill some identified gaps in the growth and development of the aviation sector.

“When we took the leadership in civil aviation, we identified and understood the gap in the growth and development of civil aviation in Nigeria in particular and Africa in general. We are deficient in research and development in civil aviation and aerospace technology and that has caused a lot of underdevelopment of the sector and made us to be backward”

Sirika further said that the huge gaps and deficiencies have left the Civil Aviation sector to be managed with basic knowledge of either being a pilot or aircraft maintenance engineer, with no one going into research and development to understand the Civil Aviation and Aerospace industry to grow it for our own betterment and leverage on the sector to recreate the economy, improve the wellbeing, add to the GDP and most importantly to expend knowledge horizon of Nigerians.

“We have been working three to four years now into this and we developed a concept note based on the advice by Executive Secretary NUC for critique and that will fast track the process of setting up the University. We come up with concept note of what will be the focus of this University” he explained.

He added that “the potential of this University to serve the market of civil aviation and aerospace within the continent cannot be overemphasized. Once the University takes off, a lot will happen and it will change the dynamic”.

Sirika expressed gratitude to the Executive Secretary and his team for guiding the process leading to the submission of the concept note, and the assurance that it will be expeditiously concluded.

James Odaudu
Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of Aviation

Ex-councillors’ forum appoints Buratai patron

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Benin Republic, Lt. Gen. T.Y Buratai (rtd), has been appointed as the Patron of the National Forum of Ex-Councillors of Nigeria.

The group made this known on Tuesday after paying a visit to the former Army Chief in Damaturu, Yobe State.

According to a statement by the chairman of the State chapter, Abdulganiyu Mohammed, the ex-councillors chose Buratai due to his effort in restoring peace, security and development to communities in the state as well as the nation in general.

The group commended the former COAS for establishing many strategic military units and institutions in the northeast that further deter terrorist activities.

“Today, Tuesday, June 29, 2021, the Yobe State chapter of the National Forum of Ex-Councillors of Nigeria call on former Chief of Army Staff and Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to the Republic of Benin, His Excellency, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai (rtd), at the Government Lodge Damaturu. The team was led by the Chapter’s Chairman, Honourable Abdulganiyu Mohammed,” the statement reads.

“In his remarks, the Chairman briefed H.E. about the aims and objectives of the association, adding that they are closer to the people. He also said they were there to show appreciation and gratitude to Lieutenant General Buratai (rtd) for his efforts as Chief of Army Staff from July 2015 to January 2021, which brought peace, security and development to their communities in Yobe State and Nigeria at large.

“They commended him for establishing many strategic military units and institutions in the northeast that further deter terrorist activities. The team further stated that they were to congratulate him for his well-deserved appointment as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin and presented him with a letter of appointment and honour as Patron of the Forum”.

Responding, Ambassador Buratai thanked them for a visit and accepted to serve as Patron of the Forum.

He also commended the delegation and members of the Forum for their continued commitment to peace and development in their wards, Yobe State and the nation.

He said that as grassroots people, Ward Councillors have a strategic role in supporting the Federal and State Governments in fostering peace and security in their respective wards.

APC Leadership: Nabena lauds Buhari over tenure extension

The Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) Mr. Yekini Nabena, has rallied support for Governor Mai Mala Buni-led National Caretaker Committee of the party, even as he commended President Muhammadu Buhari for granting tenure extension for the 13-man committee.

The President had approved tenure extension for Governor Buni-led APC caretaker committee after a closed-door meeting where the governor presented its scorecard to the President last Friday.

In a statement made available to newsmen Sunday in Abuja, the APC chieftain said “Buni’s committee deserves the extension considering how it has stabilized the party and rescued it from life-threatening crisis across the country.”

According to Nabena, President Buhari as the leader of APC who approved the extension also testified that ‘the party is now back to life.’

On the naming of APC national secretariat after the President, Nabena said President Buhari as the only leader of the governing party at national level deserves all the accolades, adding that “the President’s integrity, leadership style and his contributions to the development of APC deserve every recognition and emulation.”

The APC chieftain, however called on members and leaders at all levels to give the Buni’s committee a deserving support to totally reposition the party ahead of 2023 general elections.

Speaking on the leadership quality of governor Buni, Nabena noted that “within eleven months of the committee in the saddle, notable opposition leaders, governor, Senators, House of Representative members and so many other prominent politicians have swelled the fold of APC, giving assurance of better future for the party.

“Also, it is remarkable that the Caretaker committee under governor Buni inherited liability of unpaid legal fees to the tune of N340 million, but successfully negotiated and brought down the fees to N179 million which is now fully paid.

“In terms of inclusiveness in the party activities, the National Caretaker Committee has shown a new direction with so many members who have felt neglected now feeling proud as the owners of APC true to sense of belonging given by Governor Buni-led committee.

“I therefore appeal to all and sundry, especially the leaders at all levels, not only give peace a chance but rally all the needed support for the current APC leadership at center to succeed in its efforts to make future elections a walk-over for our great party because we have all seen that with Governor Buni in charge, so many other opposition Governors, Senators, Reps members and all other known politicians in Nigeria will be attracted to APC,” Nabena said.

Nigeria/Benin: Group charges Amb Buratai on trade, national security

… passes vote of confidence on Nigeria’s envoy to the Benin Republic

Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Benin Republic, Amb Tukur Buratai, has been tasked to swiftly hit the ground running, enhancing trade relations and trans-border security between both nations, especially around the Seme Border.

Passing a vote of confidence on the former Chief of Army Staff, the Nigeria First movement said Amb Buratai is tailor-made for the job owing to his vast experience in military and diplomacy.

Lt. Gen Buratai (rtd) and immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Abayomi Olanisakin (rtd) were on Tuesday presented with letters of credence as envoys to Benin and Cameroon respectively.

And according to Nigeria First, Buratai’s confirmation shows that President Muhammadu Buhari was satisfied with his performance as COAS, having effectively flushed out insurgents and other criminal elements from the North-East and other parts of the country.

Speaking on behalf of the group at a press conference on Friday in Abuja, Secretary-General, Comrade Augustine Richard Adie, noted that Buratai’s appointment is a welcome development at a time the nation’s border is under several threats.

Adie added that with Buratai, trade relations between the two countries will be strengthened more than ever, leading to more foreign exchange for Nigeria.

Recalling his stint as Army chief, Adie hailed Buratai for a successful campaign against insurgency in the country which has translated to peace and security to several parts especially in the once-troubled North-East

He, however, advised members of the opposition party and other disgruntled individuals to stop the campaign aimed to malign Buratai’s image.

Expressing total confidence in his ability, the group called on all Nigerians to extend support for the country’s new Ambassador to the Benin Republic.

Read the full statement below:

Nigeria First, heartily congratulates Ambassador, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd) on his recent appointment. We are happy to finally acknowledged that “the Best man for the job has finally arrived”.

Knowing about the way Nigerians have continuously expressed their enraged feelings about the matters of insecurity in the country, ever since when Boko Haram insurgency has taken the country unaware since 2009 when they began a violent campaign in North-East Nigeria, everyone now believes in every reason to tighten up our security portals.

Having fought a good fight to subdue and weaken internal terrorism and banditry in the country, President Muhammadu Buhari took a great strategic move on this appointment because he was satisfied with your performance and your great knowledge of international diplomacy.

Therefore, Mr President saw the need to expand frontiers in the war against insurgency in the country, which in our opinion culminated in the appointment of the former service chiefs as non-career ambassadors to galvanize the much needed regional support at addressing the threat posed by the Boko Haram insurgents.

For the record, Nigeria has never experienced a much peaceful time as compare to when Buratai was Chief of Army Staff since the rampage of Book Haram had begun.

Nigeria is still battling insurgency even with the change of Service Chiefs that most Nigerians had clamoured for. And was that the solution? Has that changed anything?

Instead, the situation has remained stagnant and getting worse as some stipulated by many.

The appointment of Ty Buratai is a welcome development in terms of the development of diplomacy and national security.

His appointment at a time when Nigeria’s border is under several threats is a wise decision made by the administration led by President Muhammadu Buhari. This move is vital and strengthens trade relations between the two countries.

Buratai is the ideal candidate for this position owing to his vast intellect and diplomatic skills. The current position to which he has been recently appointed must be handled delicately. It requires someone with profound intellect and experience. We are happy that Buratai has been chosen as the man for the job.

This is a man that served the country as a military leader without a blemish on his entire career. This is the right reward for a man who has served his country diligently and to the best of his abilities. This is a man who has given his all to the nation and we have no doubt that he will do the same in his current position.

However, despite the flawless record of this man, his appointment has been bathed with opprobrium by several individuals who believe that he is not fit for the job for several reasons best known to them. There have also been several claims that his appointment is all in a bid to protect him from prosecution for crimes wrongfully alleged against him. These, we believe are the evil efforts of several members of the opposition party and other disgruntled individuals to sully Buratai’s image. These individuals have failed to see the bigger picture but have instead chosen to allow politics and senseless sentiments to blindfold them. These individuals are only after their interest instead of national interest. Nigeria is currently in a delicate situation presently. The country has been plagued by insecurity and corruption amongst others and senseless political propaganda should not be added to the list.

Buratai’s appointment is a promising development as it has a lot of potential advantages, one of which is the fact that the former chief of Army Staff has a vast network of friends and acquaintances globally. This is a great boost in terms of diplomacy and will be very beneficial in his current position.

Buratai has a lot of unique skills in his arsenals such as his vast wealth of experience as a war veteran, a peacekeeper, an administrator and his efficiency in maintaining order and stability in conflict-ridden areas around the country. These skills will be very vital when it comes to his orchestration of diplomatic relationships and strategy.

Let us all not be quick to forget his successful campaign against insurgency in the country and how he managed to bring peace and security to several parts of the country especially in the northeast. During his reign as the chief of army staff, he moved his base to the forefront of the war where he managed to defeat and wipe out many terrorists especially the one hidden in the enclaves of the Sambisa forest.

Instead of the fight against insecurity, those of us familiar with the dynamics and state of play in the international arena will see the wisdom behind his appointment. It is a wise move to involve the international community in the fight against terrorism and banditry by appointing an individual who is conversant with the necessities of Nigeria and the various areas in which support is needed.

It is well known that the trans-border security between Nigeria and the Benin Republic is quite low and has been plagued by smugglers and bandits. Buratai’s experience when it comes to tackling insecurity is thus priceless in dealing with border security between Nigeria and the Benin Republic. His diplomatic skills are also sure to improve trade relations between the two countries.

Several businessmen and women have been clamouring over the closure of the Nigeria-Benin Republic border and have explained how the border closure has affected their business. We can boldly say to you all that have faith in Buratai as all issues regarding the Border closure and trade relations will soon be resolved.

Nigeria’s lost revenue to the Benin Republic has been a troubling issue to the country. It goes without saying that no nation can survive without its foreign exchange earnings and Nigeria is in no way an exception. We are certain that the ambassador will employ his sagacity and diplomatic skills to see to the re-opening of the Nigerian-Benin Republic border as soon as possible.

Buratai has been a loyal and patriotic servant to the people of Nigeria. His records and portfolio are excellent. He boasts a lot of skills, expertise and experience. He made incredible contributions towards the establishment of the Nigerian Amry University which greatly improved pedagogic approaches towards tackling insurgency in the country. His leadership boosted the morale of the Nigerian army and greatly influenced the war against insurgency. The time he served as a service chief has been widely regarded as one of the most productive in the annals of the Nigerian army. Under his leadership, the Nigerian army was rated high as regards human rights compliance by various international bodies. This was achieved as a result of his establishment of human rights offices to address issues regarding human rights violations by officers. This is another example of the insight the man portrays.

Nigeria plays a strategic leadership role in Africa and the appointment of a man as sagacious and experienced as TY Buratai ensures that Nigeria cements its place as the giants and leaders in the African continent. It is well known to all that Nigeria is a country looked up to owing to its portfolio, thus, the appointment of Buratai as a representative in the Republic of Benin is a step in the right direction.

It makes much strategic sense because we would be sure that Buratai would put his wealth of knowledge to bear, especially in addressing some of the issues of concern for the country regarding Boko Haram getting logistics support outside the country.

Ambassador Tukur Buratai remains a great asset to our country because of his deep foresight on national security. He is also a military historian, and thus good that he has offered himself once again in service to the country.

Nigeria First expresses total confidence in Buratai as a model of patriotism and chauvinism. His many accomplishments are a testament to the fact that his appointment was the right decision by the current administration. We call on all Nigerians to extend their support to the newly appointed ambassador rather than greet his appointment with baseless criticisms. Let us also continue to provide our endless support to the current President of this great nation and his administration as they work tirelessly for the growth and development of Nigeria.

God Bless President Buhari, God Bless Nigeria.

Staff Protest: Uba Threatens N5b Lawsuit Against Heritage Bank

The governorship aspirant under the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra state, Senator Andy Uba, has threatened lawsuit against Heritage Bank over trending video of protesting staff of the bank at the entrance of his residence.

About three days ago, some staff of the bank, while on a loan recovery drive protested at the gate of the senator, asking him to come to the bank and repay his loan.

The protest by the bank staff trended and went viral on social media.

In a letter dated June 23, 2021 and signed by his lawyer, Mr. Ahmed Raji, SAN, Senator Uba said the actions of the bank staff have exposed him to ridicule, shame and embarrassment.

He asked the bank to tender unreserved apology in five national dailies and N5billion damages.

Part of the letter reads, ”Our client’s attention has been drawn to a video currently being shared on WhatsApp, showing not less than 25 [twenty-five] staff of the Abuja branch of Heritage Bank Plc., wearing customized Heritage Bank Plc., T-shirts; carrying placards and signages with defamatory inscriptions written on them, at the front gate of the residential premises of our client, in Asokoro Abuja. The said video which we have seen, had a voice over by one of your bank’s staff with the following narration:

””Good morning ladies and gentlemen, today is Monday the 21 st day of June 2001, and we have here the staff of Heritage Bank Plc., Abuja. We are in front of Senator Andy Uba’s house in Abuja. Senator Andy Uba has been owing the bank for a couple of years now and we are here for a peaceful meeting with him, very peaceful meeting to ask him to kindly repay those loans because those are depositors fund and those monies, if they are not repaid will throw the number of people you see here with their families out of work and we know the situation of the economy now.

”Despite your veiled denial, the deliberateness of your staffs’ action is founded and the intent, to wit: – bring our client to publicobrobrium shame ridicule scorn etc. is glaring for all to see.

”This is more so, as you deliberately picked the rather inauspicious period immediately preceding the forthcoming gubernatorial primary election of the All Progressives Congress [APC] for Anambra State slated for the 26th of June 2021, wherein our client is the leading candidate to clinch his Party’s ticket, to stage this smear campaign against him.

”Surely, the damage occasioned to our client by your calculated but ill-advised action is unquantifiable. However, our client will be assuaged if a public apology, unreserved, is tendered by you and published in at least 5 [five] national daily newspapers within a day of receipt of this letter and payment
[Five Billion Naira] in damages.

”If not, we have our client’s further instructions to seek redress against you in a court of law for the same. Kindly be advised.

”We do hope that you will take benefit of the olive branch offered in this letter; the gamble, otherwise, is yours to suffer”, he said