Nigeria Times – Page 508

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.

APC can’t zone presidency from South – Okorocha

Former governor of Imo State and a current Senator, Rochas Okorocha has insisted that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has no justifiable reason not to zone presidency to the Southern Nigeria in 2023.

Okorocha who made this known Monday in Abuja during a Conversation with the the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council added that he has a vision to be President of Nigeria and it is driving him crazy noting that the culture of rotating the presidency from North to South must be respected.

The event was organised as a build up to his 59th birthday which comes up on 22nd of September.

He said “the Yorubas of South Western Nigeria, North and the South South have ruled Nigeria in the current political dispensations.

” All the Igbos want from Nigeria is a level playing ground for them to excel.”

He added his voice that it was time to try an Igbo man because he treat governance as seriously as his personal business.

On the agitation for secession by the Nnamdi Kanu led Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, Okorocha advised the Federal Government to engage critical stakeholders from the Southeast to find a political solution to it.

This was as he contended that the force of arms is not the way out of the security situation in the Southeast, urging the government to embark on massive education and enlightenment of the populace.

He said; “I called for a meeting in the Government House when I was governor. They obliged me and came. They complained to me how security forces killed theory people in Okigwe and they were asking me a lot of funny questions.

“I asked them to convince me why I should another passport. If you convince me, then I join you but if I convince you, then you will join me. One of them said to me, ‘Oga, if you are not wise, the person who killed your father will kill you. So, at the end of our discussions, I found myself shaking hands with them and they started laughing.

“These are our children. The handling of the situation has to change. It is not a warfare. It is not a machine gun thing. I was against the military in Imo when I started this project because the Operation Python Dance, you shoot them, how many can you shoot? You shoot 500, and then the ones in Secondary School are still in poverty and hoping to join them. The earlier we educate these our children, the better it is for all of us.

“Nnamdi Kanu’s matter has become a tribal issue and we have lost a sense of the sensitivity of the matter. Ab initio, I had advised that government should have been careful in handling the issue and not to shoot the image of the boy too high.

“The Federal Government and southeast should meet and find a way out to this issue. It is an evil wind that will blow no one no good. Nnamdi Kanu should not be made a very big issue. I wish, like a senator said, that we call this young man and ask him to convince us on why he wants to give us another passport or to ask him about his anger. If we can talk, we would find out that this issue is not worth the trouble we are going through. We need to reorient them because what is common now in the Southeast is that they are saying that they heard that ‘they’ want to give Boko Haram amnesty while Nnamdi Kanu is in detention. So, it is no longer a Kanu thing but has taken a tribal dimension. The earlier we get this issue off and see him as an overzealous young man who didn’t even experience the civil war but who is talking about the war more than those who experienced it, the better for all of us”.

Earlier, Chairman of Council, Comrade Emma Ogbeche congratulated Sen. Okorocha on clocking 59, saying the union decided to honour him with the dialogue because his life has been defined by service and philanthropy.

“Nigeria is said to have about 11.5 million out of school children and if not for the benevolence of people like you, perhaps the figure could have risen to 14 million.

“It is in the recognition of your service to humanity, your unbridled philanthropy that we are persuaded at the FCT Council of the NUJ to honour you and to make it serve as a marker for others to do more for humanity”.

Okorocha also used the occasion to give out 59 academic scholarships to the NUJ for onward disbursement to deserving children.

Construction of Bonny Deep Seaport to commence soon

Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has inspected the proposed site for construction of the Bonny Deep Seaport.

Amaechi made the visit, Friday in company of the Permanent Secretary, Dr Magdalene Ajani, the Acting MD, Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Koko and experts from the Ministry of Transportation, the NPA and the contractors, CCECC.

According to a statement by Director Press and Public Relations Ministry of Transportation, Eric Ojiekwe, the Minister noted that in choosing the site, considerations must be made towards cost reduction and ease in paying compensations.

He said while the South East part of the Island was also viable, the most feasible may be the area to the West in Finima, as it would require less dredging.

“The experts have said it will take only 500 metres of dredging at this point to get to 17metres draught which is our target for the depth of the seaport. The moment you reclaim 500metres into the ocean, you get to 17metres draught. You don’t need further dredging. While on the other end, you need 1.16kms dredging to get to the water. It will be more expensive to dredge 1.16km than to build rail line to this place. We can do the cost analysis and come to a decision.

Amaechi also said selection of the area, when finally decided upon would ensure that NNPC pipes would not be tampered with or moved for the rail lines extending to the Seaport to be laid.

“It would also be easier to pay compensations here and take the rail through this area instead of running it through the other end where there are pipes. And compensation would be paid on properties, not on land. If the land is not enough, the Federal Government would acquire more for the expansion,” Amaechi said.

Speaking to newsmen, the MD, NPA, Mohammed Koko said, “what we did today was to reconfirm the right location for the port, although final studies will be made and conclusions reached. The other location had pipes, so we believe that this one will be perfect. It has a natural draft of about 17metres.

“The Port which will have a capacity of about 500,000 TEUs on completion is a necessary infrastructure for Nigeria. Nigeria has over 823 kilometres of coastline and we have always been saying that the idea of building deep seaports will bring more economic value to the country, and Nigeria will eventually become a maritime hub in Africa or the West African sub-region,” he said.

Koko also stated that construction will kick off within the year and run concurrently with the construction of the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri rail line which also extends to the Bonny Deep Seaport.

FG TO IMPROVE TRANSPORTATION MODES, HOSTS 16TH COUNCIL OF TRANSPORTATION

The Federal government is set to improve transportation modes as a way of cutting the cost of production and enhancing the ease of doing business in the country.

This is coming on the heels of the 16th Edition of the National Council on Transportation (NCT) with the theme: “Sustainable Transportation: Panacea for National Development” to be held in Kano, the Kano State capital from Monday 6th – Friday 10th September, 2021.

According to a statement by Director Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Transportation, Eric Ojiekwe, the 2021 event will be hosted by the Kano State Government with Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as the Chief Host while the Honourable Ministers of Transportation, Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and Sen. Gbemisola Ruqayyah Saraki, will flag-off the programme and make presentations at the occasion.

In attendance at the NCT will be Transport Commissioners of the 36 States and the FCT, National Union of Road Transport Workers, Maritime Unions, Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, Amalgamated Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners, amongst others.

The NCT is usually a forum where stakeholders meet and brainstorm on ways to improve on the transportation sector. The 15th Edition was held in Sokoto State.

FG REAPPOINTS EFFEDUA RECTOR MARITIME ACADEMY

President Muhammadu Buhari, has approved the reappointment of Commodore Emmanuel Duja Effedua (rtd), as the Rector of Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Akwa Ibom State for another term of four years.

Effedua who was first appointed in November 17, 2017, as Rector of the academy will continue in office effective September 2, 2021 for his final four years term.

A statement Monday by Director Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Transportation, Eric Ojiekwe, also announced the appointment of Rear Admiral Jacob Ajani (rtd) as the new Board Chairman of the institution.

He replaces the former Board Chairman, Demola Seriki, who has been appointed as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain. The new Board Chairman will also assume duty officially September 2, 2021.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Dr. Magdalene Ajani earlier today in her Office presented the letter of reappointment to Commodore Effedua.
In attendance was the Director, Human Resource Management, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Awwal Sani.