Process
APC governors endorse NGF committee on judiciary, state legislature autonomy
The All Progressives Congress (APC) governors on the platform of Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) have unanimously endorsed the Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal-led NGF Committee on the autonomy for Judiciary and State Legislature. PGF also noted that it has recommitted itself to continue to support all the initiatives of the federal government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari. Disclosing the resolution taken during its emergency meeting, the chairman of the Progressive Governors, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, in a statement noted with satisfaction the progress made by the APC Caretaker Committee. The Governors Forum further disclosed that as part of the process of implementing the NGF agreements in APC controlled states, they will meet and make appropriate consultations with the...
Lagos begins plea bargain session for Kirikiri inmates
In an effort to decongest correctional centres, the Lagos State Ministry of Justice on Thursday held a plea bargain session for some inmates at the Kirikiri Maximum Correctional Centre. The plea bargain session was the first of its kind to be held at a correctional centre in Lagos State. Newsmen reports that the previous practice was for counsel to incarcerated inmates to write to the Attorney-General of the state to consider plea bargain agreements for their clients. A total of 27 inmates – 16 males and 11 females – were beneficiaries of Thursday’s plea bargain session. The Lagos State Attorney-General, Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), the state Solicitor-General, Titilayo Shitta-Bey, and some of the ministry of justice staff kick-started the initiative. The state Directorate of Public Prosecuti...
Official: PDP focused on taking over government in Anambra
File Photo The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra, Ndubuisi Nwobu, said the party remains focused to take over the state in the upcoming governorship poll. Nwobu said this in an interview with newsmen in Awka on Tuesday, adding that he would not be distracted by those trying to destabilise the party in the state. He lauded the National Executive Committee of the party for organising successful ward congresses in the state which he said was a sure step to the party’s free, fair and credible primary election. “We want to conduct our primary election, where party people will freely vote and produce a candidate that will be acceptable to Anambra people at the November 6 poll. “This is not (the) time for distractions. We are focused on taking over the government from the ...
Omashola: How I fought gun-wielding men who tried to rob me
Former BBNaija housemate, Omashola, has narrated how he fought two suspected gunmen who tried to rob him some weeks back. In an Instagram post on Monday, the reality TV star stated that the incident happened when he was about driving home after attending an event. Omashola, who is also a model, stated that in the process, the two men had stopped him abruptly and tried to take away his valuables. According to him, sensing that he was seemingly helpless, he mustered the courage to engage his attackers in a fight. Although, the reality TV star did not disclose how it ended, he stated that his phone got damaged during the face-off. He further disclosed that he regretted his decision at the time because one of the two men was holding a gun. He wrote: “Weeks back I was about to enter my car and ...
Kwara APC youths petition AGF over local council transition committees
Under the auspices of Concerned APC Youths in Kwara, a group has petitioned justice minister Abubakar Malami over the appointment of local government transition committees by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. They condemned the recent constitution of the Transition Implementation Committee (TIC) for the 16 local government councils in the state. The youths described the TIC as illegal and unconstitutional, calling for the intervention of Mr Malami. The petition, signed by 36 youths drawn from the 16 local government areas, declared that Mr AbdulRazaq acted illegally in the constitution of the TIC. According to the petition, there are judgments of the Supreme Court against the appointment of TIC in local governments. The petition stated, “We are requesting that you use your very good office ...
VP Osinbajo: How grassroots planning helped our social investment programmes
One factor responsible for the impactful implementation of the Social Investment Programmes of the Buhari administration over the years is the realization that you can’t reach Nigerians if you don’t have a plan for the grassroots, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN. This realization then influenced the structure designed for the SIP and is largely responsible for the successes of the programme (which is now regarded as one of the biggest social welfare schemes in the continent). Prof. Osinbajo stated this Sunday in Lagos at the inauguration of the Dash Me Store, an outfit of the Dash Me Foundation founded by the immediate past Finance Minister, Mrs Kemi Adeosun. The store is established to mobilize resources for onward distribution to vulnerable people in the society via grassr...
Ghana and Ivory Coast play out goalless draw in Cape Coast
Ghana failed to score for the second straight game as their international friendly encounter against Ivory Coast ended in a goalless draw at the Cape Coast stadium on Saturday. The Ivorians were largely dominant in the game and could have won. Akonnor’s side in comparison were poor throughout, struggling to find a way to trouble their opponents. After the disappointing 1-0 loss to Morocco, a response was expected from Ghana in front of their home fans but it ended in disappointment. Ghana’s biggest chance came at the end of the first half where Thomas Partey tried one from distance but saw his shot saved by the opposition goalkeeper. Ivory Coast nearly found the net before that. A brilliant one-two exposed the Black Stars defence but the finishing at the end was lacking. Max Gradel’s goal-...
ITF chief: President Buhari providing quality leadership skills
Industrial Training Fund The Director General of Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Joseph Ari, said President Muhammadu Buhari has provided quality leadership through Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Richard Adeniyi Adebayo and his counterpart, Amb. Mariam Yalwaji Katagum which has unleashed innovations and creativity of various agencies under their control. Ari in a press statement signed by Director, Public Affairs Department, Suleyol Fred Chagu, in Jos on Friday after the formal presentation of the ITF Mobile Android GSM smart phone to President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, credited the achievement to the inspirational leadership and support to the Ministers. He said the ITF mobile phone, which was comparable in quality to any other brand of Android...
Senate reassures Nigerians on PIB, electoral, constitutional amendment bills
Senate President Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan said on Friday that the Senate was closer to passing the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, and the Constitution Amendment Bill, assuring Nigerians that the bills will be passed between now and July year. Lawan who stated this while interacting with journalists to mark the second anniversary of the 9th Senate stated that it was a mark of excellent effort that the ninth senate would soon be ready to pass the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) after twenty years of failed attempts. “This should happen this June, and it should increase accountability, probity, efficiency, equity and justice in that vital sector of our economy. “Our determination to pass the bill is additionally in line with our resolve to be a result-oriented parli...
Police dispel report of armed Fulani invasion of Ekiti market
The Ekiti State Police Command has dispelled reports that armed Fulani bandits had stormed Ado Ekiti, the state capital. The state’s Commissioner of Police, Tunde Mobayo, said it is important to allay the fear that engulfed residents of the town when the news made the rounds on Wednesday. A report had trended online on Wednesday that a truck loaded with Hausa-Fulani men, all armed with AK-47 rifles and other weapons, had arrived at the Shasha market, along Ikere Road in Ado Ekiti. Mobayo, in a statement signed by the Command’s spokesman, ASP Sunday Abutu, and made available to reporters on Wednesday night, explained that the report was concocted by purveyors of fake news, and should be disregarded by residents of the town. The statement, entitled “No Armed Hausa/Fulani Invaded Shasha Marke...
Nigerian government reopens passport application portal
Pool Photo The Federal Government has announced the reopening of the passport application and payment portal effective from June 8, 2021 by 12 midnight, to allow eligible passport applicants apply and make payments for the various categories of passports of their choice. A statement signed by the Assistant Comptroller of Immigration Service/Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Immigrations Service, Amos Okpu, on behalf of the Comptroller General, said with the reopening of the portal, a new passport application and payment regime has commenced. The statement added that applications and payments for passport services shall be made through the service website: www.immigration.gov.ng, while applicants are expected to visit the portal to apply and upload their support documents for vetting ...
US prioritises students’ visas
US Embassy in South Africa The U.S. Mission Country Consular Coordinator, Susan Tuller, has said the Mission in Nigeria will continue to prioritise student visa appointments throughout the summer months. Tuller disclosed this during the celebration of the U.S. Consulate’s “Student Visa Day.” According to her, there are over 13,000 Nigerian students and soon a few more may join them in studying in the U.S. She added that the Mission has interviewed over 2,500 student applicants since this year. Tuller noted that student visa numbers have gone down worldwide due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. According to her, student numbers from Nigeria were up to 2.5 per cent for the 2019/2020 school year, adding that in the eighth year in a row, the percentage has increased. Tuller encouraged students ...
