Bookmess

English
Home Page Submit Link Latest Links Popular Links Favorites History Articles Contact
Home Page › General
Sort Options
Newest First Oldest First Title (Ascending) Title (Descending) Most Page Views Least Page Views Most Clicks Least Clicks Most Votes Least Votes
Disturbing Details Of R. Kelly's Relationship With Aaliyah Resurface In New Documentary
Disturbing Details Of R. Kelly's Relationship With Aaliyah Resurface In New Documentary

Ahead of the January 3rd premiere of Lifetime’s new documentary, Surviving R. Kelly, reports of  the defamed R&B star's marriage to late singer Aaliyah have resurfaced.R&B singer and producer R. Kelly secretly wed a then 15-year-old Aaliyah in 1994, the same year her solo album debuted. Kelly met Aaliyah at the age of 12 and produced music for her, three years later they tied the knot. Though Kelly denies reports, the press uncovered a marriage certificate.The marriage was reportedly annulled, but Kelly continues to deny their nuptials - claiming they were close friends. Aaliyah was tragically killed in a plane crash at the age of 22.Along with allegations of sexual misconduct by various women, the Lifetimedocumentary includes the testimony of a former backup singer that claims Kelly had sex with Aaliyah on a tour bus occupied by his entourage when she was only 15 and he was 27.For decades, Kelly has been accused of sexually abusing girls and women - often under the guise of helping them with a music career. In 2008, Kelly was acquitted of child pornography charges after a jury trial. Most recently, he was accused of imprisoning women in a sex cult.Kelly continues to release music and perform concerts across the country, though mounting sexual assault allegations have diminished his popularity. In September, a concert at Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theater was canceled. Though reps claimed it was due to inclement weather, low ticket sales may have also played a factor.I cover the entertainment industry from a much-needed feminist perspective. I am here to disrupt the narrative. I wrote, produced and directed a short film about domestic violence and sexual assault based on my life. 

Saudi Arabia to notify women of divorce by text message
Saudi Arabia to notify women of divorce by text message

Saudi Arabia courts will notify women by text message when they get a divorce, in a new regulation that took effect Sunday....official said.Women in the kingdom will be able to view documents related to the termination of their marriage contracts through the ministry's website.The move comes as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto ruler spearheads a liberalisation drive in the conservative kingdom, which has some of the world's toughest restrictions on women.

Four Top African Airlines to Take On Ethiopian Airlines
Four Top African Airlines to Take On Ethiopian Airlines

Air Mauritius, South African Airways, RwandAir and Kenya Airways hope to use the alliance to achieve the "much-needed economies of scale" which would accord them improved efficiency and collaborations, Four African airlines plan to launch the first African Civil Aviation Alliance before March 2019, to break the stranglehold of Ethiopian Airlines on the continent and boost

INVESTIGATION: Government agencies hiding details of N20trn stamp duty revenue
INVESTIGATION: Government agencies hiding details of N20trn stamp duty revenue

Details of the revenues from stamp duties estimated at N20 trillion still remains opaque as the federal agencies involved in the collection have refused to provide information, despite the  freedom of information (FOI) request filed by The ICIR.A stamp duty is the tax placed on legal documents, usually in the transfer of assets or property.The FOI request was sent on July 31 on behalf of LeaksNG to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), office of the secretary to the government of the federation (OSGF), Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), and the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) PLC.Information requested were a report of stamp duty remittances by Deposit Money Banks and other financial institutions, the current status of the stamp duty central account domiciled in the CBN, stamp duty revenue remitted to the CBN by NIBSS between 2016 and 2017, amount of revenue collected by NIPOST between 2010 and 2016 and so on.Two months after the requests were made, on September 26, letters of reminder were sent to the various offices but none of the institutions had fulfilled its legal obligations by providing the information as of the time this report was filed.While NIPOST and NIBSS have not bothered to respond at all, others gave excuses for their inability to oblige.DIFFERENT REASONS, SAME CONCLUSIONOf all the five agencies that received inquiries, three responded, but sidestepped the responsibility to disclose information. The OSGF, in its reply dated August 9, 2018, said it had referred the FOI application to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), which according to it is better positioned to provide answers.“After a careful review of the application,” wrote J.O. Obule, acting legal adviser to the secretary, “the Office is of the view that the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has a greater interest and is the custodian of the information sought and therefore would be in a better position to provide same.”“Please be informed that your application has been referred to the FIRS accordingly and you are advised to deal with it directly.”FIRS would later shift responsibility to Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST).In a letter dated November 5 and signed by Ike Odume, FIRS director of legal services, the agency wrote: “The Legal Service Department of the FIRS received a letter from the International Centre for Investigative Reporting dated 26th September 2018 requesting for details for Stamp Duties recovered from NIPOST. We regret to inform you that FIRS does not collect Stamp Duties from NIPOST.“Therefore we ask that the above request be directed to NIPOST.”NIPOST is yet to respond to similar inquiries.The CBN replied on November 6 and, in the letter signed by R.J. Monguno of the corporate secretariat, the bank said it could not provide the information sought as the matter is the subject “of a suit before the Supreme Court of Nigeria and is therefore subjudice”.The court action referenced in this letter is yet unclear.SECRECY, ‘FRAUD’ MAR NIGERIA’S POTENTIAL GOLDMINEThe status of unremitted revenue from stamp duties said to have run into several trillions of naira over the years, has been shrouded in secrecy.In November 2017, the Senate kick-started a probe into the allegation that stamp duties revenue which accumulated over a period of five years and is valued at over N20 trillion has not been paid into the federation account.Following a motion raised by John Owan Enoh, senator representing Cross River central, the committees on finance and banking, insurance and other financial institutions were instructed to investigate the scandal and report back within a period of eight weeks.The School of Banking Honours (SBH) is the consultancy agent authorised in October 2017 by the federal government, alongside the International Investment Law and Arbitration, to recover stamp duty revenue that has not been remitted.It raised alarm in March that the NIBSS had been uncooperative so far in SBH’s efforts to recover unremitted stamp duty revenue of about $53.3 billion (N19.4 trillion) borne out of inter-bank electronic transactions.According to Tola Adekoya, SBH’s project consultant and chief executive officer, N7.719 trillion was due in 2015 as accumulated yet unremitted revenue to the federal and state governments. In total, he said, the funds are about N20 trillion, out of which not up to one percent has been remitted appropriately.He also said the presidency, through the office of the secretary to the government, had ordered the CBN to cooperate with SBH in implementing its mandate. However, NIBSS has refused on multiple occasions to grant access to data of relevant inter-bank transactions that passed through its central switch.“We served the demand notice because NIBSS is the agent of banks that handles their transactions,” Adekoya said.“Banks don’t have any power over NIBSS, once they ascertain a liability, they debit the banks immediately and that is why NIBSS is going to be a strategic partner in recovering the unremitted stamp duty revenue. It was indicated in the first paragraph of the letter sent to CBN and NIBSS that we should commence with NIBSS and that is what we are doing. We are following due process.”According to its website, the NIBSS “was incorporated in 1993 and is owned by all licensed banks including the CBN.” It manages inter-bank payments so as to remove bottlenecks characteristic of fund transfers and operates the Nigeria Automated Clearing System (NACS).The NIBSS board “is composed of the Deputy Governor (Operations) of the Central Bank of Nigeria as the Chairman, representatives of Banks as Directors, Executive Directors and the Managing Director/CEO, who heads Executive Management group of the organisation”.In October 2017, the house of representatives committee on telecommunications, summoned Kemi Adeosun, former finance minister, Godwin Emefiele, governor of the CBN, and Adebisi Adegbuyi, post-master general of NIPOST, to provide explanations on why billions generated from stamp duty charges were kept in commercial banks and the CBN.The committee’s resolution was triggered by the revelations by Zhigun Usman, who is NIPOST’s director of finance and investment, who said N13.4 billion had been deposited to the CBN by commercial banks.Usman had, however, added that the figure is suspect as the banks’ remittances oddly increased geometrically after NIPOST announced plans to audit the accounts.The controversy as to who is responsible for what and the fate of revenue generated so far has been on for years. In February 2016, the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) had to wade in to strike an agreement between the competing forces on access to a revenue account estimated to attract over N2.5 trillion annually.Moreover, in which authority the control of stamp duty funds resides has also been a contentious matter, especially between the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Nigeria Postal Services (NIPOST). While FIRS has claimed stamp duties collection as part of its statutory functions, NIPOST appears to disagree.Ike Odume, FIRS’s director, legal services, has described a controversial bill to amend provisions of the Stamp Duties Act as an attempt to usurp its duties. According to him, the Act as it exists is a tax legislation which has nothing to do with NIPOST.The postmaster-general of the federation, however, said, in his submission, that the amendment is crucial because the law has become old-fashioned and that NIPOST is only requesting for permission to sell stamps, either manually or electronically.“We are seeking the amendment of the Act to include the sale of a postage stamp. We are not collecting the tax. It is in the interest of Nigeria to draw a line between duty and stamp. We want to sell our stamp,” Adegbuyi said.Between December 2016 and January 2017, NIPOST put out adverts for forensic auditors to peruse bank records in an attempt to confirm the compliance level of banks when it comes to remittances. But, as gathered by Punch, the postal service had to ditch its plan after the CBN said it could use its supervisory powers to achieve similar results.NIBSS DENIES RESPONSIBILITYSamuel Oluyemi, NIBSS’ deputy general manager of corporate services, in an interview with  TheCable, said despite claims to the contrary by the SBH, the NIBSS is not attempting to prevent the federal government from realising the full potentials of the Stamp Duties Act.He explained this is because the company is neither in possession of any revenue accruing from stamp duties nor is aware of how much being collected under the scheme. NIBSS jurisdiction does not cover anything having to do with stamps or cheques, he said.He also revealed that there is no mechanism presently in place to track how much each bank is collecting and that banks charge the duty at their own discretion as not even all of them make the necessary deductions.He recommended that the enabling act for the collection of stamp duty is reviewed to specify what should be collected.GOVERNORS’ FORUM DECLINES COMMENTWhen he was contacted by The ICIR, Abulrazaque Bello-Barkindo, who is the public affairs head at the Nigerian Governors’ Forum secretariat, insisted the forum cannot comment on the subject “at the moment because the case is subjudice”. He declined to shed light on what the litigation is about or who the parties are.“There is post office interest, there is governors’ interest, so we are not talking about it until the case is adjudicated on,” he explained.He was also asked whether a report had been submitted by the three-man committee established by the NGF, in April, and headed by Ibikunle Amosun, governor of Ogun state, which was mandated to investigate the allegations of non-remittance. “No, they have not,” he replied.“As a matter of fact, there has not been any meeting regarding that up till now. The governor has been very busy, and we have not had it on the agenda for the last four, five meetings.”The committee had been given one week to submit its findings to the forum. NGF’s concern regarding the unexplained non-remittance of the bulk of the duty arises as a result of the percentage guaranteed to flow to the thirty-six states.With the current sharing formula, while the federal government takes the lion’s share of 52.68 percent from the federation account, the state governments collectively gets 26.72 per cent and the country’s 774 local governments get 20.6 percent.Adebisi Adegbuyi, postmaster-general of NIPOST, did not answer calls and has not responded to text messages asking, among other questions, if the postal office still intends conducting an independent audit of bank records.

2019 election: How votes will be collated – INEC
2019 election: How votes will be collated – INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that it would only do a nationwide pilot electronic transmission (e-collation) of results in the forthcoming general elections.INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this in his opening remarks at the Commission’s regular quarterly meeting with the media on Tuesday in Abuja.He said that for the Commission to do full electronic transmission of results, there must be a backing law for that.“The Commission is also aware of the interest expressed by the media to learn more about the commission’s electronic results transmission process, including its backend processes.“This meeting will include a presentation on the pilot we carried out in some of the off-season elections conducted by the Commission,” he said.Yakubu urged media organisations to sensitise registered voters yet to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to do so, in order for them to be able to participate in the forthcoming general elections.He re-emphasised that the commission would not create additional polling units for 2019 elections, other than units created for the 2015 general elections.“No new polling unit has been created and none will be created before the 2019 general elections,” he said.The INEC chairman appealed to the media to partner with INEC in tackling the worrisome issue of vote buying which the commission had been working to address.“We appeal to the media to continue to partner with the Commission by making information available to us while we work with the security agencies to deal with the violators of our electoral laws.“These include those who may be trying to compromise our staff responsible for making the PVCs available for collection by legitimate voters.“We understand that some actors have been going round hunting for our staff responsible for the distribution of PVCs. We are aware of this and we are ahead of them, “ he said.Answering questions on plans to introduce the rolling and flattening of ballot papers by voters as part of measures to address vote buying, Yakubu said that plans were in place to ensure that it did not lead to increased voided votes.“The first one is the quality of the ink. You know you have quick dry ink and the certain type of ink that immediately you thumbprint it spreads.“We are committed to ensuring that we get the right type of quality,’’ he said.He said that the initial folding would be done by the electoral officer, and folding it from the top (the ballot paper), it could not spread on the columns for political party on the paper.He added that as the elections approaches, the commission was working to finalise its guidelines for the 2019 general elections.The chairman also said that the Commission was committed to effective training of its ad hoc staff for the success of the elections.He re-emphasised that the commission would not create additional polling units for 2019 elections, other than units created for the 2015 general elections.“No new polling unit has been created and none will be created before the 2019 general elections,” he said.The INEC chairman appealed to the media to partner with INEC in tackling the worrisome issue of vote buying which the commission had been working to address.“We appeal to the media to continue to partner with the Commission by making information available to us while we work with the security agencies to deal with the violators of our electoral laws.“These include those who may be trying to compromise our staff responsible for making the PVCs available for collection by legitimate voters.“We understand that some actors have been going round hunting for our staff responsible for the distribution of PVCs. We are aware of this and we are ahead of them, “ he said.Answering questions on plans to introduce the rolling and flattening of ballot papers by voters as part of measures to address vote buying, Yakubu said that plans were in place to ensure that it did not lead to increased voided votes.“The first one is the quality of the ink. You know you have quick dry ink and the certain type of ink that immediately you thumbprint it spreads.“We are committed to ensuring that we get the right type of quality,’’ he said.He said that the initial folding would be done by the electoral officer, and folding it from the top (the ballot paper), it could not spread on the columns for political party on the paper.He added that as the elections approaches, the commission was working to finalise its guidelines for the 2019 general elections.The chairman also said that the Commission was committed to effective training of its ad hoc staff for the success of the elections.

New Minimum Wage: Buhari appoints technical advisory committee [See list of members]
New Minimum Wage: Buhari appoints technical advisory committee [See list of members]

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday appointed Bismarck Rewane as head of the newly inaugurated Technical Advisory Committee on the implementation of a National Minimum Wage.The president disclosed this while inaugurating the committee before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council meeting at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa Abuja.He said that the inaugurated technical committee will be chaired by an economist and financial expert, Mr. Bismarck Rewane with other experienced economists and administrators from the private sector working together with all the relevant officials of government.He said, “This is why I constituted the Tripartite Committee of Government, Organized Private Sector and Labour to consider the National Minimum Wage and make recommendations to Government for its upward review.“That Committee has since submitted its report with some recommendations. We are currently working on the final steps that will lead to the submission of a National Minimum Wage Amendment Bill to the National Assembly.“I want to make it clear that there is no question about whether the National Minimum Wage will be reviewed upwards. I am committed to a review of the Minimum Wage.“Also, it is important to explain that even though the subject of a National Minimum Wage is in the Exclusive Legislative List, we have been meeting with the State Governors because it is imperative that the Federal Government carries the State Governments along in determining any upward review of the minimum wage for workers.“This is especially necessary considering the prevailing public sector revenue challenges, which have made it extremely difficult for some of the governments to pay workers as and when due.“As you know we, at the Federal level, have made adequate provision for the increase in the Minimum Wage in our 2019 Budget proposals which we submitted to the National Assembly. Therefore, we will be able to meet the additional costs that will be incurred in moving up all personnel who are currently earning below the new minimum wage.“However, we anticipate that after the new minimum wage has been passed into law we will be going into negotiations for salary review for all the workers who are already earning above the new minimum wage. It is therefore important that we are properly prepared to meet these demands.“We must, therefore, look at ways of implementing these consequential wage adjustments in a manner that does not have adverse effects on our national development plans, as laid out in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP). The ERGP sets appropriate targets for levels of Capital Expenditure, Public Debt, Inflation, Employment, etc.“It is absolutely important that the implementation of a new minimum wage does not adversely affect these targets, and thereby erode the envisaged gains for the workers.“It is against this background that I have set up a Technical Committee to advise Government on how best to fund, in a sustained manner, the additional costs that will arise from the implementation of the consequential increases in salaries and allowances for workers currently earning above the new minimum wage,” he said.He enumerated the terms of reference for the committee to include develop, and advise government on how to successfully bring about a smooth implementation of impending wage increases and identify new revenue sources, and areas of existing expenditure from where some savings could be made in order to fund the wage increases without adversely impacting the nation’s development goals as set out in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.Others are to, “propose a work plan and modalities for the implementation of the salary increases, any other suggestions that will assist in the implementation of this, and future wage increases.“Given the urgency of this exercise, the Committee is expected to complete its deliberations and submit its report and recommendations within one month today.“It is now my pleasure to formally inaugurate the Technical Advisory Committee on the Implementation of an Increase in the National Minimum Wage.”Others in the committee are former Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Dr Babatunde Fowler, ex-FIRS boss, Mrs. Ifueko Omoigui-Okauru, Dr Ayo Teriba, Chief Executive Officer among other and Prof. Akpan Ekpo.From the public sector are: Chairman FIRS, Dr Babatunde Fowler, Director General of Budget Office, Ben Akabueze, who is the secretary of the committee, representative of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), Chairman of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, Richard Egbule, Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office of the Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, Permanent Secretary General Service Office, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Olusegun Adekunle, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Finance, Dr. Mahmoud Isa-Dutse, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Budget and National Planning, Olajide Odewale, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Labour Mrs. Ibukun Odusote, and Solicitor General Of the Federation and Permanent Secretary ministry of Justice Mr. Dayo Apata.Others are Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, office of the Vice President, Dr. Adeyemi Dipeolu, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Economic Policy Dr. Joseph Nnanna, Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, Director General Debt Management Officer, Ms. Patience Oniaga, Director General National Institute of Social and Economic Research, Dr. Folarin Gbadebo-Smith, Statistician General, National Bureau of Statistics, Dr. Yemi Kale, Mrs. Aisha Hamad, Mamman Garba and Tunde Lawal.The committee has a month to complete and submit its report.

47 years after: Hope rises on Bodo-Bonny Bridge project
47 years after: Hope rises on Bodo-Bonny Bridge project

Inaugured more than 47 years ago, the multibillion-naira Bodo-Bonny bridge project in Rivers has suffered series of setbacks due to funding challenges, concerned citizens observe.The project, targeted at easing transportation problems of Bonny community and its environs, would be the first link road to the island.The island, hosting the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) and other oil companies has boats and helicopters as the only means of transportation.Angered by the heaps of yams and toiletries seen awaiting transportation to Bonny Island through boats, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola pledged that the long abandoned project would be undertaken by President Muhammadu Buhari administration.He said that the project had suffered several challenges over the years, observing that the contractor had abandoned the site because it was not funded.Fashola said that the Federal Government had made provision to finance the project in partnership with NLNG in the 2017 budget proposal.It was on this backdrop that the Federal Government signed a tripartite agreement of N120 billion with NLNG and Julius Berger Nigeria Plc. for the construction of Bonny-Bodo bridge.At the MoU signing ceremony, NLNG offered to pay 50 per cent of the total cost of the project while the Federal Government will take responsibility of the remaining 50 per cent.Julius Berger was therefore mobilised to begin work on the project but recorded another setback following attack on its facilities by communities along the corridor of the project.Fashola expressed dismay over reported cases of attack on the facilities of the contractor that resulted in the withdrawal of its workers from the site.The minister, at a meeting with representatives of communities along the corridor of the project and officials of Julius Berger then issued two weeks ultimatum to the communities to resolve their differences.He said the Federal Government could not afford to keep money down, adding that the contractor had received its first mobilization."It took time to beg NLNG to release money for the project, so, if you don't take ownership of it and put it to use, then, we might as well tell them to take their money back."We need to have a position within two weeks for MoU of compromise to be signed, assuring us that there will be peace in that place."You must invite the contractor back to site and ensure that you suggest to them anything you want the contractor to do because you can't take over their business," he said.Fashola said that the commencement of the project was conceived by the Federal Government within the context of agitation for better quality of live in the Niger Delta region."I am sad to hear that the contractor is being attacked, his property in Gitto yard being vandalised, topographic survey and other works being stopped in your communities."My sense is that if a major Federal Government project is coming to your area, you put your differences aside particularly for the fact that the project is a potential live changing assets,'' he cautioned the residents.Prof. Jasper Jumbo, the Traditional Head, Jumbo House, Bonny, blamed the attack on Julius Berger facilities to the failure of the company to consult Jumbo Major House before the commencement of the project."I have not seen Julius Berger since the project was inaugurated, I have not seen the design, I don't know where the road alignment will go through and it will go through my land."We want to know our stake in this project that God has brought for us; we want to know the local content of the project,'' he said.Chief Abel Attoni, the Palace Secretary, Bonny Kingdom said that the kingdom was not aware of any attack on the facilities of the contractor.He pledged the commitment of the kingdom to support the project, explaining that a committee had been constituted to interface with the contractor to ensure smooth execution of the project.Mr Johnson Fadire, the Federal Controller of Works, Rivers, said that the 17-man peace committee set up by the minister to ensure smooth execution of the project was doing its best and had been meeting on monthly basisHe said that the 39-kilometre Bodo-Bonny bridge project slated for completion in 2022 was currently four per cent completed from Bodo axis.He attributed the achievements recorded in the project to the fact that compensation had been paid in the Bodo axis where work was currently going on." When the contractor started the work, it was agreed that the project will commence simultaneously on both Bodo and Bonny axis because it is being funded by the Federal Government and NLNG."The idea is to satisfy NLNG since its operational base is in Bonny but the agreement could not hold because the communities on Bonny axis have yet to be compensated."Before we can do any work from Bonny axis, we must demolish some houses and if we choose to start in the green areas, we equally have a lot of economic crops."The people are not happy with us and I have received several letters from the paramount ruler of Bonny in this regard,'' he said.He, therefore, called for urgent intervention of the Federal Government to resolve the compensation issues and equally start work from Bonny axis.Fadire alleged that other problem facing the execution of the project was that the communities had been very hostile to the contractors in their request."We are having very big problems with the communities; they have been very hostile and rigid in their request and this is negatively affecting pace of work on the project'', he said.Mr Mustapha Shehuri, the Minister of State for Power, Works and Housing, called on communities along the corridor of the project to cooperate with the contractor.Shehuri said that the call was to ensure speedy completion of the project and ease the sufferings of residents of the communities.He expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work by the contractor, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.The minister said that the communities had over the years yearned for the project under the various past government administrations but never came to fruitful."The present administration has taken interest in constructing the bridge because it feels that the people deserve it."Now that work has started on the project, I am using this medium to appeal to the communities to cooperate and appreciate the project because they are the major beneficiaries."We must embrace development because that is the only way government can be attracted to projects like this'', he said.Shehuri said that the ministry was doing its best to ensure that issues of compensation on Bonny axis as well as communities between Bonny and Bodo were resolved.

Onnoghen: A Justice in the Eye of the Law
Onnoghen: A Justice in the Eye of the Law

Except the unintended shows up, the stage is set for the arraignment of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Samuel Onnoghen at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) tomorrow over allegations of false declaration of assets.A statement by Ibraheem Al-Hassan, Head, Press & Public Relations at the CCT yesterday in Abuja, stated that “The Code of Conduct Tribunal has scheduled Monday, 14th of January for the commencement of trial against current Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon Justice Onnoghen Nkanu Walter Samuel for alleged non declaration of asset.“This was consequent to application filed by the Code of Conduct Bureau to the CCT Chairman yesterday for the trial to commence against the Chief Justice of Nigeria on six count charges.”A civil society group, Anti-Corruption and Research Based Data Initiative (ARDI), was reported by TheCable, an online news portal, as having launched the legal move against Onnoghen through a petition to the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), listing a number of allegations against him, chiefly false declaration of assets.In the petition dated January 7, 2019, the group accused Onnoghen of owning “sundry accounts, primarily funded through cash deposits made by himself up to as recently as 10th August 2016, which appear to have been run in a manner inconsistent with financial transparency and the code of conduct for public officials”.For instance, the group said Onnoghen made five different cash deposits of $10,000 each on March 8, 2011, into Standard Chartered Bank Account 1062650; two separate cash deposits of $5000 each followed by four cash deposits of $10,000 each on June 7, 2011; another set of five separate cash deposits of $10,000 each on June 27, 2011, and four more cash deposits of $10,000 each the following day.In addition, the group noted that Onnoghen did not declare his assets immediately after taking office, contrary to section 15 (1) of Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act; and that he did not comply with the constitutional requirement for public servants to declare their assets every four years during their career.The group further noted that his Code of Conduct Bureau Forms (Form CCB 1) for 2014 and 2016 were dated and filed on the same day and the acknowledgement slips were issued for both on December 14, 2016 — at which point, they said, Onnoghen had become the CJN, having assumed office on March 6, 2017.Although section 3 (e) of the Third Schedule (part 1) of the 1999 constitution, provides that the Code of Conduct Bureau shall “receive complaints about non-compliance with or breach of the provisions of the Code of Conduct or any law in relation thereto, investigate the complaint and, where appropriate, refer such matters to the Code of Conduct Tribunal”, however, since officers of the law are meant to be disciplined by the National Judicial Commission (NJC), the possibility that the CCB would refer this particular case to the CCT is unlikely even if the allegations were found to be trueWhat is likely to happen is that it might have to refer it to the NJC, which is chaired, incidentally, by Onnoghen. But at this point, he would have to excuse himself from the process, even though no CJN has been tried before apart from the arrest of some justices.Interestingly, since the news of the move to probe Onnoghen came to the fore, it has been seen from different angles by different people, depending on which side the individual is speaking from.There are those, for instance, who contend that the timing was first not right and that putting the CJN in such an obnoxious corner a few weeks to the general election, could mean stoking a needless constitutional row, with staggering insinuations about compromise or refusal to play ball.The thinking in the opposition is that because the ruling party has seen that Onnoghen was not one to play balls with the ruling party on election matters and that should he remain in office till the time of the election, then presidential election cases might suffer terrible blow in court, because he would not tag along with them.Already, the opposition has begun to drop the name of one Dennis Aghanya, who is said to be the author of the petition against Onnoghen, saying he was President Muhammadu Buhari’s media aide and former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct CPC.This school however contended that the CCT could not try the CJN, because according to it, by virtue of the judgment of the Court of Appeal in respect of the case of Justice of Justice Hyeladzira Nganjiwa of the Federal High Court, any serving judicial officer could not be tried by the Code of Conduct tribunal or even court, until the NJC had dealt with the matter.To that extent, this school contended that it was based on the judgment that the CCT discontinued the trial of a Supreme Court justice, Sylvester Ngwuta, who also was being tried for alleged false declaration of assets.It is argued that it was in lieu of this that the Federal High Court once struck out money laundering charges against the Supreme Court justices.There was yet another viewpoint, which argued that since the infraction committed by Onnoghen was constitutional, the politicisation of the argument was doing injustice to the constitution and other extant laws of the land, which forbid any public office holder from concealing their worth as part of the condition for such office.Those in this school maintained that the argument about timing and compromise were being economical with the truth especially, since the presidential election has always been won and lost at the polls and not in court.This group therefore maintained the position that dealing with constitutional infractions was an action that considered time as being of the essence and not such timing, which is being considered politically discomforting. Whether or not it was election period, the position was that there is a situation that must be addressed pronto.In the final analysis, the ongoing move to try Onnoghen might have presented itself as a good test case for the constitution and the laws of the land, because after all, the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki went through similar experience and came out unscathed.Indeed, that the CJN would be taken through the curve of trial over allegation that could impugn his integrity and that of the judiciary as an institution could be considered a good bet for the development of the nation’s legal system and nation-building in general.However, attempt to truly politicise this and vindicate the opposition would definitely backfire, the result of which would be dastardly for the ruling party and put to context, the political definition of the timing of the trial.

Trump Blasts FBI For Probe Into Possible Co-operation With Russia
Trump Blasts FBI For Probe Into Possible Co-operation With Russia

The New York Times reported that the FBI launched the previously undisclosed counterintelligence investigation to determine whether Trump posed a national security threat, at the same time that it opened a criminal probe into possible obstruction of justice by the president.The FBI investigation was subsequently folded into the broader probe by Special Counsel Robert Mueller into Russia’s meddling in the 2016 election and possible collaboration by the Trump campaign.No evidence has publicly emerged that Trump was secretly in contact with or took direction from Russian officials, the Times said.Trump Reacts“Wow, just learned in the Failing New York Times that the corrupt former leaders of the FBI, almost all fired or forced to leave the agency for some very bad reasons, opened up an investigation on me, for no reason & with no proof, after I fired Lyin’ James Comey, a total sleaze!” Trump tweeted.According to Trump, “the FBI was in complete turmoil … because of Comey’s poor leadership” and the way he handled the investigation into Hillary Clinton’s use of a private server to send some government emails.“My firing of James Comey was a great day for America,” Trump claimed, describing the former FBI director as “a Crooked Cop who is being totally protected by his best friend, Bob Mueller.”The Times said that the FBI had been suspicious of Trump’s ties to Russia during the 2016 campaign.But it held off on opening an investigation until the president sacked Comey, who refused to pledge allegiance to Trump and roll back the nascent Russia investigation.A ‘witch hunt’?Trump has repeatedly criticized the Mueller investigation as a “witch hunt” and views it as an attempt to besmirch the legitimacy of his presidency.His press secretary, Sarah Sanders, said in a statement Saturday that the latest charges are “absurd,” adding, “James Comey was fired because he’s a disgraced partisan hack… (and) President Trump has actually been tough on Russia.”Mueller, meanwhile, has issued dozens of indictments and steadily chalked up convictions of some of the president’s close associates — including his former national security advisor, his former personal lawyer, and his ex-campaign chief.The ex-national security advisor, Michael Flynn, pleaded guilty to lying to investigators about his Moscow ties.The lawyer, Michael Cohen, has been sentenced to three years in prison for multiple crimes, including felony violations of campaign finance laws that prosecutors allege were carried out under Trump’s direction.And Trump’s former presidential campaign chair, Paul Manafort, has been convicted in one case brought by Mueller and pleaded guilty in another, over financial crimes related to his work in Ukraine before the 2016 campaign, and for witness tampering.Cell phone records show that Cohen was near Prague during the summer of 2016, supporting claims that he met there with Russian officials during the presidential election campaign, McClatchy news service has reported.Cohen, who will testify in Congress on February 7, insists that he has never been to Prague, but added in a tweet: “#Mueller knows everything!”Manafort, meanwhile, has admitted to sharing polling data with a Russian during the 2016 presidential race, according to a court filing inadvertently made public by his lawyers. CNN reported that the intended recipients were two pro-Russia Ukrainian oligarchs.Manafort has denied lying to investigators about his dealings with the Russian, Konstantin Kilimnik, a political consultant with alleged intelligence ties, claiming he merely forgot details during the hectic campaign.The specifics of the Mueller allegations were not previously known publicly, having been blacked out in a heavily redacted December 7 filing by the prosecutor’s team.But in Manafort’s response, the electronic formatting for the redaction could easily be bypassed, revealing exactly what he was accused of lying about.Mueller’s grand jury investigation, meanwhile, has been extended by a judge beyond its original 18-month mandate.

Onnoghen’s Accuser Proved Himself Buhari’s Main Man
Onnoghen’s Accuser Proved Himself Buhari’s Main Man

In less than 24 hours that the petition written by Anti-Corruption and Research Based Data Initiative (ARDI), alleging asset declaration irregularities against Walter Onnoghen, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), became public knowledge, the arrowhead of the organisation, Denis Aghanya, has been unveiled.Aghanya has never been obscure in the media, and he has a history of aligning with President Muhammadu Buhari or with his interests.Former Media AideAghanya is a former media aide to Buhari and was also the Publicity Secretary of defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). He is also the current media adviser to Juliet Chikaodili Ibekaku, a senatorial candidate under the umbrella of the All Progressive Congress (APC).Supported Buhari Over the National AssemblyARDI and its Executive Secretary have always been vocal in the media, pitching their tents with President Buhari and his government.Nine months ago, Aghanya and ARDI sided with the President when he purchased $496 million aircraft without the approval of the National Assembly. In his entreaties for the President, he pleaded with the leadership of the National Assembly not to take stringent measures in addressing the President’s faux pas.In justifying the President’s act, Aghanya reasoned that the President had not committed any serious offence since he did not embezzle the said sum.“The President’s only sin is that he did not seek the approval of NASS for the release of the fund; he did not embezzle it. For anyone to think of impeachment process against him is not right. We have many problems at hand. Violation of a constitutional provision is bad but it is worse to act in an immoral manner.”He continued; “There is no doubt that Mr President erred in his approval and release of such magnitude of fund to place order for the controversial aircraft, but I prefer to view his actions from his intention rather than the technicalities associated with the process of releasing the fund. He meant well and nobody can take away that fact. We were all witnesses in this country when funds were appropriated and released and it was completely diverted and embezzled and nobody was questioned. I must confess, however, that I am also happy that the National Assembly could be on top of its game by living up to its oversight function.”Sided With Buhari During EKweremadu’s EFCC TravailsAghanya cautioned Ohaneze Ndigbo, an ethnic and socio-cultural organization, against giving ethic colouration to the investigation of Ike Ekweremadu, Deputy Senate President, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).He said: “The ethnic dimension given to the ongoing investigation of the Deputy President of the Senate, Chief Ike Ekweremadu, by the EFCC is worrisome. Most worrisome is the role of Ohaneze Ndigbo, which sees every prosecution of their own extraction as unjust. Our position is that Ekweremadu should answer to the issues raised by the EFCC over the alleged 60 assets traced to him. He should also stop giving it the coloration of a persecution against Ndigbo.“The fight against corruption does not recognize religion or ethnicity and should not be given such coloration. Ekweremadu’s problems are personal and should be treated as such. We wish to commend the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property led by Okoi Obono-Obla for tracing those alleged assets.”‘Chief Convener’ Of Buhari Unity BandIn November, Aghanya was at the Presidential villa in Abuja to unveil the Buhari Unity Band, a group to propagate support for Buhari ahead of the 2019 presidential election. He splashed the picture on his Facebook page, vividly describing his activity at the villa.“At the conference centre, state house presidential villa Abuja for the unveiling of Buhari Unity Band by GOGAN (Good Governance Ambassadors of Nigeria) in my capacity as the Chief Convener of C24 (Coalition of 24 Civil Society Organization for Good Governance and Electoral Integrity for Nigeria).Buhari’s Friends Are His FriendsIn 2017, Aghanya’s ARDI awarded Abdullahi Ganduje, Governor of Kano State, the Award of Best Governor in Curtailing Drug Abuse in the country in recognition of his “sustained and systematic fight against corruption through curtailing drug abuse in the state”. At the award ceremony, Aghanya had said: "Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje represents most of the values that ARDI as an organisation is known for in standing in support of the fight against corruption and graft in Nigeria.“To be specific, he has taken the anti-corruption campaign to the grassroots by commissioning the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission offices in all the 44 local governments of the state.”However, since October, when Daily Nigerian released videos of the same Ganduje collecting bribes in dollars from contractors, Aghanya has been dead silent.These, and many more, are the reasons many are wondering if Aghanya’s petition against Onnoghen is not part of a larger pro-Buhari scheme.

Bestoffer glass
Bestoffer glass

Best glass repair in Fairfax VA is a licensed company which provides its customers with top quality Best glass repair in Fairfax VA at very affordable rates.Please visit our website https://bestofferglass.com/best-glass-repair-in-fairfax-va/#Best glass repair in Fairfax VA.

US Embassy Closes Indefinitely, Visa Seekers To Miss Appointments​
US Embassy Closes Indefinitely, Visa Seekers To Miss Appointments​

Many Nigerians who applied for US visa will miss their appointments as the United States embassy in Abuja and its consulate in Lagos have shutdown indefinitely.With this development, applicants for tourist, study, business visas, immigrant visas or any other travel document ,will not be attended to.The US embassy in Nigeria said in a Facebook post that the development was caused by the government shutdown in the US.According to the statement, “Due to the current US government shutdown, the American centres located in the embassy, Abuja and Consulate-General, Lagos are unfortunately closed. They will re-open once the US government shutdown is resolved. Sorry for any inconvenience to our valued patrons.”President Donald Trump-led executive and the US legislative had clashed over Trump’s attempt to build a wall along the Mexican border.Building a wall was one of Trump’s major campaign promises as part of efforts to curb illegal migration and crime.During his campaign, Trump had threatened that the Mexican government would pay for the wall.But after the Mexican government refused to fund the wall, Trump approached the US legislature, requesting for $5 billion to fund the wall.The Congress, however, rejected Trump’s proposal.On December 11, Trump held a televised meeting with Speaker-designee, Nancy Pelosi, and Senate Minority Leader, Chuck Schumer, in which he asked them to support $5billion in funding for the border wall but they rejected his request.“I am proud to shut down the government for border security … I will be the one to shut the government down. I’m not going to blame you for it … I will take the mantle. I will be the one to shut it down,” Trump reportedly said.However, Politico later reported that Trump was willing to sign a bill that delayed a government shutdown into 2019 and the new Congress.

2019 Presidential Election
2019 Presidential Election

Nigeria is at a cross-road! with its younger generation increasingly becoming agitated over the direction of the country pioneered by the old and corrupt! Many fractions like Oduduwa, Biafra, Niger-Delta are calling for return to regional government or disintegration....where is the country headed???

I'll make Nigeria Africa's most innovative economy – Ezekwesili
I'll make Nigeria Africa's most innovative economy – Ezekwesili

The presidential candidate of the Allied Congress of Nigeria (ACPN), Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, has notified Nigerians of her plans in the new year, one of which is to make Nigeria's economy the most innovative in the entire Africa as soon as she emerges President.

Default on loans rises as glut hits property market
Default on loans rises as glut hits property market

Financing real estate development is seen as one of the most difficult things to do in Nigeria. Over the last few years, it has been made worse due to the downturn in the economy.According to stakeholders, the real estate industry has not really recovered from the impacts of the recession.Findings show that developers have had to take the heat as empty houses dot the landscape of major cities in the country, tying down funds while many Nigerians are homeless.It is estimated that Nigeria has about 17 million housing deficit, a figure that has been in dispute because some stakeholders think it may be up to about 20 million considering the growing population.But while many look up to developers to help in the provision of houses, with the support of the government, they (developers) have been constrained by low purchasing power from those who should take up the houses built, and lack of funds from banks.Data obtained from the National Bureau of Statistics show that as of the third quarter of 2018, the real estate industry's debt to banks was over N710bn.The figure accounts for 4.46 per cent of the total credit of N15.59tn to the private sector, making the industry the fifth highest debtor to the banks.Although it was lower than the N798bn recorded in the same period in 2017, the situation has made it difficult for developers to access commercial banks' loans.The Deputy President, Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria, Mr Akintoye Adeoye, says banks are no longer interested in extending loans to developers.He adds, "There is a high rate of default on bank loans, if you go to any bank today and tell them you want to finance real estate development, they will not talk to you because they have had their fingers burnt. The interest rate is also not helping; it currently hovers around 25 to 35 per cent and housing is long-term, so it is a mismatch to use a short-term fund to finance a long-term project."Now, banks are not places to go to except on some special projects where the off-takers are members of a cooperative society where they know how they will wrap up the transaction but it will also be expensive for the buyers because the cost of funds will be transferred to them."The Chairman and Managing Director, Megamound Investment Limited, Otunba Olumide Osunsina, also says commercial banks are no longer interested in financing real estate projects."They have not been putting their money in the industry for a while," he adds. The Chairman, Sparklight Property Development Company Limited, Chief Toyin Adeyinka, tells our correspondent that the low purchasing power of many Nigerians has reduced real estate transactions, limiting access to funds for developers.He says the only viable window of funding, and which also offers single digit interest rate to developers is the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria.But even the FMBN has been weighed down by debts which it gives majorly through its Estate Development Loan window.The mortgage bank in 2012 suspended the EDL due to default on loans, a few years after publishing names of bad debtors in 2009.In 2016, the FMBN had solicited the help of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to assist in recovering about N100bn debt from developers as well as primary mortgage banks.According to a former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the FMBN, Richard Esin, who made the appeal at the time, developers have a huge debt overhang with the bank.Also, the now defunct Skye Bank Plc, in its earnings guidance on March 23, 2016, notified shareholders and investors of "anticipated material decline in its profits for the full-year ended December 31, 2015 compared with that of 2014."According to the bank, the expected decline in performance was attributable to management's decision to recognise "increased impairment on loans to sectors severely affected by the prevailing economic headwinds, which are yet to abate, especially the lull in oil and gas and real estate sectors".In its Gross Domestic Product report for the third quarter of 2018, the NBS says the real estate sector contracted by -2.68 per cent from -3.88 per cent in the second quarter and -9.4 per cent in the first quarter of the year.At the same period in 2017, the sector contracted by -4.12 per cent in the third quarter from – 3.53 per cent in the second quarter of 2017 and -7.37 per cent in the third quarter of 2016.The sector's contribution to nominal GDP in the third quarter of 2018 was 6.88 per cent, lower than the 7.54 per cent reported in the corresponding quarter of 2017 and 7.09 per cent recorded in the preceding quarter.Glut versus deficit Ironically, even with the slow growth in the sector and the glut in the property market, the Federal Government estimates that almost half of the population of the country needs houses.According to a recent statement by the Minister of State for Power, Works and Housing, Mustapha Shehuri, more than 70 million Nigerians fall into the category of those in urgent need of housing.The President and Chairman of Council, Association of Housing Corporations of Nigeria, Mohammed Adamu, says housing all over the world remains the most basic human needs that impact directly on the physical, social and mental well-being of man irrespective of socio-economic status, colour or creed.He, however, adds that many people are becoming homeless as a result of a non-functional housing sector.He explains that despite the high demand for housing, there are houses in some of the major cities such as Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt, built over two years that are not sold and not occupied.A recent report by the Centre for African Housing Finance, says Nigeria requires over $360bn to address its housing needs.The Principal Partner, Bode Adediji Partnership, Mr Bode Adediji, says the luxury property market has been on lockdown for the past two to three years.The Senior Partner and Chief Executive Officer, Nelson Thorpe Alonge, a firm of chartered surveyors and estate surveyors and valuers, Mr Victor Alonge, says the situation in the property market has been the same since 2015."The truth is that there is clearly an oversupply of property for sale, it has been like that for some time especially since the current dispensation. There are few effective demands, which is why prices have not risen. We have not seen any difference and people are not buying properties like before," he says.At the beginning of the year, real estate firm, Northcourt, in its ' 2018 Nigeria Real Estate Market Outlook', had stated that consumer purchasing power had remained low."Small is the new big as developers across retail, residential, industrial and hospitality sectors now favour small to moderately-sized projects. Also, there is a rising demand for much more affordable housing projects," the report says.According to findings , the demand for smaller but functional developments is gradually taking over; from residential to retail, and many developers are beginning to explore the new trend.The Chief Executive Officer, Global Property and Facilities International Limited, Dr MKO Balogun, says potential subscribers now look out for smaller apartments.He says, "There are more demands for one, two-bedroom apartments. Sixty per cent of people who need houses don't need three-bedroom apartments; they need one and two-bedroom where they can graduate to bigger houses. But we are just building townhouses everywhere and creating problems."I know developers who are buying whole houses, knocking them down and building one, two-bedroom apartments. We can't keep doing the same thing and expect the same result."The residential sub-sector is, however, not alone in the problem; the retail and office markets are also not faring better.Analysts say that out of the close to 20 malls in Lagos, only about two or three are viable.In its overview of Nigeria's real estate industry in the third quarter of 2018, an investment firm, Broll Nigeria, says the ripple effect of improved macroeconomic conditions from recessionary levels has yet to have a significant impact on the recovery of the retail market.It adds that while the rise in oil prices has helped to boost forex inflows and exchange rate stability, it has also contributed to inflationary pressures in the market."Renewed signs of weakness in the wider economy have made investors increasingly cautious in their investment decisions. Over the last 12 months, underlining trends have persisted. These include contracted purchasing power, high tenant turnover rates, high rental and operational costs and an oversupply of mall space. Landlords continue to offer financial incentives in order to drive up occupancies within their malls," the report says.Although it found a relative improvement in office market dynamics in the first three quarters of 2018, the report says the market remains a tenants' market with landlords having to offer favourable leasing terms to drive occupancy levels.It explains that it is anticipated that activity in the office market will continue to improve, albeit at a very gradual pace, with the lingering uncertainty about the economy's growth and employment prospects."Vacancy levels are expected to rise, especially with the delivery of over 40,000m² of prime space over the next six to 12 months," it adds.Balogun says the retail market started aggressively but it is currently being challenged by increasing vacancy rates.He explains that the situation is so because some developers have not been very innovative in developing the malls, especially putting the neighbourhood into consideration."What we are doing is copy and paste; unfortunately most of the people we copy from do community malls. You can't build big malls in the middle of nowhere and expect to have full occupancy," he says.Mortgage to the rescue According to stakeholders in the industry, only the development of the mortgage industry can help reduce Nigeria's housing deficit.But investigations show that awareness is still very low, especially in the informal sector where many do not know how to get mortgage loans.The Founder of Dunn Loren Merrifield, an investment firm, and Chairman of Mortgage Warehouse Funding Limited, Sonnie Ayere, tells our correspondent that with the housing deficit in the country, even if a million houses are built yearly, it will take more than 20 years to reduce it."So, it gives an idea of how enormous the issue is and how it is important that we get people onto the mortgage ladder," he adds.The Chief Executive Officer, Trustbond Mortgage Bank Plc and President, Mortgage Banking Association of Nigeria, Mr Niyi Akinlusi, says Nigerians have become accustomed to buying houses with cash, hence the lull in the property market."I think it is cultural; a lot of our people think if they cannot feel it, it does not exist. They feel the cash. But I think all we need is more education and enlightenment. That is why we encourage people to take a mortgage, which doesn't give cash but it will encourage them to understand and appreciate the fact that transactions cannot be cash-based," he says.According to him, stakeholders in the mortgage industry are putting a lot of initiatives in place to ensure that more Nigerians consider using mortgage when acquiring houses.Ayere, however, says that the high-interest rate on the mortgage is also a problem that needs to be addressed.He says, "Interest rate on a mortgage is very high and makes the process very expensive. So that even with a tenor of about 20 to 25 years, people are reluctant and those who take mortgages pay it up as quickly as they can."In other words, any little money they get, they put it into paying up their mortgage loan, because it is just so expensive at about 22 to 25 per cent interest rate. Secondly, when you calculate the payment with the income ratio, it is also very high; a lot of people cannot afford it."When you look at the percentage you have to pay to the banks and the percentage of the income you have, it becomes difficult. Let's say you earn N1,000, under normal circumstance, your mortgage should not be more than N300; but when you calculate the interest rate of these mortgages, they take up about 60 to 65 per cent of your income, and you can't use that much to repay mortgage loans. So, that is one of the reasons why people still use cash; the real issue is the interest rate."He explains that efforts are ongoing to address the problem of both interest rate and funding tenor.Akinlusi says the government and other stakeholders are currently de-risking the mortgage market so as to improve real estate funding."It has been slow but steady. One of the things that need to be done is to de-risk the market; for any market to be opened up, you need to de-risk it. That is when funds can come in," he adds.Analysts, however, say that except stakeholders intensify efforts to educate Nigerians about mortgages, the various initiatives may not yield results.Developers explore incentives To cope with the lull in the property market, developers are devising survival methods such as giving incentives to subscribers.Adeoye explains that several innovative options have been made available to buyers."As developers, we felt the need to come up with offers some of which allow subscribers to pay between 20 and 30 per cent deposit, move into the houses and spread the balance over a four to six-year period," he says.He, however, adds that despite this very generous offer, many subscribers are not forthcoming because they are unable to come up with the deposits even on houses that are considered very cheap.Some developers have gone further by offering bags of rice, foreign trips, cows and rams, among others, especially during festive periods to woo subscribers, especially those buying land and other affordable real estate products.Adeoye, however, notes that the offers are merely for enticing potential subscribers as their prices have been factored into the cost of the property or land."Buyers need to know that whatever they are getting has been factored into what they are buying, it is not free," he says.According to him, the process can also be counterproductive as the likelihood of default by developers doing these things is high.He adds, "What many of them are selling are plots of land. So if someone is doing a promo and selling 1, 000 plots of land, how will he deliver? How will he process titles for these people? How will he manage the challenges of encroachment? There is a promo every time, but for me, it is not sustainable. Many of such developers have disappeared and many of them will also disappear."I wouldn't call it a scam because of the intention; it is possible for you to be doing something wrong innocently. But some of them may not have enough land to give or the logistics to deliver. Some developers have 10, 000 and 20, 000 subscribers, how many years will it take them to deliver the properties?"He says subscribers to such projects need to be wise and not be carried away by such offers.Rising cases of property scam Housing is a basic human need and its non-availability to the average man in the country coupled with a fast-rising population, especially in the urban centres, has made the search for shelter either for lease or outright purchase a thing of near desperation.This, according to findings, has led to a high number of fraudulent developers. Unfortunately, the industry is not regulated and has become an all-comers affair in the last few years.Over the years, the business of property development has thrived and continues to attract new investors due to the fact that it is subjected to little or no formal regulation except for the efforts of some groups mostly made up of the developers themselves.Adeoye says, "There are problems in the industry; whatever you are doing without experience is likely to have money as the motivation. So, it may lack depth and you may not understand the business you are doing."Now, there are inexperienced developers around and the industry is not regulated. People wake up and collect people's money without accounting for it and there is no one to ask them to deliver what they promised. People are being scammed every day. Developers today move about with all kinds of security operatives. We have hooligans masquerading as developers all over the country."The Managing Director of PropertyMart Real Estate Investment Limited, Mr Deji Fasunwo, says everyone sees the real estate business as what they can do whether they have the expertise or not."But it takes a lot of passion and desire to make things happen for you or to remain in business. If it is about money, you will not last long and because the industry is not regulated, there have been a lot of charlatans but over time we have been able to differentiate between those in business to make a difference and those in it to make money," he says.Experts proffer solutions The Managing Director, Propertygate Development and Investment Plc, Mr Adetokunbo Ajayi, says the weak market demand for properties, principally due to the current difficult macroeconomic environment, is taking a serious toll on many developers and realtors.He, however, adds that the poor conception and product deficiency of some development projects are the main obstacles to their market success."While it is obvious that the real estate sector is currently in a lull, it is, however, not an unusual occurrence from historical records. Patience, doggedness and innovative thinking are required on the part of players in the sector to keep sailing. The boom cycle will surely come again," he says.Balogun says except developers begin to take into consideration the needs of those they are building houses for, the glut in the market may not be resolved soon."We are not building what people require, which is under our control, we don't need any government policy or intervention or activity. Industry players need to sit back and realise they are throwing money away and the banks are also suffering, depositors' money is suffering. If you don't build with sense, you waste your money," he says.He explains that developers need to understand that houses built based on demand will not remain in the market for long.He says, "What we need to do is to have a rethink. We should build to fulfil demand not just build because the money is available. The economy will not reflect the investment in the real estate industry if we don't change these things and like I said there are data to help us make those changes but we are not taking advantage of them."Adeyinka posits that for developers, particularly those building for residential purposes, to reduce building houses that will remain vacant for a long time, they should explore designing for those who really need them."My company's development is designed for contributors under the National Housing Fund, so it is a bit better, it helps us to stay afloat," he adds.According to the Director-General of the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute, Prof. Danladi Matawal, at a period like this when the country is faced with high figure of housing deficit, stakeholders must begin to explore ways of reducing costs. He explains that the ability to provide shelter for the people at a cheaper rate will solve over 60 per cent of the need for housing."At this point when imported building materials are becoming very expensive and considering the fact that the availability of fund continues to dwindle, the solution is the alternative, locally-sourced building materials which are in abundance in Nigeria," he adds.Internal medicine doctorBad credit loanAddressAloneAlthoughAnalystAttributableAuto parts internationalBank LoanBank rate calculatorInternal m

Default on loans rises as glut hits property market
Default on loans rises as glut hits property market

Financing real estate development is seen as one of the most difficult things to do in Nigeria. Over the last few years, it has been made worse due to the downturn in the economy.According to stakeholders, the real estate industry has not really recovered from the impacts of the recession.Findings show that developers have had to take the heat as empty houses dot the landscape of major cities in the country, tying down funds while many Nigerians are homeless.It is estimated that Nigeria has about 17 million housing deficit, a figure that has been in dispute because some stakeholders think it may be up to about 20 million considering the growing population.But while many look up to developers to help in the provision of houses, with the support of the government, they (developers) have been constrained by low purchasing power from those who should take up the houses built, and lack of funds from banks.Data obtained from the National Bureau of Statistics show that as of the third quarter of 2018, the real estate industry's debt to banks was over N710bn.The figure accounts for 4.46 per cent of the total credit of N15.59tn to the private sector, making the industry the fifth highest debtor to the banks.Although it was lower than the N798bn recorded in the same period in 2017, the situation has made it difficult for developers to access commercial banks' loans.The Deputy President, Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria, Mr Akintoye Adeoye, says banks are no longer interested in extending loans to developers.He adds, "There is a high rate of default on bank loans, if you go to any bank today and tell them you want to finance real estate development, they will not talk to you because they have had their fingers burnt. The interest rate is also not helping; it currently hovers around 25 to 35 per cent and housing is long-term, so it is a mismatch to use a short-term fund to finance a long-term project."Now, banks are not places to go to except on some special projects where the off-takers are members of a cooperative society where they know how they will wrap up the transaction but it will also be expensive for the buyers because the cost of funds will be transferred to them."The Chairman and Managing Director, Megamound Investment Limited, Otunba Olumide Osunsina, also says commercial banks are no longer interested in financing real estate projects."They have not been putting their money in the industry for a while," he adds. The Chairman, Sparklight Property Development Company Limited, Chief Toyin Adeyinka, tells our correspondent that the low purchasing power of many Nigerians has reduced real estate transactions, limiting access to funds for developers.He says the only viable window of funding, and which also offers single digit interest rate to developers is the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria.But even the FMBN has been weighed down by debts which it gives majorly through its Estate Development Loan window.The mortgage bank in 2012 suspended the EDL due to default on loans, a few years after publishing names of bad debtors in 2009.In 2016, the FMBN had solicited the help of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to assist in recovering about N100bn debt from developers as well as primary mortgage banks.According to a former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the FMBN, Richard Esin, who made the appeal at the time, developers have a huge debt overhang with the bank.Also, the now defunct Skye Bank Plc, in its earnings guidance on March 23, 2016, notified shareholders and investors of "anticipated material decline in its profits for the full-year ended December 31, 2015 compared with that of 2014."According to the bank, the expected decline in performance was attributable to management's decision to recognise "increased impairment on loans to sectors severely affected by the prevailing economic headwinds, which are yet to abate, especially the lull in oil and gas and real estate sectors".In its Gross Domestic Product report for the third quarter of 2018, the NBS says the real estate sector contracted by -2.68 per cent from -3.88 per cent in the second quarter and -9.4 per cent in the first quarter of the year.At the same period in 2017, the sector contracted by -4.12 per cent in the third quarter from – 3.53 per cent in the second quarter of 2017 and -7.37 per cent in the third quarter of 2016.The sector's contribution to nominal GDP in the third quarter of 2018 was 6.88 per cent, lower than the 7.54 per cent reported in the corresponding quarter of 2017 and 7.09 per cent recorded in the preceding quarter.Glut versus deficit Ironically, even with the slow growth in the sector and the glut in the property market, the Federal Government estimates that almost half of the population of the country needs houses.According to a recent statement by the Minister of State for Power, Works and Housing, Mustapha Shehuri, more than 70 million Nigerians fall into the category of those in urgent need of housing.The President and Chairman of Council, Association of Housing Corporations of Nigeria, Mohammed Adamu, says housing all over the world remains the most basic human needs that impact directly on the physical, social and mental well-being of man irrespective of socio-economic status, colour or creed.He, however, adds that many people are becoming homeless as a result of a non-functional housing sector.He explains that despite the high demand for housing, there are houses in some of the major cities such as Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt, built over two years that are not sold and not occupied.A recent report by the Centre for African Housing Finance, says Nigeria requires over $360bn to address its housing needs.The Principal Partner, Bode Adediji Partnership, Mr Bode Adediji, says the luxury property market has been on lockdown for the past two to three years.The Senior Partner and Chief Executive Officer, Nelson Thorpe Alonge, a firm of chartered surveyors and estate surveyors and valuers, Mr Victor Alonge, says the situation in the property market has been the same since 2015."The truth is that there is clearly an oversupply of property for sale, it has been like that for some time especially since the current dispensation. There are few effective demands, which is why prices have not risen. We have not seen any difference and people are not buying properties like before," he says.At the beginning of the year, real estate firm, Northcourt, in its ' 2018 Nigeria Real Estate Market Outlook', had stated that consumer purchasing power had remained low."Small is the new big as developers across retail, residential, industrial and hospitality sectors now favour small to moderately-sized projects. Also, there is a rising demand for much more affordable housing projects," the report says.According to findings , the demand for smaller but functional developments is gradually taking over; from residential to retail, and many developers are beginning to explore the new trend.The Chief Executive Officer, Global Property and Facilities International Limited, Dr MKO Balogun, says potential subscribers now look out for smaller apartments.He says, "There are more demands for one, two-bedroom apartments. Sixty per cent of people who need houses don't need three-bedroom apartments; they need one and two-bedroom where they can graduate to bigger houses. But we are just building townhouses everywhere and creating problems."I know developers who are buying whole houses, knocking them down and building one, two-bedroom apartments. We can't keep doing the same thing and expect the same result."The residential sub-sector is, however, not alone in the problem; the retail and office markets are also not faring better.Analysts say that out of the close to 20 malls in Lagos, only about two or three are viable.In its overview of Nigeria's real estate industry in the third quarter of 2018, an investment firm, Broll Nigeria, says the ripple effect of improved macroeconomic conditions from recessionary levels has yet to have a significant impact on the recovery of the retail market.It adds that while the rise in oil prices has helped to boost forex inflows and exchange rate stability, it has also contributed to inflationary pressures in the market."Renewed signs of weakness in the wider economy have made investors increasingly cautious in their investment decisions. Over the last 12 months, underlining trends have persisted. These include contracted purchasing power, high tenant turnover rates, high rental and operational costs and an oversupply of mall space. Landlords continue to offer financial incentives in order to drive up occupancies within their malls," the report says.Although it found a relative improvement in office market dynamics in the first three quarters of 2018, the report says the market remains a tenants' market with landlords having to offer favourable leasing terms to drive occupancy levels.It explains that it is anticipated that activity in the office market will continue to improve, albeit at a very gradual pace, with the lingering uncertainty about the economy's growth and employment prospects."Vacancy levels are expected to rise, especially with the delivery of over 40,000m² of prime space over the next six to 12 months," it adds.Balogun says the retail market started aggressively but it is currently being challenged by increasing vacancy rates.He explains that the situation is so because some developers have not been very innovative in developing the malls, especially putting the neighbourhood into consideration."What we are doing is copy and paste; unfortunately most of the people we copy from do community malls. You can't build big malls in the middle of nowhere and expect to have full occupancy," he says.Mortgage to the rescue According to stakeholders in the industry, only the development of the mortgage industry can help reduce Nigeria's housing deficit.But investigations show that awareness is still very low, especially in the informal sector where many do not know how to get mortgage loans.The Founder of Dunn Loren Merrifield, an investment firm, and Chairman of Mortgage Warehouse Funding Limited, Sonnie Ayere, tells our correspondent that with the housing deficit in the country, even if a million houses are built yearly, it will take more than 20 years to reduce it."So, it gives an idea of how enormous the issue is and how it is important that we get people onto the mortgage ladder," he adds.The Chief Executive Officer, Trustbond Mortgage Bank Plc and President, Mortgage Banking Association of Nigeria, Mr Niyi Akinlusi, says Nigerians have become accustomed to buying houses with cash, hence the lull in the property market."I think it is cultural; a lot of our people think if they cannot feel it, it does not exist. They feel the cash. But I think all we need is more education and enlightenment. That is why we encourage people to take a mortgage, which doesn't give cash but it will encourage them to understand and appreciate the fact that transactions cannot be cash-based," he says.According to him, stakeholders in the mortgage industry are putting a lot of initiatives in place to ensure that more Nigerians consider using mortgage when acquiring houses.Ayere, however, says that the high-interest rate on the mortgage is also a problem that needs to be addressed.He says, "Interest rate on a mortgage is very high and makes the process very expensive. So that even with a tenor of about 20 to 25 years, people are reluctant and those who take mortgages pay it up as quickly as they can."In other words, any little money they get, they put it into paying up their mortgage loan, because it is just so expensive at about 22 to 25 per cent interest rate. Secondly, when you calculate the payment with the income ratio, it is also very high; a lot of people cannot afford it."When you look at the percentage you have to pay to the banks and the percentage of the income you have, it becomes difficult. Let's say you earn N1,000, under normal circumstance, your mortgage should not be more than N300; but when you calculate the interest rate of these mortgages, they take up about 60 to 65 per cent of your income, and you can't use that much to repay mortgage loans. So, that is one of the reasons why people still use cash; the real issue is the interest rate."He explains that efforts are ongoing to address the problem of both interest rate and funding tenor.Akinlusi says the government and other stakeholders are currently de-risking the mortgage market so as to improve real estate funding."It has been slow but steady. One of the things that need to be done is to de-risk the market; for any market to be opened up, you need to de-risk it. That is when funds can come in," he adds.Analysts, however, say that except stakeholders intensify efforts to educate Nigerians about mortgages, the various initiatives may not yield results.Developers explore incentives To cope with the lull in the property market, developers are devising survival methods such as giving incentives to subscribers.Adeoye explains that several innovative options have been made available to buyers."As developers, we felt the need to come up with offers some of which allow subscribers to pay between 20 and 30 per cent deposit, move into the houses and spread the balance over a four to six-year period," he says.He, however, adds that despite this very generous offer, many subscribers are not forthcoming because they are unable to come up with the deposits even on houses that are considered very cheap.Some developers have gone further by offering bags of rice, foreign trips, cows and rams, among others, especially during festive periods to woo subscribers, especially those buying land and other affordable real estate products.Adeoye, however, notes that the offers are merely for enticing potential subscribers as their prices have been factored into the cost of the property or land."Buyers need to know that whatever they are getting has been factored into what they are buying, it is not free," he says.According to him, the process can also be counterproductive as the likelihood of default by developers doing these things is high.He adds, "What many of them are selling are plots of land. So if someone is doing a promo and selling 1, 000 plots of land, how will he deliver? How will he process titles for these people? How will he manage the challenges of encroachment? There is a promo every time, but for me, it is not sustainable. Many of such developers have disappeared and many of them will also disappear."I wouldn't call it a scam because of the intention; it is possible for you to be doing something wrong innocently. But some of them may not have enough land to give or the logistics to deliver. Some developers have 10, 000 and 20, 000 subscribers, how many years will it take them to deliver the properties?"He says subscribers to such projects need to be wise and not be carried away by such offers.Rising cases of property scam Housing is a basic human need and its non-availability to the average man in the country coupled with a fast-rising population, especially in the urban centres, has made the search for shelter either for lease or outright purchase a thing of near desperation.This, according to findings, has led to a high number of fraudulent developers. Unfortunately, the industry is not regulated and has become an all-comers affair in the last few years.Over the years, the business of property development has thrived and continues to attract new investors due to the fact that it is subjected to little or no formal regulation except for the efforts of some groups mostly made up of the developers themselves.Adeoye says, "There are problems in the industry; whatever you are doing without experience is likely to have money as the motivation. So, it may lack depth and you may not understand the business you are doing."Now, there are inexperienced developers around and the industry is not regulated. People wake up and collect people's money without accounting for it and there is no one to ask them to deliver what they promised. People are being scammed every day. Developers today move about with all kinds of security operatives. We have hooligans masquerading as developers all over the country."The Managing Director of PropertyMart Real Estate Investment Limited, Mr Deji Fasunwo, says everyone sees the real estate business as what they can do whether they have the expertise or not."But it takes a lot of passion and desire to make things happen for you or to remain in business. If it is about money, you will not last long and because the industry is not regulated, there have been a lot of charlatans but over time we have been able to differentiate between those in business to make a difference and those in it to make money," he says.Experts proffer solutions The Managing Director, Propertygate Development and Investment Plc, Mr Adetokunbo Ajayi, says the weak market demand for properties, principally due to the current difficult macroeconomic environment, is taking a serious toll on many developers and realtors.He, however, adds that the poor conception and product deficiency of some development projects are the main obstacles to their market success."While it is obvious that the real estate sector is currently in a lull, it is, however, not an unusual occurrence from historical records. Patience, doggedness and innovative thinking are required on the part of players in the sector to keep sailing. The boom cycle will surely come again," he says.Balogun says except developers begin to take into consideration the needs of those they are building houses for, the glut in the market may not be resolved soon."We are not building what people require, which is under our control, we don't need any government policy or intervention or activity. Industry players need to sit back and realise they are throwing money away and the banks are also suffering, depositors' money is suffering. If you don't build with sense, you waste your money," he says.He explains that developers need to understand that houses built based on demand will not remain in the market for long.He says, "What we need to do is to have a rethink. We should build to fulfil demand not just build because the money is available. The economy will not reflect the investment in the real estate industry if we don't change these things and like I said there are data to help us make those changes but we are not taking advantage of them."Adeyinka posits that for developers, particularly those building for residential purposes, to reduce building houses that will remain vacant for a long time, they should explore designing for those who really need them."My company's development is designed for contributors under the National Housing Fund, so it is a bit better, it helps us to stay afloat," he adds.According to the Director-General of the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute, Prof. Danladi Matawal, at a period like this when the country is faced with high figure of housing deficit, stakeholders must begin to explore ways of reducing costs. He explains that the ability to provide shelter for the people at a cheaper rate will solve over 60 per cent of the need for housing."At this point when imported building materials are becoming very expensive and considering the fact that the availability of fund continues to dwindle, the solution is the alternative, locally-sourced building materials which are in abundance in Nigeria," he adds.Internal medicine doctorBad credit loanAddressAloneAlthoughAnalystAttributableAuto parts internationalBank LoanBank rate calculatorInternal m

Regional Integration Key to Africa's Economic Growth
Regional Integration Key to Africa's Economic Growth

INTEGRATION is an important engine for economic growth, sustainable development and improving the living standards of the African people.It is also recognised as one of the key factors underlying the success of the fastest growing economies in Africa.It is against this background that the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), College of Social Sciences through its fifth Voice of Social Sciences Annual International Conference came up with the topic on how economic cooperation and regional integration can be fostered in Africa.The conference with the theme, "Regional Integration in Contemporary Africa" brought together scholars and researchers from different countries to discuss and deliberated on the matter for a better future for the African continent.Opening the meeting, the Deputy Vice Chancellor- Research and Knowledge Exchange at the UDSM, Professor Samuel Maghimbi (Department of Sociology and Anthropology) said that the meeting was vital since Africa needs to integrate in order to create larger, more viable internal economic spaces to permit efficient functioning of markets.Prof Maghimbi told the gathering that economically, bigger markets permit better exploitation of economies of scale, while factor mobility across borders and the harmonisation of monetary and fiscal policies facilitate faster economic growth and greater welfare for participating countries."Economically, it clearly demonstrates that regional integration is a requisite for political stability and sustainable economic development," he said.He added that there is enough evidence on the ground to support Africa's sustained efforts in implementing its regional integration agenda."It is in this context that African Union Heads of State and Government continue to pursue regional integration as an overarching continental development strategy."The scholars said that despite being featured in many African development initiatives over the years, the pace of implementation of the regional integration agenda has not always matched the high ambitions and ideological commitment.Many African countries are still faced with several difficulties in implementing the regional integration agenda.More specifically, the weak productive capabilities, lack of technological sophistication, lack of industrial capacity for diversified manufactured goods, inadequate infrastructure, as well as weak institutional capacities.Other constraints include issues related to inadequate financial and human resources along with difficulties concerning harmonisation of regional programmes into national policy frameworks.Regionalism has also been driven by public sector organisations and thus lacked the support and involvement of the private sector and the general public.Basing on the challenges, Prof Maghimbi urged the meeting to discuss how Africa reconciles the sometimes-conflicting interests of countries with diverse sizes, natural resources and economic performance; how to involve civil associations, business groups, professionals and other sectors of society more actively in all integration endeavours."You should also base on how Africa can achieve an appropriate balance between public and private economic initiatives as well as how we can pursue the pace of integration that is simultaneously ambitious and realistic," he urged.Earlier, the Principal of the College of Social Sciences, Prof Alexander Makulilo- Department of Political Science and Public Administration said that African countries remained largely internally unintegrated in the post-colonial period."African countries have very small markets; in 2012 more than 60 percent of the African countries had less than 15 million people," he said, adding that apart from the often-cited problems related to corruption, instability, undemocratic rule and civil unrest, there is also a lack of private sector activity in regional integration schemes.He said that the conference was aimed at shedding light on such issues and bring about the expected deliberations through sharing knowledge and experiences regarding regional integration in Africa."The deliberations of this conference will contribute to promote trade, science and technological exchange, peace and political stability, environment and natural resource governance and Socio-cultural transformation in Africa," he noted.

Sultan of Sokoto angry at Warri's deplorable condition
Sultan of Sokoto angry at Warri's deplorable condition

WARRI- SULTAN of Sokoto, His Eminence, Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar III, has frowned at the unacceptable condition of the oil city of Warri in Delta State, saying with the resource generated from the area, it should be one of the most developed cities in the world. Abubakar III, who was special guest of honour, spoke at the 3rd coronation anniversary of the Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwoli, at Warri, penultimate Wednesday, where Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, who represented the Federal Government, spoke.Governor of the state, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, commented on the development strides of his administration in Warri and future plans to develop the oil city.The rich culture of Itsekiri nation with the colourful traditional attires and dances of the people was also on display during the anniversary. While Sultan and other dignitaries hailed the ethnic group, Kachikwu specially called for it to be packaged occasionally to promote tourism in the country.Sultan hails Olu for promoting peaceThe Sultan lauded the Itsekiri monarch for his drive for peace among his neighbours, adding that since he (Olu) mounted the throne, he has been building bridges of national unity.He assured that as traditional rulers, they would continue to promote peace in their various kingdoms, pleading that the electorate should use their votes wisely to elect leaders that will serve them.The Sokoto monarch blamed anger in the land on poverty and bad leadership by successive governments, pleading that Nigerians should be guided by the promises of politicians ahead of the general polls in choosing their leaders.Okowa promises N3.5bn for Trans Warri RoadGovernor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, who also eulogized the Itsekiri monarch for promoting peaceful values since mounting the throne, said his government was working to ensure the release of N3.5 billion for the Trans Warri Road, adding that it was committed to the construction of several other roads in Itsekiri communities and other parts of the state.He disclosed that the government had conducted a thorough drainage study to redress the drainage problem, adding that N3 billion will be expended to tackle the drainage challenge in the oil-rich city.Buhari assures of development of WarriPresident Muhammadu Buhari who was represented by the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr Ibe Kachikwu lauded the Itsekiri monarch for promoting peace, adding that the Federal Government was determined to develop Warri and its environs.He spoke on efforts by the government to end gas flaring by 2020, assuring also that President Buhari’s government would deliver a free and fair election next year, adding: "Holding on to power is not his calling. He will ensure a free and fair election."Groups in Warri also laud the peaceful mien of Olu Chairman, Abigborodo community, Monday Msgbeyi, University of Benin Alumni Association, Warri branch representative, Mr Olulade Festus, Ologbotsere descendants, Ebiren Lori Society, Faithful Sisters, Uwangue delegation, Otonloye( a frontline Itsekiri body), Alhaji Zubairu Muhammed of the Hausa community in Warri and several others, described the Olu as a man of peace, stressing that since he assumed the throne, his cardinal focus has been promoting peaceful co-existence between the Itsekiri and her neighbours.Mr Olulade of Uniben Alumni Association, who disclosed that the monarch is the grand patron of the group, advised that his value for peace should be emulated.Olu bemoans neglectOlu of Warri, in his address lamented the neglect of Itsekiri communities by the Federal Government despite being an oil-rich city."While the country derives a great deal from the bowel of our homeland, including but not limited to crude oil and gas exploitation, not much in terms of commensurate returns ever gets to our people and our environment is left to suffer degradation that remains after the exploitation."He thanked the Federal Government for ongoing work on the Koko-Ogheye road project, appealing to the government to resume work on the Ogidigben Gas Revolution City project in Escravos.Continuing, he called on all parties around the crisis impeding smooth take off of the new board of the Itsekiri Regional Development Council, IRDC to sheath their sword for the common good of the Itsekiri nation, stressing that it was regrettable that money meant for development of Itsekiri nation to be managed by the IRDC could not be applied for the purpose at the moment because of the crisis.

British MPs Overwhelmingly Reject Brexit Deal
British MPs Overwhelmingly Reject Brexit Deal

The House of Commons lower house voted 432 to 202 against May’s plan for taking Britain out of the European Union after nearly five decades, one of the biggest defeats ever suffered by a British premier.The EU warned that the vote, which plunges Britain into uncharted waters, boosts the risk of a “no deal” Brexit.Moments after the outcome, opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn submitted a motion of no-confidence in May’s government.The vote is set for Wednesday.Speaking moments before the MPs cast their ballots, May said MPs had a “duty to deliver” on the results of a 2016 referendum that started the divorce.“I believe we have a duty to deliver on the democratic decision of the British people,” May said, warning MPs that the EU would not offer any “alternative deal”.“A vote against this deal is a vote for uncertainty, division, and the very real threat of a no deal,” she argued to loud jeers from the packed chamber.“The responsibility of each and every one of us at this moment is profound, for this is a historic decision that will set the future of our country for generations.”Most lawmakers have always opposed Brexit, as have some leading members of May’s government, creating an inherent contradiction that has torn apart the island nation.And with just over two months to go until the scheduled March 29 departure, Britain still cannot decide what to do.May must now decide whether she tries to hold another vote, gets kicked out of office, delays Brexit — or if Brexit even happens at all.As their nation’s fate was being decided, hundreds of noisy supporters and opponents of Brexit, some banging drums and others driving floats with huge dolls mocking top UK politicians, rallied outside the ancient parliament building in London.“It could end up being the day that will lead to us leaving with no deal!” said 25-year-old Simon Fisher, who backs a swift and sharp break with the EU.A much larger rally nearby in support of a second referendum turned Parliament Square into a sea of EU flags.One pro-Brexit activist attempting to join the rally was detained by police to shouts of “scum” from fellow protesters in an indication of rising tensions.Others voiced their support for a second referendum, an option May’s government rules out.May made it her mission to carry out the wishes of voters after she became premier in July 2016, putting aside her own initial misgivings and stating repeatedly that “Brexit means Brexit”.But facing a heavy drubbing, May decided to postpone a parliamentary vote in December on the Brexit deal in the hope of winning concessions from Brussels — and that a Christmas break would change lawmakers’ minds.EU leaders came back with only non-binding clarifications, and just a handful of new MPs have rallied to May’s side.The UK government’s current plan appears to be to try to ram a very similar version of the agreement through parliament on a second or possibly even third attempt.European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker returned to Brussels from Strasbourg on Tuesday “to handle the situation after the vote,” according to his office.In Strasbourg, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas raised the possibility of further talks while ruling out a full renegotiation of the text.Hardline Brexiteers and Remainers oppose the agreement for different reasons and many fear it could lock Britain into an unfavourable trading relationship with the EU.Bitter debates about Britain’s place in the world have dominated the national discourse ever since the referendum, dividing families and playing out in front of parliament on Tuesday.Financial markets were also watching closely, with several currency trading companies roping in extra staff for the vote and at least one putting a cap on trades to avoid excessive movements.Criticism of the deal is focused on an arrangement to keep open the border with Ireland by aligning Britain with some EU trade rules, if and until London and Brussels sign a new economic partnership which could take several years.Sammy Wilson, Brexit spokesman with Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party, upon which May relies for her parliamentary majority, told the BBC his party would not be forced into backing the deal by fears over the border.The government must set out what happens next by Monday, if — as is expected — it survives the no-confidence vote.Speculation is growing on both sides of the Channel that May could ask to delay Brexit.But a diplomatic source told AFP any extension would not be possible beyond June 30, when the new European Parliament will be formed.The withdrawal agreement includes plans for a post-Brexit transition period until a new relationship is drawn up, in return for continued budget contributions from London.Without it, and if there is no delay, Britain will sever ties with its nearest neighbours with no agreement to ease the blow.

Acting IG Adamu reverses Idris last-minute postings
Acting IG Adamu reverses Idris last-minute postings

There are strong indications that four out of the seven Deputy Inspectors-General of Police in the Nigeria Police Force may leave the force alongside the former Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, who retired on Tuesday.It was gathered that the DIGs, who are members of the Police Management Team and senior to the acting IG, Mohammed Adamu, might be forced out of the service to pave the way for him to set up a new management team he could work with.It was gathered that those that might be affected by the reorganisation include DIG Maigari Dikko in Charge of Department of Finance and Administration; DIG Joshuak Habila, Department of Operations; DIG Emmanuel Inyang, Information and Communications Technology; and DIG Agboola Oshodi-Glover, Logistics and Supply Departments.Police sources said that DIGs Mohammed Katsina (Research and Planning Department); Sani Mohammed (Training and Development Department); and Peace Madueke -Abdallah (Federal Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department) who were promoted late last year could survive the impending purge of the Police Management Team.A source stated, "The three DIGs were on the same rank as Adamu last year. In fact, Abdallah was a Commissioner of Police the same time the acting IG was also a CP, so they were almost on the same level. By virtue of this fact, the new police boss may include them in his management team and save their career from sudden death."It was gathered that Abdallah, who has about six years to retire, may be the worst casualty of the purge if Adamu decided to dispense with all the police management team members.One of our correspondents further learnt that the decision to retain any of the PMT members rested on the acting IG, who is expected to write to the Police Service Commission about his chosen team members.Acting IG reverses Idris' last-minute postingsMeanwhile, the new Police Chief has reportedly reversed some last-minute postings and redeployments carried out by Idris few days before his retirement.It was gathered that the redeployment of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Imohimi Edgal, by the former IG was overturned while other senior officers who were also posted to new commands and formations had been asked to stay action until further notice.This development, sources said, meant that the redeployment order by Idris would not be obeyed unless sanctioned by the acting IG.Shortly after meeting with the DIGs in his office at the force headquarters, Adamu was seen going from floor to floor, meeting officers and familiarising himself with his men.The acting IG, who was decorated with his new rank at the State House by President Muhammadu Buhari, hailed from Lafia, Nasarawa State, and is a holder of Bachelor of Science degree in Geography.He enlisted into the Force on February 1, 1986 as Cadet Assistant Superintendent and had attended several Senior Officer Courses on Law Enforcement, Crime Prevention, Control and Management within and outside Nigeria.Before his appointment as acting IG, he was at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos, Plateau State.He was also the Commissioner of Police in Ekiti and Enugu states and also Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 5 Police Command Headquarters, Benin, Edo State.I'll be fair to all political parties - Acting IGEarlier on Tuesday, the acting IG said the police under his watch would be professional and fair to all parties while providing security for the general elections beginning on February 16.Adamu stated that there were rules of engagement for the Nigeria Police, adding they would be strictly applied in dealing with security matters. He stressed that the police would not pander to the desires of any groups or interests.Adamu was decorated by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa. Idris, who was appointed IG in 2016, bowed out on Tuesday as he retired from service at the age of 60 years.Adamu had gone to see Buhari in company with Idris, shortly before the new IG was decorated.The decoration took place after Adamu had earlier on Tuesday morning met briefly with the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Abba Kyari.Speaking with State House correspondents after the decoration, Adamu stated, "Well, we are professionals. We are going to stick to the rules. We are going to do the right thing; we will not go outside the ethics of our job to do things that are untoward. Everybody will be given a level playing field to play his or her politics."Asked to speak on the strategies in place for the elections, Adamu replied, "On the elections, you have heard from the former IG; adequate arrangements have been made to make sure that free and fair and credible elections take place in Nigeria."We are going to build on the strategies put in place to make sure that we have hitch-free elections in the country."On his part, Idris bade Nigerians goodbye, saying that he handed over to an officer he knew so well and had the training to head the police.Idris advised his successor to go round the country and adopt measures to ensure that the police "gives maximum protection to lives and property."Adamu's appointment ended weeks of speculation and suspicion over the alleged plan by Buhari to extend Idris tenure.PDP berates Idris, says his tenure shamefulMeanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party and other groups have advised the acting IG to immediately re-engineer the force.The PDP berated Idris for shameful and partisan tenure, which, it alleged destroyed professionalism in the police and compromised the lives and property of Nigerians.The PDP demanded that he must be held accountable for all the perceived atrocities he allegedly committed while in office.The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, in a statement in Abuja, said Idris would be remembered as the only IG who allegedly surrendered the responsibilities of his exalted office to the whims and caprices of politicians close to the Buhari Presidency.Ologbondiyan said, "He (Idris) defied the need to secure troubled areas and watched carelessly while an integral part of our nation was engulfed in bloody clashes. Idris will also be remembered as that police officer, who had a penchant for accusing innocent Nigerians of ridiculous allegations."Throughout his inglorious tenure, he functioned as the commander of the militant wing of the APC, just to retain his office and remain in power."Ologbondiyan also urged the new police chief to avoid the pitfalls of his predecessor.Also, the PDP National Chairman, Uche Secondus, advised the new IG to ensure credibility by clearing the mess allegedly heaped on the force by Idris.Secondus, according to a statement by his media aide, Ike Abonyi, spoke while addressing the PDP supporters at the Freedom Square, Osogbo, Osun State, on Tuesday in continuation of the party's presidential campaign.Bring professionalism to policing, govs tell AdamuAlso, the Nigeria Governors' Forum has asked the acting IG to bring professionalism and true leadership to policing in the country.The governors said this in a congratulatory statement to the acting IG in Abuja on Tuesday.The NGF said it believed that the appointment was well deserved considering the personal accomplishments of Adamu.The NGF, in a statement by its Director General, Mr Asishana Okauru, said, "I am absolutely sure that Adamu Mohammed would bring professionalism and true leadership to policing in our country."Okauru added, "I can attest to his solid pedigree and rich experience. He is arguably the most qualified serving police officer at this time, to occupy the very sensitive office of the Inspector- General of Police."He advised the new IG to avoid everything of Idris because the former IG served the APC and the cabals and not the Nigeria Police or the Nigerian people.Secondus said the new IG had a herculean task because, according to him, enough damage had been done to the force allegedly by his predecessor.

  • ‹
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • ...
  • 4151
  • 4152
  • ›
Bookmess Bookmess is use by millions to increase link building, organic traffic, backlinks and online presence faster, better and cheaper than Google, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Bing & Yahoo. A great resource for any one looking for online traffic.
 
Pages

  • Contact
Categories

  • General
Partners & Friends

© 2023 All rights are reserved. - Bookmess
This site uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. By using this website, you agree to our use of cookies.