161 Nigerians deported from Libya arrive Lagos Airport

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By Lawani Mikairu
Lagos—ONE hundred and sixty-one Nigerians, who have been stranded in Libya voluntarily returned to the country yesterday on board an Airbus 329 with registration number Nouvelair TS-INB.

The returnees journey back  to Nigeria was facilitated by International Oganisation for Migration, IOM, after the Federal Government asked for its assistance after confirming that some Nigerians were  willing to return home.

The aircraft conveying the returnees landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, around 3:30pm yesterday aboard the chartered aircraft and the returnees were received at the Hajj Terminal by the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA.

The group was made up of 101  females and 60 males, seven children, and two infants. There were also three unaccompanied minors while three of the deportees needed medical care.

Addressing newsmen at the Hajj Camp wing of the airport where the returnees were profiled, the Director General of NEMA, Alhaji Mohammed Sidi, represented by the Deputy Director, Search and Rescue, Dr. Abdullahi Onimode, said the deportees would be given some token to go back to their respective destinations. He also advised those leaving the country in search of greener pastures to have a rethink and stay in the country to develop it.

The NEMA boss said, “We are giving them some stipends. We need to  let them realize that the country they left some years ago is not the same country they are meeting today. We have moved ahead and everybody now has equal opportunity to be the best you can be.”

Some of the deportees who appeared trumatised said they will never leave Nigeria again.

One of them who gave his name as Stanley Nduh told Vanguard that the Libya police hung him upside down after beating him mercilessly. He said he was not allowed to take any property he acquired from doing odd jobs.

The post 161 Nigerians deported from Libya arrive Lagos Airport appeared first on Vanguard News.

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White House tries to insulate Trump from Russia scandal (Read full details)

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The White House battled Tuesday to insulate Donald Trump from a scandal over his top aide’s contacts with Russia, as it emerged that the president was aware of the problem for weeks before acting.

With calls for an independent investigation gathering pace, the White House admitted that Trump was told three weeks ago that national security advisor Michael Flynn may have misled colleagues about his Kremlin contacts.

The retired three-star general and former head of US defence intelligence initially denied discussing sanctions strategy with Russia’s ambassador Sergey Kislyak before taking office.

That may have breached US law on negotiating with foreign powers, and at minimum was a significant break with the norm that incoming administrations accept the US has “one government at a time.”

Flynn was asked to resign on Monday, after what the White House said were weeks of internal investigation that turned up no evidence of wrongdoing but “eroded” trust.

Law enforcement and intelligence agents intercepted calls and obtained phone records showing that members of Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign and other aides had repeated contacts with top Russian intelligence officials in the year that preceded the November 8 presidential election, The New York Times reported.

After finding evidence that Russia was seeking to disrupt the election, US intelligence agencies tried to determine whether the Trump campaign was cooperating with Moscow on hacking and other related efforts, according to the Times. However, the newspaper said, the current and former US officials it cited have not yet found evidence of such collusion.

Paul Manafort, a former Trump advisor who was among those campaign officials picked up on the calls, dismissed the claims as “absurd” in an interview with the Times.

The White House had painted Trump’s final decision as based on Flynn having misled Vice President Mike Pence.

But it emerged Tuesday that Trump kept his deputy, who publicly defended Flynn and repeated his claims, in the dark for two weeks. Spokesman Marc Lotter said Pence only became aware of the issue on Thursday, in media reports.

Flynn is the third Trump aide to step back amid questions about his ties to Russia since the mogul began his improbable White House bid. His departure follows those of Manafort and Carter Page, an early foreign policy advisor to the candidate.

The unprecedented early resignation of a key member of staff has rocked an administration already buffeted by leaks, infighting and legal defeats. Amid the tumult, the White House denied that Trump had instructed Flynn to discuss the possibility that Obama-era sanctions would be rolled back.

“No, absolutely not. No, no, no,” said White House spokesman Sean Spicer, when asked whether such a conversation took place.

‘Eroding trust’
When first informed, on January 26, that Flynn may have made misleading statements about his talks with Russia’s envoy, Spicer said the president “instinctively thought that General Flynn did not do anything wrong.”

“The White House counsel’s review corroborated that,” Spicer said, and “determined that there is not an illegal issue, but rather a trust issue.”

“The evolving and eroding level of trust as a result of this situation and a series of other questionable instances is what led the president to ask for General Flynn’s resignation.”

Trump took to Twitter to insist that “The real story here is why are there so many illegal leaks coming out of Washington?” The White House also insisted that Trump — despite repeatedly professing admiration for Vladimir Putin and suggesting sanctions could be lifted — “has been incredibly tough on Russia.”

In a new hardening of the US line on Russia, Spicer added that “President Trump has made it very clear he expects the Russian government to de-escalate violence in the Ukraine and return Crimea.”

The State Department, meanwhile, expressed concern that Russia is in breach of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, after reports that Moscow had deployed an operational ground-launched cruise missile unit.

– Inquiries and missteps –
The White House’s efforts are likely to do little to assuage concerns on Capitol Hill about Russia’s influence in US politics.

Republicans and Democrats in Congress have now called for an investigation into what occurred, although they differ sharply on the scope and powers.

“This. Is. Not. Normal.” said Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren, insisting “Trump owes Americans a full account” of his administration’s dealings with Moscow before and after the 2016 election.

The US Senate’s top Republican Mitch McConnell said it was “highly likely” that Flynn would have to testify before an intelligence panel, potentially heaping pressure on Trump. The New York Times also reported that the FBI had interviewed Flynn on his calls with the Russian diplomat days into his job.

The CIA, FBI and other intelligence agencies have already investigated Moscow’s influence over the 2016 vote, concluding the Kremlin tried to sway it in Trump’s favour. Various committees in the Republican-controlled Congress are looking into Russia’s election-related hacking and the Trump campaign’s links to Moscow.

Potential permanent Flynn replacements reportedly include three retired military brass: lieutenant general Keith Kellogg, who is filling in temporarily; retired general and former CIA director David Petraeus; and former vice admiral Robert Harward.

Spicer said Trump hoped to make the new appointment by the end of the week.

Vía Uzomedia http://ift.tt/2lfR24n

White House tries to insulate Trump from Russia scandal

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The White House battled Tuesday to insulate Donald Trump from a scandal over his top aide’s contacts with Russia, as it emerged that the president was aware of the problem for weeks before acting.

With calls for an independent investigation gathering pace, the White House admitted that Trump was told three weeks ago that national security advisor Michael Flynn may have misled colleagues about his Kremlin contacts.

The retired three-star general and former head of US defence intelligence initially denied discussing sanctions strategy with Russia’s ambassador Sergey Kislyak before taking office.

That may have breached US law on negotiating with foreign powers, and at minimum was a significant break with the norm that incoming administrations accept the US has “one government at a time.”

Flynn was asked to resign on Monday, after what the White House said were weeks of internal investigation that turned up no evidence of wrongdoing but “eroded” trust.

Law enforcement and intelligence agents intercepted calls and obtained phone records showing that members of Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign and other aides had repeated contacts with top Russian intelligence officials in the year that preceded the November 8 presidential election, The New York Times reported.

After finding evidence that Russia was seeking to disrupt the election, US intelligence agencies tried to determine whether the Trump campaign was cooperating with Moscow on hacking and other related efforts, according to the Times. However, the newspaper said, the current and former US officials it cited have not yet found evidence of such collusion.

Paul Manafort, a former Trump advisor who was among those campaign officials picked up on the calls, dismissed the claims as “absurd” in an interview with the Times.

The White House had painted Trump’s final decision as based on Flynn having misled Vice President Mike Pence.

But it emerged Tuesday that Trump kept his deputy, who publicly defended Flynn and repeated his claims, in the dark for two weeks. Spokesman Marc Lotter said Pence only became aware of the issue on Thursday, in media reports.

Flynn is the third Trump aide to step back amid questions about his ties to Russia since the mogul began his improbable White House bid. His departure follows those of Manafort and Carter Page, an early foreign policy advisor to the candidate.

The unprecedented early resignation of a key member of staff has rocked an administration already buffeted by leaks, infighting and legal defeats. Amid the tumult, the White House denied that Trump had instructed Flynn to discuss the possibility that Obama-era sanctions would be rolled back.

“No, absolutely not. No, no, no,” said White House spokesman Sean Spicer, when asked whether such a conversation took place.

‘Eroding trust’
When first informed, on January 26, that Flynn may have made misleading statements about his talks with Russia’s envoy, Spicer said the president “instinctively thought that General Flynn did not do anything wrong.”

“The White House counsel’s review corroborated that,” Spicer said, and “determined that there is not an illegal issue, but rather a trust issue.”

“The evolving and eroding level of trust as a result of this situation and a series of other questionable instances is what led the president to ask for General Flynn’s resignation.”

Trump took to Twitter to insist that “The real story here is why are there so many illegal leaks coming out of Washington?” The White House also insisted that Trump — despite repeatedly professing admiration for Vladimir Putin and suggesting sanctions could be lifted — “has been incredibly tough on Russia.”

In a new hardening of the US line on Russia, Spicer added that “President Trump has made it very clear he expects the Russian government to de-escalate violence in the Ukraine and return Crimea.”

The State Department, meanwhile, expressed concern that Russia is in breach of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, after reports that Moscow had deployed an operational ground-launched cruise missile unit.

– Inquiries and missteps –
The White House’s efforts are likely to do little to assuage concerns on Capitol Hill about Russia’s influence in US politics.

Republicans and Democrats in Congress have now called for an investigation into what occurred, although they differ sharply on the scope and powers.

“This. Is. Not. Normal.” said Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren, insisting “Trump owes Americans a full account” of his administration’s dealings with Moscow before and after the 2016 election.

The US Senate’s top Republican Mitch McConnell said it was “highly likely” that Flynn would have to testify before an intelligence panel, potentially heaping pressure on Trump. The New York Times also reported that the FBI had interviewed Flynn on his calls with the Russian diplomat days into his job.

The CIA, FBI and other intelligence agencies have already investigated Moscow’s influence over the 2016 vote, concluding the Kremlin tried to sway it in Trump’s favour. Various committees in the Republican-controlled Congress are looking into Russia’s election-related hacking and the Trump campaign’s links to Moscow.

Potential permanent Flynn replacements reportedly include three retired military brass: lieutenant general Keith Kellogg, who is filling in temporarily; retired general and former CIA director David Petraeus; and former vice admiral Robert Harward.

Spicer said Trump hoped to make the new appointment by the end of the week.

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2kIHrzJ

Governor wants soldiers sacked for brutalising physically- challenged man

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Ebonyi State governor, David Umahi, yesterday condemned the brutal attack on Chijioke Uraku by two soldiers for wearing military camouflage demanding that the two officers should be sack. Uraku, who is physically challenged, was brutalized at Onitsha, Anambra State for being camouflage shorts.

The governor insisted that the 21 days imprisonment and demotion of the two soldiers by the military authorities were not enough punishment, though he commended the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai and the GOC, 82 Division Enugu for their quick response.

The governor made his feelings known while receiving Uraku, who hails from Itemu Amagu in Ikwo Local Council of the state at the government house, Abakaliki, yesterday, noting that the soldiers’ behaviours were terrible.

He said: “This young man’s encounter with the army was very dehumanizing. The behaviour of the two soldiers was so terrible. They behaved as if they have no fear of God in their hearts. I’m sure many of you did not watch that video but for those who watched it, even if he is not our brother and he is a human being, you must feel the way we are feeling. I suggest that those two soldiers be sacked and prosecuted.”

He also commended the governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, who he said had sought to rehabilitate Uraku, before Ebonyi State government sent for him as an indigene of the state.

Umahi donated N500,000 to Uraku for his treatment and directed his Special Adviser on Religion and Welfare, Rev. Fr. Abraham Nwali, to take custody of the physically-challenged man and see ways by which government could rehabilitate him.

Meanwhile, the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) has condemned in strong terms the assault on Uraku. The group noted that every citizen of the country is governed by the rule of law and entitled to respect and dignity as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and Article 15 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which provides for “freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.”

In a statement made available to The Guardian, the Executive Director, CCD, David O. Anyaele, described the act as “inhumane and barbaric”.
The group demanded the Minister of Defense and the Chief of Army Staff to not only prosecute the cruel behaviour of its officers but also tender a public apology to the entire disability community for the action.

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2koyIpX

Seven farmers kidnapped in Epe

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Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni

Barely 24 hours after the abducted secretary of Isheri North Landlord Association was released by his abductors, two members of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) and five farm workers of Eliasa Farm have been kidnapped in Igbodu area of Epe, Lagos State yesterday.

It was gathered that the gunmen, numbering about 15, dressed in military camouflage, stormed the farm situated along Ishiwo road around 7a.m. and abducted the OPC members, who work as security guards and the farm workers.

Investigation revealed that the two OPC members were employed by the farm owner to provide security at the farm when kidnapping in the community was on the increase in the area.

After the morning abduction, the victims were taken through the forest into a waiting boat at the riverside. As at the time of filing this report, the kidnappers have not contacted the farm management or families of the victims.

“The sound of strange voices woke me up early this morning,” said Isaac Ayuba, a farm worker who was lucky to escape. “Before I know what was going on, I saw a man ordering me to open the door to the room where I slept. I noticed there were other men in the premises. I counted six of them and they were all armed. They were ordering my colleagues to open their doors.

“One of the other men fired his weapon and the whole place was in commotion. Even the armed man standing at my door was confused. So I used the door to push him aside and ran towards the fence. He shot at me as I did but missed. That was how I escaped,” he said.

Isaac and a farm manager called the police who visited the facility and found no one. All the other workers had been kidnapped. “Marcus, James, Modiu, Alfred and three other farms workers are missing,” Isaac added.

A source in the area, who spoke on phone, said two weeks ago, the same gunmen invaded the community and abducted six farmers and one customer who came to buy farm produce.

The kidnappers also stormed the community on Friday, January 27, and abducted a 24-year-old Olabiyi Ifeoluwa, a graduate of Nutrients and Biotechnology from Ladoke Akintola University, Ogbomosho, Oyo State and three other farm workers identified simply as Busuyi, Kposu, a Togolese national and John.

The four kidnapped victims were workers of Tanda Farm. Thereafter the abductors contacted the owner. It was gathered that N2 million ransom and two cartons of red label gin were eventually paid as ransom for their release.

The negotiator, Ayodeji Akinyemi, who is Ifeoluwa’s fiancé, was said to have dropped the ransom at a designated point, as directed by the abductors. He was said to have also been instructed on phone, the direction he would lead the released workers through in the forest after their release.

Akinyemi said the kidnappers also had a room where kidnapped babies are kept, as well as first aid box for treatment of injured victims. He also revealed that one of the victims, identified simply as John, who attempted to escape, was shot in the arm.

The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Dolapo Badmos, who confirmed the incident, said “it is true seven farm workers were kidnapped at Igbodu area. The Lagos State Police command has commenced investigation following the report and we are working assiduously to rescue them.”

Also speaking, the Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, told The Guardian that the picture was not clear yet on the reported kidnap.According to him, “we received a distress call that some farmers were kidnapped, but when the Divisional Police Officer and his men visited the scene, they discovered there was no such incident, but after sometime, I heard that it was some farmers who were off-loading chicken that was kidnapped. We are still investigating the matter to get a clearer picture.”

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2kIxeDd

Security agents disrupt pro-Buhari rally in Abuja (Read full details)

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A rally in support of President Muhammadu Buhari administration organised by the Coalition for Good Governance and Change Initiative in Abuja …yesterday.<br /> PHOTO: LUCY LADIDI ELUKPO.

• President will outlive enemies, says SGF

A rally held yesterday in Abuja in support of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration was disrupted by over 100 security personnel.The protesters, comprising young and old people, had converged on the Unity Fountain in Abuja, from where they later marched to the Presidential Villa to register their support for the government of Buhari.

The development underscores the support of many Nigerians the president still enjoys despite the protests against his administration across the country last week over the state of the economy.

The protesters were, however, stopped just before the first gate of the villa by heavily armed security agents who insisted the rally must not go beyond the vicinity of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) where they were forced to stop.

While an argument, which ensued between the conveners and the security personnel lasted for about two hours, more soldiers and armoured police vehicles were drafted to the scene. But this could not deter the protesters as they insisted to be addressed by the authorities in the villa.

Shortly after, they made a return to their takeoff ground at the Unity Fountain where a Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media, Mallam Garba Shehu addressed them.

Shehu had not completed his solidarity speech when the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, David Babachir Lawal also arrived at the scene, apologising for the action of the security personnel.

While addressing the rally, Lawal said: “President Buhari will outlive those wishing him dead.” He attributed the anti-Buhari protests to those who looted the nation dry and are now bent on causing confusion despite the president’s efforts to redirect the country on the path of genuine development.

“The government of the day is encouraged by such support from patriotic Nigerians. With such solidarity, the government is being gingered to do more in the interest of all.”

He told the people that Buhari did not anticipate the degree of the current challenges bedeviling the country, expressing optimism that Nigerians would start reaping the full dividends of democracy in every form in a year’s time, even as he called for more support for the government to fight corruption to the finish.

The convener of the rally, Moses Abdulahi described the gathering as the most patriotic stance taken by those present, saying it couldn’t have come at a better date.Abdullahi attributed the current economic hardship to the level of corruption witnessed under the previous administration.

Vía Uzomedia http://ift.tt/2kRbqYG

Senate asks agency to verify Ezeibe’s claim on HIV/AIDS cure (Read full details)

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AIDS

Panel queries minister over poor revenue from culture, entertainment sectors

The Senate Committee on Primary Healthcare, Communicable and Non Communicable Diseases has asked the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) to verify the claim of Prof. Maduike Ezeibe that he had found a cure for Human Immuno Virus (HIV).

Chairman of the committee, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa (PDP, Abia) made this request yesterday during the budget defence of the agency in Abuja. Ohuabunwa expressed misgivings over the manner the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) dismissed Ezeibe’s claim.

According to the senator, “Coming out with a disclaimer immediately is not the right thing,” Ohuabunwa said.However, Executive Secretary of the agency, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, said they were satisfied with the stand taken by NACA and the Centre for Disease Control.

Shuaib said anyone announcing cure for any disease must follow some rigorous steps to test the findings. “That process has not been followed by the professor. It is strange.”

The Senate also yesterday subjected the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed to intense questioning over poor revenue generation from the culture and entertainment sector.

At a budget defence session with the minister and other officials of the ministry yesterday, the Senate Committee on Culture and Tourism declared that it was unfortunate that the ministry presented only N620, 000 as total revenue generated in 2016.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Culture and Tourism, Senator Matthew Urhoghide, noted that the budget should not only be about expenditure, but also about the revenue profile. He said the Senate frowns at the said amount of N620, 000.00, saying it was too low.

Vía Uzomedia http://ift.tt/2lO1ayT

Security agents disrupt pro-Buhari rally in Abuja

http://ift.tt/2lIZ0Uq

A rally in support of President Muhammadu Buhari administration organised by the Coalition for Good Governance and Change Initiative in Abuja …yesterday.<br /> PHOTO: LUCY LADIDI ELUKPO.

• President will outlive enemies, says SGF

A rally held yesterday in Abuja in support of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration was disrupted by over 100 security personnel.The protesters, comprising young and old people, had converged on the Unity Fountain in Abuja, from where they later marched to the Presidential Villa to register their support for the government of Buhari.

The development underscores the support of many Nigerians the president still enjoys despite the protests against his administration across the country last week over the state of the economy.

The protesters were, however, stopped just before the first gate of the villa by heavily armed security agents who insisted the rally must not go beyond the vicinity of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) where they were forced to stop.

While an argument, which ensued between the conveners and the security personnel lasted for about two hours, more soldiers and armoured police vehicles were drafted to the scene. But this could not deter the protesters as they insisted to be addressed by the authorities in the villa.

Shortly after, they made a return to their takeoff ground at the Unity Fountain where a Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media, Mallam Garba Shehu addressed them.

Shehu had not completed his solidarity speech when the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, David Babachir Lawal also arrived at the scene, apologising for the action of the security personnel.

While addressing the rally, Lawal said: “President Buhari will outlive those wishing him dead.” He attributed the anti-Buhari protests to those who looted the nation dry and are now bent on causing confusion despite the president’s efforts to redirect the country on the path of genuine development.

“The government of the day is encouraged by such support from patriotic Nigerians. With such solidarity, the government is being gingered to do more in the interest of all.”

He told the people that Buhari did not anticipate the degree of the current challenges bedeviling the country, expressing optimism that Nigerians would start reaping the full dividends of democracy in every form in a year’s time, even as he called for more support for the government to fight corruption to the finish.

The convener of the rally, Moses Abdulahi described the gathering as the most patriotic stance taken by those present, saying it couldn’t have come at a better date.Abdullahi attributed the current economic hardship to the level of corruption witnessed under the previous administration.

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2lJ5dzG

‘Goverment must focus on strengthening SMEs to promote financial inclusion’

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DDMFB vows to support entrepreneurs

Chairman of Davo Dani Microfinance Bank Limited, Austin Enajemo-Isire, has said the Federal Government must be focused and sustain its policies to strengthen the Small and Medium scale Enterprises (SMEs) in the country.
    
This will boost the country’s economy and tackle the challenges faced by the over 17 million entrepreneurs, who must be encouraged to add meaningfully to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) which has been crippled by revenue shortfall.
  
Speaking in Lagos on Monday at the unveiling of a new branch of the bank, Enajemo-Isire said government has realised the need to provide the necessary support to entrepreneurs, noting that this could only become practical if policies are sustained.  

  
He lauded government’s commitment to tackle the gap in financial inclusion, particularly for SMEs, stressing, “I wish that the will power to drive through this policy is being firmly held to realise the full objective.”
  
Lamenting that very few SMEs have financial freedom, the chairman argued that the sector needs to embrace the services of microfinance banks to gain financial freedom.
  
He said the firm is focused on aligning its services with the policy of the government to ensure that government achieves its promises on financial inclusion.
  
Enajemo-Isire, who was the Managing Director of Standard Alliance Life Insurance for over 13 years, also said the bank has concluded plan to tap into the financial options provided by the Bank of Industry (BoI) and the Centre Bank of Nigeria (CBN), to increase its lending capacity.

The chairman added that a well articulated credit appraisal system has been put in place by the bank to ensure its portfolio at risk continue to perform.
  
The Managing Director of the bank, Odey Ndoma, said the organisation would not retreat   on product innovation and customer focused services.
Ndoma said the bank already has about 20,000 customers and currently making efforts to upgrade its operational profile to reach more entrepreneurs.
  
He vowed that the financial institution would continue to support entrepreneurs, disclosing that the bank prioritised the need to perform exceptionally to distinguish itself.

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2lONfry

Senate asks agency to verify Ezeibe’s claim on HIV/AIDS cure

http://ift.tt/2lJaQhh

AIDS

Panel queries minister over poor revenue from culture, entertainment sectors

The Senate Committee on Primary Healthcare, Communicable and Non Communicable Diseases has asked the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) to verify the claim of Prof. Maduike Ezeibe that he had found a cure for Human Immuno Virus (HIV).

Chairman of the committee, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa (PDP, Abia) made this request yesterday during the budget defence of the agency in Abuja. Ohuabunwa expressed misgivings over the manner the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) dismissed Ezeibe’s claim.

According to the senator, “Coming out with a disclaimer immediately is not the right thing,” Ohuabunwa said.However, Executive Secretary of the agency, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, said they were satisfied with the stand taken by NACA and the Centre for Disease Control.

Shuaib said anyone announcing cure for any disease must follow some rigorous steps to test the findings. “That process has not been followed by the professor. It is strange.”

The Senate also yesterday subjected the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed to intense questioning over poor revenue generation from the culture and entertainment sector.

At a budget defence session with the minister and other officials of the ministry yesterday, the Senate Committee on Culture and Tourism declared that it was unfortunate that the ministry presented only N620, 000 as total revenue generated in 2016.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Culture and Tourism, Senator Matthew Urhoghide, noted that the budget should not only be about expenditure, but also about the revenue profile. He said the Senate frowns at the said amount of N620, 000.00, saying it was too low.

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2lJ9cw5

WHO backs tax on sugar-sweetened beverages to reduce chronic diseases

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WHO

The World Health Organization supports the consideration of Government of South Africa of introduction of a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) to help reduce excessive sugar intake. This is one of interventions proposed in the Strategy for the prevention and control of obesity in South Africa 2015-2020.

WHO has supported introduction of such taxes since it was proposed by the National Treasury in August 2016.WHO’s Representative to South Africa, Dr. Rufaro Chatora, took part in a parliamentary hearing held on January 31, 2017, to discuss the proposed SSB tax. During his presentation, Dr. Chatora highlighted the evidence and the impact of SSB tax. Experience from other countries which implemented the same tax demonstrates its potential to reduce consumption of sugar and raise revenues that can be used to prevent and control diabetes, obesity and other noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).

In recent days, the WHO Executive Board was held, during which Board members asked the WHO Secretariat for more information on a range of policy options and cost-effective interventions proposed by WHO to prevent and control NCDs, including the use of taxation on SSBs, before the next World Health Assembly (22-31 May).

There has been no “veto” of such interventions proposed by WHO or its Executive Board, including SSBs, despite industry statements and media reporting based on such statements. WHO Member States have asked for more information on these interventions ahead of the upcoming World Health Assembly.

“WHO stands ready to support the Republic of South Africa, and as well as other countries, in protecting and improving the health their citizens and offering effective, technically sound and feasible measures to promote health for all people, no matter age, gender or background,” says Chatora.

Taxation on SSB is just one of a range of cost-effective measures proposed by WHO to curb the threat of NCDs, responsible for the deaths of 16 million people every year before the age of 70. Other interventions targeting obesity include nutrition labelling; marketing restrictions of unhealthy foods and beverages to kids; fruit and vegetable subsidies; physical activity policies and social marketing campaigns. WHO member states around the world, including South Africa, have committed to halt the rise of obesity and diabetes, reduce premature deaths from NCDs by 25 per cent by 2025 and one-third by 2030, the latter target in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2lOP4Vf

Boko Haram terrorists attack Borno village, kill Islamic scholar, injure boy

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Christians allege discrimination in relief materials distribution

No fewer than 30 Boko Haram terrorists have killed an Islamic scholar and injured a teenage boy in Mifa village, Chibok Local Council of Borno State, a resident said yesterday in Maiduguri.

He said the attack occurred at 9.30 p.m. on Monday before soldiers were deployed to the village yesterday morning.Confirming the incident in Maiduguri, a military source said the insurgents entered the village through the south flank of Sambisa Forest, shooting sporadically to scare away the villagers before killing the Islamic scholar.

“Soldiers stationed in Chibok were quickly drafted and we were able to repel the attack and killed one of the terrorists,” the source said.
Residents of Chibok, who spoke with The Guardian yesterday on telephone, expressed fears that the community may be attacked again despite military’s presence in the area.

“You know this is getting too much. Chibok is surrounded by bush and the borders are not well patrolled. We cannot sleep well because of fear and that is why we want the soldiers to resume their mobile patrol,” another Mifa resident said.

Meanwhile, the Presidential Committee on North-East Initiatives (PCNI) has said that the N45 billion budgeted by Federal Government to feed over 2.6 million Internally- Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North-East was grossly inadequate.

The PCNI pointed out that this was especially so when compared to what the international community spends on humanitarian services.According to the PCNI, the country requires N108 billion to effectively and efficiently intervene and feed IDPs in camps and liberated communities of the affected states in the northeastern part of the country.

Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, who led members of the panel to the Deputy Governor of Borno State, Usman Durkwa, on the humanitarian crisis to feed displaced persons, stated this yesterday in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

He noted that the Federal Government budgeted N12 billion last year and N45 billion in 2017.The contributions of the international community to the humanitarian crisis in the region, he noted, was more than that of the Federal Government.

In another development, victims of the Boko Haram insurgency from seven local councils of Adamawa State yesterday decried the discrimination against Christians in the sharing of relief materials meant for them.

They called for the intervention of the state and federal governments to help alleviate their sufferings.The victims, who are from Mubi North, Mubi South, Madagali, Maiha, Hong, Michaka and Gombi council areas, urged the government to review efforts made so far towards restoring the North-East to check its effectiveness.

Leader of the group, Rev. Paul Alhamadu, faulted government’s claim that it has defeated Boko Haram. He said that there were still silent attacks in some of the villages with no effective intervention from the government in terms of relief, compensation or rehabilitation since the insurgency.

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2kvRIy3

Boko Haram terrorists attack Borno village, kill Islamic scholar, injure boy (Read full details)

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Christians allege discrimination in relief materials distribution

No fewer than 30 Boko Haram terrorists have killed an Islamic scholar and injured a teenage boy in Mifa village, Chibok Local Council of Borno State, a resident said yesterday in Maiduguri.

He said the attack occurred at 9.30 p.m. on Monday before soldiers were deployed to the village yesterday morning.Confirming the incident in Maiduguri, a military source said the insurgents entered the village through the south flank of Sambisa Forest, shooting sporadically to scare away the villagers before killing the Islamic scholar.

“Soldiers stationed in Chibok were quickly drafted and we were able to repel the attack and killed one of the terrorists,” the source said.
Residents of Chibok, who spoke with The Guardian yesterday on telephone, expressed fears that the community may be attacked again despite military’s presence in the area.

“You know this is getting too much. Chibok is surrounded by bush and the borders are not well patrolled. We cannot sleep well because of fear and that is why we want the soldiers to resume their mobile patrol,” another Mifa resident said.

Meanwhile, the Presidential Committee on North-East Initiatives (PCNI) has said that the N45 billion budgeted by Federal Government to feed over 2.6 million Internally- Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North-East was grossly inadequate.

The PCNI pointed out that this was especially so when compared to what the international community spends on humanitarian services.According to the PCNI, the country requires N108 billion to effectively and efficiently intervene and feed IDPs in camps and liberated communities of the affected states in the northeastern part of the country.

Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, who led members of the panel to the Deputy Governor of Borno State, Usman Durkwa, on the humanitarian crisis to feed displaced persons, stated this yesterday in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

He noted that the Federal Government budgeted N12 billion last year and N45 billion in 2017.The contributions of the international community to the humanitarian crisis in the region, he noted, was more than that of the Federal Government.

In another development, victims of the Boko Haram insurgency from seven local councils of Adamawa State yesterday decried the discrimination against Christians in the sharing of relief materials meant for them.

They called for the intervention of the state and federal governments to help alleviate their sufferings.The victims, who are from Mubi North, Mubi South, Madagali, Maiha, Hong, Michaka and Gombi council areas, urged the government to review efforts made so far towards restoring the North-East to check its effectiveness.

Leader of the group, Rev. Paul Alhamadu, faulted government’s claim that it has defeated Boko Haram. He said that there were still silent attacks in some of the villages with no effective intervention from the government in terms of relief, compensation or rehabilitation since the insurgency.

Vía Uzomedia http://ift.tt/2kRbtn6

Importers kick against transfer of containers to Ikorodu terminal

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Container stacking area at the port.

Importers under the aegis of the Nigerian Importers Integrity Association (NIIA), has described as unnecessary the move to transfer long-standing (overtime) containers to off-dock facilities especially the Ikorodu Lighter Terminal (IKLT) in Lagos, at a time when the nation’s seaports are operating well below capacity.

The President, NIIA, Godwin Onyekazi, who spoke against the backdrop of the clamour by some clearing agents at Ikorodu for the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to transfer such containers from the main port to IKLT, argued that there is “ample space in the main ports”.

“Congestion in the terminals has always been cited as the reason for the transfer of containers but the present economic downturn has resulted in less than 40 per cent yard occupancy for most terminal operators; effectively undermining the reason to transfer overtime cargoes to Ikorodu,” he said.

Onyekazi said the maritime sector suffered a huge blow in 2016 with ever increasing foreign exchange rates and a sharp decline in cargo volume.

According to him, “Businesses, banks and social institutions surrounding the ports have closed down as an extension of the reduction of businesses transacted at the ports.

“A recent statement by the Senate in November 2016 highlighted the fact that the containers that have already been transferred to the Ikorodu Lighter Terminal have been abandoned with goods worth billions of naira rotting away daily; alluding to the fact that inadequate maintenance measures exist for the containers there. Therefore, moving even more containers will result in a sharper decline in the condition of containers and cargoes, and lead to wastage.”

He said moving overtime containers can also be seen as a means to boycott terminal operational procedures, as containers owners will look to avoid paying accrued charges but rather intercept or obtain their cargoes at reduced or no cost at all .

This will encourage importers to abandon their cargoes at the port with the aim of facilitating movement to Ikorodu in order to avoid charges.
This, he argued, “undermines the integrity of terminal operators’ authority and processes leading to complete loss of despite handling costs incurred and fulfilled financial obligations to the government over the years on such containers.”

He said the bid to transfer overtime cargoes to Ikorodu will only result in huge additional cost burden to government given that the logistics cost of moving the containers from various terminals will be borne by the NPA.

“This move will result in additional handling of containers, which come with increased cost of doing business for terminal operators; as well as likely claims from damages from handling during such transfers.

“There exists also the risk of loss of cargo to the consignee/importer due to allegations of diversion of cargo in transit from previous transfers and pilfering due to insecurity at Ikorodu terminal. The extra cost to be incurred to carry out the transfer can be avoided, especially in times like these when all sectors should be focused on saving, and not wasting public funds.

“Combined with the recession, this move will only serve to compound the woes of the already suffering maritime sector; it will not bring additional business or progress whatsoever,” he said.

Onyekazi insisted that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is more certain of collecting appropriate import duties on the containers at the main ports.

Vía The Guardian Nigeria http://ift.tt/2koi9ux

TSA grows to N5.2tr, government lists gains, challenges (Read full details)

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Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris (left), Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun and Chief Executive officer, Remita, Mr. John Obaro, at the opening of the two-day Retreat on Treasury Single Account, at the International Conference Centre, Abuja…yesterday PHOTO: Philip Ojisua  

Policy to go mobile soon, acting president to inaugurate Akure Dome on Fri

Following the commencement of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) in September 2015, the sum has grown into N5.224 trillion as at February 10, 2017.The Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Mallam Idris Ahmed, gave this figure yesterday in Abuja at a review workshop of the TSA fiscal policy implementation, to mark its one-year successful operation.

A treasury circular of August 7, 2015 had directed all ministries, departments and agencies of the Federal Government to transfer their balances into a TSA account created at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). About 20,000 accounts scattered in banks across the country and overseas were thus consolidated into a single account. It generated a balance of N3 trillion by May last year and jumped to N4.36 trillion six months latter, in November, before growing to the latest balance of N5.224 trillion.

An elated acting president and Head of Nigeria’s Economic Management Team, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo said there was still more work to bring the policy in tandem with what obtains in civilised societies.

Osinbajo, who was represented at the event by the Economic Adviser, Dr. Adeyemi Dipeolu, said: “This workshop is of vital importance because of the key role of TSA implementation in the wider effort of improving public financial management. This in turn is pivotal to sound allocation and utilisation of public resources which is crucial for improved macroeconomic management and governance.”

Osinbajo recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari had pledged to work towards changing the way Nigeria conducts government business. He added that in this regard, the administration was committed to blocking leakages inherent in the system.

Meanwhile, the acting president will this Friday inaugurate the international event centre, also known as The Dome in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

The structure has three oval domes with full architecture and the hall in each is capable of sitting 5,000 guests and three events simultaneously. It also has a 3,000 capacity complementing event hall with syndicate room stores.

Ondo State Commissioner for Information, Kayode Akinmade, said aside this, the Aboto Water Scheme in Ilaje Local Government Area, in the Southern Senatorial District of the state will be commissioned on Saturday.

At the TSA event, Idris had disclosed that the implementation is also saving the country an average of N4.7 billion monthly bank charges associated with indiscriminate borrowings by MDAs before the implementation.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of SystemSpec, operators of the Remita IT infrastructure solution provider in the implementation of the TSA, Mr. John Obaro, expressed delight at the huge success recorded in the one year of its implementation.

Obaro said because of the challenges being encountered in making payments at banks, another software, this time a mobile app would soon be launched by his firm to make payments very easy, even from the comfort of homes or offices.

On the controversy surrounding the fees and Federal Government’s indebtedness and the new technology plan, he said: “There are issues with the fees and implementation of the programme, like I said. We have not optimally being paid to date but we believe in what we are doing, we have good co-operation from government officials and we are assured that with the passage of time, this kind of problem will be resolved.”

Vía Uzomedia http://ift.tt/2kvMoL2