We won’t relapse into recession, says Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari, in this interview published in the current edition of African Economy, races through a slew of social, political and economic issues in Nigeria. Excerpts:
THE war on corruption is so dear to your heart. But critics claim that it is fraught with double standards. What are the efforts to ensure the anti-corruption war does not wane?
Right from campaign times, we identified three priorities to tackle. We pledged to secure the country by fighting insecurity, fight corruption, and to revive the economy, so that Nigerians, particularly youths, would get jobs.
We have been committed to these three focal areas. But to answer your question directly, people would always talk and criticize, particularly when things rub them down the wrong way. We are tackling corruption without compromise, and without treating anybody as sacred cow. Our consciences are clear that we don’t have double standards, and we will continue the battle without let or hindrance. Those who criticise can continue, while we keep on with the war against corruption without looking back.
Although your government has waged relentless battle against Boko Haram and subdued the insurgents, the challenge has persisted. Why?
You say the challenge has persisted, but can you honestly say it is with the same intensity as it was when we assumed power in May, 2015? That was a time when the insurgents controlled not less than 14 local governments, out of the 774 local governments in the country. They took battles to towns, cities, police and military formations, and the like. But today, they have been degraded so much that they strike only in the fringes, and do cowardly suicide bombing attacks, using young girls. The menace is no longer what it used to be, when they struck at will in different parts of the country. They were in North West, North east, North central, and even used to strike in Abuja and Kogi. Today, they are largely restricted to the fringes of Borno State. Those who live where Boko Haram used to be so endemic are the ones who can tell you of the difference this administration has made in their lives.
After five consecutive quarters of negative growth, Nigeria’s economy finally exited recession in the third quarter of this year with the National Bureau of Statistics announcing a modest 0.55 percent growth. What strategy have you adopted to reposition the economy for sustainable development?
It is on record that the Nigerian economy had begun to slow down since 2014, and went into recession in 2016. Before we came, oil prices were as high as $100 per barrel, and even between $110 and $120 per barrel. But we had no savings, no infrastructure; nothing to show for this fortune. The money was just frittered away. Then, shortly after we got into office, oil prices crashed to $39, and even dropped to as low as $27 per barrel at a time. Oil was the mainstay of our economy. We didn’t prepare for the rainy day, so when the rain came, it beat us heavily.
The economy went into recession, because it had been unfortunately primed to do so many years earlier. But we rolled up our sleeves, tackled recession, and we are back to the path of growth. We will strive to sustain it, and place the economy on the route of sustainable growth. We are diversifying the economy through agriculture, mines and steel development, manufacturing, and many other ways. We are ensuring that Nigeria will no longer be a mono-product economy, and in no distant time, the people would begin to feel the impact of the exit from recession. Like I said when the news came of Nigeria exiting recession, we would not consider the job as done, until the living condition of the average Nigerian improves. Statistics are good, indicating that the economy has returned to the path of growth, but beyond statistics, the people must feel it.
We would not relapse into recession again, because we would not do the profligate things that were done in the past. We will continue to keep an eye on economic growth, fight corruption and free funds for development. We have the Economic Reconstruction and Growth Plan (ERGP), which I launched in April, 2017. It is meant to reposition our economy on a sustainable basis, and we will keep at the work.
Mr President, many foreign investors would like to know the main investment opportunities in Nigeria?
There are opportunities for foreign investors in many sectors of the Nigerian economy —agriculture, mines and steel development, manufacturing, services and so on. We have introduced the Ease of Doing Business Action Plan. We have liberalised visa policies, and we are constantly andconsistently dismantling anything that can hinder business people and investors in the country. Nigeria is a very attractive investment destination, and by the time our efforts on infrastructure yield positive results, we will see more successes.
Nigeria’s external reserves have grown, thanks to rising global oil prices. What are you doing to ensure that they don’t get depleted as happened in the previous dispensation?
With prudent management of the economy, we trust that the reserves would continue to appreciate. Our watchword is prudence. We will curtail unnecessary importation, eat what we can produce locally, and curb all wastes.
How would you like Nigerians to remember your government?
I will love this administration to be remembered as one that met a vandalised Nigeria, and reset the buttons on almost all areas of national life — political, social, economic, local and international image. We are doing our best, and we will continue to do so. God is kind to us, giving us good rains and rich harvest for two consecutive years, and very soon, we would not have cause to import grains. We would be remembered as the government that put Nigeria on the path of food self-sufficiency. We would feed ourselves and export food, as well. The economy will be diversified and would be resilient to crash in oil prices in the international market.
I also want this government to be remembered as one that cleaned up the political space, especially in the area of elections. We would bequeath clean electioneering to the country, secure our land within and without, and give Nigerians a pride of place locally and internationally. We will do our best, offer honest leadership, and surely God will crown the efforts.

Buhari unveils shape of things to come

President Muhmmadu Buhari, in a remark at the APC secretariat in Abuja yesterday, unveiled the shape of things to come.
Let me on a personal note thank you all for your prayers and good wishes, which the Almighty Allah answered in the restoration of my health.
I wish to thank you all Party leaders for helping to keep the government running smoothly during my prolonged absence.
I would like to start by commending our Party Leadership chaired by His Excellency, Chief John Oyegun. The Chairman and I worked harmoniously during 1984-85 in a previous government. Happily, circumstances have brought us again to positions of leadership in the country.
I want to thank Chief Oyegun and his staff for steering the party in the last two and a half years. Sometimes it is easier to manage failure than to manage success – and a big success such as that we have achieved.
I must also commend the leadership of the National Assembly led by Senate President His Excellency, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki and Rt. Hon. Speaker Mr. Yakubu Dogara. I must place on record the cooperation and understanding of the National Assembly including some non-APC members who rose above petty party interests and acted in the national interest.
My deep thanks also go to our State Governors who faced stiff challenges, especially their determination to maintain unity and tolerance among our communities. This is in the face of unnecessary politically motivated strife and violence. Credit should go to APC Governors for extending their hand of fellowship to their colleagues from other parties.
In my remarks to the Caucus meeting yesterday, I enumerated the progress that our government has made in the implementation of the programs of government and the Party Manifesto.
We can be proud of our achievements in the last two years, Boko Haram, Niger Delta, Regular Fuel, Improved Power, TSA, Agriculture and Fertilizer, above all, the knowledge that corruption will not be tolerated in this Government. We all know there is CHANGE.
Nigeria’s prestige has gone up, Nigeria is now credit –worthy, a clear testimony of which was the over-subscription of the Euro-Bond by four times.
Nevertheless, we are not resting on our achievements. I am quite aware of the challenges before us.
Last year I said we would re-constitute the Boards of Parastatals. I must regret the fact that we have not done so, for many reasons.
Some of us in this meeting may know I had given instructions since October 2015 for this exercise to start. But there have been inordinate delays through several Committees in an attempt to get the balance right and to make sure all parts of the country are equitably represented.
On the other hand I am keenly aware that our supporters are very eager for these appointments to be announced. By the Grace of God these appointments will be announced soon. Especially now that the economy is improving, we will have the resources to cater for the appointees.
By the same token the compressed Federal Executive Council will be expanded to bring in more supporters at Federal Level, with fresh ideas to be injected into the government.
Let me thank you all again for the commitment and dedicated service to our Party and to remind you that much more will be required of you in the coming months. I hope we can continue to depend on you.
If we keep united and rise above petty or personal quarrels we will surely achieve the desired CHANGE in the country.

You’ve done well, APC Caucus, NEC tell Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari won a major backing yesterday.
The National Executive Committee (NEC)of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its national caucus passed a vote of confidence in him .
Also given a clean bill was the Chief John Odigie-Oyegun- led National Working Committee (NWC).
The caucus met till late on Monday night at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The NEC met at the party secretariat yesterday.
The NEC meeting, which started at about 2:20pm, ended at 4:40 pm.
It declined to debate a “motion” seeking an automatic return ticket for President Muhammadu Buhari ahead of the 2019 presidential election.
House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu  Dogara, who addressed reporters on the outcome of the meeting, said the “motion” seeking to adopt the President for a second term was not treated “because that is not why we are here”.
National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi said the only motion taken was to pass a vote of confidence on the President, adding that there was none on his adoption for a second term in office.
Abdullahi said an unidentified NEC member shouted from the back of the hall that a motion be taken to adopt the President for second term, but that the motion was not taken.
Dogara said the meeting reviewed a paper on the line of activities that the party would embark upon in the coming months, pointing out that there was no definitive and conclusive date for its convention.
The Speaker said: “The meeting was for stock taking and to remind ourselves of the covenant we made with the people of Nigeria, review how well we have done and what we need to do in order to deliver on the promises we made during campaign.
“I can tell you that after a very illuminating address by the party chairman, the President took turn to address the NEC members and he was very clear in his vision about where we are taking Nigeria to.
“We reminded ourselves about the achievement we have recorded in terms of combating terrorism in the Northeast, the fight against corruption, which is one area where we are doing very well and the exiting from recession as the achievement the party has recorded.
“While we can say we have done quite a lot, there is still much to be done. The resolve is that we should rededicate ourselves as a party to the service of our people and the only thing that will guarantee our place in this country is the service we render to our people.”
On amendment to the party’s constitution, he said: “Obviously, we had that on the agenda and there were other items in the agenda which just passed as information. The proposal for the review of the constitution is being sent to our emails and it is when we have reviewed this that we will be able to take a binding decision on them. But as it is now, it was just noted for information.”
Dogara added: “Today’s meeting was not about 2019 elections. When we talk about 2019 in the context of the agenda you saw, we are talking about membership registration, the drive for membership and others. We are not talking about elections.
“Even though there was a motion on the floor that called for a vote of confidence on the President, some of us felt it was not necessary because there is nowhere that his confidence is shaking. But the motion was taken and passed.. But there was a second leg to that motion, which calls for the adoption of the candidacy of the President, but it was deffered for now and no decision was taken because that is not the major reason why we are here.”
Speaking on aggrieved members, Dogara said: “I don’t think that you can find any family that is as large as the APC family without some squabbles. No such family exists in the whole world and if there are disagreements, they are okay because without disagreements, you cannot even move forward.
“Progress comes when people refuse to agree with the status quo and they put forward their positions. If their positions are good enough, they are adopted and we move forward. So, for us, I don’t think we are having a situation or run into a situation whereby we have crisis that the party cannot overcome.
“What I will advocate is that we should be the ones as the APC family to define what type of crisis and not allow crisis define us. So, we will do everything possible to reach out to whoever is aggrieved. We are not like other parties that will say ‘to hell with you’ because we value every member of this family.”
Abdullahi added: “The motion that was put was after the Minister of Agriculture had briefed the NEC about the activities and achievements of his Ministry. One of the NEC members said we should move a motion passing a vote of confidence on Mr. President. There was no formal motion moved on the issue of second term for Mr. President.
“Somebody in the crowd shouted that we should move a motion and we don’t even know that member. But the motion that was formally moved was that NEC should pass a vote of confidence on Mr. President and that was after the brief given by the Minister of Agriculture, especially when he said that by 2018, Nigeria will have no need to import a single grain of rice. That is the context and I need you to understand that very well.
“The only discussion or conversation on 2019 was the activity of the party in 2018, especially the issue of convention. It was agreed that since we have all these activities lined up, including the mini convention, congresses and elective convention, a small team be set up to put dates to these party activities up to 2018.
“There was no discussion about election of 2019 or who will be the party flag bearer. The committee will decide when all these activities will take place. The NEC passed absolute vote of confidence on Oyegun and the NEC.”
Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum and Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari said the Caucus meeting “shows our unity in the party, shows our strength and our commitment to the party and to Nigerians,’’.
Senator. Bukar Abba-Ibrahim said the outcome of the meeting dismissed the speculation that it was convened to remove the leadership of the APC.
”It is a big family reunion and we are all happy and this party is going to dominate the Nigerian political space for a very long time to come. I don’t want to predict any number of years.’’
Oyegun described the caucus as “very fantastic”, adding that the party would be stronger after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Tuesday in Abuja.

Music Superstar, Akon, to host AFRIMA 2017 in Lagos

Multi-award winning African-American music star Akon is to host the 4th annual All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) scheduled to hold on November 12 at the Eko Convention Centre of the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
According to a statement by the African Union Commission and the International Committee of AFRIMA yesterday, the Senegal-born superstar will handle the event proceedings of the live broadcast award show scheduled to air live on over 80 television stations and online platforms across the world with support from the co-host, Ms. Sophy Aiida, a Cameroonian-French entertainment broadcaster.
With a track record of outstanding success in the global music industry that has brought immense recognition to Africa’s creative energy and originality, Akon, a multi-Grammy award winning singer, songwriter, record producer and actor, has put his name in the Guinness Book of World Record as the number one selling artiste for master ringtones in the world.
Ranked the fifth most powerful celebrity in Forbes’s Africa list of 40, Akon is also a business man and philanthropist who is passionate about the African continent. He provides electricity for 15 African countries through his “Light Africa Project” and supports underprivileged African youngsters through his Konfidence Initiative. He runs music labels, Konvict Music and Kon Live Republic successfully.
Co-host Sophy Aiida is a prolific broadcaster who is known on radio as Cameroon’s biggest-girl-next-door. Sophy was born in Paris, moved to New York where she spent 15 years before returning to Cameroon to contribute to her homeland. The multilingual and multi-talented woman is regarded as one of Central Africa’s biggest show host. Sophy has also acted in rave African French-speaking movies and has also dropped a debut single.
Sophy Aiida is the co-founder of the Nakande Project, an initiative that supports the emergence of great young women through its education, empowerment and mentorship programmes. She has hosted various annuals show and events in Africa.
Meanwhile, Africans on the continent and in the diaspora are in eager anticipation for the AFRIMA 2017 main awards ceremony and the AFRIMA Music Village scheduled to hold on Friday, November 10. The Music Village is an evening of non-stop open music festival of live performances from African stars and nominees, with an audience of 40,000 people. It will also be broadcast live and produced by a prominent experiential marketing/production agency in Africa, Backstage Pro.
The annual All Africa Music Awards in partnership with the African Union Commission, is a celebration of Africa by rewarding the creativity and originality of African artistes and songwriters with the resplendent 23.9 carat gold-plated AFRIMA trophy. The 2017 Main Awards Ceremony, in association with Lagos State of Nigeria, the Official Host City, will be a colourful, performance-packed event graced by music stars, industry legends, captains of industries, diplomats, government officials, music lovers across the continent. The event will be broadcast live across 84 countries in Africa.
Also lined up for the weekend of AFRIMA 2017 is Africa Music Business Roundtable in Association with TRACE with the theme, Digital Takeover: Shaping the Future of African Music (November 10). AMBR is a platform created by AFRIMA for engagement on music, money, media and evolving global business practices as they affect the creative industries in Africa.

Buhari to bring in more ministers in FEC shake-up

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday gave an insight into a possible shake-up of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), which will be expanded with the appointment of more ministers.
More supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are also to be brought into the government with the constitution of the boards of government agencies, he added.
The President gave this insight in his speech at the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the APC. He did not read the speech before reporters were asked to leave the hall after the opening formalities.
The President lamented the delay in reconstituting boards of federal parastatals despite his promise to do so, pointing out that it was as a result of attempts to get the balance right and ensure that all parts of the country are equitably represented.
The President said he was aware that APC supporters were very eager for these appointments to be announced, and promised that by “the Grace of God these appointments will be announced soon”.
“Let me on a personal note thank you all for your prayers and good wishes, which the Almighty Allah answered in the restoration of my health. I wish to thank you all Party leaders for helping to keep the government running smoothly during my prolonged absence.
“I would like to start by commending our Party Leadership chaired by His Excellency, Chief John Oyegun. The Chairman and I worked harmoniously during 1984-85 in a previous government. Happily, circumstances have brought us again to positions of leadership in the country.
“I want to thank Chief Oyegun and his staff for steering the party in the last two and a half years. Sometimes it is easier to manage failure than to manage success – and a big success such as that we have achieved.
“I must also commend the leadership of the National Assembly, led by Senate President His Excellency, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki and Rt. Hon. Speaker Mr. Yakubu Dogara. I must place on record the cooperation and understanding of the National Assembly, including some non-APC members who rose above petty party interests and acted in the national interest.
“My deep thanks also go to our state governors who faced stiff challenges, especially their determination to maintain unity and tolerance among our communities. This is in the face of unnecessary politically motivated strife and violence. Credit should go to APC governors for extending their hand of fellowship to their colleagues from other parties.
Before the meeting, a mild drama played out at the entrance to the APC secretariat as the presidential guard on duty insisted that the governors will be dropped at the gate, while they walk into the secretariat.
Security aides attached to Governor Yahaya Bello, who was the first to arrive at the secretariat for the meeting, engaged in a noisy row, which almost resulted in fisticuffs.
Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) Chairman Abdulaziz Yari was furious that his colleagues were asked to walk into the secretariat, insisting that they be allowed to be driven in, while the cars are taken out later, but the head of the security team told him that “it will not work that way”.
About 21 governors, members of the National Assembly led by Senate President Bukola Saraki and Speaker Yakubu Dogara, state chairmen and members of the National Working Committee attended the meeting, the third since the party came into power in 2015.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was absent. He was said to be out of the country.
Present were Governors Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Jibrilla Bindo (Adamawa), Godwin Obaseki (Edo), Simon Lalong (Plateau), Tanko Almakura (Nasarawa), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje (Kano), Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara) and Nasir elRufai (Kaduna).
Others are: Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), Rochas Okorocha (Imo), Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Mohammed Badaru Abubakar (Jigawa), Abubakar Sani Bello (Niger), Mohammed Abubakar (Bauchi), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Kashim Shettima (Borno), Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (Sokoto), Aminu Bello Masari (Katsina), and Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo).
The senators present at the meeting include Saraki, Senate Leader, Senator Ahmed Lawan, Senate Minority Whip, Francis Alimikhena, Abdullahi Adamu, Binta Garba, Andy Ubah, Magnus Abe, Dino Melaye, Ahmed Sani Yerima, Gbenga Ashafa and Barnabas Gemade.
From the House of Representatives came Speaker Yakubu Dogara, Deputy Speaker Yusuf Lasun, House Leader Femi Gbajabiamila and Majority Whip Ado Dogowa among others.
The former Interim National Chairman of the party, Chief Bisi Akande, Minister of Agriculture Audu Ogbe, FCT Minister, Mohammed Bello and Special Adviser to the Vice President on Political Matter Babafemi Ojodu were there.

(Photos) Celeb, Nina Ricchie Hawks Pure Water In Sexy, Tight, Short, Gown o

I do not understand in the voice of my little cousin. How can hawking pure water by a Ghanaian celebrity be an act of charity? No only that she is hawking pure water normally, she is doing it with hot and sexy indecent dressing.

Well, she is Nina Ricchie and she is a Ghanaian celebrity and she thinks this is an act of charity. Well, as long as it does it for them.

Disheartening! (Photos) The Accident Claimed The Lives Of 22 Persons Including Members Of A Wedding Team

Nothing less than 22 persons have reportedly died and scores injured in a ghastly motor accident along Kware-Gwadabawa road in Sokoto state on Sunday 29th of October.

The accident was reported to have involved a truck and a Toyota Sporadic vehicle conveying a newly wedded bride and some members of her family occurred around 8pm.

According to eyewitness accounts, the truck was coming from Illela local government area of Sokoto when one of its tyres busted and as such rammed into the Spora which was coming from Kware local government, leading to loss of lives, mostly women, children and elderly people.

Spokesperson for the State Police Command, Ibrahim Abrass put the death toll at 22 while 13 sustained injuries. He said that the number of the death could be more as some of the dead bodies were taken away by their relatives before the arrival of the police.

Solar-powered vehicles, tricycle launched in Nigeria

The days of being terribly drenched by rain while commuting on tricycle seem to have gone after the launch of Solar-powered and Electrical four and three-wheel vehicles in Nigeria.
The innovation aimed at enhancing transportation in Nigeria is in compliance with the United Nations struggle to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 13 on Climate action, officially known as Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
This the Osun State Chairman of Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria (TOAN), Adewale Folorunsho observed in saying: “It is clean and non-polluting with zero emissions.”
“This is a very good innovation. We will be using the sun to make money now and not just fuel. It’s perfect for our country and environment,” Folorunsho noted.
The technology was launched by a Nigeria-based company, Oldang International Limited at the Lekki Conservation Centre.
Speaking at the launch, Oldang Managing Director, Olubunmi Oluwadare said that the aim of this innovation and introduction to Nigeria is to create solution in transportation and also jobs through decent transportation system
“Oldang electric solar-powered vehicle is a dual-powered vehicle it uses both electricity and solar, it enjoys a continuous charging when on the move through the abundant sun ray in our country and store such power in the battery in a situation of continuous rain or change in climax power can be stored with either PHCN and Generator.
“Solar-powered tricycles are vehicles of the future as individual get to know the negative impact of fossil fuels on the environment, health. It also serves as a source of job creation to non-operators of the tricycle.”
According to Olubunmi, to avoid breakdown, every owner of this product will undergo a repair class plus the fact that each vehicle will have a repair manual. The company also plans to train at least 200 electrical engineers who will transfer the technical know-how knowledge to all interested parties nationwide.
In addition to the training, spare parts for the new automobiles will be made available in all 36 states in Nigeria and via online ordering and delivery.
The company, however, pleaded with banks and stakeholders to invest in this invention of public transportation business to enable instalment payments and purchase to operators, which is competitive with current brands

ISIS Names Ronaldo, Messi, Neymar as Next Target

How safe is the Russia 2018 FIFA World?
A disturbing news that some international terrorist groups are aiming to launch an attack in the next year’s FIFA World Cup is making the round online.
Football fans are already worried as www.dailymail.co.uk on Monday hinted that the terrorist groups have named the trio of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar as their target at the mundia.
According to the online report, the new Islamic State propaganda threatened with mocked up images of the three ace footballers facing execution or dead, (See pictures below).
In one image, a bloodied and bruised Cristiano Ronaldo, is kneeling with a jihadist holding a knife behind him, in the execution pose the world has come to associate with the terrorist group.
The Portuguese star has a black eye and there is a pile of rubble and broken bones in the background.
The poster has a World Cup 2018 logo on the left hand side with the words: ‘Our words are what you see NOT what you hear. So, just you wait. We are WAITING too…’ at the bottom.

Argentinian Lionel Messi, who plays for Barcelona, is depicted behind bars with a tear of blood coming from one of his eyes

As well as the World Footballer of the Year Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar were mocked up for ISIS propaganda photos, which are made and distributed by the pro-IS Wafa Media Foundation.

The images are part of a growing collection of released by the group, who aim their sick output at Westerners.

In one poster Messi appears to have been beheaded while Neymar is depicted on his knees crying, as a terrorist stands beside both with a knife in his hands.

The poster reads: ‘You will not enjoy security until we live it in Muslim lands.’

A third mocked up image shows Messi behind bars with a blood tear coming from his eyes and the words ‘you are fighting a state that does not have failure in its dictionary’ and ‘just terrorism’.

The emergence of that poster came soon after Argentine football chiefs held a meeting with the Russian ambassador over safety fears for Messi.

Unpaid benefits: Seven Ekiti pensioners die in two weeks

•Retirees to Fayose: pay our entitlements
Seven local government pensioners have died in Ekiti State in the last two weeks following the hardship they faced with non-payment of their pensions and gratuities, it was learnt yesterday.
At their monthly meeting yesterday in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, the council’s pensioners urged Governor Ayo Fayose to pay their eight-month pension arrears.
They also urged the governor to pay them their gratuities, which had not been paid in the last five years.
The pensioners regretted that the situation had caused them untold hardship.
Acting under the aegis of Concerned Local Government Pensioners’ Forum, the pensioners expressed shock over the spate of deaths of retirees who could not take care of themselves.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and signed by the forum’s Protem Coordinator, Alhaji Quadri Oguntuase, and Secretary, Mr. Biodun Agboola, the agitated pensioners urged the state government to accord pensioners’ welfare utmost priority.
The communique gave the names of the seven pensioners who died in the last two weeks as: Mr. J. O. Ojo, Mr. Adedayo Ojo, Mrs. Modupe Aribisala, Mr. Abegunde, Mr. Ogunleye, Mrs. Adelugba and Alhaji Abdullahi.
The retirees observed a minute’s silence in honour of the seven, who attended last month’s meeting.
The forum reminded the state government that local government pensioners had only been paid up till February, “contrary to the state government’s pronouncement in the media”.
Addressing reporters at the end of the meeting, Oguntuase expressed dismay at the condition of the retirees who he said served diligently in their prime but dumped to poverty and hardship in their latter years.
He said: “The situation has become unbearable for us and we have no option than to cry to for world to know that pensioners are suffering in Ekiti.
“The rate at which we are dying is alarming. Imagine the harvest of deaths in the last two weeks! Seven of our members died within the period and the situation was caused by non-payment of our benefits.
“It’s because our monthly pensions are not paid. Many of us lack the money to eat and to take care of our families. The denial of our rights has made many of us to become irresponsible fathers and husbands at home. In fact, many of those who died had no money to buy drugs to manage their ailments or to take themselves to hospitals. Things are as bad as that.
“We want the state government to pay us our pensions and gratuities. We believe it is not an offence to diligently serve our fatherland. The government should not watch while we suffer, because our entitlements are our rights. We should not be denied of them.”

Buratai orders troops to Lake Chad region

•Decries use of unregistered SIM cards
Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai yesterday ordered the redeployment of troops who participated in the special military exercise in the Niger Delta to Lake Chad region.
Buratai announced the redeployment at the closing of Exercise Crocodile Smile II in Igwuruta, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers.
He said those redeployed to Lake Chad would flush out the remnant of Boko Haram insurgents, and also complement efforts of security outfits in the area.
He said: “I want to assure that most of the troops that excelled in the operations across the (Niger Delta) region would be redeployed.
“The Troops would be redeployed especially within the Lake Chad waters to flush out remnant of Boko Haram terrorists that are within the Lake Chad islands and other areas.
“Boko Haram remnants which are virtually within the border areas of our neighboring countries would have to be properly identified and flushed out in a joint effort.
“This is a task that we must ensure is accomplished,” he said.
Buratai expressed optimism that the redeployment of troops would complement efforts of security outfits including the Multinational Joint Task Force to flush out insurgents from the area.
Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali said the exercise was held in the Niger Delta and some states in the South West to access army commanders and train troops.
Gen Burutai also frowned at the use of unregistered SIM cards in the country in spite of subsisting government ban.
Burutai said the development was a major setback in the use of digital and mobile forensics by the Nigeria military in the fight against terrorism, kidnapping and other national threats.
The army chief spoke at the opening of the 6th International Digital, Mobile and Computer Forensics Conference and Training Expo organised by the Computer Forensics Institute of Nigeria (CFIN).
In a paper edtitled, “Digital, Mobile and Computer Forensics as a Tool in Fighting Terrorism and Internal Threats”, he said military investigators were able to get unregistered SIM cards from vendors last week without difficulty.
Burutai, who was represented by Brig.-Gen. Samuel Adebayo, also identified improperly registered SIM cards in use in the country as a challenge.
These, he noted, were making identity tracking, especially in the case of kidnappings, terrorism and other forms of criminal acts in the country almost an impossible task.
“In some instances, these SIM cards are registered with phony names, untraceable addresses or even unrecognisable photographs.
“For those who are involved in investigation of those kinds of things, when you go to the service provider, you will discover that the data on some people is blank; there is no face attached to it.
“In some cases, the users live in the bush or hills, but registered the SIM cards with addresses that don’t exist because the man who registered them allowed such a thing without any method of confirmation.
“So, when it comes to the analysis, you discover that you are hitting a brick wall because to do a link analysis becomes very difficult or unfortunately impossible.
“I believe there is the need to raise this issue because as at a week ago, we were still able to get some SIM cards that are unregistered from vendors without any problem, and they are still working till now”.Burutai identified other challenges of Digital, Mobile and Computer Forensics.

Civil Defence uncovers prostitutes’ recruitment centre

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has uncovered a prostitutes’ recruitment centre in Edo State, Commander Mr. Makinde Ayinla has said.
Ayinla, who spoke yesterday to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin, said the settlement was in Uselu N’ Ahor in Uhunmwode Local Government.
He said the corps’ operatives uncovered the settlement near a police station, after weeks of surveillance.
The commander said many of those rescued were teenagers from the North and Middle-belt.
He said a woman, who claimed to be in her mid-twenties, was among the five rescued.
Ayinla advised the state government to engage security agents to clear the settlement, which he described as unhealthy for human habitation, to avoid an epidemic.
He said this would give impetus to the fight against child and human trafficking.
The commander said the government’s initiative of introducing skill acquisition as a way of checking prostitution was a welcome development.
He decried the attitude of parents neglecting their duties, noting that such behaviour put children at risk of being used for ritual or being kidnapped.
Some of the victims told NAN that they were from Benue State and that their parents were unaware of their whereabouts.
They said they were brought to Edo State by a lady called ‘Manager’, now on the run, who promised them lucrative jobs in Benin.
The victims alleged that the lady collected N30, 000 from each person as settlement fee, to enable such persons operate on their own.
They said they paid additional N500 daily each as ‘loyalty fee’ to ‘Manager’ from a daily income of N3, 000 to N4, 000.
NSCDC, Kwara State Command, has deployed more than 1,000 personnel to hotels to arrest hoteliers engaging nude dancers.
The Commandant, Mr. Wasiu Adeyinka-Ayinla, in an interview yesterday with News agency of Nigeria (NAN) in llorin, said the personnel – intelligence officers – were already at their duty posts.
“Our intelligence officers are in hotels day and night to apprehend hoteliers who engage in strip dance,” he said.
Adeyinka-Ayinla said the corps collaborated with other agencies to carry out the operation.
He warned hoteliers against keeping guests with questionable characters.
The commandant re-affirmed the commitment of the corps to fight pipeline vandalism and other acts capable of tarnishing the image of the state and Nigeria.
News Agency of Nigeria NAN reports that Kwara State House of Assembly summoned hotel proprietors on August 15 over allegation of nude dances in hotels.
The complaint was lodged to the assembly by religious leaders.

Police nab undergraduate for fraud

Enugu State Police Command has arrested a suspect involved in impersonation of bank customers and beneficiaries of transfers from abroad, spokesman Ebere Amaraizu said in a statement.
He added that the 23-year-old suspect was an undergraduate from Amaigbo in Nwangele Local Government of Imo State.
Amaraizu said the suspect went to a new generation bank on Okpara Avenue in Enugu metropolis to cash 800 U.S. dollars purported to have been sent to him by someone abroad.
“When he was asked by bank workers to provide proof of identification, he presented an identity card bearing the name of Eleng Okpara Peter, likely to be the authorised beneficiary.
“He smartly superimposed his passport photograph on that of the likely beneficiary and presented himself to be Eleng Okpara Peter.
“When he could no longer establish his innocence, it was obvious he was trying to withdraw money sent to another person by impersonating the beneficiary,” he said.
According to him, the suspect earlier claimed the money was sent to him as a gift by a female Facebook friend.
The spokesman said investigation showed the account number he presented as his belonged to someone else.
The command advised the public to be security conscious and not disclose their bank details and vital personal information to anybody.

Buhari presides over APC caucus meeting in Aso Villa

The National Caucus of the All Progressive Congress (APC) met last night at at the new Banquet Hall of the State House in Abuja.
The meeting is a prelude to the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the party billed for the party secretariat today.
The caucus is a collection of the leaders of the party in states unlike the NEC membership which is statutory.
The decision at the caucus will shape the NEC meeting. not all members of the caucus that are members of the NEC.
The meeting kicked off at 8.30pm when President Muhammadu Buhari walked in with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
A stalwart of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who earlier in the day met with president Buhari, walked alongside Chief Bisi Akande to the venue before the meeting started.
Party Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun, Senate President Bukola Saraki, House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara and some lawmakers also attended.
The newly appointed Secretary to the Government of the federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, was seen being congratulated.
The roll call: Former Senate President Ken Nnamani, Former Speaker Patricia Etteh, Former Deputy Speaker Chibudum Nwuche, Governors Rochas Okorocha (Imo) Yahaya Bello (Kogi) Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto) Sani Bello (Niger) Tanko Al-Makura (Nasarawa) Mohammed Abubakar (Bauchi) Bindo Jibrila (Adamawa), Simon Lalong (Plateau).
Samuel Ortom (Benue) Aminu Maisari (Katsina), Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara) Abubakar Badaru (Jigawa) Kashim Shettima (Borno) Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna) Rotimi Akaredolu (Ondo) Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun) and Abiola Ajumobi (Oyo).
Osun Deputy Governor Titi Laoye-Tomori also attended.
Ministers: Chris Ngige (Labour and Employment), Rotimi Ameachi (Transportation) Lai Mohammed Information) Udoma Udo Udoma (Budget and Planning).
Others in attendance are former Governors Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), Segun Oshoba (Ogun), Segun Oni (Ekiti), Niyi Adebayo (Ondo), Jim Nwabodo (old Anambra State), Martins Elechi (Ebonyi), Ahmed Yerima (Zamfara), Timipreye Silva (Bayelsa), Joshua Dariye (Plateau) and former Military Administrator Buba Marwa.
There were also Chief Don Etiebet, Col. Abdulmumuni Aminu (retd), Senator Osita Izunaso, Senator Andy Uba.

Tinubu: I’ve confidence in Buhari

All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Asiwaju Bola Tinubu yesterday reiterated his confidence in President Muhammadu Buhari.
He also denied any rift between him and the President.
The former Lagos State Governor spoke with reporters at the State House in Abuja after a meeting with President Buhari.
The meeting was a prelude to the party’s National Caucus meeting last night. Tinubu is a member of the Caucus.
Today, the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) will meet.
Tinubu said the APC government “is on course”, adding that there are a few steps left to attain happiness and Nigeria’s development.
He said: “I just met with the President. Our discussion was fruitful, productive and it was about the country and leadership. And that got him excited and happy.”
On the alleged crack in his relationship with the President and being sidelined by “a cabal”, Tinubu said: “Fake news. I have confidence in this President. There is no doubt about that. We worked hard to bring about the government. There are certain things that are unpredictable and those are things that can lend themselves to gossips, insinuations and all of that.
”But once you create leadership and it is functioning, you don’t have to babysit that leadership, unless there is a loss of confidence and I don’t have that.
”You know me. I’m not known to shy away from talking my mind and rebelling if it is necessary and taking charge of things that I believe are necessary. What is the myth in this leadership thing? What is cabal? It’s a myth. We are the party of the people for the people and by the people and this is a democratic environment.
”Each of us has our roles to play and that is why we are playing it. I don’t believe in the myth, I believe in confidence-building, the trust that we have in the President. In the journey of democracy you are going to have twists and turns, you are going to have conflicts.
”Conflict resolution mechanism is inbuilt on how you handle your party and the governance and the party are joined by the hips.” he said
Asked whether he was at the Villa to mend fences ahead of the NEC meeting, he said: “Did I tell you that? Why do you want to know? Are you a member of our party?”
On whether the APC was still on course, Tinubu said: “Can you go back to the history of 16 years of the PDP? APC government is on course and will remain on course and we will remain focused to those necessary things about development, welfare and progress of our people.
“It is not easy to face the challenges and the well that was dug, sinkhole that we inherited. But we are sorting that one out gradually, so, few steps we will find happiness and development in the future of our country.
Asked to speak on the different groups calling on the President to run, Tinubu said: “Don’t discuss that one with me.”

Buhari hands over Lawal, Oke to anti-graft agencies

Mustapha is SGF
Sacked Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Babachir David Lawal and National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Director-General Ayo Oke are to be quizzed by the anti-graft agencies.
After the Presidency announced the officers’ sack yesterday, there were calls that they be handed over to the anti-graft agencies.
A statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said President Muhammadu Buhari’s position “is that investigation agencies which have already commenced the investigation of the two officers removed from office will go on with their work of investigation without any interference or hindrance”.
“The President, who is fully conversant with the provisions of the constitution will not stop the investigation of anyone because he has no such power under our laws. This is a decision of the Supreme Court,” Shehu said, adding: “The President under our laws can, through the Attorney General, enter a nolle prosequi to stop an ongoing trial. He may, upon conviction, order a pardon.
“Beyond these, the President cannot order investigation agencies to not investigate anyone and does not intend to do in this, or any other circumstance.
“Based on his wish and desire for a strict observance of the law, the President expects the EFCC, ICPC and such agencies to proceed with ongoing investigations..
“When and where they have reasonable grounds to charge former or serving officers to court\
Lawal was suspended on April 19, following allegation of misappropriation of fund meant for development of the Northeast .
The President based his decision on the report of the three- man panel headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo which probed corruption allegations against the two officials.
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Femi Adesina who announced the decision, said Buhari accepted the recommendation of the Osinbajo panel to terminate Lawal’s appointment.
The President appointed Boss Mustapha as Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
The appointment, according to the statement, takes immediate effect.
President Buhari also approved the recommendation to terminate the appointment of Ambassador Oke and the setting up of a three-member panel to, among other things, look into the operational, technical and administrative structure of the Agency and make appropriate recommendations. The names of the members of the panel were not given.
Until yesterday, Mustapha, a lawyer and politician, was the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).
Lawal was alleged to have engaged in misappropriation of funds and lack of due process in the Presidential Initiative North East (PINE) which focuses on the redevelopment and humanitarian crisis caused largely by the Boko Haram menace in that region.

Queen of Netherlands visits Nigeria

The United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development (UNSGSA), Her Majesty, Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, is expected in Nigeria between Monday 30, October and Thursday 2, November 2017.
The Dutch Queen is visiting Nigeria in her role as the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development (UNSGSA).
Queen Máxima will begin her trip on Tuesday morning with a field visit to health facilities in Ikotun Idimu, and Victoria Island areas of Lagos.
After the field visit, Queen Máxima will then meet with Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos state.
Subsequently, the Dutch Queen is scheduled to hold a roundtable discussion with some representatives of the private sector to further discuss inclusive access to financial services as a pathway to the economic development of the people.

Exposed: Nigerian Secondary School where men pay N5000 to sleep with students

UNDERCOVER INVESTIGATION: FGGC Langtang security guard pimps schoolgirls for N5,000

With N5,000, or even less, one of the security guards employed to protect students at the Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Langtang, Plateau state, would gladly love-vendor the girls to strangers.
Speaking to TheCable’s undercover reporter, the guard gave an insight into how he organises “runs” for the teenagers for a fee, and how this is a common practice. This investigation by FEMI OWOLABI and SEYI AWOJULUGBE also exposes the rot in the once-prestigious Unity School, where students use water from an untreated well, sleep on broken beds, study in hostile classrooms — and live practically unprotected from predators.

You are in Langtang, Plateau state, for the weekend and need a schoolgirl for the evening? Someone is ready to help you make the arrangement for a fee. You can even have more than one girl if you choose. There are plenty of them at the nearby Federal Government Girls College (FGGC). The love-vendor is actually paid to protect the girls, but that is by the way.

Before TheCable set out for Langtang, the guard — whose phone number the reporter had collected from an acquaintance — consistently beat his chest and gave assurances that getting girls out of the hostel “is no big deal”, and it was soon obvious that the love-vendor had been in the business for a long time.

Bani Guest House, a popular lodge along the Langtang highway, is well known to the girls, the guard said. He explained that most of them do attend Sunday evening parties at Bani, where their boyfriends come to wait for them.

The reporter had disguised as a visiting businessman in need of girls to spend “a nice time” with. He promised to pay the guard more than what he would ask for. All the “big man” needed was a guarantee of a swell time. The excited guard called endlessly, excessively delighted with the business at hand.

TheCable ran into a little bad luck along the way — the timing of the visit coincided with when the SS3 girls were writing their exams in July 2017, and other classes were on vacation. But, not to worry, the guard was ready to pull the strings all the same.

Settling over a plate of rice ordered for him at the guest house, the guard told his would-be customer that girls in SS3 who were rounding off their final exams would make the perfect picks.

“I am giving you outgoing students,” he said, his face loosening into a smile. “There are some writing exams, it’s just to get a clue to know them and ask if they can do this for me. There are girls who do ‘runs’ but the issue is money.”

The guard, who was quick to request for money so he could move round and also “sort out” the girls’ transportation, revealed that there are a couple of schoolgirls who are into the act of sneaking out of the school premises.

“You’ll discuss how much you’ll give them,” he said, pocketing the N5,000 the reporter had given him as upfront for the task. “All those girls are small girls and they don’t know money much. If you treat them well, they will look for you if you’re still around.”

The guard had left his duty post. For hours, he was moving round the school, searching for girls who could be available under the tight deadline.

“I have arranged two girls now, and they will come to meet you when they are done with their exams today,” he would later say on phone.

SEE WHAT CHIEF AWUHE ORBANGA DID IN HIS OFFICE TODAY, IT WILL SHOCKED YOU

Chief Awuhe Orbanga is a Philanthropist, a cheerful giver.
Chief Orbanga called me at the comfort of my house in the afternoon today been Sunday 29th October, 2017 to meet him in his comfortable and well cherished office, while reaching in office, The Philanthropist then humbly and consciously removed a huge amount of money worth thousands of naira at exactly 12:37pm and handed it over to me saying "I wat to appreciate you, take this go and use it" i thanked the Philanthropist and i pray to God to continue to bless him and his work, to bless his hands, anything he touches Let it bear good fruits. Givers never lack they said, so shall it applied on Chief Awuhe Patrick Orbanga, Man of the People

HOW CAN I KNOW A GOOD BOYFRIEND

¤ A good boyfriend is not one Who is Physically good looking.
¤ A good boyfriend is not one who is Having all cash to load his girlfriend With.
¤A good boyfriend is not one Who looks innocent in
everything.
¤ A good boyfriend is not one Who Nags or shows off. BUT......
• A good boyfriend is one who is HONEST..
• A good boyfriend is one Who is a good LISTENER.
• A good boyfriend is one Who is SUPPORTIVE.
¤ A good boyfriend is one Who is COMPLEMENTARY.
¤ A good boyfriend is one Who is AFFECTIONATE.
¤ A good boyfriend is one who is APPRECIATIVE.
¤ A good boyfriend is one Who is COMPRIMISSIVE.
¤ A good boyfriend is One who is CARING and FAITHFUL to his dearest Girl or partner. And Most part of it all
¤ A good boyfriend is the one who is God fearing.

KING JOSHUA RULES AGAIN

ANTHONY JOSHUA stopped a resilient Carlos Takam in the 10th round to successfully defend his IBF and WBA heavyweight world titles in Cardiff.
The Briton made it 20 victories from as many bouts in front of an estimated 78,000 at the Principality Stadium.
Joshua’s nose was cut in the second by the head of Takam, 36, who replaced Kubrat Pulev 12 days before the bout.
Joshua, 28, then cut Takam’s eye in the fourth, but it took until round 10 for the Cameroon-born boxer to be stopped.
Joshua has now cemented his status as the best pound for pound heavyweight boxer on the planet after overpowering a resilient and determined Carlos Takam in front of a brimming Principality Stadium.
Eager to prove the bookmakers wrong who had stacks the odds so heavily against him, Takam started out determined to make a go of the showdown, digging in early on and catching Joshua with a clash of heads. Joshua talking in the ring, he said: “First and foremost, Cardiff thank you for coming out this evening.
“Takam, it was a pleasure. I come to fight, I don’t sit on the edge and make decisions. it was a good fight until the ref stopped it, so I have the utmost respect for Takam.
“I have no interest in what is going on with the officials, that’s not my job. I think people want to see Takam unconscious on the floor, and that’s what I was trying to get to.” Joshua’s gallant challenger Carlos Takam, who is asked whether the referee was right to stop the fight, replied: “No, I don’t think so.
“I don’t know why the referee stopped the match. I respect the champion and the UK fans, they are great fans and I am happy to box here. I don’t know why they stopped it.
“I want a rematch, I make my preparations with 12 days to fight Anthony. I want a rematch, I want to box him again, I want him, he is a great champion.”
After a brief short-out prior to the ring walk the power was back on in the area. Thankfully Joshua was with it as the first bell sounded. He bounded across the ring, perhaps open to stifle the expected early charge. AJ towered over the 6ft 1in Takam, who crouched even lower as if to minimise Joshua’s target further. He hardly threw a punch in the first, though, which Joshua took without landing many of his own.
Joshua, warned by trainer Rob McCracken that Takam possessed knock out power, was taking few risks at the start. But it was the challenger’s head rather his punches which inflicted he first facial damage of the night. Joshua reared away from the impact, which gave him a bloody nose, but then opened up in retaliation.

BREAKING: Vehicle skids into Lagos lagoon, occupants trapped

A vehicle few minutes ago, plunged into the lagoon by the University of Lagos (UNILAG) waterfront, The Nation has learnt.
It was gathered that the vehicle colluded with another before skidding into the water around 10:55pm.
A motorist who witnessed the incident, said local fishermen and officials from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) were already at the scene trying to rescue all occupants.
“There’s a vehicle inside the lagoon. People are trapped in it. The vehicle was heading into Lagos Island. Fishermen and LASEMA are trying to safe the occupants of the vehicle now. May God help them,’ said the source.
General Manager LASEMA, Adesina Tiamiyu confirmed the incident, adding that he was at the scene for rescue operation and would avail details afterwards.

Five die as cultists clash in Ikorodu

At least five persons, including a meat vendor, were yesterday killed after suspected cultists went on rampage. The incident occurred around Night Market, Imota in Ikorodu, a Lagos district in the early hours of Friday.
It was gathered that the fight was between members of the Aye and Eiye cult groups.
It was learnt that the meat seller, identified as Olaitan Omo-Ibadan, was beheaded and his head dropped at the Inner Town Roundabout. A source who hinted on the incident said that most residents were leaving the neighbourhood for fear of reprisal.
He said: “There was a fight early Friday morning at Imota. Cultists engaged in a serious fight and they killed five people. They severed the meat seller’s head, placed it on a platter and dropped it on the road.

Nigerian buys South African G-wangon after impregnating his wife

A Nigerian man simply identified as John based in South Africa has bought a luxury Mercedes-Benz G-class to a South African man to apologise after impregnating his wife.
A South-African news website, Daily Live, quoted John as saying that the husband of the woman he inpregnant anger subdued immediately on receiving the car.
“I know what I did is wrong but I feel better he has accepted my gift. He accepted that his wife, my girlfriend, is pregnant and will soon give birth to my son. He was angry at first but when I presented the car to him his anger vanished,” said the man who identified herself as John.
A source close to the family of the woman who fell pregnant says she knew about the affair but never thought it would lead to a pregnancy. She says she is disappointed the husband accepted the Mercedes-Benz from the Nigerian national.
“Nigerian men will never take our men seriously. What kind of a man accepts a gift from a man who impregnated his wife? He will impregnate her again and buy the stupid husband another car. I am so disappointed,” she said.
When approached for a comment the husband said “it is wrong to say I am stupid. The point of the matter is we cannot reverse what happened. We sat down as men and sorted the issue. The Bible says we must forgive and forget. I have always dreamed of driving a G-wagon. Christmas came early for me and my family,” said the husband who didn’t want to be named.
“The baby will be born and I’ll take care of him as my own. If the father wants to take him to Nigeria I wouldn’t mind. I will give my wife the support she needs always. That is what marriage is all about. I love my wife and will not leave her because of a mere pregnancy,” he added.

FG to increase power generation to 20,000 MW – Minister

The Federal Government said on Friday that its plan to generate 20, 000 megawatts of electricity over the next four years was on course.
The Minister of State for Power, Alhaji Mustapha Shehuri, gave the assurance in Funtua, Katsina State when he inaugurated a 132/33 KV transformer that would boost power supply to local governments in Katsina South by 200 percent.
He said that the government was replacing faulty transformers nationwide and installing new ones in order to ensure steady power supply to Nigerians.
Shehuri said that ongoing transmission rehabilitation and expansion programme would facilitate full utilisation of the more than 7000MW of power currently available.
“Government is determined to provide safe, reliable and sustainable power supply to the citizenry,’’ the minister emphasised.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 60MVA 132/33 KV power transformer project in Funtua, fully funded by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), was successfully energized on Oct. 10.
The Minister also inaugurated a 40MVA 132/33KV mobile power transformer in Zaria, Kaduna State.
Earlier, TCN Managing Director, Usman Mohammed said efforts were on to complete the installation of power transformers scattered across the country using its engineers and other in-house staff.
He said that the company’s Regional Managers had been mandated to supervise the installations.
Mohammed said TCN has successfully achieved frequent control, first of its kind in 20 years.
He announced that TCN would establish three additional sub-stations in Kaduna at Keke, Rigasa and Kakau to boost power transmission in the state capital.

Plateau polytechnic student jailed four years for rape

A Plateau Polytechnic student, Musa Nyam will be out of school in the next 48 months and be behind bars following his conviction for raping a girl at a birthday bash.
A Jos Upper Area Court sitting in Kasuwan Nama gave the verdict on Friday after Nyam pleaded guilty to the charge of rape.
He had invited a 23-year-old girl to his house for a birthday party before he sexually assaulting her, the prosecution said.
The Judge, Mr Yahaya Mohammed, rejected the convict’s plea for mercy and slammed four years imprisonment on him without an option of fine.
“The sentence will serve as a deterrent to others,” he said, citing Section 157 of the Criminal Code as the punishment section.
Earlier, Police Prosecutor Ibrahim Gokwat told the court that on Oct. 18, the rape victim (name withheld) reported the incident at Nassarawa-Gwom Police Station and the case was later transferred to the State Criminal Investigations Department.
Ibrahim said the accused invited the girl to his house for a birthday party, overpowered her and had carnal knowledge of her without her consent.
The offence contravened Section 283 of the Penal Code.

N2bn pension fraud: How minister begged EFCC operative to spare Maina

The row over the dismissed former chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Pension Reforms Task Team, Mr. Abdulrasheed Abdullahi Maina, has deepened with fresh facts emerging that a minister begged a detective to spare the suspect.
There were indications yesterday that the minister might have played a vital role in the reinstatement of Maina.
Security agencies were also said to be probing allegation that Maina has a Nigerien passport, following an alert that he was smuggled out of the country through Niger Republic.
Investigation revealed that the controversy surrounding the reinstatement of Maina suggested complicity by many government officials and top security agents.
It was learnt that President Muhammadu Buhari would have to be “more painstaking” to be able to tackle the scandal now tagged MainaGate in some quarters.
A top source said: “President Muhammadu Buhari needs a comprehensive appraisal of the circumstances surrounding the reinstatement of Maina. A syndicate in the government was behind the whole saga.
“For instance, a minister had met with an EFCC operative, who was coordinating the investigation of Maina, to spare the suspect. This was done before the minister was inaugurated as a FEC member.
“The said minister specifically demanded that Maina’s case be closed and the suspect should be used as a prosecution witness. He said Maina would make vital documents available to assist the EFCC.
“The said session was held at the private office of the minister in Garki part of Abuja. But the operative, who was shocked by the plea, refused to cooperate with the minister.
“If the government digs well, the operative (who has left the services of EFCC) can be recalled to give evidence on how and where the minister met him.”
The source said apart from the minister, Maina was even closer to a former First Lady who did everything she could to protect him.
And when the EFCC probe was intense on Maina, the ex-First Lady was said to have prevailed on “the stubborn detective” to stop the investigation.
The source added: “Also, a former First Lady had tried to influence the EFCC on the investigation of Maina by mounting pressure on the same detective. This happened when CP Ibrahim Lamorde was the chairman of EFCC.
“When the operative was adamant, the ex-First Lady allegedly engineered a petition against the operative by claiming that he collected N50 million from Maina.
“The EFCC and other agencies investigated the bribery allegation and absolved the operative of any infraction.
Findings however confirmed that Maina had been around the corridors of power in the last 23 years.
Another source said: ”Maina is not new to the corridors of power. He had wielded influence in Aso Rock since the dictatorial regime of the late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha.
“He knows every nook and cranny of Aso Rock, so he is used to floating in the seat of power, even during the administrations of ex-Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar and ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo before he was cut to size when Obasanjo was in charge.
“Some forces in power also have been using him for a purpose which suited their interest. There is no security agency or the police hierarchy where he does not have contacts.
“Everybody is denying Maina now, but he is a public officer who knows many people. He also keeps records of those who have benefitted from him.”
At press time, there were indications that Maina has a Nigerien passport.
It was gathered that he re-entered the country from exile in Dubai through Niger Republic.
A third source said: “There is no record of his return to the country at any airport in Nigeria. Security agencies are looking at some clues which pointed to the fact that he might have used Niger Republic to come back home.
“He is used to Niger Republic’s routes for escapades. He was said to have been smuggled out again to an unknown destination through one of the same routes.”
Family sources told one of our correspondents yesterday that Maina’s family had concluded plans to drag the (EFCC) to court for harassing their son
EFCC operatives in Kaduna had on Monday and Tuesday sealed six houses, including a two-storey office complex belonging to Maina, within the Kaduna metropolis.
The family had also addressed a press conference where they cried out that their son was only being persecuted by corrupt elements in President Muhammadu Buhari’s government, threatening that Maina would soon open a can of worms capable of nailing the cabals in his pursuit.
Spokesman of the Maina family, Malam Aliyu Maina, who addressed newsmen on behalf of the family said that the marking of the houses they inherited from their father in Kaduna by EFCC was not only wrong but illegal.
Speaking with one of our correspondents in a telephone interview yesterday, Maina family’s lawyer, Sani Katu, said the family had concluded plans to sue the anti-graft agency over the recent development.
He disclosed that filing of the court papers process had since commenced and would be made public as soon as the case is filed in court.
According to him, “we have commenced the process of filing the case, and as soon as we are filing the case in court, we will let the press know. That is the update for now.”
Meanwhile, the Kaduna zone of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said investigation was still ongoing to discover more of Maina’s properties.
An official of the commission in Kaduna, Ibrahim Kamilu, told The Nation that “we are still carrying out our investigation, and once more of his properties are discovered, they will be sealed.”

WHAT MEN SAY THEY WANT IN A WOMAN/WIFE & HOW THIS CAN HELP SINGLE LADIES....

Most men usually say that when it comes to choosing a lady or wife, it is the inside of the woman that matters most to them. That is what most respectable men generally want in a woman or wife. But that doesn't mean a woman shouldn't take care of herself physically or maintain an attractive appearance.
Because, men are generally moved by sight. Meaning, most times, whether they want to admit it or not, it is the external appearance that catches their attention before they will actually take the time to discover a woman's inner beauty. However, if your content is void of good virtues and values then your outward appearance will not be enough to keep a respectable and vision-driven man around for long, neither will he be ready to marry you.
So while it's good to package yourself well on the outside, make sure you invest more time and energy to ensure that you're more radiant on the inside. The substance you possess on the inside should be far greater, valuable and more beautiful than the external! Remember that external beauty is fleeting, but the beauty or wealth you carry on the inside is what makes you revelant in the world. And that is what you will be remembered for long after you are gone.....
Below are some of the qualities that some of our single brothers from The School of Marriage: Kingdom Champions shared to be their nonnegiotables or very important qualities they look for in a woman or wife.
Mr. Ncholas said.....
I have deep respect for:
1.the woman who understands herself, her worth and capabilities.
2.the woman who knows how to develop and utilize her abilities to serve humanity.
3.the woman who humbles herself before God in spite of what she's got or can be.
4.the woman who knows where she's going in life and is eager to follow it passionately.
5.the woman who loves knowledge,
hungry to learn, thinks and apply what she knows in real life.
Mr. Okey said...
What will earn my respect is a woman who knows who she is in Christ Jesus.
Mr. Mayowa said...
What can really earn my respect for a woman is a woman who speaks wisdom and is a source of encouragement to people around her.
Mr. Gad said....
A woman who is modest in dressing,hardwo
rking and has the fear of God earns my respect.
Let's keep this conversation going: Fellows, feel free to add to this list by commenting in the comment box below what you desire in a woman. And Ladies, let us also know what you respect and desire most in a man as well....
God bless you!
Ruth Akinbowale
Click the link and join School of Marriage for Kingdom Champions for more insights and wisdom to thrive in marriage.

Budget ready for National Assembly

President Muhammadu Buhari is set to present the 2018 budget estimates to the National Assembly.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the plan yesterday.
Minister of Budget and National Planning Udoma Udo Udoma told reporters after the meeting: “We did promise that the budget will be ready in October and it is ready in October. We are liaising with the National Assembly because they have to approve the date for the President to come and address them to submit the budget.”
He was with the Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed, Minister of Finance Kemi Adeosun and the Minister of Power, Works and Housing Babatunde Fashola.
Asked to give an insight into the approved 2018 budget proposal, Udoma said it was the prerogative of the President.
“I will be operating above my brief if I do that, the constitution gives that authority to the President. It is the President’s prerogative to submit the budget, submit the proposals and give the details.”
On how possible it is for the 2018 budget to be passed in January, he said: “Before now, we used to submit the budget in December but now the budget is ready in October so there is a very big difference.
The Minister of Finance said the government had so far released N450 billion for capital projects in the 2017 budget.
Fashola said FEC approved the construction of 14 kilometre 330KVA transmission line to Transmission Company of Nigeria to evacuate Azua power plant in Edo State when it is ready in May 2018.
“The contract is for the sum of N796.6 million for a period of seven months, just about when Azua should be ready.” he said.

I still ride my personal cars, says Buhari’s wife

Wife of the President Mrs Aisha Buhari yesterday denied receiving two SUVs from Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Idris as alleged by Senator Isah Misau.
The senator reiterated the allegation on Wednesday when he appeared before the senate committee probing the brickbat between him and the police chief.
The senator also alleged that the IG doctored his age in his police record.
Hajia Buhari tweeted yesterday: “I still ride my personal cars.”
In another clarification Director of Information to Wife of the President, Suleiman Haruna, said in a statement: “Our attention has been drawn to the news being widely circulated and attributed to a member of the Senate that two SUVs from the Inspector General of Police were given to the Wife of the President Mrs. Aisha Muhammadu Buhari personally.
“The Wife of the President wants to make it clear that since the assumption of office of her husband as President of Nigeria, she did not receive these mentioned vehicles.
“Furthermore, the vehicles she is still using belong to the family and were the ones used during the campaign for 2015 elections including the one for her entourage.” it stated
The police also defended the integrity of the President’s wife, saying vehicles were given to assist the movement of the security detail posted to work with her.
Police Spokesman Jimoh Moshood, a Chief Superintend e said: “It is pertinent to state that at no time did the Wife of the President and Commander in Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mrs Aishat Buhari request directly or indirectly for vehicles for her use from the Inspector General of Police and no vehicle whether Jeep or SUV was ever given for her personal use.
“To set the record straight the Inspector General of Police is empowered by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended and the Police Act and Regulations, precisely Section 215 (1)(a&b) and (2) “The Nigeria Police Force shall be under the command of the Inspector General Police” and the Deployment and Control of the entire Operations of the Force, including allocation of Police vehicles for operational use throughout the country shall be under the purview of the IGP.
“It is within the powers of the Inspector General of Police as stated above that when on the 17th January, 2017, SP Sani M Baba –Inna, the ADC “Wife of the President” Federal Republic of Nigeria requested for two vehicles for Police Personnel in the convoy of Wife of the President for convoy movement and security purposes.
“Two Police Vehicles (i) A Toyota Sienna Bus with Reg. No. NPF 2406D (ii) A Toyota Hiace Bus with Reg. No. NPF 3363D were approved by the Inspector General of Police to the ADC “Wife of the President” SP Sani M Baba –Inna for the purposes requested and not to the person of the Wife of the President or for her personal use as alleged by Misau.
“The Nigeria Police Force categorically wishes to state that all the allegations made by Misau against the Inspector General of Police and the wife of the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria of buying two Jeeps for the wife of the Presidents as reported in some media are baseless, untrue and done in bad faith to misinform and mislead the public.”
On IGP’s retirement age, Moshood, while displaying the copy of the letter said: “For avoidance of doubt, the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Force Secretary Office wrote the Chairman, Police Service Commission on the 18th of January, 2017 drawing the attention of the Commission to the observation on the current Staff List of Senior Police Officers whereby the date of birth of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Idris,was incorrectly stated as 3/01/1959 instead of the actual date 15/01/1959.
“All documents and records of the IGP has 15/01/1959 as his date of birth except the staff list Senior Police Officers and this is the reason why the approval of the Honourable Chairman, Police Service Commission for correction of the error was sought in this regard.
“The difference of dates between 3/01/1959 and 15/01/1959 is just 12 days which is very insignificant in 35 years that a public servant can be in service”, he said
The police also noted that the Senator refused to answer to the allegation levelled against the IG.
Moshhod said: “The Public will note that Issa Hamma Misau deliberately refused to prove the allegations he previously levelled against the Inspector General of Police on the floor of the Senate for which he was invited by the Senate Ad-hoc Committee but instead brought up other falsehoods to distract the Committee and the members of the Public.
Senator Misau took to social media to “clarify” what she said: “For the avoidance of doubt, I did not make any allegations against the person of the highly revered wife of the President Aisha Muhammadu Buhari.
“In addressing the committee, my comments referenced court documents filed in charge CR/345/17 against me at the Federal High Court by IGP Idris.
“IGP Idris leaked correspondence with Muhammadu Buhari, Chief of Staff (COS), Director National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), ADC, Aisha Buhari and Chief Principal Staff Officer (CPSO) of the President to the public in documents filed at the Federal High Court.
“Shocked to find documents and minutes of the President and top government officials carelessly paraded in public by the IGP in clear breach of official secrecy, I query the motive behind such indiscretion given that the said documents have little or no bearing on the matter of malpractice.
“My submission to the committee was simply to call attention to how IGP Idris is unethically dropping named by filing secret documents in court.
“Again, I make it abundantly clear: IGP Idris submitted official documents mentioning names of respected personalities. Not me.
“I urge the press and public to be wary of any attempt to obfuscate the issues. Indeed, eternal vigilance is the price for freedom.”