ASUU tasks FG on 2019 MoA, universities revitalisation fund
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has called on the Federal Government to implement the 2019 Memorandum of Action (MoA) it signed with the union.
ASUU also urged the government to release funds for revitalisation of the Nigerian university system for the development of the education sector.
Prof. Theophilus Lagi, the ASUU, Abuja Zonal Coordinator, made the call during a news conference on Monday in Abuja.
Lagi said the ongoing strike by ASUU was to demand the release of the revitalisation fund, payment of arrears of Earned Academic Allowance, and constitution of visitation panels to public universities, among others.
According to him, the quest for the revitalisation of the university system and the welfare of ASUU members have always been on the front burner of the union’s struggle and cannot be compromised.
”We have pointed out severally to the government to expend more funds to upgrade existing universities to world-class standards instead of the ongoing proliferation of universities by both state and federal governments.
”Government must as a matter of urgency implement the MoA of 7th February 2019, which it signed with ASUU.
”This, we believe, if attended to, will upgrade these universities and address the impunity and corruption seen in the university system,” Lagi said.
The zonal coordinator hailed the Federal Government’s step to address the crisis that recently engulfed the University of Lagos.
Checkmating Banditry: CAS inaugurates new accommodation for troops in Agatu, vows commitment to internal security
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has reiterated the relentless commitment of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to adding value in the ongoing efforts to end communal clashes, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality in Benue State and its environs.
The CAS stated this on Monday, 31 August 2020, during the commissioning ceremony of newly constructed 10 unit one-bedroom residential accommodation for Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) at the 21 Quick Response Wing (21 QRW) in Agatu, Benue State.
Represented at the occasion by the Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Special Operations Command (SOC), Air Vice Marshal Charles Ohwo, the CAS disclosed that the newly constructed accommodation was provided to create a conducive environment that would motivate the personnel to perform optimally as well as reassure them that the Service is sensitive to their welfare needs.
He assured that the Headquarters NAF would continue to support the Unit, while working with other security agencies when the need arises, with the deployment of helicopter gunships and other air assets in order to be effective in ensuring that the people are safe and secure.
Speaking further, Air Marshal Abubakar recalled that the nefarious activities of criminal elements, particularly in Agatu, which had affected economic activities within the Zone, necessitated the emplacement of highly-trained, well-equipped and properly-quartered personnel to deal with the threats.
He commended the Unit for its current efforts to deal with communal clashes, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality in Benue State and environs.
The CAS also used the occasion to express the gratitude of the NAF to President Muhammadu Buhari for his continued support to the Service.
Nigeria loses N300bn to gas flaring in 7 months
Gas flaring in Nigeria’s oil fields has taken a huge toll on the economy, as the country flared 225.1 billion standard cubic feet of gas, (bscf) between January and July 2020.
The monetary value of the burnt gas in the international market is $787.7 million (about N299.33 billion).
This comes against the backdrop of the huge revenue losses arising from the impact of the outbreak of Coronavirus, COVID-19, pandemic, which crashed both volume and price of crude oil sales.
According to the National Environmental Economic and Development Study, NEEDS, the environmental cost of gas flaring in Nigeria is $94 million (about N35.7 billion) yearly.
The volume of gas flared was an equivalent of 12.0 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emission.
A report obtained by Energy Vanguard, last week, from the Federal Government’s Gas Flare Tracker, stated that the 225.1 bscf of gas flared by the oil and gas firms in the first seven months of 2020 was capable of generating 22,500 gigawatts hour of electricity.
Energy Vanguard learnt that the oil companies responsible for the gas flares are expected to pay fines totalling $450.1 million, an equivalent of N171.04 billion, but no information in the report indicating they have paid any fine for the previous gas flares amounting to several billions of U.S. dollars.
Giving a breakdown of the volume of gas flared in the period under review, the report stated that 136.0 bscf of gas was flared onshore, while 89.1 bscf of gas was flared offshore.
On a month-on-month basis, the report stated that in January 2020, 40.03 bscf of gas was flared; 32.15 bscf in February; 37.61 bscf in March, while 38.84 bscf, 36.98 bscf, 37.21 bscf and 2.24 bscf of gas was flared in April, May, June and July 2020, respectively.
NASS leadership not aware of some investigative hearing — Gbajabiamila
Says call for resumption of plenary unnecessary
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila yesterday said that some of the investigative hearing was carried out without the knowledge of the leadership of the National Assembly.
The Speaker also described the call for resumption of investigative hearing and other oversight functions by some people as unnecessary, stating that the parliament was working in line with the legislative calendar.
Recall that the legal luminary and human rights activities, Chief Femi Falana, SAN, and about 39 Civil Society Organizations, CSOs had recently condemned the suspension of legislative and oversight functions by the National Assembly especially, the House of Representatives.
They accused the lawmakers of breaching the constitution by failing to meet the compulsory 181 days plenary sessions, adding that the National Assembly in its first legislative year from June 2019 to June 2020 did not sit up to the required 181days.
But, reacting to the development while fielding questions from State House correspondents in Abuja, the Speaker, said the call was hinged on a misunderstanding of the workings of the parliament as going on recess was a legislative practice in all democracies.
According to him, “There has been a lot of misunderstanding and misconception. First of all, whatever form of democracy you practice anywhere in the world, there is always an annual recess. We are not re-inventing anything.
“Recess has only one meaning in the dictionary. You are either on recess or you are working. I have perhaps been one of the longest-serving members in the House.
“I have never known of a situation, I’m yet to be proven wrong when on an annual summer recess, members are working, conducting public hearings, doing investigations.
“I am not talking about any other recess. It’s a different thing when you close plenary and committees are still working. There is a big difference. But in the summer, we go to recess.
“Now, because there is COVID and people are forced to stay in, it’s no excuse to continue work the way we continue.
“Unfortunately, sometimes, you hear of investigative hearings that even the leadership is not aware of. Investigative hearings that have not been backed by resolutions of the House. That is a conflict in our procedure.”
Continuing, he said, “For the civil society to talk about why are you going on recess, we are always happy to look at advanced democracies whether it’s Germany, America, or England. We are always happy to compare Nigeria’s legislatures to those places.
“As I speak to you, the US Congress is on recess. It’s their annual recess. You won’t hear of any investigative hearing or public hearing.
“Just last week, the Speaker of the House of the US Congress had to call her members back through a zoom conference because of the issue of US Mayor and the impending elections. They had a zoom conference. That is the way it is done the world over. That is number one.
“Back home in Nigeria, the Judiciary is on their annual recess. But we are not saying that because there is corruption, you will find one court opening, sitting, and hearing corruption cases. No.
“They have one or two courts opening for administrative purposes. But they are on recess. And this is not the only one. Work continues as usual.
“There must be a method in every organization. You cannot say that because you are a civil society, therefore, things should break. No. That is not how democracy works. It’s not how democracy works at all.
“To paint a clearer picture, we are only doing what is in keeping with what has been done when I got to the House.
“In fact, the first time ever that the House had to recall itself was many years ago when Aminu Waziri Tambuwal was Speaker and there was an oil crisis during the summer. And we reconvened the House on a Sunday because of the urgency of that moment.
“So, I hope I have been able to answer the question of whether it’s the judiciary, whether it’s international, recess is recess.
On oversight functions, the Speaker said some members of Parliament were currently engaged in various tasks assigned to them by the National Assembly.
He said, “You can see that some members are on the road right now doing their work. That is a different kind of work. But it’s not a public hearing and investigative hearing. Members are actually out on oversight function and that hasn’t stopped.”
Operationalizing Community Policing: 2nd edition conference/retreat for Senior Officers holds in Uyo
As part of the ongoing implementation and operationalization of the National Security Policy on Community Policing in the country, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu has approved the 2nd Edition of the Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers.
The Conference and Retreat, themed “Implementing and Operationalizing Community Policing in Nigeria” is scheduled to hold in Uyo, the Akwa-Ibom State Capital between the 16th and 19th of November, 2020.
The Conference and Retreat which will have both virtual and physical components/sessions in compliance with the COVID-19 prevention regulations.
A Force headquarters statement said it will bring together and provide a unique opportunity for Strategic Managers of the Force – Senior Police Officers of the rank of CP and above and other Heads of Police Formations – and carefully selected Community Policing Experts across the globe to engage in peer-review and cross-fertilization of ideas on effective implementation of the Community-based Internal Security Management Strategy.
It would be recalled that the maiden edition of the Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers, tagged: Repositioning the Force for the Challenges of Effective Policing in the 21st Century and sponsored by the Lagos State Government with support from other stakeholders held in October 2019 and focused on new policing approaches, guidelines and tools towards effectively addressing prevailing and emerging crimes in the country.
The Conference and Retreat is being organized by the Nigeria Police Force in conjunction with Matchmakers Consult International.
Supreme Court Upholds Election Of Yahaya Bello As Kogi Governor
The Supreme Court has upheld the election of Yahaya Bello as the Governor of Kogi State.
In its Judgement delivered on Monday, the Apex Court, led by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad, disagreed with the appeal filed on five grounds by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Kogi Governorship Election, Musa Wada.
Mr Wada claimed that the election held on November 16, 2019, was riddled with serious electoral infractions; rigging and over-voting, and that Governor Bello didn’t secure the highest vote.
The apex court also dismissed the seven grounds of appeal filed by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidate, Natasha Akpoti, which includes an allegation of age falsification against the Kogi State Deputy Governor
Other members of the panel include Justices Olabode Rhodes-Vivour, Sylvester Ngwuta, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Inyang Okoro, Amina Augie, Uwani Abba-Aji.
Mr Wada approached the Supreme Court after his petition was dismissed by the Court of Appeal on July 4th, 2020 with a split decision of two to one.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) returned Bello as the duly elected governor on November 18, 2019, having scored the highest number of votes in the poll.
He got a total of 406,222 votes to beat his closest rival, Wada who scored 189,704 votes and Akpoti who garnered a total of 9,482 votes.
National Assembly Won’t Tolerate Disrespect Anymore, Lawan Warns Buhari’s Appointees
The President of the Senate, Dr Ahmed Lawan, has warned appointees of President Muhammadu Buhari against disrespecting the National Assembly.
He gave the warning on Monday while reacting to the series of disagreements between some lawmakers and presidential appointees, including some ministers and heads of Federal Government agencies.
Senator Lawan was responding to questions from State House correspondents in Abuja shortly after President Buhari inaugurated the Executive, Legislative Party Consultative Council at the Presidential Villa.
“Coming to your second-leg of the question that recently we had some appointees on the executive side walking out or maybe saying things, I believe that that should be the end of it; we believe that we should work together,” the lawmaker stated.
He added, “For us in the National Assembly, I think what has happened has happened and I pray that nobody goes to the National Assembly to do the kind of things that some people did before because that will be disrespecting the President and, of course, abuse of the National Assembly and we are not going to tolerate that.”
According to Lawan, even the President made it very clear that he will not accept or tolerate any of his appointees doing things that are not respectable and have no dignity to the National Assembly.
He stressed the need for political officers to ensure the Council produces the desired results and outcomes, that would make Nigeria better in terms of governance.
Meeting Nigerians’ Expectations
In his remarks at the inauguration which held earlier as the Council Chamber of the Villa, the Senate President described the event as historic for the APC administration.
He noted that the legislature, executive, and the ruling party have seen the need to bring everybody on board for thorough consultations before major issues were tabled before the citizens of the country.
President Muhammadu Buhari with the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; and APC Caretaker Committee Chairman and Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa in Abuja on August 31, 2020.
Senator Lawan explained that the purpose of the of the Council was to improve the quality of governance and service delivery to Nigerians.
“We have promised Nigerians and Nigerians voted for the All Progressives Congress at all the levels, so it is incumbent upon us at all levels and as a party to ensure we meet the expectations and aspirations of Nigerians.
“Just like Mr President expressed, we believe that the constitution rightly provides for the separation of powers and we believe in that,” he said.
The lawmaker added, “The legislature will always on its own ensure we oversight and we check possible excesses of the executive arm of government.”
Pope Steps Up Call For Poor Country Debt Cancellation
Pope Francis renewed a call on Tuesday for the cancellation of debt owed by poor countries in the face of the coronavirus pandemic, saying it was time for restorative justice.
The pope is preparing for an audience with the public on Wednesday, his first since the pandemic hit Italy nearly six months ago.
“I repeat my call for the cancellation of the debt of the most vulnerable countries, in recognition of the severe impact of the medical, social and economic crises they face as a result of Covid-19,” the Roman Catholic Church’s highest official said.
“We also need to ensure that the recovery packages being developed and deployed at global, regional and national levels must be regeneration packages.
“It is a time for restorative justice.”
In April, the Argentinian-born pontiff called for debt to be reduced or cancelled in a message from an empty Saint Peter’s Basilica.
On Tuesday he said: “Policy, legislation and investment must be focused on the common good and guarantee that global social and environmental goals are met.”
The World Bank warned last month that coronavirus may have driven as many as 100 million people into extreme poverty.
The situation made it “imperative” that creditors reduce the amount of debt held by poor countries, the Washington-based institution’s president David Malpass warned.
Advanced economies in the Group of 20 have already committed to suspending debt payments from the poorest nations until the end of the year.
There is growing support for extending that moratorium into next year amid a pandemic that has already killed more than 840,000 people and registered 25.2 million cases globally.
Gov Fayemi Appoints Eight New Commissioners, Warns Against Distractions
The Governor of Ekiti State Dr Kayode Fayemi has sworn in eight new commissioners and warned members of the State Executive Council to shun undue distractions and focus on the set goals of the administration.
Governor Fayemi, while inaugurating the eight newly appointed commissioners and seven Special Advisers at the Governor’s Office hall, explained that the cabinet reshuffle is sequel to a midterm appraisal of his team.
“We have recently carried out a midterm assessment of this administration and made a few changes in line with our performance and emerging reality towards refining our government agenda and strengthen our team,” Fayemi noted.
“This account for the appointment of new people into various positions.”
He called on the new appointees to see their new roles as service-driven and not for illicit gains.
“To those coming on board, I encourage you to imbibe our ethos which sees public office as a privilege and an opportunity for service and not an occasion for self-aggrandizement or pecuniary gain,” Dr Fayemi stated.
“Let me, therefore, sound a note of warning to all of you coming on board, your watchword should be delivery! Delivery and delivery! Very soon, electoral politics will be here, you must avoid any form of distraction from your primary duty of delivering public good to the good people of Ekiti State.”
While some commissioners were reshuffled and others assigned new offices, some were not reappointed.
The newly inaugurated commissioners are Barrister Akin Omole (Information and Values Orientation); Dr Oyebanji Filani (Health); Mr Akin Oyebode (Finance and Economic Development); Prince Olabode Adetoyi (Agriculture and Food Security); Otunba Oladiran Adesua (Housing and Urban Development); Dr (Mrs) Olabimpe Aderiye (Education, Science and Technology); Alhaja Mariam Ogunlade (Women Affairs and Social Development); and Princess Iyabode Fakunle-Okhiemen (Environment and Natural Resources).
The Special Advisers are Chief (Mrs) Moji Fafure (Gender Empowerment and Social Mobilisation); Prof. Francesca Aladejana (Basic, Secondary and Vocational/Technical Education); (Mr Foluso Daramola (Governor’s Office); Chief Olusoga Davies (Political Matters); Chief Folorunso Olabode (Community and Rural Development); Architect Tope Ogunleye (Special Projects); Mr Ayoola Owolabi (Investment, Trade and Industries).
Also inaugurated were Prof Femi Akinwunmi as Chairman of SUBEB and Mr Febisola Adewale, as member Local Government Service Commission.
Some local contractors on Monday protested ‘unpaid benefits’ at the Ministry of Finance in Abuja.
The contractors said that in spite of verification of their contracts by the Presidential Initiative on Continuous Audit (PICA), which recommends the settlement of contracts within the threshold of one to N10 million, the Ministry of Finance is yet to commence payment.
Officials of the Ministry of Finance met with representatives of the contractors during the protest on Monday.
After the meeting, Publicity Secretary of the Local Contractors of Nigeria, Roland Dandi, said the ministry officials asked for about two weeks to begin to settle the debt.
“They said they have concluded the last section of the verification and are now ready to pay,” he said.
“We pray that we are going to be alive till that time. We will give them three weeks. After that and our monies are not paid, Nigeria will see us in a different, drastic step, much more than we have done today.”
See more photos from the protest below:
No Victor, No Vanquished, Says Gov Bello After Supreme Court Victory
Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has said that there is no victor and no vanquished in the Supreme Court judgement which pronounced him the winner in the November 16, 2019 Governorship election.
Reacting shortly after the apex court upheld his election as the Governor of Kogi State, Mr Bello who said the victory means a lot to him, thanked God and the people of the State for giving him a mandate for another four years.
“I thank the people of Kogi State who turned out en masse and trusted me and gave us their mandate for another four years. I appreciate Mr President, Muhammadu Buhari, and all the party leaders of the All Progressives Congress at all levels.
“This wonderful resounding statement from God almighty through the justices of the Supreme Court means a lot to me and the people of Kogi State.
“By the special grace of God, we will continue to do more for our people in the area of security, infrastructure, fighting corruption, and to ensure that we lead with the fear of God,” he promised.
The Governor stressed that his administration will need the support of everyone as he seeks to push a united State, which he said, has not been united over the years.
“I will continue to do my best to ensure that across the party line, we continue to unite Kogi State and the people will continue to benefit and feel the dividends of democracy irrespective of your religion or the senatorial district you come from.
“In this particular pronouncement of the Supreme Court, I state that there is no victor and there is no vanquished, we only tested what the law and fact is before the court; they have spoken and I know you will join me in making sure that we unite the state.
“I call on my brothers and sisters, those who contested with me, the victory is all ours because we are citizens of Kogi State. We all have the interest of the state at heart, but today, the people spoke; God almighty has really affirmed this assertion by the people.”
The apex court, in its judgement led by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad, dismissed the appeals filed by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Kogi Governorship Election, Musa Wada.
The panel also dismissed the seven grounds of appeal filed by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidate, Natasha Akpoti, which includes an allegation of age falsification against the Kogi State Deputy Governor.
Akinwunmi Adesina Sworn-In For Second Term As AfDB President
Dr Akinwumi Adesina has been sworn-in as the newly re-elected eighth President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) for a second term.
The swearing-in ceremony and oath-taking took place on Tuesday and was broadcast virtually.
The event was attended by Heads of States, Governors, Nigeria’s former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, and over 200 external stakeholders who joined physically and virtually.
The Chairperson of the AfDB board of Governors and Ghana’s Finance Minister, Kenneth Ofori-Attah, administered the oath of office.
Dr Adesina, Nigeria’s former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, was re-elected on August 27 to serve a second five-year term, after a unanimous vote of all Governors, regional and non-regional members of the Bank.
The election which was announced by the former Chairperson of the Board of Governors of the Bank, Mrs. Niale Kaba, Minister of National Planning of Côte d’Ivoire, took place on the last day of the 2020 55th Annual Meetings.
The AfDB President described his re-election as historic, becoming the first President of the bank to be re-elected by 100 percent votes of all its shareholders and the first Nigerian to hold the post.
During his first 5-year term in office, the bank focused on five key development priorities known as the High 5s: Light up and Power Africa; Feed Africa; Industrialize Africa; Integrate Africa; and Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa.
The bank, Africa’s premier development finance institution, comprising of 54 regional and 27 non-regional member countries, was able to impact the lives of 335 million Africans.
AfDB: Adesina’s Re-election Signifies Africa’s Confidence In His Leadership – George Weah
President George Weah of Liberia has congratulated Dr Akinwumi Adesina on his re-election as President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) for a second five-year term.
Speaking virtually during Adesina’s swearing-in ceremony, Weah said that his re-election shows the level of confidence the continent and its leaders have in him and Liberia looks forward to partnering with his leadership.
Describing Adesina’s re-election as historic, the Liberian leader said the AfDB President was able to distinguish himself within the past five years.
“Liberia looks forward to the continuous leadership under your leadership. Dr Adesina my good friend, your re-election signifies Africa and the world’s confidence in your leadership.
“God bless you in your endeavours. All the best, my brother, and congratulations,” the Liberian President said.
Adesina made history by becoming the first President of the financial institution to be re-elected for a second term of five years.
Upon assuming office in 2015, he brought several reforms aimed at empowering Africans and Africa on a global sphere with his election taking place electronically for the very first time.
Prior to his re-election on August 27, Adesina was mired in controversy after he was charged with alleged ethical violations.
However, after repeated investigations, the former Nigerian Agriculture Minister was cleared of all charges levelled against him, paving the way for his re-election.
He is the first Nigerian to hold the post of the bank’s President.
The AfDB, founded in 1964, is geared towards spurring “sustainable economic development and social progress” among member African countries.
Nigeria is the AfDB’s largest shareholder with 16.8 percent of rights, while Germany and the United States own 7.4 percent and 5.5 percent respectively.
AfDB Will Support Africa With Quality Infrastructure In Healthcare, Manufacturing – Adesina
President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina has promised to give more support to ensure that the continent’s infrastructure gap is reduced by providing quality growth.
Dr Adesina, during his inaugural address after being sworn-in as AfDB President on Tuesday, pledged to expand partnership and tilt more attention to Africa.
The AfDB President, who was re-elected unanimously by the bank’s board of Governors to serve a second five-year term on August 27, said his administration will focus on the institution, people, delivery, and sustainability.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has changed everything globally; it has thrown Africa’s growth back. The continent has lost gains and economic growth that were achieved over the last decade.
“Africa’s recovery will therefore be long and challenging. Now we must help Africa build back boldly but smartly, paying greater attention to quality growth, especially in the areas of health, climate, and the environment.
“As we look into the future, working with the board of Directors, the bank will pay increased attention to supporting Africa with quality healthcare infrastructure and building on its comparative advantage in infrastructure. The bank’s infrastructure work will focus on economic infrastructure, quality physical infrastructure in health,” he added.
Dr Adesina also stated that the new opportunities provided by the pandemic will see additional growth trajectory in Africa’s industrialisation drive, alongside the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
“Covid-19 also opens up new opportunities and a greater sense of urgency to build Africa’s manufacturing capacity, industrial development, and critically-needed industrial value-chains that must be supported by enabling infrastructure and policies.
“Special attention will be given to regional industrial value chains and strengthening of financial markets in order to expand the intraregional trade and competitiveness and to boost Africa Continental Free Trade Area.”
He maintained that the continent still faces a lot of challenges and it is crucial that all the necessary support is received to bridge the gaps caused by the challenges.
“Your Excellency, let there be no doubt the challenges ahead are still many including poverty, inequality, fragility, high youth unemployment, significant infrastructure financing gaps, and sustainable debt management.
“As we look into the future, let me assure you, the bank will play a greater role in policy dialogue with Countries. We will support sustainable debt management, boost green growth, and accelerate the provision of jobs for youth on our beloved continent,” he stressed.
Comentários