Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Author: Abuja Bureau

  • Eid-el-Kabir: IGP orders intensified patrols nationwide, advises Nigerians on COVID-19 protocols

    Eid-el-Kabir: IGP orders intensified patrols nationwide, advises Nigerians on COVID-19 protocols

    As part of efforts to ensure a crime-free Eid-el Kabir celebration in the country, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, has directed the commissioners of police in all the states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as well as their supervisory Assistant Inspectors General of Police in the 17 Zonal Commands to intensify “confidence building patrols in all nooks and crannies of the country particularly on major highways and around critical national infrastructure.”

    Adamu, while assuring Nigerians of adequate security, congratulated the Muslim faithful in the country as they join other Muslims across the world to celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir festival.

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    Besides, IGP called for “voluntary compliance with the ban on all mass socio-religious gathering and other prevention orders directed at protecting the citizens and checking further spread of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country.”

    Adamu, in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, enjoined the citizens to cooperate with the police, noting that the measures have become imperative due to the rampaging COVID-19 pandemic.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • COVID-19 Regulation: Buhari to Mark Eid prayers with family at home

    COVID-19 Regulation: Buhari to Mark Eid prayers with family at home

    President Muhammadu Buhari Wednesday said he would observe the Eid El-Kabir prayers with his family at home, just as he did during Eid El-Fitr a little over two months ago, in line with advisories from the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and the Presidential Task Force, PTF on COVID-19.

    The President disclosed this in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu.

    While wishing all Muslims a safe and happy Eid, the President reiterated the protocols as issued by PTF that large gatherings, as much as possible, should be discouraged.

    “Where small groups choose to hold the Eid together, face masks are absolutely necessary, as is social distancing. Advisedly, such prayers should hold outdoors and worshippers are encouraged to bring their own prayer mats.

    “In order to stop the spread of the disease, the President will not be receiving Sallah homages by religious, community, party and government leaders and urges all citizens to observe the occasion as advised by state and local authorities.

    “He once again wishes all citizens a safe and happy Eid,” the statement said.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • 2023 – Is Mamman Daura revealing unto us Buhari’s state of mind?

    2023 – Is Mamman Daura revealing unto us Buhari’s state of mind?

    He’s popularly described as the head of the kitchen cabinet of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government.

    He’s not just Buhari’s nephew. He recently spoke glowingly with passion how he grew up with the President, saying: “My father was their mother’s firstborn. Buhari is the last born.”

    That’s the kind of wonderful relationship Mamman Daura enjoys with the current President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari.

    To a very large extent, Daura is seen as the last man standing of an open-secret powerful political clique in the contemporary Nigeria, after the demise of two of Buhari’s closest friends, Samaila Isa Funtua, and late presidential Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari.

    So, whatever was spewed out by Daura could not be treated with kid’s gloves.

    Speaking on the vexatious issue of zoning and rotational presidency in Nigeria on Wednesday, Daura advocated that competence, not mere geographical representation should determine the next presidency of the world’s largest Black nation come 2023 general elections.

    According to him, “This turn-by-turn, it was done once, it was done twice, and it was done thrice…It is better for this country to be one…It should be for the most competent and not for someone who comes from somewhere.”

    Buhari’s ally, who stated this during an interview on BBC Hausa Service, did not just discountenance the usual political trajectory for power shift in Nigeria, he went ahead to sermonise over, perhaps, newfound philosophy in the present administration towards uniting behind the most competent candidate to take over the mantle of leadership in 2023.

    Daura’s philosophical positions were predicated on the fact that the unwritten rotational presidency since 1999 political sojourn in Nigeria has produced little or no significant development across the nation.

    He contested that it’s time to go for the most qualified candidate in 2023 irrespective of whether the person comes from the North or the South.

    Good thinking!

    Is Daura speaking and stylishly revealing Buhari’s current state of mind?

    Though Daura explained that he has no right to possibly dictate public policy to Buhari, he said: “Yes, I do visit him to greet him. I do give him advice, but if he asked…I advise him. But I don’t go there on my own and insist I must do this or that. No. You don’t do that to a government.”

    Indeed, it can be taken for granted that Daura may not be in position to dictate and teleguide Buhari as it’s being widely insinuated. But what cannot be denied is the fact that Daura has the ears of the President cum unfettered access to the presidency. Whatever he says over a national matter like controversial zoning formula and rotational presidency cannot be dismissed just like that.

    If and indeed, in fact, the only next level agenda Buhari can promote in Nigeria is competence over tempestuous rotational presidency, I think Nigeria may just be on the road to a greater height.

    Enough of this ethnic-prone rotational presidency which celebrates and massages jingoistic ego at the expense of competence and quality leadership.

    By Idowu Sowunmi

  • Buhari celebrates Ace Newscaster, Julie Coker, at 80

    Buhari celebrates Ace Newscaster, Julie Coker, at 80

    President Muhammadu Buhari weekend warmly felicitated with multi-talented artiste and veteran broadcaster, Julie Coker, on her 80th birthday, joining the creative industry to celebrate the iconic culture ambassador, musician and author

    Buhari congratulated Yeye Eto of Lagos for a sterling career in journalism and performing arts, coming into limelight as a one of the pioneer female broadcaster in Africa’s premier television station, Western Nigerian Television (WNTV, Ibadan), which started transmission on October 31, 1959, and sustaining the legacy in Nigerian Television Service, (NTV, Lagos), now Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).

    Multi-talented artiste and Female Broadcaster, Julie Coker.

    As a former beauty queen, Miss Western Nigeria Competition, 1958, and runner-up at a Miss Nigeria contest same year, the President believed Coker’s talent brought her into the spotlight at an early age, and has consistently sustained her growing influence over the years, both within and outside the country.

    Buhari rejoiced with family members, friends and professional associates of the exceptional broadcaster, who continues to project the country to the world by accepting leadership roles in culture and tourism in the United Kingdom and United States of America.

    The President, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, prayed God to grant Coker longer life, good heath and more grace to pursue and actualise her dreams of making life better for others.

    By Idowu Sowunmi

  • BUA targets 14m metric tonnes cement yearly with new factory in Adamawa

    BUA targets 14m metric tonnes cement yearly with new factory in Adamawa

    One of the leading West Africa’s cement companies, BUA Cement, has announced plans to establish a three million metric tonnes cement factory and 50 megawatts power plant in Guyuk and Lamurde local government areas of Adamawa State in the North-eastern region of Nigeria.

    BUA is Nigeria’s second largest cement producer by volume with cement plants in Sokoto and Edo states.

    The company’s newest plant in Sokoto is expected to be operational in 2021. When completed, the Guyuk Cement Plant would bring BUA’s total capacity to 14 million metric tonnes per annum.

    Speaking during a courtesy visit to Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, at Government House in Yola, the Chairman of BUA Group, AbdulSamad Rabiu, said preliminary findings show that the two local governments of Guyuk and Lamurde are reputed to have good quality of limestone deposits.

    He added that BUA Cement is ready to begin the investment in the state, noting that BUA would use new technologies to supply power to the proposed cement plant and communities of Guyuk and Lamurde in addition to providing three thousand direct and five thousand indirect jobs.

    The chairman explained that the Guyuk Cement Plant would be the major investment in the North-east by BUA.

    He therefore solicited for support of the governor to set up the factory in Guyuk, pointing out that the company has made a decision to source its raw materials locally and it has invested billions of dollars in various sectors across Nigeria.

    He urged the Fintiri administration to support BUA to actualise the Guyuk Cement project and commended the governor’s achievements within one year in office in many sectors of development despite the economic challenges in Adamawa State.

    In his response, Fintiri said his administration’s effort in exploring local contents has started yielding results and appreciated BUA Group for showing interest in establishing the cement plant in Guyuk.

    He assured the management team of BUA that the state government would make whatever is needed available and provide the necessary support which would create enabling environment so that BUA Cement company in Guyuk would become a reality.

    The governor also expressed readiness of the government to protect the investment once it’s established, assuring that his administration would maintain a good relationship with the company for the benefit of the state.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Traffic Advisory: FG May Close Third Mainland Bridge July 24 for Repair Works

    Traffic Advisory: FG May Close Third Mainland Bridge July 24 for Repair Works

    The President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government may July 24 close the popular Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos for repair works.

    This was disclosed on Monday by the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mr. Olukayode Popoola.

    He explained that consultations are ongoing for another phase of repair works to begin on the Third Mainland Bridge on July 24.

    Popoola told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the consultations were geared towards evolving a perfect traffic management architecture among others.

    “We want to do maintenance work on the Third Mainland Bridge very soon. Most likely from July 24. We may close it from July 24.

    “We are still working out the modalities, and when we perfect the traffic management plan, we will move to the site.

    “Everything being expected for the repairs of the bridge had arrived in the country, that is why we want to start the repairs now,’’ Popoola said.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • African Development Bank Appoints Wambui as Acting Vice President

    African Development Bank Appoints Wambui as Acting Vice President

    African Development Bank Group has announced the appointment of Wambui Gichuri as Acting Vice President (Agriculture, Human and Social Development) effective July 5.

    Wambui joined the African Development Bank Group in 2018 as Director, Water Development and Sanitation. She currently oversees the bank’s water sector programme of over $ 4.5 billion covering 44 countries and multinational projects.

    Commenting on her appointment, the President of the African Development Bank Group, Akinwumi Adesina, said: “I am very pleased that Wambui agreed to step into this role as Acting Vice President.

    “The Vice Presidency Complex on Agriculture, Human and Social Development has some of our largest programmes and flagship initiatives.

    “With her extensive experience, leadership, people management skills, and strong execution capacity, I am confident that she will help strengthen the team and accelerate execution on critical programmes and initiatives.”

    Wambui supervises two divisions: the Water Development, Coordination and Partnerships, and Water Security and Sanitation divisions, as well as the African Water Facility divisions, a project preparation facility.

    She also leads the development and coordination of the technical programme, manages the department’s human resources and budget and the development of extensive partnership activities.

    Her leadership role includes water sector policy dialogue, strategy and business development, and spearheading innovations.

    Before joining the African Development Bank, she worked for the World Bank where she served in various capacities for 20 years, including 17 years in water resources management, supply, sanitation, irrigation and drainage, with vast experience in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.

    Wambui holds a Master’s Degree in Economics from University of Nairobi, Kenya (1988); a Bachelor of Philosophy degree in Economics (1986) and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Sociology (1983) from the same university.

  • Magu Not Arrested, Only Honours Invitation By Presidential Panel, Says EFCC

    Magu Not Arrested, Only Honours Invitation By Presidential Panel, Says EFCC

    Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has debunked media reports that its Acting Chairman, Ibrahim Magu, was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS).

    EFCC, in a statement on Monday afternoon by its Head, Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, explained that Magu only honoured an invitation extended to him by a Presidential Panel reviewing the activities of the commission.

    “Acting Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, on Monday, July 6, 2020, honoured an invitation by a Presidential Panel reviewing the activities of the EFCC, at the Banquet Hall wing of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    “He was served the invitation to the Panel, while on his way to the Force Headquarters, Abuja for a meeting.

    “The EFCC’s boss was neither arrested nor forced to honour the invitation. A member of a legal team from the EFCC is also with him on the Panel,” the statement said.

  • Just in: We Did Not Arrest Magu, Says DSS

    Just in: We Did Not Arrest Magu, Says DSS

    Department of State Services (DSS). Monday denied news report that it has arrested the Acting Chairman, of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu.

    DSS said the story was not correct.

    It was widely reported on Monday that Magu was arrested by DSS over allegations that he has four properties and that he was allegedly transferring funds abroad through a third party.

    The report said EFCC Acting Chairman was arrested at commission’s Wuse II office, adding that he’s now undergoing interrogation at the DSS Headquarters in Aso Drive.

    But, DSS, in a short statement by its Public Relations Officer, Peter Afunanya, Ph.D, said: “The Department of State Services (DSS) wishes to inform the public that it did not arrest Ibrahim MAGU, Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as has been reported by sections of the media.

    “The Service, has since, today, 6th July, 2020, been inundated with enquiries over the alleged arrest.”

    Another report also explained that Magu was not arrested but invited for an interrogation by a Presidential Panel at Aso Rock Villa.

    DSS had, in a 2016 report, accused Magu of living in a N40 million mansion paid for by one Umar Mohammed, a retired air commodore who is allegedly involved in shady deals.

    “In December 2010, the Police Service Commission (PSC) found Magu guilty of action prejudicial to state security – withholding of EFCC files, sabotage, unauthorised removal of EFCC files and acts unbecoming of a police officer, and awarded him severe reprimand as punishment.

    “Magu is currently occupying a residence rented for N40 million at N20 million per annum. This accommodation was not paid [for] from the commission’s finances, but by one Umar Mohammed, air commodore retired, a questionable businessman who has subsequently been arrested by the secret service.

    “For the furnishing of the residence, Magu enlisted the Federal Capital Development Authority to award a contract to Africa Energy, a company owned by the same Mohammed, to furnish the residence at the cost of N43 milliom.

    “Investigations show that the acting EFCC chairman regularly embarked on official and private trips through a private jet owned by Mohammed.

    “In one of such trips, Magu flew to Maiduguri alongside Mohammed with a bank MD who was being investigated by the EFCC over complicity in funds allegedly stolen by the immediate past petroleum minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke.

    “Furthermore, the EFCC boss has so far maintained a high-profile lifestyle. This is exemplified by his preference for first-class air travels. On 24 June, 2016, he flew Emirate airlines first-class to Saudi Arabia to perform lesser hajj at the cost of N2.9 million. This is in spite of Mr President’s directive to all public servants to fly economy class.

    “Magu has fostered a beneficial relationship with Mohammed who by his confession approaches clients for possible exploitation, favours and associated returns,” DSS report said.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Video: Buhari Celebrates Ikenna Nweke for Returning Missing Wallet with Huge Cash to Police in Japan

    Video: Buhari Celebrates Ikenna Nweke for Returning Missing Wallet with Huge Cash to Police in Japan

    Amidst ongoing trial of a cyber-crime suspect, Ramon Abbas a.k.a Hushpuppi, who was recently arrested in the United Arab Emirates and extradited to the United States, President Muhammadu Buhari has had cause to celebrate a Nigerian for his acts of honesty, propriety and sincerity.

    Buhari Saturday sent warm greetings and commendation to a Nigerian doctorate student in University of Tsukuba, Japan, Ikenna Nweke, who returned a missing wallet with huge sums of money to the police, and also turned down offer of a percentage by the authorities.

    The President saluted Nweke for projecting the values of honesty, integrity and contentment that should be the hallmark of a people, noting that good virtues and propriety are the hallmark of every culture in Nigeria, while crimes and criminalities are exceptions.

    He noted that “Nweke’s behaviour, coming at a period that the country needs a positive spotlight and close-up on its real values, clearly signposts what should hold the nation together, inspired by solid foundations laid by most families, religious bodies and communities for success in life.”

    Buhari, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, wished Nweke all the best in his studies and work as a teaching assistant in same university, urging all Nigerians, home and abroad, to keep celebrating the age-old, irreplaceable attributes of honesty and decorum, and shun the microwaved, get-rich-quick tendencies that bring individual and collective shame.

    It would be recalled that Nweke on June 19 demonstrated uncommon virtues by reporting a loss wallet, containing a huge sum of money, a credit card, and other valuables, to the police.

    Narrating his experience, Nweke said: “On June 19, while I was going home from the university, I decided to get my wife her favorite kebab. As I was climbing the staircase around Tsukuba center, I noticed something on the ground. As I drew closer, I saw that it was a wallet. When I opened it, I saw a huge sum of money, a credit card, and other valuables.

    “I immediately reported to the police. One of the officers was surprised and asked me why I did not take the money. I told him that there was no need for that, because I was raised by responsible parents, and that I am also a Christian.

    “He told me that according to Japanese law, that I was entitled to 10% of the money found inside the wallet. Again I declined. The look on his face indicated bewilderment.

    “Yesterday, the owner of the wallet called me to show appreciation. Today, I got a letter from the Ibaraki/Tsukuba Police. They expressed their gratitude towards my incredible and selfless behavior.

    “Not every Nigerian is criminal-minded. There are a lot of Nigerians abroad working so hard to erase the bad name given to ‘us’ by the criminal few.”

    Idowu Sowunmi