Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Author: Tobiloba Kolawole

  • Tinubu commends Buhari over Ibrahim-Imam’s appointment as TETFUND Chairman

    Tinubu commends Buhari over Ibrahim-Imam’s appointment as TETFUND Chairman

    The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Wednesday congratulated Alhaji Kashim Ibrahim-Imam over his appointment as Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND).

    The APC national leader also commended President Muhammadu Buhari and Minister of Education Adamu Adamu, for what he called their prudence in making an excellent choice.

    In a statement on Wednesday by his Media Office and signed by Tunde Rahman, Tinubu said: “Alhaji Kashim Ibrahim-Imam is bringing on board TETFUND his high cognitive abilities, deep knowledge and immense skills.

    READ ALSO: Revealed! Real reasons Buhari sacked Usman Mohammed as TCN Managing Director

    “He horned his administrative and managerial skills over years of constant learning, and engagement in the corporate sector.

    “From my years of close relationship with him, I know that with his tenacity, courage, conviction, innovative ideas and commitment to the development of tertiary education in Nigeria, he has the right qualities to make a huge difference at this important organisation.

    READ ALSO: Aviation workers threaten strike over salary cut

    “I congratulate Alhaji Ibrahim-Imam for this appointment. I commend President Muhammadu Buhari and Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu for their wisdom and prudence in finding an excellent man for the job.

    “I pray for God’s guidance and direction so he can make the right decisions that would positively impact tertiary institutions in our country”, Tinubu said.

  • Photo: FEC holds virtual meeting, approves contracts in Oil & Gas, Education, others

    Photo: FEC holds virtual meeting, approves contracts in Oil & Gas, Education, others

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the contract for the Nigerian Oil and Gas Parks Scheme, Infrastructural Development Water System, and Fire Station at Odukpani in Cross River State.

    The weekly council meeting which held virtually was attended by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation Boss Mustapha, Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Gambari and a handful of cabinet members while others participated in the meeting remotely.

    The council also considered and approved contracts from the Ministries of Education, Transportation, Finance, Aviation, Petroleum Resources and Ministry of Works.

    Photos:

    President Muhammadu Buhari presides over Federal Executive Council meeting
    Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola at the Federal Executive Council meeting, Wednesday, May 20, 2020
    Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika at the Federal Executive Council meeting, Wednesday, May 20, 2020
    President Muhammadu Buhari presides over Federal Executive Council meeting
    Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi at the Federal Executive Council meeting, Wednesday, May 20, 2020
    President Muhammadu Buhari presides over virtual FEC meeting
    Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Gambari and Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed at the Federal Executive Council meeting, Wednesday May 20, 2020
  • Revealed! Real reasons Buhari sacked Usman Mohammed as TCN Managing Director

    Revealed! Real reasons Buhari sacked Usman Mohammed as TCN Managing Director

    By Idowu Sowunmi

    The real reasons President Muhammadu Buhari approved the sack of Usman Gur Mohammed as the Managing Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria, through the Minister of Power, Sale Mamman, have been uncovered.

    Mohammed, according to various sources at the TCN office, was removed because of his alleged high-handedness and his inglorious role in the termination of the appointment of a labour leader, Chris Okonkwo, who was TCN General Manager, Special Duties.

    It would be recalled that Okonkwo was sacked on April 24, 2020 and this generated negative reactions from the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC), saying the labour leader was sacked by Mohammed without due process.

    TUC immediately wrote to the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, describing the sack of Okonkwo who is also the incumbent SSAEAC President General as an exercise in futility because it’s only the Minister of Power that could exercise such authority in the extant laws.

    “The crisis in Transmission Company of Nigeria has been severally reported to your office, despite your intervention which is ongoing, the Managing Director of the company has issued a sack letter.

    “This is an exercise in futility because it is beyond the power of the Managing Director; only the minister can exercise such power in the extant laws.

    “It is also an attempt to dare labour and an embarrassment to labour community for sacking a sitting president when a matter is already before an arbiter and has not been concluded.

    “This is a declaration of war and we are prepared for him; as law abiding citizens, we have brought the matter for urgent intervention,” TUC wrote in a letter of protest to Ngige.

    The festering development led to the presidential approval for the dismissal of Mohammed on Tuesday.

    Mamman, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Aaron Artimas, titled: “Reorganisation/New Appointments at the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN” announced Mohammed’s sack and appointed Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz as TCN Managing Director in acting capacity.

    “As part of continuing measures to reposition and improve the performance of the power sector in the country, the Honourable Minister of Power Engr. Sale Mamman, hereby announces major changes at the Transmission Company of Nigeria.

    “Accordingly, the Managing Director of the TCN, Usman Gur Mohammed, has been removed from office with immediate effect. He is being replaced with Engr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, as Managing Director, in acting capacity.

    “The Honorable Minister has also confirmed the appointment of four directors who have been on acting position in the company for some time.

    “They are; Engr. Victor G. Adewumi, Executive Director, Transmission Services Provider; Engr. M. J. Lawal, Executive Director, Independent Systems Operator; Ahmed Isa-Dutse, Executive Director, Finance and Accounts and Justin I. Dodo, Executive Director, Human Resources and Corporate Services.

    “All the changes/appointments have been approved by President Muhammadu Buhari,” the statement said.

  • Nigerian military kills more terrorists, recovers arms and ammunition

    Nigerian military kills more terrorists, recovers arms and ammunition

    Several Boko Haram and Islamic States of West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgents have again been killed by the Nigerian Military when troops from the 212 Battalion under Sector 1 of Operation Lafiya Dole (OPLD) successfully repelled attacks by the terrorists in Gajigana, Nganzai Local Government Area of Borno State on Sunday.

    About 24 hours after disclosing a similar killing of terrorists in Baga, a township in the same state, the Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Defence headquarters, Maj.-Gen. John Enenche disclosed in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja that the OPLD annihilated several terrorists and recovered arms and ammunition.

    In his explanation, Gen. Enenche said that troops acted on credible intelligence report on the convergence and advancement of the terrorists who aimed to attack ground troops at their Gajigana location from Goni Usmanti village of the local government area.

    READ ALSO: Regard the lives of residents – Ogun Governor tells Customs

    According to him, in response to the panned attack on ground tr, the Air Task Force, scrambled its attack aircraft and helicopter gunships to provide close air support and in collaboration engaged the terrorists in exchange of fire.

    Enenche noted that “further exploitation by 7 Division Garrison discovered one destroyed gun truck and two abandoned gun trucks at Mitturu village.

    “Items recovered include two AK-47 riffles, three magazines, 36 rounds of 7.62 millimeter special ammunition, two 36 hand grenades and one LG3 bomb.”

    In the mood of victory recorded, Enenche stated that authorities of the Military High Command was impressed by the performance of the troops and congratulated them for their gallantry and professionalism.

    READ ALSO: Nigerian troops intercept terrorists, kill 20 in Borno

    He added that The Armed Forces of Nigeria will remain resolute and continue to sustain the offensive against the enemies of the nation.

    “We shall not relent until peace and normalcy are restored not only in the North-East, but also in every other troubled region of our beloved country,” he said.

    (NAN)

     

  • Governor Fayemi okays N145 per metre for broadband deployment

    Governor Fayemi okays N145 per metre for broadband deployment

    Ekiti State has now become the cheapest state for broadband investment in Nigeria following an Executive Order signed by the State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi today, May 14, 2020, which brings the Right of Way charges down from N4500 to N145 per metre.

    In a statement, the Governor who stated that the Executive Order is part of ongoing efforts to reform the Ease of Doing Business in the State, affirmed that Ekiti is ready to attract broadband investments having now complied with the approved charges by the National Executive Council (NEC).

    “Ekiti is the first state in Nigeria to comply with the NEC approved Right of Way charges for broadband thus becoming the cheapest state for broadband infrastructure investment as 1km of cable will now cost just N145,000 as against N4.5m previously.

    READ ALSO: FIFA moves congress online, sets Womens-U-20 World Cup for 2021

    “This decision will ensure Ekiti achieves full broadband penetration by 2021 to attract new businesses, create jobs, improve access to quality healthcare and digital education while improving internally generated revenue”, the Governor noted.

    He added that the decision on reducing charges on broadband deployment in the state aligns with the ongoing development of the Ekiti Knowledge Zone, designed to be Nigeria’s first service based innovation park.

    READ ALSO: Saraki, Atiku, others congratulate new Chief of Staff Gambari

    Last year, Governor Fayemi inaugurated reforms initiatives to improve Ease of Doing Business and indices that will make Ekiti State an attractive destination for national and international investments within a 5-year term.

    Page 1 of Executive Order reducing broadband deployment charges by Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi
    Page 2 of Executive Order reducing broadband deployment charges by Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi
  • Saraki, Atiku, others congratulate New Chief of Staff, Gambari

    Saraki, Atiku, others congratulate New Chief of Staff, Gambari

    Since the confirmation of Professor Ibrahim Gambari as the new Chief of Staff to the President earlier today, congratulatory messages by prominent Nigerians have not ceased.

    In his message, which was posted on his Twitter page, the immediate past Senate President, Bukola Saraki described Gambari as a decent man, cerebral academic and disciplined diplomat.

    Professor Ibrahim Gambari being introduced at the Federal Executive Council meeting at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa on Wednesday, May 13, 2020

    Saraki noted that the new CoS “is coming in with the necessary pedigree that will help him to do well on the job. I have no doubt that he will succeed on this onerous assignment. I urge all Nigerians to give him all the support that he needs to perform in office”.

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in his congratulatory message said “It is my hope and expectation and those of millions of Nigerians that you will deploy your varied skills garnered over the years in the service of our nation”.

    Similarly, former Governor of Anambra State and Vice Presidential candidate in last year’s election, Peter Obi stated that Prof. Gambari’s appointment as Chief of Staff to the President is indeed a good step in the right direction.

  • EFCC arrests Chinese nationals for bribing officer with N100m

    EFCC arrests Chinese nationals for bribing officer with N100m

    Two Chinese nationals have been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for offering bribes worth N50 million to a top official of the anti graft agency.

    The EFCC disclosed in a statement posted on its verified Twitter page that the suspects, Meng Wei Kun and Xu Koi, who were arrested in Sokoto on Monday allegedly offered to bribe the Zonal Head of the agency in the State, Abdullahi Lawal with the objective of compromising ongoing investigation of corruption.

    READ ALSO: President Buhari may appoint ex-Minister Gambari as Chief of Staff

    “The bribe was allegedly offered in a desperate bid to compromise ongoing investigations of a construction company, China Zhonghao Nig. Ltd, handling contracts awarded by the Zamfara State Government in the sum of N50,000,000,000.00(Fifty Billion Naira)”, the commission stated.

    The EFCC’s investigation of China Zhonghao Nigeria Ltd is in connection with the execution of contracts for the construction of township roads in Gummi, Bukkuyun, Anka and Nassarawa towns of Zamfara state, including the construction of 168 solar- powered boreholes in the 14 local government areas of the state.

    The EFCC stated that due to “the consistency and professionalism of investigation being conducted, the company reached out to Lawal with an offer of N100,000,000( One Hundred Million Naira) as bribe to “bury” the matter.

    “In a grand design to trap the corrupt officials, Lawal played along. On Monday, two representatives of the company Meng Wei Kun and Xu Kuoi offered him cash totalling fifty million naira in their office along airport road, Sokoto. The cash was offered as a first installment.

    “The suspects were promptly arrested with the cash as an evidence”, EFCC stated.

    China Zhonghao Nig. Ltd is being investigated for alleged conspiracy, misappropriation of public funds, embezzlement, official corruption, abuse of office, stealing and money laundering obtained against the Zamfara state government through inflated and uncompleted contracts awarded to the company.

    Investigations have so far revealed that China Zounghao Ltd has received payments of over N41 billion from the Zamfara State government out of which about N16 billion equivalent to over $53 million was allegedly diverted and traced to some bureau de change operators .

  • President Buhari may appoint ex-Minister, Gambari as Chief of Staff

    President Buhari may appoint ex-Minister, Gambari as Chief of Staff

    There are speculations that a former Minister of External Affairs, Professor Ibrahim Gambari is set to be appointed as Chief of Staff (CoS) to President Muhammad Buhari, a vital position within the seat of power that has remained vacant since the death of Abba Kyari in April.

    President Muhammadu Buhari (r); Ex Minister of External Affairs, Ibrahim Gambari

    While the Presidency is yet to give any concrete information on Gambari’s choice as the new CoS, a source close to government in Abuja said that the appointment is true but would be disclosed by President Buhari at the Federal Executive Council meeting, which will hold virtually for the first time on Wednesday.

    However, moments after the speculation circulated, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu was reported by Daily Post to have responded to clarification by simply texting “I have not been briefed”.

    Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu

    Professor Gambari served as the Minister for External Affairs between 1984 and 1985.

  • Ex-Abia Governor, Kalu escapes 12year prison term after Supreme Court ruling 

    Ex-Abia Governor, Kalu escapes 12year prison term after Supreme Court ruling 

    The 12year jail term handed to former Governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Uzor-Kalu, has been nullified by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

    In a unanimous decision by the seven-man panel of Judges, led by Honourable Justice Amina Augie, the Supreme Court ruled that the Federal High Court in Lagos lacked jurisdiction to convict the trio of Kalu, his Slok Nigeria Limited firm and a former Director Of Finance in Abia State, Jones Udeogu

    READ ALSO : Corruption, nepotism, insider dealings in Nigeria Judicial Council revealed

    Former Governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Uzor-Kalu and associate

    Nigeria’s apex court held that, as at when Kalu and other defendants were convicted for siphoning about N7.1 billion belonging to Abia State,  the trial judge, Justice Mohammed Liman, was no longer a Judge of the Federal High Court because he had already been promoted to the Court of Appeal.

    On the basis of this, the Supreme Court thereby vacated the judgement of the Federal High Court in Lagos that convicted Kalu and Co, therefore ordering a fresh trial.

    In his remark, after exiting the prison, the former Governor of Abia State, who is a serving Senator said, his five months incarceration gave him the opportunity of learning “invaluable lessons” about Nigeria and the citizenry.

    READ ALSO:  Updated: Buhari appoints ex-IGP Abba as Chairman Police BoT

    The Senate Chief Whip, who is representing Abia North Senatorial District at the upper arm of the National Assembly was found guilty of fraud and money laundering in December 2019, and subsequently, sentenced to 12year imprisonment.

  • Breaking: Buhari appoints rtd. IGP Abba as Chairman, Police Board of Trustees

    Breaking: Buhari appoints rtd. IGP Abba as Chairman, Police Board of Trustees

    President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of retired Inspector-General of Police, Barrister Suleiman Abba, CFR, Mni, as Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund.