Echotitbits – Nigeria News

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  • Ajimobi’s APC NWC to Buhari: You’re ill-advised, don’t attend Giadom’s NEC Meeting

    Ajimobi’s APC NWC to Buhari: You’re ill-advised, don’t attend Giadom’s NEC Meeting

    Idowu Sowunmi

    Ahead of tomorrow’s virtual meeting of the National Executive Council of the All Progressives Congress (APC) called by the party’s Acting National Chairman, Victor Giadom, the factional leaders of the party Wednesday said they would boycott the meeting, which President Muhammadu Buhari has signified his interest to attend.

    The factional leaders under the chairmanship of Senator Abiola Ajimobi-led National Working Committee (NWC) described tomorrow’s meeting as illegal.

    Rising from a meeting at APC National Secretariat in Abuja in Wednesday night, Ajimobi’s NWC said the President must have been ill-advised or blackmailed into accepting the proposal for Thursday’s meeting.

    “We wish to unequivocally state that members of the National Working Committee (NWC) believe that the President was offered wrong advice or blackmailed into lending his weighty office to the illegality of the National Executive Committee meeting purportedly convened by one Victor Giadom on 25th June, 2020.

    “We hereby respectfully implore Mr. President to kindly avail himself with facts of the matter regarding the impasse presently experienced by the party so as to guide him in his assessment of the matter because we are sure that the President if properly advised, would come to the conclusion that the meeting convened by Chief Victor Giadom bothers on illegality and criminality.

    “The National Working Committee (NWC) regrets to turn down the invitation to the illegal and unconstitutional National Executive Committee (NEC) convened by Chief Victor Giadom.

    “We believe that attending such a meeting will amount to embracing illegalities and turning a blind eye to the infractions on the constitution of our great party,” said a statement signed by the National Vice Chairman (South-south), Hilliard Eta who is standing in for Ajimobi; and co-signed by the party’s National Secretary, Waziri Bulama.

    Letter by the Ajimobi NWC factional Acting Chairman, Hilliard Eta
  • APC Crisis: How Amaechi’s intervention made Buhari to recognise Giadom’s faction

    APC Crisis: How Amaechi’s intervention made Buhari to recognise Giadom’s faction

    Idowu Sowunmi

    It’s no longer news that President Muhammadu Buhari has recognised Victor Giadom as Acting National Chairman, with a promise to attending the virtual meeting called by Giadom tomorrow afternoon.

    Speaking through his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, Buhari admitted that he has been well schooled and legally advised accordingly on the crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    “The President has received very convincing advice on the position of the law as far as the situation in the party is concerned and has determined that the law is on the side of Victor Giadom as Acting National Chairman. Because he will always act in accordance with the law, the President will be attending the virtual meeting Giadom called for tomorrow afternoon.

    “We urge the media to stop promoting manufactured controversies and to not give any further room for mischievous interpretations of the law on this matter.

    “In addition to the President, the Giadom meeting will, hopefully, be attended by our Governors and the leaders of the National Assembly,” said a statement by Shehu, in response to enquiry by some journalists.

    Sources at the Presidency said Buhari’s new position was made possible by the intervention of the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.

    Amaechi’s singular effort has made some political analysts to describe him as the new kid on the block of Nigerian politics.

    “He (Amaechi) understands the game of power. He practises politics with so much dexterity and sagacity. His influence looms larger than life in the Presidency. When he speaks and analyses politics, every one is often taken awe.

    “That’s how he succeeded in winning President Buhari and other key people in Presidency to accept the candidacy of Victor Giadom as the Acting National Chairman of APC. The deal is done. Welcome to a new era in the ruling party,” said the source.

    Amaechi’s intervention was coming after Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, and Giadom made unsuccessful frantic efforts to meet Buhari over the APC crisis.

    Though the duo visited the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday night, they could not see the President. Instead, the President’s Chief of Staff, Ibrahim Gambari, attended to them.

    Earlier, Amaechi claimed he had decided to keep out of the crisis rocking APC because he did not want to get involved in politics, noting that he’s not sure what the cause of the crisis was.

    He had said: “What is happening in APC, I don’t know; what is happening in Rivers State, I don’t know. What I’ve done is to keep away from politics. Even if I’m bothered, it’ll be internally.

    “There’s nobody there (in the party) who is a child; we’re all adults. I don’t want to get involved in politics.

    “Nigerians know me for being blunt and honest. Some see it as arrogance, some see it as being brash, whatever it is. What do I need to say that I have not said before? It’s internal dynamics of politics, it’s internal struggle.

    “So, I have said it several times. When we fought in 2015, I said this country cannot continue the way it is going. I’m not helpless, but I’m doing what they call ‘siddon look (sit down and look).”

    But, on Wednesday his politics of “siddon look” took flight to unknown destination as he moved in to save the party from further crisis.

    With Giadom’s recognition, it may be politically difficult for Adams Oshiomhole and his sympathisers to return to the leadership mantle of APC.

    As APC supporters and Nigerians await the official statements of Mr. President tomorrow afternoon during the party’s virtual meeting called by Giadom, one thing seems to be certain for now: there’s a new sheriff in town and the ruling party may not be the same again.

  • Just in…Buhari Recognises Giadom as Acting National Chairman of APC

    Just in…Buhari Recognises Giadom as Acting National Chairman of APC

    Idowu Sowunmi

    President Muhammadu Buhari Wednesday recognised Victor Giadom as Acting National Chairman, saying he has received very convincing advice on the position of the law as far as the situation in the party is concerned.

    “The President has received very convincing advice on the position of the law as far as the situation in the party is concerned and has determined that the law is on the side of Victor Giadom as Acting National Chairman. Because he will always act in accordance with the law, the President will be attending the virtual meeting Giadom called for tomorrow afternoon.

    “We urge the media to stop promoting manufactured controversies and to not give any further room for mischievous interpretations of the law on this matter.

    “In addition to the President, the Giadom meeting will, hopefully, be attended by our Governors and the leaders of the National Assembly,” said a statement by the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, in response to enquiry by some journalists.

    More to follow…

  • Ondo: Armed robbers attack petrol station, kill attendant

    Ondo: Armed robbers attack petrol station, kill attendant

    Suspected armed robbers who on Tuesday night attacked a petrol station in Akure, Ondo State have killed an attendant.

    The identity of the deceased attendant who worked in the filling station which is located along the Oba-Ile Road area of the city could not be ascertained due to the pandemonium that resulted in people scampering for safety.

    READ ALSO: Nigerian Air Force foils bandit attack

    According to the Public Relations Officer of Ondo State Police Command, ASP Tee-Leo Ikoro who confirmed the incident, the suspects did not, however, succeed in robbing the filling station.

    Ikoro disclosed that two suspects have been arrested not far from the scene of the incident in connection with the crime, while police are on the trail of two other suspects who fled.

    The State Police PRO revealed that a rifle, a Dane gun, some cartridges and live ammunition were recovered from the two arrested suspects.

    The Police spokesperson added that the command will ensure all criminals in the state are apprehended and made to face the wrath of the law.

    READ ALSO: Police takes over APC headquarters, seals premises

    He also assured residents of the State that the police are committed to providing adequate security for their lives and property.

  • UN refugee agency appoints 2Baba Goodwill Ambassador

    UN refugee agency appoints 2Baba Goodwill Ambassador

    Tobiloba Kolawole

    The United Nation Refugee Agency, UNHCR has appointed Nigerian born world-renowned musician, Innocent Ujah Idibia popularly known by the stage name 2Baba, as its Goodwill Ambassador.

    The appointment of 2Baba, who is also a music producer and philanthropist was announced in a statement by the UN Refugee agency today, Tuesday 23, 2020.

    The agency stated that for the past three years, 2Baba has been a committed High-Level Supporter of UNHCR’s LuQuLuQu campaign – a pan-African movement of people from all walks of life investing in a better future for forcibly displaced people across the continent.

    The International agency noted that the talented musician has over the years dedicated his time to uplift the narrative of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDP) in Africa.

    In 2017, during a visit to IDP camps in Borno State, north-east Nigeria, 2Baba remarked that: “These families shared heart-breaking stories of watching loved ones being kidnapped or killed, forced to flee the comfort of their homes and leave everything they knew behind. I saw how they struggled to access basic things that we take for granted – like food, water, education and healthcare.

    “I witnessed UNHCR’s work firsthand during my visits and commend the organization for being on the frontlines, providing emergency relief and support to forcibly displaced families. I believe in this organization and I’m proud to be associated with UNHCR”, 2Baba the first Nigerian to be appointed as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador stated.

    Reacting to the appointment, the UNHCR Representative in Nigeria, Chansa Kapaya, expressed optimism about the positive impact 2Baba’s appointment will bring to the organization and refugees.

    “Nigeria hosts 60,239 refugees in south east Nigeria and over 2.6 million internally displaced persons in north east Nigeria.  With such staggering numbers of people forced to flee in Africa, 2Baba’s support and advocacy is instrumental for Nigeria and the continent.

    “We look forward to his continued incredible commitment”, Kapaya said.

    As an Afropop music legend, 2Baba has given his voice to refugee and IDP causes. In 2017 he wrote and recorded, Hold My Hand, a song dedication to internally displaced persons, which helped raise funds for UNHCR’s humanitarian response.

    Apart from his time, physical presence at the refugee/IDP camps and song dedication, 2Baba has also generously contributed personal funds to support refugee and IDP families in Africa, while continuing to use his celebrity status to raise awareness and support for UNHCR’s work.

    In his welcome statement to the new Goodwill Ambassador, UNHCR’s Director of External Relations, Dominique Hyde noted that: “At a time when one percent of humanity has been forced to flee, we welcome 2Baba’s help in raising awareness and support for refugees and our cause.

    “We welcome 2Baba to the UNHCR family as a Goodwill Ambassador and commend him for being part of the movement challenging the narrative of the African refugee”, Hyde said.

    The appointment of 2Baba comes as the world is facing unprecedented levels of forced displacement globally, with 79.5 million people forcibly displaced.

    More than 26.4 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa have been forced to flee their home, the largest number of displaced people in the world.

  • Finance minister reconstitutes NBET board, reinstates controversial MD, Amobi

    Finance minister reconstitutes NBET board, reinstates controversial MD, Amobi

    The Federal Government has reconstituted the Board of Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company, the managing and administrative agency of the electricity pool in the Nigerian electricity supply industry.

    A statement from the Federal Ministry of Finance indicated that the prevalent challenges in the power sector made it necessary to re-constitute the Board.

    During the inauguration of the board, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, charged the members to come up with strategies that will facilitate the speedy resolution of challenges in the power sector.

    Members of the board are Mr. Alexander Okoh, Ms. Patience Oniha, Mr Ben Akabueze, Suleyman Ndanusa, Engr. Mustapha Balarabe Shehu, Mr. Adeyeye Adepegba and Dr. Marilyn Amobi, as Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer.

    READ ALSO: Nigerian Air Force foils bandit attack

    Mrs. Ahmed, who is the Chairman of the Board, said: “The reconstitution of the board therefore took consideration of the current stage of evolution of the restructured electricity sector, the complexities the sector currently faces, multi-disciplinary skills of prospective Board members especially in finance and investment, electricity generation, system operations of deregulated electricity markets, administrative law, as well as economic regulation of network utilities, amongst other factors.

    “It is important that we bring our skills and experiences to bear in this critical assignment.

    “It is important that we build NBET to become that defensive wall against potential payment defaults, till generation companies and distribution companies are able to enter into power purchase agreements on bilateral basis.”

    She said NBET should be able to successfully fulfill its role in the management and administration of financial flows in the sector, adding that it was vital for the agency to promote a contract-based market that allocates risks efficiently to parties responsible for them.

    Recall that the reinstated Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer NBET, Dr. Marilyn Amobi, has been enmeshed in controversies including an alleged N517 million graft and violation of the country’s code of conduct for public officials.

    READ ALSO: Buhari meets progressive Governors over APC crisis

    Premium Times had on June 10 exposed how Ms. Amobi continued to run a private firm, ESL Economics and Management Limited, registered in the United Kingdom, while being a public officer in Nigeria in violation of the country’s code of conduct for public officials.

    She also continued to run a foreign account in violation of Nigeria’s law, Premium Times reported.

  • Nigerian Air Force foils Bandit attack

    Nigerian Air Force foils Bandit attack

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has foiled an attack by armed bandits along the Kwauya-Tsamiya village axis in Kaduna State.

    This is according to a statement issued on Monday by the Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Defence Headquarters, Major General, John Enenche.

    According to the statement, the personnel of the 404 Force Protection Group (404 FPG) NAF Base Kaduna thwarted the planned attack in the early hours of Sunday.

    Major General Enenche explained that this followed “reports that some cattle rustlers/armed bandits had raided the Fulani settlements adjacent to the NAF Base and seized some heads of cattle from some herders at gun point.”

    The statement further noted that a Rapid Response Force (RRF) Team was dispatched to pursue and recover the rustled cattle.

    “The RRF Team, supported by NAF Special Forces deployed to Operation BADAMAMAKI, in conjunction with the local vigilantes, quickly located the bandits and engaged them in a firefight causing them to retreat in multiple directions abandoning 40 cattle in the process,” the statement added.

    “While there were no casualties to any civilian or NAF personnel in the encounter, some of the bandits managed to escape with gunshot wounds.”

    This is as the statement commended the officers for their gallantry and urged them “to sustain their efforts to curb the activities of bandits and all other criminal elements threatening the peace and security of our beloved country.”

    – Channels TV

     

  • Aig-Imoukhuede, PSHAN unveil new initiative to improve PHCs

    Aig-Imoukhuede, PSHAN unveil new initiative to improve PHCs

    Idowu Sowunmi

    Founder and Chairman of Africa Initiative for Governance, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, in collaboration with the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN) have unveiled a new initiative geared towards significantly improving Nigeria’s healthcare system at the grassroots level.

    The innovative strategy, which was in furtherance of a vision from an earlier stakeholders’ roundtable, entailed delivering one Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) in each of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas at global standards.

    Under this private sector-driven initiative, universal health access would be provided for low-income citizens residing in rural and urban areas through the Adopt-a-Health Facility Programme (ADHFP).

    ADHFP, according to PSHAN Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Sonny Nwarisi, would be sponsored by a group of Angel Investors and other institutions.

    He said these “Angels” would each take responsibility for one or more PHCs – they would build and operate the PHCs for the period of adoption under strict rules and guidelines.

    ADHFP is a multi-impact initiative with several benefits including: Saving lives, Improvement in health outcomes, Job creation, and Gender empowerment.

    Aig-Imoukhuede and PSHAN recently initiated ADHFP design phase which would be handled by Vesta Healthcare Partners, a global healthcare consultancy firm.

    This consultancy engagement was expected to deliver key programme components such as: legal and regulatory framework, public private partnership framework, PHC facility and management standards, financing arrangements, governance arrangements, supply chain management, and technology and systems.

    The design phase would involve active participation of notable development-focused organisations like: Global Citizen, ABCHealth, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, World Bank, International Finance Corporation (IFC), MTN Nigeria Plc, Dangote Group, Zenith Bank, Access Bank, Stanbic-IBTC Bank, PwC, Cisco, Ford Foundation, Nigerian Stock Exchange, and Flying Doctors Nigeria.

    Others are: Africa Practice, Cedar Advisory Partners, GBCHealth, Health Federation of Nigeria, Health Law, Eti-Osa Local Government, JNC International Ltd, Johnson & Johnson, Justice in Healthcare, Lagos State Government, MSD for Mothers, Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), ONE Campaign, PharmAccess Foundation, Women-At-Risk International Foundation as well as Lagos State Government and the Office of Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals among others.

  • Photo: Twin tanker explosion on Kara bridge kills one

    Photo: Twin tanker explosion on Kara bridge kills one

    One person has been confirmed dead in the fire resulting from an explosion involving a petrol tanker, a gas truck and a cement transport truck at the Kara Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

    Many residents within the area were startled when the explosion took place at about 1 A.M on Sunday morning.

    At the time of filing this report, it was yet to be made clear what stirred the explosion.

    Men of the Federal and Lagos State Fire Service arrived the scene swiftly to douse the flames, a task which has continued for hours, thereby causing heavy traffic jam on both sides of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

  • Osinbajo commits to prosecuting rape perpetrators as Correctional Service commissions operational vehicles

    Osinbajo commits to prosecuting rape perpetrators as Correctional Service commissions operational vehicles

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says the National Economic Council (NEC) will remain a platform to encourage State House of Assemblies to domesticate the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act of 2015 and the Child’s Rights Act of 2003.

    The Vice President made this commitment when he participated in a National Human Right’s Commission (NHRC) virtual meeting on the scourge of rape & sexual – gender based violence in Nigeria and the way forward.

    In his remark, Professor Yemi Osinbajo said: “We will work with all actors to detect and punish the perpetrators of these sickening acts and work even harder to prevent their occurrence.

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, from the State House, participates in a virtual meeting with the Nigerian Human Rights Commission (NHC) to end rape. Friday, June 19, 2020.

    “We will continue to use the platform of the National Economic Council to encourage States yet to domesticate the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act of 2015 and the Child’s Rights Act of 2003 to do so”, the Vice President state.

    Prof. Osinbajo noted that gender based violence, rape and sexual assaults are a blemish on our collective humanity and dignity as a people and a nation.

    Recent rape incidents of Uwavera Omozuwa, a 22-year-old Microbiology student of University of Benin, who was at a Church where she was reported to have visited for the purpose of reading and later died at the hospital; Barakat Bello, thereafter killed in her home in Ibadan and Jenifer, an 18-year-old girl molested in Kaduna had sparked anger from women across Nigeria.

    The sad incidents saw concerned women troop to the streets in an organized protests across the nation to renew calls for a system that ensures perpetrators do not escape punishment.

    In another development, the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has commissioned newly procured operational vehicles for the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) to further increase the agency’s capacity to discharge its duties.

    Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola commissions newly purchased operational vehicles for the Nigerian Correctional Service

    The commissioning, which was led by the Minister on Friday in Abuja, brings to a total of 451 operational vehicles purchased by the NCS in the last five years of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.