There was a circulated photo of a vulture waiting for a starving Sudanese girl to die and feast on her, during the 1993 famine in Sudan, taken by Kevin Carter, a South African photojournalist who later won the Pulitzer Prize for this ‘amazing’ shot(edited and left out here because of its inhumane posture).

Kevin however lived just a few months to enjoy his supposed achievement because he later got depressed and took his own life!

He was actually savouring his feat and being celebrated on major news channels and networks worldwide for such an ‘exceptional’ photographic skill.

His depression started when during one of such interviews (a phone-in programme), someone phoned in and asked him what happened to the child. He replied, “I didn’t wait to find out after this shot as I had a flight to catch…” And the person replied, “I put it to you that there were two vultures on that day; one had a camera”.

His constant thought of that statement led to depression and his ultimate suicide.

In whatever we do, let humanity come first, before what we can gain out of the situation.

Kevin Carter could have been alive today and even more celebrated if he had just picked that little girl up and taken her to the United Nations Feeding Center where she was attempting to reach.

In all we do, let’s always think of others and how we can be of benefit to humanity.

And when we seek elective office, let’s think of how we can use it to benefit the people foremost

A New Nigeria is possible

Mike Zhang, a Chinese trader in Kano State has bagged a chieftaincy title and would now be known as “Wakilin Yan China” by Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II.

The title comes as a bid to strengthen the ties between Kano State and China with Mike Zhang being the chief and leader of the growing Chinese community in the northern state.

The title empowers Zhang for the role of proper management of the Chinese community which he will be representing at the Kano royalty in times of need.

The instalment which is a move to establish peaceful coexistence was very similar to that of ‘Sarkin Inyamurai’, chief of Igbo residents in Kano and ‘Sarkin Yarabawa’, chief of Yoruba residents in Kano.

National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered a cartel, which specialised in planting illicit drugs in travellers’ luggage.

The NDLEA Chairman, Col. Muhammad Abdallah (rtd), disclosed this in a statement.

The cartel was uncovered after NDLEA detectives embarked on investigation of a Nigerian lady identified as Zainab Aliyu.

Zainab was accused of entering Saudi Arabia with tramadol. The implication in this discovery by NDLEA was the realisation that many Nigerians arrested and executed for drug trafficking in Saudi Arabia might be innocent.

Zainab was arrested by Saudi Arabia Police on December 26, 2018 shortly after arriving for Lesser Hajj.

Zainab, a student of Maitama Sule University, Kano, had travelled from Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) in company with her mother, Mrs. Maryam Aliyu, and sister, Hajara Aliyu.

She was later arrested over allegations that a luggage, bearing her name tag, contained the unlawful substance.

However, while in detention, the NDLEA had received a petition from Zainab’s father, seeking a probe of his daughter’s ordeal.

Consequently, the NDLEA Commander in charge of MAKIA had launched an investigation, which culminated in the arrest and arraignment before a Federal High Court in Kano of seven staff of the airport.

The accused are Idris Umar Shehu (alias Umar Sanda), Sanni Suleiman, Nuhu Adamu, Rhoda Adetunji, Udosen Itoro Henry and Sanni Hamisu.

According to a report of the investigation, a copy of which was made available to journalists yesterday, a suspected cartel in the airport had planted the tramadol-bearing luggage on Zainab.

In the report, which has since been forwarded to the Consul-General in Jeddah for action, it was further established that Zainab who, like her mother and sister, had only a luggage, was not aware that a second bag had been labelled in her name.

The NDLEA said: “Based on the investigation activities carried out, it has been revealed that the said Zainab Habibu Aliyu is not the owner of the second luggage tagged in her name.

“On 24th of December 2018, Maryam Habibu Aliyu and her two daughters, Hajara Habibu Aliyu and Zainab Habibu Aliyu, who are students of Maitamia Sule University, Kano, were to travel to Saudi Arabia for Lesser Hajj. The three passengers had one luggage each.

“At the Departure Hall, three bags belonging to the three passengers were given to one Bako A. Salisu, who weighed the bags, tagged and gave the labels to the passengers.

“Immediately the luggage of the passengers were checked in, Rhoda Adetunji, an official of the Airport Authority (one of the accused persons) approached them, asking for their remaining luggage as the luggage checked-in by the passengers were lower than the total weight they were entitled to travel with – two of their luggage weighed 36kgs while one weighed 17kgs.

“The passengers ignored the said Rhoda Adetunji and went to the arrival hall to purchase yellow card and by the time they came back from the arrival hall to the departure hall, screening for boarding had already started and the three passengers all went for boarding. They never consented nor knew that any other luggage was tagged to the name of any of the passengers.

“On 26th of December 2018 about 12.45 midnight, the Saudi Arabia police came to the hotel room of Maryam and her daughters in Saudi Arabia to arrest one of her daughters, Zainab, on allegation that one of the luggage tagged to her name and passed has prohibited drugs, tramadol. Zainab is presently in detention in Saudi Arabi awaiting investigations and prosecutions.

“Following receipt of the complaint, seven people working at MAKIA were arrested in connection with the offence.

“In the course of the investigations, the telephones of all the suspects were seized by the agency for investigations, while going through the phones of the suspects one after other, it was discovered that the following happened between Sani Suleiman and Idris Umar, alias Umar Sanda.

“On 24th December 2018, Sani Suleiman with phone number 08036066448 was in conversation with Umar Sanda with phone number 08065499791 at 8.26a.m., 12.47a.m., 03.56p.m., and 4 p.m.

“On the same 24th December 2018, Sani Suleiman with number 08036066448 sent a WhatsApp picture of two parcels to Umar Sanda on phone number 08065499791.

“Also on the same 24th December, Suleiman sent a WhatsApp picture of two coloured luggage to phone number belonging to one Alhaji Gabari now at large.”

NDLEA uncovers airport cartel planting hard drugs in passengers’ luggage

Commissioner for Rural Development in the cabinet of Governor Umar Ganduje of Kano State, Musa Iliyasu Kwankwaso, has claimed that he drafted ex-governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso into politics, when he was serving as a deputy director at the state Water Resources Board.

Iliyasu, who claimed that politically he was Kwankwaso’s boss, said he ensured his participation in politics despite all odds.

Speaking with New Telegraph newspaper, the commissioner noted that while Kwankwaso was at the water board and another political dispensation was around, he personally insisted that Kwankwaso had to join partisan politics.

He said, “That time, we were actively involved in politics and I as youth leader had a say on what happens, and when I brought Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso around, there was a serious debate on who he was.”

He noted that because of his political influence, he made the ex-governor to contest for House of Representatives’ seat and he won.

Iliyasu, however, lamented how Kwankwaso played his politics in contemporary times, saying “he (Kwankwaso) has truly derailed from what he was taught.”

He said in all the elections that were conducted in Kano, they had never had a genuine, free and fair election while Kwankwaso held sway in the state as governor.

Iliyasu said all the elections were manipulated by Kwankwaso and numbers were just gathered and allocated to people.

“Even this last election, hundreds of foreigners from Kaduna and other places were brought into Madobi by Kwankwaso to perpetrate rigging, but as God would have it, true indigenous Madobi people stood their grounds against it,” he alleged.

In Kano state, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, assured the people of the state that his administration will give priority to the welfare of civil servants in the state. He also said that it is for this reason that the state government is not owing its workers in Kano. “We are ready to pay N30,000 monthly salary, because the welfare of our workers is paramount to anything and we will always give it. We will pay the N30,000,” Ganduje said.

The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, says political elites have manipulated restructuring for their selfish interest.

Sanusi II, represented by Dr Bashir Umar of the Ado Bayero University, Kano, said this on Friday at the 9th Triennial National Conference of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria in Abuja.

The theme of the conference is “Justice, Equity and Peaceful Coexistence: Ideas and Reality in a Multi-Religious Nation.“

According to him, the manipulation of fault lines by elites has been the source of communal violence and insecurity in society.

He said that the elites’ blind thirst for power has resulted in tribal and religious clashes,“even though they are reducing in most part of the nation, but one type of crisis will reduce then another one will spring up.

“It is not as if we are pro- or anti-restructuring, but rather the restructuring has been turned into a fault line that is been manipulated and exploited by the elites.

“We have elite in the society that havereceived the best of care from the resources of the society. People of my age and those before me attended public schools from primary to university.

“Unfortunately, the elites that benefited from the system in the past have left public institutions to become vandalised, dilapidated and substituted it with a private education system that is affordable only to a very few.

“The health system has also been vandalisedand now people have to go on medical tourism in India, Egypt, and Europe. The unfortunate thing is sometimes before you get the air ambulance the will of Allah will take place,“ he said.

The monarch said the elites that got power after the military created a political class that instituted thuggery, election malpractices, corruption and destroyed the Judiciary, Civil Service and security agencies.

“These are all the result of the work of the political class and the unfortunate thing is that it is made to become something that is perpetual.

“This has to be changed and our duty as Muslims is to learn from the ideals of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to save the society from eminent danger that is facing it.“

Alhaji Yusuf Adebayo, National Vice-President, Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, appealed to politicians to desist from exploiting fault lines for their political interest.

According to Adebayo, such attitude is not healthy for the growth and development of the country.

He, therefore, advised the youth to stop making themselves tools for agent provocateurs who always profit from religious violence in the country.

He urged Nigerians to imbibe peace for the overall development of the country and humanity in general.

National President of the society, Dr Lateef Okunnu, said the organisation retained itpremier position among all Muslim missions and societies through the propagation of Islam.

He said in fulfilment of one of the two principal objectives of the society, the National Universities Commission issued full certificate of operation to the Ansar-Ud-Deen University named Summit University, Offa, Kwara State.

https://www.independent.ng/breaking-emir-of-kano-exposes-those-manipulating-restructuring/amp/

All Progressives Congress (APC) governors and party state chairmen from the North Central geo-political zone on Thursday endorsed the two candidates of the party for the leadership positions of the 9th National Assembly. Plateau State Governor, Rt Hon. Simon Lalong disclosed this to newsmen after a closed-door meeting of stakeholders from the zone at the Plateau State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja. Addressing newsmen, the governor said, “a meeting of governors and the party chairmen from North Central today resolved to go along with the decision of the party’s endorsement of Senator Ahmed Lawan as Senate President and Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila as the Speaker of the House of Representatives for the 9th National Assembly.

“Since it was a party affair, our decision was in line with the wish of the party and that is why we the governors and state chairmen of our party from the zone are in support of the decision of the party”. When asked what the zone stands to gain in the power sharing formula, Gov. Lalong said, “we are still deliberating. We have not exhausted the positions with respect to zoning.

Our decision and position are only on two issues, while the rest delibrations are ongoing. There is going to be a continuation of our meeting in respect of positions to the North Central with both Mr. President and the party”. The meeting which lasted for more than one hour had in attendance, Governor Lalong, his Niger State counterpart, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, Nasarawa State Governor, Alhaji Umaru Tanko Almakura and Benue State APC governorship candidate, Barrister Emmanuel Jime. State APC Chairmen in attendance were Engr. Jibrin Imam of Niger State, his Kogi State counterpart, Alhaji Abdullahi Bello, Nasarawa State’s Philips Shekwo, Chief Letep Dabang of Plateau State, Comrade Abba Yaro of Benue State, as well as the FCT’s Abdullahi Usman.

Signed Mark Longyen
Senior Special Assistant to Plateau State Governor on Media and Publicity

President Muhammadu Buhari has assented to the National Minimum Wage, Daily Trust has reliably gathered.

Sources in the State House told our correspondent that the president assented to the bill today.

Presidential adviser on National Assembly (Senate), Sen Ita Enang is being expected to brief the State House Correspondents on the development.

Recall that the Senate in March approved the sum of N30,000 as national minimum wage for both the federal and state governments.
The approval followed the adoption of the report of the adhoc committee on the National Minimum Wage chaired Deputy Chief Whip Francis Alimekhena (APC, Edo).

The N30,000 approved by the Senate is N3,000 higher than the N27,000 proposal submitted by the Executive arm in January.

The Senate approval followed that of the House of Representatives, which equally approved N30,000 as national minimum wage in January.

Details Soon

I know some Civilian Find it so difficult to Approach a Female Soldier for Relationships.

My Dear Listen to my Little Advice.
Female Soldiers are The Best in Relationships and Marriages.

With the following Reasons.

1. She is an Independent woman to you. She has Already got a job, and it’s the best thing a man can wish for.

2. You won’t bother someone Harassing your wife for Any Reason. She is a Soldier, So I don’t think that there is any form of harassment that can come to her that she can’t handle.

3. She will always fight for you. If you get Married or in a relationship with a Female soldier,Every of your problem is her Problem, She won’t ever let any harm come to you.

4. She will be Trust worthy, You won’t be afraid of thinking about your wife or girlfriend cheating on you,because Even People around her can’t even go close to her once they know that she is in a relationship with you .

5. They are the Most Caring They care for their Loved ones more than anything, Love and care is what they Give you.

6. They are Educated with Military and Civil Law You don’t have much to say to her, because she already know what’s good and Bad. She knows what to do and the time to do it..

If you Love a Female Soldier, don’t be Afraid to Approach her, we are all kind hearted and devoted

Incase you are afraid of anyone, come to Me I will help you talk to her.

proud to be a female soldier

Have a Blessed Day

The Coalition of Minority Tribes in Nigeria has called on the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the last election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, to apologise to Nigerians and return to Cameroon or seek naturalization.

The group made this demand following the recent revelation by the All Progressives Congress that Atiku is a nationality of Cameroon and not a Nigerian.

The group said what Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has done by concealing his identity is tantamount to crimes against humanity and must tender an unreserved apology to Nigerians.

The group said what Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has done by concealing his identity is tantamount to crimes against humanity and must tender an unreserved apology to Nigerians.

Addressing a news conference on Monday, Abdulmuminu Hassan, Secretary-General of the group said former head of state, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida must have realized the true nationality of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, hence, the reason why he refused to appoint him as the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service.

It further gave him a 21-day ultimatum to return to Cameroon to reunite with his family members.

“The Conference of Minority also wishes to advise Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to in an alternative solution seek naturalization as a Nigerian by applying to the Federal Ministry of Interior in Nigeria. This way Nigerians would forgive him for his sins and show him understanding since he has lived the better part of his life in Nigeria. Though at great disservice to Nigeria.

The Conference of Minority Tribes in Nigeria shall not hesitate to mobilize its members across the nook and crannies in Nigeria to a street protest should Alhaji Atiku Abubakar fail to tender unreserved apologies to Nigerians, and also return to Cameroon or seek naturalisation in Nigeria,” the group added.

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/apcs-claim-naturalise-or-return-to-cameroon-group-tells-atiku.html

Press Statement

From Abba Anwar

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi congratulates governor of Kano state, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje over his victory in the just concluded gubernatorial election in the state.

After describing Ganduje as a warrior, he appreciated that, the governor is one of the state governors that are in the forefront in trickling down development to their people.

Oba Adeyemi, who sent a high powered delegation to the governor, under the leadership of Asiwaju Abayomi, who met him at the Governor’s Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja, commended Ganduje for being receptive and highly disciplined politician, who believes that political rivalry simply means difference in political approach.

“We are here as a high powered delegation to our in-law, a highly de-tribalised leader, whose zeal in the development of the country is unassuming. We are here to purposely congratulate Your Excellency over your victory in the just concluded governorship election in Kano state,” says Abayomi.

Adding that governor’s victory means a lot in explaining to the public how dear and cheerful the governor is to Kano people, explaining that, “If you are not doing well for the development of the state, they wouldn’t have re-elected you for the second time. But with this re-election, it is clear to all that Dr Abdullahi Ganduje is doing well in his domain.”

He further hinted that, His Majesty, the Oba wanted to be physically around for the congratulatory visit, but other pressing issues cropped up, which necessitated for sending of the delegation.

In his response, the governor appreciated the royal message from His Majesty, the Alaafin, assuring that, “…I will continue with the good work to my people as you identify, while you are coming from far away Oyo state. I am happy that, you are getting correct information concerning our developmental projects and policies.”

After receiving the Congratulatory Card from the delegation, he gladly expressed that, the card was a symbol of national integration that would go a long way in further cementing relationship among Nigerians, adding that, “I am happy with this mighty card from His Majesty, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi.”

Ganduje reveals that after that meeting with the delegation, the Alaafin would one day be in Kano.

“When I learned that you were coming to congratulate me and all Kano people, I wished the Alaafin himself was among this important and esteemed personalities. But I was told he was held up by some other pressing issues back home. Kindly extend our sincere and heartfelt gratitude,” governor said.

Anwar is the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Kano State

Former Vice-President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has denied spending a sum of $30,000 to hire a US lobby group to persuade the United States Congress to stop the inauguration of President Muhammadu Buhari.The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in a statement Wednesday by his media aide, Mr. Paul Ibe, described the latest allegation instigated by the Buhari campaign as a ‘total fabrication.’The former vice-president insisted that his court case has become their biggest burden because it exposes their integrity as a sham, and instead of defending their stolen mandate in court, they are now using fake news to divert public attention from the historic electoral heist they have committed against Nigerians.Atiku noted that no amount of diversionary propaganda and fake news campaign by the All Progressives Congress (APC) would stop him from continuing the court action he started to reclaim the stolen mandate.He stressed that the latest dirty propaganda didn’t come as a surprise  because lying has so far become their only bragging rights of competence.Atiku stated: “Lying has become a culture to the APC administration and therefore, we are not surprised by their latest diversionary allegations.“Since Atiku resisted pressure not to go to court, the APC has been behaving like a cat on hot bricks because the outcome of the 2019 elections has exposed and shattered the facade of their dubious integrity.“The APC are behaving nervously like a thief living under the fear of being exposed and shamed. They are now using fake news against Atiku instead of focusing on defending themselves in the court.“For a party that has broken the worst record in election rigging, the APC doesn’t have any iota of integrity to be taken seriously by anybody.”Meanwhile, Atiku has also disassociated himself from 2019 election posters being circulated in Abuja.He stressed that the campaign season is over and the tainted electoral victory by the incumbent is being challenged in court.According to him, “Our attention has been drawn to posters of His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party in the 2019 election being circulated in Abuja.“We disassociate the former Vice President of Nigeria from the said posters in circulation.“We refuse to be distracted, which is exactly the objective of our opponents, but to remain focused on diligently pursuing our election petition with a view to retrieving the stolen mandate.”

Atiku Debunks Spending $30,000 to Lobby US to Stop Buhari’s Inauguration 

Ladi Kwali was a Nigerian potter, born in the village of Kwali in the Gwari region of Northern Nigeria. She was an exceptional and excellent potter who made beautiful potteries.

She lived all her life practicing pottery craft in Kwali village of Northern Nigeria, where she caught the attention of a white man who loved her work and helped her showcase her art around the world.

She was later invited to the United Kingdom, despite her informal education, to teach her art to students as an external lecturer/tutor.

Kwali was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 1962 and an honorary doctoral degree from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 1977.

In 1980, the Nigerian Government invested on her with the insignia of the Nigerian National Order of Merit Award (NNOM); the highest national honour for academic achievement. She also received the national honour of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) in 1981.

Ladi Kwali 59, died on August 12, 1984.

Her picture appears at the back of the 20 Naira note.

PRESS STATEMENT

Kano state governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has magnanimously directed that students in public schools who failed the qualifying examination for government patronage will now be sponsored to register for the National Examination Council (NECO), even as he warned principals of secondary schools against taxing of students.

The state commissioner for Information, Youth and Culture, Malam Muhammad Garba who dropped the hint in a statement issued to newsmen in Kano, said the gesture was part of government’s efforts to support parents in the payment of examination fees of their children

He said the sum of N424, 952, 000.00 at N11, 000 per head will be spent for the total number of 38, 632 students as registration fees.

According the statement, the measure is also part of the administration’s avowed commitment to ensuring that the less-privileged enjoy better education.

The commissioner reiterated that the state government will not relent in its determination to bequeathing the best of education to its citizens at all levels.

The statement also warned principals of secondary schools to desist from taxing any students before collecting his/her examination results as it is being alleged, pointing out that the state government will soon launch an investigation to find out the veracity of the accusation.

He urged parents, guardians and care givers to join hands with the government to ensuring that their children not only get the desired education but are also inculcated with good morals for the betterment of the society.

MALAM MUHAMMAD GARBA
Hon. Commissioner, information, Youth & Culture, Kano State
April 8, 2019

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday decried the use of the cyberspace to manipulate elections, subvert the democratic rights of citizens as well as propagate violence.

The President also lamented the steady rise of fake news and cybercrime, particularly when platforms are hijacked and manipulated by criminals.

This is even as he called on world leaders to come up with proposals to create a digital world that is accessible, inclusive and safe for all.

According to Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity Femi Adesina, Buhari made the comment while delivering his keynote speech at the 2019 Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) in Dubai.

The theme of the summit is: ‘Mapping the Future of Foreign Direct Investment: Enriching World Economies through Digital Globalization.’’

According to him, a certain level of regulation was needed to preserve the integrity of the digital economy.

While acknowledging that digital globalisation was transforming the world almost every day with innovations and transformative ideas, Buhari cautioned that the cyber world would remain a constant threat if left unregulated.

President Buhari called for a collective effort led by both public and private sector leaders to address the emerging threats of digital globalisation.

“Today, we have a cyber-world that is intangible but real. This borderless world is powerful, and it impacts the lives of billions of people, no matter how remote their physical locations are,” he said.

“People work in it. People socialise in it. And people invest in it. This presents enormous opportunities. But it also remains a constant threat if left unregulated.

“On the one hand, it has made the human race more productive and more efficient. Today, we have digital banking, virtual currencies and many social platforms that connect people and cultures.

“On the other hand, we have seen platforms hijacked and manipulated as evidenced by the steady rise in fake news and cybercrimes.

“More recently, we are also witnessing the use of the cyberspace to manipulate elections, subvert the democratic rights of citizens as well as propagate violence.

“In effect, the digital world has become the new frontier for both good and evil. Therefore, the challenge for world leaders must be to ensure that this space is inclusive, accessible and safe.”

President Buhari reflected on the digital revolution in Nigeria, buoyed by impressive statistics on mobile phone penetration, technology hubs and the advent of young entrepreneurs attracting investments of over 100 million dollars to the country.

He said, “In Nigeria, our mobile phone penetration exceeds 80 per cent. This means the majority of Nigeria’s one hundred and ninety million citizens are fully connected to this new digital world; especially our youth.

“Sixty-five per cent or one hundred and seventeen million Nigerians are under the age of 25 years. These bright minds are the drivers of this emerging digital sector.

“Today, Nigeria has close to ninety technology hubs and every day, new ones are coming up and they are all developing solutions for Nigerian, and indeed global problems.

“Already, these young entrepreneurs have attracted investments of over one hundred million dollars. A sizeable amount from overseas including Silicon Valley.

“As many of you from this region are aware, Nigerian start-ups always have a very impressive outing at the Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX). Many have won prizes.”

He told the participants at the investment summit that as leaders in the public and private sector it was their responsibility to create the enabling environment for young people to flourish and reach their full potential.

He shared the Nigerian experience:

“When we came in 2015, we immediately agreed that any future economic growth must be inclusive. As the Nigerian youth population is fully digitalised, it is clear that the idea of having an inclusive economy cannot be achieved without digital inclusion.”

The President announced that Nigeria was working on creating the largest digital database in Africa, with over thirty million Nigerians and legal residents already captured in the country’s digital identity system.

Also, the President highlighted that Nigeria’s public sector reform programmes, from procurement to payroll to revenue collections, focus on digitising key operations.

He said the recourse to technology and digitisation reinforces the administration’s objectives of improving efficiency, accountability and transparency in governance.

On cybersecurity, President Buhari said Nigeria has taken the lead in cyber policing in West Africa, working with regional and global partners.

Buhari decries use of cyberspace to manipulate elections, subvert democracy

The governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has said that he is sure the election tribunal will affirm his victory in the governorship election. In an exclusive interview with Daily Trust on Sunday, the governor accused the Kano State Police Commissioner, Muhammad Wakili of assisting the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to rig the March 9th governorship election in the state.

You have just won an election for a second term in office, have you started preparation for your swearing-in?

Yes, I have not just started preparation for the swearing-in ceremony, I have also started preparation for my programme, projects, blueprint, which I think are more important. Very soon, I will inaugurate a committee that will organise the ceremony. I will also like to know the ministry, department and parastatal where we stopped so far and how we can get ahead.

During the last swearing-in ceremony you wore a red cap, is there any particular colour of cap you are going to wear this time around?

Are you trying to make a reference to Kwankwasiyya.

Do we expect a Gandujiyya cap?
I don’t have any particular cap. They are free to use any type of cap they want. We have dropped the Kwankwasiyya cap forever. I was the one who initiated that red cap when we were trying to win an election. At that time, Kwankwaso was a gubernatorial candidate and the presidential campaign team of the late Yar’adua was trying to come to Kano. Coincidentally, I was a member of Goodluck’s team who was a vice presidential candidate, because we were deputy governors in 1999. So I had the opportunity to know what was happening in the states. When it came to the turn of Kano, we held a stakeholders’ meeting to decide what type of dress we would use. I said each state had its own symbol, so since Malam Aminu Kano was our icon, he should be our symbol, let us use the type of dress he used to wear – white garment, red cap with black shoes. We adopted it, and when Yar’adua came with his team, we gave them a set of that attire. And we continued with that as our symbol. That was the beginning of it.

You accused the current commissioner of police of being biased, especially during the main election, what made you feel uncomfortable with him?

He was giving them protection. He had no right to arrest a deputy governor. In fact, we could have taken him to the court for doing that because he went against the constitution, particularly because the deputy governor has immunity. Our supporters were sighted in that particular collation centre, so the deputy governor went to tell them that they should leave the place, not knowing that the commissioner of police had already dispersed them. And he allowed the opponents to come in. So, when the deputy governor went in, instead of him to see our supporters he fell in the hands of the opposition. So he was biased. A member of the House of Reps was also arrested. Two elected local government chairmen were arrested and taken to the police station. And we did not hear that any important person from the PDP was arrested. Is it not a bias?

You said the commissioner of police was biased, but when he assumed duty he arrested some thugs, about 1,700 of them, which many people saw as an effort to make the election peaceful; does that mean anything to you?

It was deception. During the main election he did not behave that way. I told him not to allow Kwankwaso go to Bebeji because of his utterances, but he said he had already given him permission. I said he could revoke it because there would be security challenges, but he refused. He allowed him to go and many people were killed during the presidential election and no arrest was made. Up till now, he hasn’t even found out who killed the people. I told him that if he abided by my advice, nobody would have lost his life. That’s why I told you that he was biased

https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/how-kano-cp-helped-pdp-to-rig-guber-poll-unlawfully-arrested-my-deputy-ganduje.html

Retirees, under the auspices of the Nigeria Union of Contributory Pensioners, have petitioned the House of Representatives to lament the delayed and non-payment of pensions to beneficiaries under the current scheme.

In the memorandum submitted to the House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee to Investigate the Activities of the National Pension Commission, the NUCP condemned the current pension system as being administered by PenCom, while calling for a reversal to the old system.

The pensioners particularly blamed pension laws and PenCom’s policies, alleging that the Contributory Pension Scheme was created to enrich Pension Fund Administrators.

Two pensioners, who appeared before the committee at its investigative hearing in Abuja on Thursday, narrated their individual experiences, including the financial crises they and their colleagues were facing.

A retired Director in the Federal Ministry of Information, Aigbokhaleode Asimiafele, said there were over 10 infractions allegedly committed by PenCom against the Act, including infringement on human rights.

Asimiafele lamented that retirees were not included in the board of PenCom while they were no more beneficiaries of the National Health Insurance Scheme.

He said, “We have two issues. The violation of the PenCom Act; we have 10 items of the violation of the fundamental and constitutional rights of retirees and pensioners. The constitution says that every five years or when salary is increased, the pension will be reviewed; PenCom did not deem it fit to do that.

“Our constitutional right says that our pension should be paid as and when due but 99 per cent of contributory pensioners, they allow us to die, while some have not received their lump sum payment.

“You can see the lapses and impunity in PenCom. Where is this money; where is it hanging? This is untold hardship. PenCom, they are very insensitive to us, the contributing pensioners. They use the money accrued for the PFAs to make more money”

Asimiafele faulted the inclusion of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress in the board of PenCom while the pension contributors were excluded.

“Contributors should manage their affairs; they will be more prudent than those who did not contribute but sit down there and feel like they are ones to dictate whatever amount they want to pay to us,” he stated.

Another pensioner, Mr Adesina Atinsola-Moronto, who retired as Deputy Director in the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, formerly known as Ministry of Commerce and Industry, also lamented that he and his retired wife were suffering as a result of not being paid.

The retiree said, “It is a pity that a thing like this is happening. What we are trying to do is to work ahead of our children who are coming behind. If it continues like this, it may not be easy for them and it may be dangerous for the nation. Why? Somebody who did not contribute a kobo towards his pension is now receiving double the amount of what the people who contributed are receiving. That is what our grouse is

“What we are saying now is that the House can assist us to either go back to the old system and cancel this (scheme) or it must be done in the right manner if it must continue. You can’t continue to cheat people like this. It is unfortunate. People are dying. I know of my friends, a lot of them are now gone; some of them could not collect the first lump sum before they died”
Commenting, the chairman of the committee, Mr Johnson Agbonayinma, said, “We also feel your pain and the pain of others. We must do everything humanly possible to get things right because tomorrow it might be you that will suffer the consequences. It is the foundation that we lay now; if it is right we will benefit from it; if it is wrong we will have to suffer the consequences”

The lawmaker noted that several other pensioners had also reported their frustrations to him, saying, “I can imagine how people who have worked to serve this nation, just to get their pension, it is a problem. They cannot even pay their medical bills or buy medicine because somebody is sitting and taking decisions without thinking about all these”

Retirees petition Reps, want contributory pension scheme scrapped

President Muhammadu Buhari will depart Abuja Thursday for Amman to honour an invitation by King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein of Jordan to participate in the World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Africa holding at the Dead Sea, Jordan.

President Buhari, according to a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, will deliver an address at the opening of the plenary alongside King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein and United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres.

He will also join world economic leaders in an informal gathering at the King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Centre.

The Nigerian leader will hold bilateral meetings with some world leaders on the sidelines of the Forum.

Buhari is billed to depart Amman Sunday for Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) to participate in the ninth edition of the Annual Investment Meeting, April 8-10, 2019.

Invited by His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rachid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the Nigerian President as Guest of Honour, will deliver the keynote address under the theme, “Mapping the Future of Foreign Direct Investment: Enriching World Economies through Digital Globalization.”

According to the organisers, the meeting is “the largest gathering of corporate leaders, policymakers, businessmen, regional and international investors, entrepreneurs, leading academics and experts showcasing up-to-date information, strategies and knowledge on attracting FDI.”

The meeting also seeks to explore investment opportunities in more than 140 countries, connect businesses and countries willing to engage in sustainable partnerships with investors.

President Buhari will be accompanied on both trips by Governors Abubakar Badaru, Abiola Ajimobi and Yahaya Bello of Jigawa, Oyo and Kogi States respectively.

Others on the entourage include the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; the National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Mohammed Babagana Monguno (rtd), and other top government officials.

http://thenationonlineng.net/buhari-to-attend-world-economic-forum-in-jordan-investment-summit-in-dubai/

VICE President Yemi Osinbajo, yesterday, disclosed that the Federal Government has succeeded in increasing power generation from 4,000 megawatts to 8,100MW over the past three years.

Osinbajo said this when he delivered a lecture titled: Nigeria rising: The path to prosperity, during the University of Lagos, UNILAG, 50th Convocation Lecture said: “On power, we have moved generation from 4000MW to 8100 MW. But the effect of this increase in generation has not translated significantly to better service to the consumer. This is mainly due  to  distribution challenges. Over 2000 MW of power is not taken up by the DISCOS for distribution to consumers largely because of problems they experience in  collection of tariff, but one of the reasons for this is the fact that the DISCOS have not invested significantly in metering.

“We have now embarked on a major metering initiative known as the Metering Assets Programme which involves private metering assets providers.

“In addition, the Federal Government  has, in the past 18 months, taken on the deficiencies in  transmission head on through the TCN and the NDPHC we are completing transmission projects all around the country.

“But the more important strategy is to decentralize power production. So, we have adopted an off grid programme; which means that we are encouraging private investors to collaborate with government to build IPPs and supply power to willing buyers. This was made possible by what is called an eligible customer declaration by the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing. By this collaboration, we have been providing power, especially Solar Power to economic clusters such as markets across the country, including  Ariaria market in Aba, 31993 shops, Sabongari market in Kano 13,598 shops, Sura market in Lagos 1047. Isikan  493, NEPA 256,   Gbagi 8778, UMBC 2178, a  total of 81691shops servicing 320000 SMEs. In  Lagos we recently  commissioned the Sura market solar project; the businesses there now have 24 hour power. From printers, commercial tailors to small chop businesses, everyone is employing more and making  more profit.”

Speaking on plans for the next four years, he said: “The topic was informed by the curiosity of the university about what you expect from the Buhari administration in the next four years or what is the meaning of that expressionThe Next Level.

According to him, prosperity would be attained if we are able to address the issues of extreme poverty, productivity, corruption, rule of law, deficiencies in the quality of human resources caused by poor education and health care.

Source: Vanguard

I am always scared how my last day on Earth would look like.

I wonder the nature of my exit.

I always cry for my last day, the day that I can’t help myself.

The day that Allah will delete me out of this world.

The day that my loved ones will be scared to approach me.

The day that I will be left alone with all my deeds.

The day that I will be referred to as the deceased.

Ya Allah, we know we can’t escape our return to you.

Make our deeds acceptable and our sins forgivable.

Let our last day be the best day of our lives and admit us.

Our parents, our children, our family, our friends into Jannatul Firdaus

And make our last word be the Khalimah- Shahada

LA ILAHA ILLALLAHU MUHAMMADUR RASULULLAH

AMEEN.

In Nigerian politics, politicians often lean on the shoulders of politically experienced, influential and financially loaded people to ride to power. These people are known as political godfathers while the politicians who rely on them are their political godsons. Political godfatherism has remained an indelible aspect of Nigerian politics for decades. Political godfathers call the shots and dictate who comes to power. They are more of political gatekeepers. Thus, the necessity to seek their backing and support to have a fighting chance when standing for elective positions of all categories.

Political godfathers strive to maintain their political relevance by winning elections for themselves and their political godsons. The just concluded 2019 general elections saw political godfathers muscling to see themselves and their political godsons, even in-laws, in power.

Here is a look at how political godfathers, their godsons and in-laws– whom they supported to come to power– fared during the 2019 elections.

Though, strictly speaking, the relationship between Former president Olusegun Obasanjo and his former vice Atiku Abubakar is not one between a godfather and a godson, Obasanjo is something of a national political godfather. Historically, he has earned the reputation of a kingmaker of some sorts, because it is believed that whomsoever he anoints for the highest office wins, and for good reason.

He backed the late Shehu Shagari to succeed him in 1979 and he won against the likes of the late sage Obafemi Awolowo and statesman Nnamdi Azikiwe. He anointed the late Musa Yar’Adua to succeed him as President in 2007 and he won. He endorsed former President Goodluck Jonathan’s presidential ambition in 2011 and he emerged victorious. In 2015, he endorsed President Muhammadu Buhari and he won the then incumbent President Jonathan.

However, in the recently concluded presidential election, his anointed, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), lost to President Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC). This is the first time a presidential candidate endorsed by Obasanjo will lose. It appears Obasanjo’s endorsement does not automatically translate to victory after all! The myth is ended.

Senate President, Bukola Saraki, of the PDP, is a political heavyweight in Kwara State. His family has been a strong force to reckon with in Kwara politics. His father, late Olusola Saraki, was a Senator in the Second Republic (1979-1983). His sister, Gbemisola Saraki, was elected to represent the Kwara Central senatorial district while his brother, Bukola Saraki, was elected the governor of Kwara State – all in 2003. This shows how politically powerful the Saraki’s are.

Bukola Saraki, as a political godfather in Kwara State supported his political godson, the governorship candidate of the PDP in his state, Hon. Razak Atunwa, but he lost to the incumbent Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, of the APC. He also lost his bid to return to the Senate. Ibrahim Oloriegbe, of the APC, defeated him – a defeat which sent cold chill down the spine of many. The political misfortune of Saraki was largely attributed to the O To Ge (Enough is enough) movement which swept the state like wildfire. The slogan was meant to extricate Kwarans from the hold of the Saraki political dynasty and it worked.

The former governor of Lagos State and National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, is the political godfather of Lagos State. He has a strong influence and wields much power in dictating who becomes a governor in the state. After his two terms as governor in the state (1999-2007), he ensured Babatunde Fashola – now Minister of Power, Works and Housing – succeeded him.

He was also instrumental to the coming of Akinwunmi Ambode as the governor of the state in 2015. It could be recalled that Tinubu, stood against the second term bid of Governor Ambode. He eventually lost the party ticket to Babajide Sanwo-Olu – Tinubu’s favoured candidate – at the APC party primaries. Sanwo-Olu went on to win Jimi Agbaje, of the PDP, in the March 9 governorship election. This tells how powerful Tinubu is in Lagos State politics. It could be recalled that Tinubu played an integral role in bringing President Buhari to power in 2015.

This is not the best of times politically for the outgoing governor of Imo State, Chief Rochas Okorocha, of the APC. The governor has been roped in a lot of political mess, lately. As a political heavyweight in the state and a sitting governor, he supported Uche Nwosu, who married his daughter, Uloma, in 2013, in the Imo State governorship race. Nwosu, who is also the Chief of Staff to Okorocha, lost the APC primaries to Senator Hope Uzodinma. Thus, he defected to the Action Alliance (AA) to pursue the Imo governorship seat.

Okorocha fell out with the National Chairman of his party – APC – because of this outcome. He later did what was considered a betrayal to the party when he went ahead to support his in-law, Nwosu, who was a standard bearer of another party in the governorship race. Okorocha’s in-law lost to the former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, of the PDP.

As Okorocha’s dream of having his in-law, Nwosu, as his successor fell like a pack of cards, his mission to clinch the senatorial seat of Imo West senatorial district suffered a bit of a setback. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Returning Officer for his senatorial district, Prof. Innocent Ibeawuchi, alleged that he was forced to declare Okorocha the winner of the senatorial poll by supporters of the APC. Ibeawuchi said, “I was compelled to announce the result which was inconclusive. I am a man of integrity and it is not true that the governor slapped me but I was held hostage by agents working for him (Okorocha). I was manhandled and I thank God I came back alive.” Based on this premise, the INEC did not issue a Certificate of Return (CoR) to Okorocha.

Okorocha’s senatorial ambition, at the moment, is hanging while his aim to install his in-law as the governor – of Imo State – did not work out for him. Moreover, he has since being suspended from his party – the APC – by the National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, for alleged inter-party affairs.

In Benue State, former two-term governor (1999-2007), Senator George Akume, of the APC, is a political godfather who exerts tremendous influence in the political terrain of the state. He is believed to have enabled the emergence of the two successive governors after him, Gabriel Suswam and Samuel Ortom. But in 2019, he crashed on all fronts.

Akume, who is currently representing Benue North West senatorial district in the 8th Senate, lost his bid to return to the senate to incumbent House of Representatives member, Emmanuel Orkev Jev, of the PDP.

His anointed candidate for governor, Emmanuel Jime of the APC, also lost to incumbent governor Ortom of the PDP. The political godfather, who was the Minority Leader of the Senate from June 2011 to June 2015, is almost headed for political irrelevance in the next four years, except a national intervention from his party at the centre alters his fate.

Ortom, a former godson of Akume, has, it appears, successfully ended his reign as godfather of Benue politics.

The former governor of Delta State, James Ibori, though his reputation was badly damaged after he was charged with 14 counts alongside a businessman, Ellias Preko, relating to money stolen from the treasury of the Delta State Government and laundered in the UK, he still plays the role of a political godfather in Delta State politics. Re-elected governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, was quick to show appreciation to Ibori after he won the governorship election.

Such was Ibori’s influence that he was said to have determined Okowa’s emergence as governor in 2015, while in detention in the UK. In 2019, now fully at home, Ibori pulled out all the stops to ensure Okowa defeated his perennial foe, Great Ogboru of the APC.

In a Tweet, Okowa, on March 11, 2019, said, “I want to appreciate my leader, former Governor James Ibori for his encouragement, support and all through these years.”

Former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, of the PDP, is a big political godfather in Kano. His Kwankwasiyya political fan club has a large following in Kano and other northern states. He did defect to PDP when he fell out with his former ally and successor governor Umar Ganduje, of the APC. Kwankwaso did not seek re-election into the Senate.

However, he anointed and supported the governorship candidate of the PDP, in the state, Abba Kabir-Yusuf – who is his son-in-law and former Commissioner of Works when he was governor of the state. In the just concluded governorship supplementary election – marred by wanton killings, violence, intimidation, vote-buying and the like – that held in the state, March 23, after the INEC declared the March 9 election inconclusive, Ganduje won Kwankwaso’s candidate, Yusuf. Kwankwaso’s endorsed National Assembly candidates also lost out. With this political misfortune hanging on Kwankwaso’s neck, he must be headed to a political obscurity.

The outgoing governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun, of the APC, just like Okorocha supported the governorship ambition of his political godson, Adekunle Akinlade, of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) even when he is not contesting under the platform of his party – APC. Amosun, who won the senatorial seat of Ogun Central senatorial district, saw his godson lose the governorship election to Dapo Abiodun, of the APC.

While Amosun failed in installing his godson as the governor of Ogun State, he was also suspended, like Okorocha, from the APC for engaging in inter-party affairs.

Former governor and political godfather of Akwa Ibom State, Godswill Akpabio, of the APC, who has been in a political tussle with his former political godson, Udom Emmanuel, whom he helped to ascend the governorship seat in 2015, lost his senatorial seat of Akwa Ibom North West to Engineer Chris Ekpenyong, of the PDP. Akpabio, who was once a Minority Leader in the Senate, also lost out in his bid to install Nsima Ekere, of the APC, as governor of the state. Akpabio’s political might in Akwa Ibom has dwindled drastically following these loses.

The governorship election in Sokoto State saw the display of power between estranged political godfather and godson, Aliyu Wamakko, of the APC, a former governor of the state and now a Senator, and incumbent governor, Aminu Tambuwal, of the PDP. Wamakko has an overwhelming following in the state. When Tambuwal defected from the APC to the PDP, his deputy, Ahmed Aliyu remained with the APC. It was alleged that he was acting under the influence of Wamakko. He, however, resigned from his position when he got the wind that he will be impeached by the PDP dominated state House of Assembly members. He was later replaced by Dan’iya.

During the governorship election in the state, Aliyu, contested under the APC. He had the backing of Wamakko, who won re-election into the senate, while incumbent governor, Tambuwal had the endorsement of former governor of the state, Attahiru Bafarawa. As the March 9 governorship election in the state was declared inconclusive by the INEC, a supplementary election which was conducted in the state on March 23 saw Tambuwal emerge as the winner of the election but only by 342 votes. Will his victory be upturned? Time will tell.

Godfatherism in Nigeria Should Stop

The issue of godfatherism dominates Nigerian politics. It is rare to find a politician vying for an elective position without having a godfather whom he/she answers to. This trend appears to be unhelpful to the populace as a godson who comes to power is naturally programmed to put the welfare of his/her godfather first and leave the people behind. When a godson can no longer fulfill the demands of his godfather, a disagreement between them always heats up the polity and puts the vehicle of good governance to halt. There is need to jettison the practice of godfatherism in Nigerian politics. It has never helped us.

2019 General Elections: How the Godfathers, their Godsons and Sons-in-Law fared

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday inaugurated Micro Pension Plan with a pledge to restore the dignity of public servants, who worked tirelessly and sacrificed for the greatness of Nigeria.

Speaking at the launch of Micro Pension Plan, organized by National Pension Commission at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, the president assured that the Federal Government would rev up the process of sanitizing the pensions system.

According to him, retired public servants deserve better treatment and effective service that meets their needs to carry on after retirement, promising to remove the “rot within the pension system’’.

“I want to assure all Nigerians that this Government remains committed to resolving all pending issues on pension payment in the federal public sector despite the lean resources of Government.

“The dignity of retired public servants who sacrificed their lives for this country will be restored.

“We will ensure all hard working Nigerians in the private sector, both formal and informal, can retire without fear.

“We have already started on this journey. We must all come together to ensure these reforms are fully implemented and their positive impact is felt by the rightful beneficiaries,’’ he said.

The President noted that the Federal Government will continue to support the National Pension Commission to ensure a successful roll-out of the Micro Pension Plan, which will capture citizens that were not fully captured in the formal corporate sector.

He said trade associations, unions, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders in the informal sector should join hands with the government and pensions industry to enlighten their members and general public on the benefits of Micro Pension Plan.

“Today, millions of traders, farmers and other entrepreneurs in various cottage industries are completely excluded from the different pension programs in existence.

“The Micro Pension Plan is the natural next step. The program guarantees that when these hard working citizens retire, they can still live in dignity and comfort,’’ he said.

President Buhari said the government had provided grants, concessionary loans and technical support through Small and Medium Enterprises clinics to farmers, traders and SMEs as part of efforts to diversify the economy and create a more inclusive and enabling environment for all Nigerians

At the event, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, said the new scheme would provide more security for Nigerians in the informal sector, and expand the country’s pension coverage as well as boost the economy.

“This scheme also benefits the government because it has the potential to generate a pool for investible long term funds that can drive economic development,’’ he said.

In her remarks, the Acting Director General of National Pensions Commission, Hajiya Aisha Dahir–Umar, said the Contributory Pension Scheme had recorded huge success since it was launched in 2004, with the formation of long term domestic capital, represented by N8.7 trillion worth of pension assets as at Jan. 2019.

“The Micro Pension Plan is remarkable because it unveils a unique financial product, which democratizes the saving culture in Nigeria in a systematic and efficient manner,’’ she added.

Dahir–Umar said the plan was designed after wide consultations with stakeholders, noting that “the product is flexible with contribution amount and channel of remittance of contributions to respective pension accounts.’’

She further explained that the new pension scheme would afford people in the informal sector an opportunity to contribute daily, weekly or monthly.

She said: “A prospective Micro Pension contributor is required to open a Retirement Savings Account (RSA) by completing a physical or electronic registration form with a Pension Funds Administrator (PFA) of his/her choice.

“The contributors may make contributions daily, weekly, monthly or as may be convenient to them. Every contribution shall be split into two, comprising 40% for contingent withdrawal and 60% .for retirement benefits.

“The contributor may, based on his/her needs, periodically withdraw the total or part of the balance of the contingent portion of his/her RSA, including all accrued investment income thereto.

“The contributor may also choose to convert the contingent portion of the contributions to the retirement benefits portion.’’

According to her, a new department has been created specifically to monitor activities of the Micro Pension Plan, and to ensure compliance with the guidelines of the scheme and manage customer complains.

http://thenationonlineng.net/buhari-pledges-to-restore-dignity-of-retired-public-servants/

It was reality after the much talk of infrastructural performance in GAMA Nassarawa LG by H.E Abdullahi Umar Ganduje which was said to have been influenced by rerun election.

When confronted, the Kano State Governor deny this allegation and insisted that it was just a mare routine development projects withing the State.

Wednesday, May 27 Governor Abdullahi Umar presented a check worth 12 Million Naira to Jumma’a Mas’jid in GAMA.

Anonymous

Is there any more danger other than the condition under which our children have been exposed to thuggery, vandalism, carelessness, irresponsible manners and behavior by the political sect you call Kwankwasiyya. We don’t have that name anywhere in the judicial and constitutional provisions. Someone sat and thought about how to destroy the thinking faculties of our youths to use and build his own ego-centric ideology. Had the election was between PDP and APC, It would have been okay. This is someone who wants to indoctrinate our society especially our youths with an alienated norms. Do you think people are that lax to accept such nonsense without challenge? No!

When did electoral malpractice reached its height in Kano state? It’s with the man you think is a hero, hell bent on achieving his own personal success through the Darwinian style or a new style of Lobstang Rompa and Karl max.

Whenever he scored a point using the formula, he boasts like a semi-deity. I have been watching this guy for decades. I know who he is. I know much about him which you know not.

So, please don’t let the cat out of the cart. Continue with your beliefs in him and allow those who have their reasons for not being along with him.

Go to google Playstore and download a book called 48 Laws of Power.

Look at Kwankwaso activities and see if your thoughts will ever remain the same

The presidential election petition tribunal has granted a request by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, to serve President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress with copies of the petition challenging the February 23 elections through substituted means.

A three-member panel of the tribunal, led by Appeal Court justice, Abdul Aboki, granted the request on Wednesday, following an application by the PDP through its lead counsel, Chris Uche.

Mr Uche and his team of lawyers had approached the tribunal with their petition after analysing the items used by the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) to reach the conclusions announced following the February 23 election.

Mr Abubakar had rejected the results and asked the tribunal for permission to access the items used for collation of the same by INEC.

After the request to analyse the election materials was granted, Mr Abubakar said his team of lawyers found that he had defeated Mr Buhari with over 1.6 million votes.

In the fresh ex-parte application on Wednesday, Mr Uche said they had written in a petition filed at the tribunal on March 25, a request to allow the PDP serve Mr Buhari and his party through substituted means.

Mr Uche said the reason for their application was because the petitioner has not been able to serve the respondents with their petition.

According to the application, the PDP also asked for permission to serve the APC through any of its senior officers at the secretariat of the party, located off Ademola Adetokumbo crescent, Abuja.

Mr Aboki ruled that it was in the interest of justice for the application to be granted.

The governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, has thanked the people of the state for re-electing him for a second term.

NAN reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on Sunday declared Ganduje, winner of the Kano State governorship supplementary election held Saturday.

In the supplementary election held in 28 out of the 44 local government areas in the state, Ganduje won by scoring 45,876 votes to the PDP Abba Yusuf’s 10,239.

The State Returning Officer Prof. Bello Shehu, announced that Ganduje scored a total vote of 1,033,695 while Mr Yusuf polled 1,024,713.
‎
Mr Ganduje, who made the promise in his re-election speech on Sunday night in Kano, called on all to join hands with him to build the state.‎

He also said that ‎he would run an all inclusive government that will carry everyone along in the administration of the state.

‎‎The governor thanked the people for their believing in his capacity to lead them and for the peaceful conduct of the March 23 re-run election.

The governor also promised not to fail the electorate.

He also pledged to consolidate on his achievement and also embark on people oriented project.

”We going to complete all projects and initiate new ones and we are also open to new ideas and new vision,” he said.

‎The governor who thank God for the resounding victory urged the people of the state irrespective of their political inclination to join hands to move Kano forward.

“I thank all who voted me, those that did not vote me and and those who did not vote at all.

“Girl child education, agriculture, women and youth empowerment, healthcare delivery, peace and security will be my focus in the next four years.

“I thank you for the fresh mandate and I promise to serve you better because the victory is not for me or my deputy, the victory is for the good people of Kano.‎

“As we get ready to start our second term, I urge you to continue to maintain the peace we have so far enjoyed,” he said.

‎He commended INEC for their professionalism and also thanked the electorate in the state for re-electing President Muhammadu Buhari.

NAN

A member of the National Assembly, Senator Ali Ndume (APC Borno South), has described as unconstitutional the adoption of the Senate Leader, Senator Ahmad Lawan, by the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the Senate President of the ninth National Assembly.

Ndume told newsmen on Tuesday morning that the APC leadership had on Monday night at a dinner with President Muhammadu Buhari at Aso Rock informed senators-elect that Lawan is the next Senate President.

Expressing shock over the party’s decision without recourse to the senators-elect, Ndume, a ranking senator and former Senate Leader, said the party leadership’s move to impose Lawan is contrary to Section 50 (1) (A) of the 1999 constitution (as amended) which gave the senators-elect the right to elect their leaders on the day of inauguration.

Details later…

Ninth N’Assembly: Ndume Decries APC’s Adoption of Lawan as Senate President

President Muhammadu Buhari has frowned at some actions and decisions of the 8th National Assembly, saying such activities remain regrettable.

The president, who made his feeling known when he hosted state governors and senators-elect of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to a dinner at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday night. President Buhari particularly cited the deliberate and persistent delay in passing the nation’s annual budget by the national assembly. He, therefore, challenged the in-coming 9th national assembly to do things differently from the outgoing 8th senate so as to enable his administration achieve its target of transforming the nation. “This is my fifth and last time of standing for an election – for that reason I’ll like to leave something behind. “And what I want to leave cannot be successfully done without your support. “So, that is why I’m appealing for your support. What happened in the last senate and so on is regrettable because I still feel it shouldn’t take seven months to pass a budget. You have a very, very serious job ahead of you. “So, what I’m appealing is that any major decision you are going to take please reflect more on the country than yourself as a person – what effect will it have on the country,’’ he said. While promising to work and partner with the 9th national assembly in promoting peace, stability and economic prosperity in the country, the president thanked the governors and senators-elect for their support and understanding.

The National Chairman of the APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, who spoke to State House correspondents after the dinner, said the whole purpose of the event was to bond the new and old senators, to establish a new of relationship between the executive and the legislature. He said: “The system talks about the separation of powers between the executive and legislature and the two must handshake for things to happen. “And when you have a president that is determined to drive changes, fundamental changes that will affect our habits, our life style, review the economy, deal with the security situation, fight corruption as fiercely as he is trying to do, he will need a very supportive legislative arm of government. “And happily, the Nigerian people have given us the number in the legislative arm of government. “All we have agreed today is that we will use these numbers as a functioning whole to determine the leadership of the senate in a way that we are not going to go to the floor of the senate and allow the opposition dictate who becomes the senate president. “Because, we have comfortable majority to drive that, what we have to do is to manage that majority.’’ Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau, who also spoke on outcome of the meeting said: “What the president has done today, I think is the right step in the right direction. “The last time we did not have the opportunity of this politics but today, Mr. President invited us. Because, we are governors and we also dialogue with our senators. “Mr President said in order to avoid rancour, let me lay the way forward and we are very happy he has laid the way forward and because of that we are all going to work towards achieving the desire of Mr President for the good of this country.’’

Revised national policy on ST&I: Stakeholders call for action plans

The Technical Advisory Committee on Implementation of the National Minimum Wage has presented its report to President Muhammadu Buhari.

The President received the report, which was presented by Bismarck Rewane, Chairman of the committee and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Financial Derivatives Company Limited, on Monday at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

After receiving the document, he promised to “work expeditiously” on it.

“On 9th January, 2019, I inaugurated the Presidential Technical Advisory Committee on the Implementation of the National Minimum Wage (PTAC). The PTAC was mandated to advise Government on how best to fund, in a sustained manner, the additional costs of implementing the imminent increase in the National Minimum Wage,” he said.

“You were also asked to advise on the consequential increases in salaries and allowances for other employees, without worsening our already difficult fiscal condition, and without adversely impacting the nation’s development goals as set out in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP). The Committee was also required to propose a work plan and modalities for implementation of the salary increase…

I am very pleased that the Committee took on this important national assignment with all seriousness. Let me thank the chairman, Mr. Bismarck Rewane, and all the Committee members most sincerely for your patriotism, hard work, commitment and sacrifices. I understand that you have worked tirelessly to ensure that you deliver the report before we receive the Minimum Wage Bill from the National Assembly.

“Let me also thank the Honourable Minister of Budget and National Planning, for coordinating the work of the Committee. I also commend the Budget Office of the Federation; the National Incomes, Salaries and Wages Commission; the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation; the Federal Inland Revenue Service; the National Bureau of Statistics and the Central Bank of Nigeria, all of which I understand provided strong support to the Committee in the course of this assignment.

“May I also appreciate the support we received from private sectors, particularly, Access Bank Plc; PricewaterhouseCoopers; KPMG Advisory Services; Financial Derivatives Company and Economic Associates. I thank them all for their contributions to the successful conclusion of the Committee’s work.

“We will review this report expeditiously. In the process, we may need to engage with some members of your Committee, I therefore implore you to make your services available whenever we may call on you. Thank you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Buhari inaugurated the committee on January 9, 2019.

Among those present at the presentation were Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo; Boss Mustapha, Secretary of the Government of the Federation; Zalman Ahmed, Minister of Finance; Senator Udo Udoma, Minister of Budget and National Planning; Senator Udo Udoma and Godwin Emefiele, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Last week, the Senate approved the review of the national minimum wage and pegged the new figure at N30,000.

http://saharareporters.com/2019/03/25/buhari-receives-minimum-wage-report-bismarck-rewane-vows-review-it-expeditiously