Globally, Osinbajo says

Globally, Osinbajo says

ADE ADESOMOJU
7 MAY 2018

Ade Adesomoju and Okechukwu Nnodim, Abuja

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo said on Monday that the Federal Government’s efforts in fighting corruption and deepening good governance in the nation were being applauded worldwide.

Describing corruption as a threat to the nation’s existence, Osinbajo insisted that the scourge was responsible for why the nation had no savings and invested only “very little” in infrastructure and jobs “in spite of record oil revenues between 2011 and 2013/14”

Osinbajo, who spoke in Abuja at the opening ceremony of the five-day Open Government Partnership Week 2018, said that within the period, despite the billions of dollars reportedly invested in security, the Boko Haram insurgency did not abate.

The period between 2011 and 2014 referred to by the Vice-President, stretched over half of the era of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s Administration.

The Vice-President has recently come under criticisms by the opposition for dwelling too much on the corruption under the previous administration.

Osinbajo, while speaking on the topic, ‘The impact of Open Government Partnership to Nigeria’s Anti-Corruption Efforts’, said, “for too long, the resources meant for the majority have been sadly cornered by a greedy minority.”

He said, “Our government came into office on the back of a three-pronged agenda: ensuring security, rebuilding the economy, and vigorously prosecuting the fight against corruption.

“This last issue, corruption, has been an existential issue for Nigeria, threatening the very fundamentals of our existence.

“It has ensured that, for too long, the resources meant for the majority have been sadly
cornered by a greedy minority.

“This issue of corruption underlines every aspect of our national life, from our security situation to the state of our economy.

“It was the reason why, in spite of record oil revenues between 2011 and 2013/14, we saw no savings, and very little investment in infrastructure and jobs, and, in spite of the billions of dollars reportedly invested in security, the Boko Haram insurgency did not abate.”

Globally, Osinbajo says

Globally, Osinbajo says

ADE ADESOMOJU
7 MAY 2018

Ade Adesomoju and Okechukwu Nnodim, Abuja

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo said on Monday that the Federal Government’s efforts in fighting corruption and deepening good governance in the nation were being applauded worldwide.

Describing corruption as a threat to the nation’s existence, Osinbajo insisted that the scourge was responsible for why the nation had no savings and invested only “very little” in infrastructure and jobs “in spite of record oil revenues between 2011 and 2013/14”

Osinbajo, who spoke in Abuja at the opening ceremony of the five-day Open Government Partnership Week 2018, said that within the period, despite the billions of dollars reportedly invested in security, the Boko Haram insurgency did not abate.

The period between 2011 and 2014 referred to by the Vice-President, stretched over half of the era of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s Administration.

The Vice-President has recently come under criticisms by the opposition for dwelling too much on the corruption under the previous administration.

Osinbajo, while speaking on the topic, ‘The impact of Open Government Partnership to Nigeria’s Anti-Corruption Efforts’, said, “for too long, the resources meant for the majority have been sadly cornered by a greedy minority.”

He said, “Our government came into office on the back of a three-pronged agenda: ensuring security, rebuilding the economy, and vigorously prosecuting the fight against corruption.

“This last issue, corruption, has been an existential issue for Nigeria, threatening the very fundamentals of our existence.

“It has ensured that, for too long, the resources meant for the majority have been sadly
cornered by a greedy minority.

“This issue of corruption underlines every aspect of our national life, from our security situation to the state of our economy.

“It was the reason why, in spite of record oil revenues between 2011 and 2013/14, we saw no savings, and very little investment in infrastructure and jobs, and, in spite of the billions of dollars reportedly invested in security, the Boko Haram insurgency did not abate.”

Man accused of shooting interior minister appears in court

• TEMITOPE OMOGBOLAGUN


• 7 MAY 2018

A man accused of shooting Pakistan’s interior minister in a suspected assassination attempt possibly linked to blasphemy appeared in court Monday, with the attack seen as an ominous sign for security ahead of nationwide elections.

Abid Hussain appeared before the anti-terror court in Gujranwala city in Punjab province, where he was remanded into custody for ten days, police official Chaudhry Tariq told AFP.

His appearance came one day after Ahsan Iqbal, 59, was shot in the right arm as he prepared to leave a public meeting in his constituency in Punjab late Sunday.

A man identified by police as Hussain, said to be in his early 20s, was wrestled to the ground by officers and bystanders as he was preparing to fire a second shot.

Police are investigating whether the attack could have had any religious motive.

A local official told AFP that the shooter said he was inspired by a controversy last year in which a small amendment to the oath election candidates must swear had to be hastily reversed after it was linked to blasphemy, a highly inflammatory charge in the deeply conservative Muslim country.

The row sparked a three-week sit-in last November by a previously little-known Islamist group, which paralysed the capital.

That demonstration ended when the government capitulated to the protesters’ demands — including the ousting of the federal law minister — in a deal brokered by the military.

 

Court fixes Melaye’s bail application for Thursday

• GBENGA ODOGUN


• 7 MAY 2018

Gbenga Odogun, Lokoja

The Kogi State High Court sitting in Lokoja, on Monday (today) adjourned hearing of the bail application of Senator Dino Melaye for Thursday, May 10, 2018.

This followed the inability of parties to submit their counter affidavit and “better” affidavit to the written bail application by Melaye’s counsel when Justice Nasir Ajanah, last Friday, ordered that the lawmaker be transferred to the National Hospital Abuja.

The prosecution, led by Dr. Alex Iziyon (SAN), readied a counter affidavit to the written application for bail by Chief Mike Ezekhome (SAN), Melaye’s counsel, to which the latter had sought the court’s permission to file a “better” affidavit to the counter affidavit by the prosecution.

Ajanah was to ask that a new date be picked to allow for the examination of written affidavits, none of which had been filed, as at the time of the sitting.

The Chief Judge of Kogi State, Justice Ajanah, had adjourned for the continuation of hearing in the written bail application filled by the defense counsel, asking for variation of the remand order placed in Senator Melaye.

This followed last Thursday’s refusal to grant bail to the lawmaker when he was arraigned before the Senior Magistrate Court 2 sitting in Lokoja on a seven-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy and illegal possession of fire arms.

Ajanah had said that in view of the critical health conditions as espoused by the counsel to the applicant, he should be moved to the National Hospital, Abuja, for proper medical attention.

Giggs hopeful of full recovery for Ferguson

• JOHN ABAYOMI


• 7 MAY 2018

Manchester United’s most decorated player Ryan Giggs led another day of well wishes from the world of football for his legendary former manager Alex Ferguson following the Scot’s emergency surgery on a brain haemorrhage.

Considered the most successful manager in the history of British football, Ferguson, 76, won 38 trophies in just over 26 years in charge of United, including 13 Premier League titles and the Champions League twice before retiring in 2013.

United have offered no update on Ferguson’s condition since saying a procedure on the haemorrhage on Saturday had gone “very well”, but that a period of intensive care is needed to optimise his recovery.

Wales manager Giggs was part of all 13 of Ferguson’s title-winning sides in a 24-year playing career at Old Trafford.

“Now is the time to pray and hope he can make a full recovery,” Giggs told BBC Wales.

“He has been the biggest influence in my career, both on and off the pitch.

“I know the operation has been a success – but he is a fighter and that is what makes me think that he will be able to make a recovery.”

United defender Phil Jones is also positive on Ferguson’s chances of making a full recovery, despite admitting to being “devastated” by the news of his ill health.

“(I am) just devastated, absolutely devastated,” said Jones, who was signed for United by Ferguson in 2011.

“He is such a legend in my eyes. He is the one who brought me to the club and gave me that opportunity to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world. He’s taken me under his wing like a father and it was shocking.

“It’s sad, but I know his character. I know he has that fight in him. Hopefully he’ll recover well.”

United midfielder Juan Mata admitted news of Ferguson’s condition had a “huge impact” on the current squad.

“This circumstance has had a huge impact on Manchester United, as you can imagine,” Mata wrote in his blog.

“All of us are united right now, wishing Sir Alex a speedy recovery. He has been a unique and fundamental figure in the football world over the last few decades.”

United thanked the many well-wishers, including the likes of rival managers Arsene Wenger, Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp, who spoke of their admiration for Ferguson.

– ‘Strong man’ –

Wenger enjoyed a long, and at times fractious rivalry with Ferguson as they battled for Premier League supremacy in the first decade of the Frenchman’s 22-year reign in charge of Arsenal.

However, they later became friends and with Wenger leaving Arsenal at the end of the season, Ferguson presented his old adversary with a memento on his final visit to United’s Old Trafford ground just last weekend.

“I was with him on the pitch last week. I went to see him in the box after the game and he looked in perfect shape,” said Wenger, after his final home game as Arsenal boss.

“He told me he is doing a lot of exercise, and he looked very happy but that kind of accident can happen. We wish him all well and to recover very quickly. He is a strong man and an optimistic man.”

Sunday saw runaway winners Manchester City receive the Premier League trophy. But local rivalries were forgotten as a banner was held aloft by City fans reading: “Football aside get well Fergie” as supporters spilled onto the pitch at full-time of a scoreless draw with Huddersfield.

“All the Manchester City fans in the stadium, you cannot find one person who does not wish the best for an amazing person,” said City boss Guardiola.

On the streets of Manchester on Monday there was huge respect from both sets of fanbases for Ferugson’s achievements.

“He will always be the greatest manager in Premier League history – and I’m saying that as a City fan,” Dan Holland told AFP. “I’ve got mad respect for him.”

Giggs was just one of many youngsters that Ferguson nurtured from the United academy to stardom on the international stage.

“He’s taken English football to the pinnacle of world football. The amount of trophies he won not just nationally, but internationally, all the European Cups he’s won as well,” said United fan Ben Montgomery.

“Also the fact he’s brought talents to England and shown that you can actually use homegrown talent right through to the first team – look at David Beckham for example.”

Ferguson famously described his mission upon joining United from Aberdeen in 1986 as knocking Liverpool “off their perch”.

He duly did so as United overtook Liverpool as the most successful side in English domestic football.

“When I heard the news yesterday I really couldn’t believe this could happen. He is absolutely the boss,” said Liverpool manager Klopp after his side’s 1-0 defeat at Chelsea on Sunday. “I wish him the best.”

We discussed Melaye with Buhari, not impeachment process, Saraki, Dogara say

• AGENCY REPORT


• 7 MAY 2018

Senate President Muhammadu Buhari and Speaker of the House of Reps, Yakubu Dogara, said they discussed the ongoing trial of the Senator representing Kogi West at the National Assembly, Dino Melaye, with President Muhammadu Buhari.

They said they also reported the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to the President for failing to appear before the Senate twice in one week over the Melaye issue.

The two leaders of the National Assembly also said they did not discuss the impeachment process raised against Buhari a fortnight ago in the Senate.

Saraki and Dogara, made this known to State House correspondents on Monday after a closed door meeting with the President in Abuja.

“Just talking about the issue of the Police. We, also, of course, raised the non-appearance of the Inspector-General of Police at the Senate and felt that we must continue to ensure there is adherence to constituted authority.

“He is a great concern, this is the first time it happened and that matter needs to be addressed.

“And there is need for the Police to accept that they, too, are under that constitution and they must obey that; we raised that concern.’’

The Senate President, who stated that the leadership of NASS was in the Villa on the invitation of the President, gave an assurance that the appropriation bill would be passed by the NASS next week, if laid before it this week.

He said: “Well, we came on the invitation of Mr. President. He wanted to brief us on his trip to the United States and also on the issue of the budget.

“We also talked on the issue of concerns to us, the invasion of the National Assembly, which he showed great concern for and said action will be taken to investigate that.”

Dogara, who also spoke on the outcome of the meeting, said the NASS leadership did not discuss the issue of impeachment process that was raised at the National Assembly two weeks ago.

He, however, frowned at the way and manner the police handled the case of Senator Dino Melaye.

He said, “Anything that happens to any member of the National Assembly is of concern to us. And there is no way we can have this kind of meeting without raising that.

“There is nowhere that Police will behave in a democracy like a clan of tribesmen, like an upgraded barbarians, sort of.’’

The Speaker also condemned the situation where Melaye was stretchered to court by the Police, saying that the rule of law must be observed to safeguard the image of the Buhari administration

“A situation where people are wheeled to court, that doesn’t give good image of our democracy.

“I have not seen a democracy where people are wheeled to court, they are not in the proper frame of mind and they are forced to undergo trail.

“Whatever it is, even if Dino is pretending as some have said, he cannot pretend forever.

“He is there, he will not run away, he is a senator and he can be tried any time he is in proper frame of mind.

Melaye is currently facing two separate court trials in Lokoja and Abuja over alleged criminal activity.

Naira weakens marginally against dollar at parallel market

• TEMITOPE OMOGBOLAGUN


• 7 MAY 2018

The Naira on Monday weakened marginally against the dollar at the parallel market in Lagos, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

The Nigerian currency lost one point to exchange at N361.7, weaker than N361.6 on Friday, while the Pound Sterling and the Euro closed at N502 and N430, respectively.

At the Bureau De Change window, the naira traded at N362 to the dollar, while the Pound Sterling and the Euro exchanged at N502and N430, respectively.

Trading at the investors’ window saw the naira close at N360. 91, while the CBN window recorded N305.75 to the dollar.

Bandits plan to instigate war with killings, Buhari says

• OLALEKAN ADETAYO


• 7 MAY 2018

Olalekan Adetayo, Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday said those behind persistent killings in parts of the country have a sinister agenda to instigate war in the country for selfish purposes.

He has also approved the establishment of a new Battalion of the Nigerian Army, as well as a new Police Area Command in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, as part of measures to scale up the security response to the banditry affecting the area.

SEE ALSO: We discussed Melaye with Buhari, not impeachment process, Saraki, Dogara say

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists.

“These persistent killings are not spontaneous; there are subterranean forces with a sinister agenda to instigate war in the country for selfish purposes.

“Although unconventional war is particularly complicated, our security forces are making rigorous efforts to better understand these enemies with a view to decisively checkmate their evil attacks,” Shehu quoted the President as saying.

The presidential spokesman said Buhari strongly condemned the latest massacre of innocent Nigerians in the area.

He said his administration would do everything possible to ensure that those he described as “enemies of humanity” are defeated.

“I am deeply outraged by this unwarranted, unprovoked and reckless destruction of lives by bandits who belong to the lowest level of civilisation.

“I feel the pains and devastation of the families of the victims, and this administration will do everything possible to ensure we defeat these enemies of humanity,” the President was further quoted as saying.

Buhari assured Nigerians that security remains a priority for his government.

He said that his administration would not tolerate the persistent killing of innocent people in order to set Nigerians against one another.

The President extended his condolences to the families of the victims, the government and the people of Kaduna State over the tragedy.

He assured them that his government will never abandon them to their fate.

According to the statement, the new Army Battalion and the Police Area Command are the latest in a series of law enforcement measures to ensure more effective protection of lives and property, in and around Benue, Kaduna, Taraba, Zamfara and Nasarawa states.

It recalled that last week, the Nigerian Air Force took delivery of two new helicopter gunships for deployment to parts of the country affected by banditry.

It added that a Quick Response Wing has also been established by the Nigerian Air Force in Taraba State, while a Joint Military Intervention Force is fully on ground in Benue.

BREAKING: Canada looks to stem illegal migration from Nigeria

• EUNICE


• 7 MAY 2018

Canada is trying to curb the number of asylum seekers from Nigeria who are flooding into Canada via the United States, officials said Monday.

About 2,500 migrants, mostly Nigerian nationals, entered Canada illegally in April, bringing the total so far this year to more than 7,300.

They crossed on foot along a forest trail from New York state to Quebec province, Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen told a news conference. He will travel to Nigeria in the coming days to press the issue.

At Ottawa’s request, US authorities have also recently tightened their visa rules for Nigerians to try to prevent tourists from flying to the US and then hopping across the border to file Canadian refugee claims.

An average of 70-80 migrants per day have been making the trip of late, said Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale.

Nearly 21,000 border jumpers were intercepted by federal police in 2017 and allowed to file a refugee claim.

“Just over 90 percent of irregular migrants do not meet our criteria (for asylum) and they will have to leave Canada,” Garneau said, adding that 200 currently face imminent deportation after their refugee claims were rejected.

The first arrivals in 2016 were mostly Haitians who faced repatriation at the end of US temporary special protections granted after storms battered their desperately poor island nation.

But the wave expanded last year to also include Djiboutian, Eritrean, Nigerian, Pakistani, Sudanese, Syrian, Turkish and Yemeni nationals, among others.

The border jumping started with the election of US President Donald Trump, who promised to expel more than 11 million undocumented migrants.