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Governors to implement Autonomy for State Assemblies, Judiciary in May

Confidence Okwuchi
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The Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF and other Stakeholders have reached agreement on the implementation of financial autonomy for State legislature and the Judiciary.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, Kayode Fayemi said that the implementation will begin in May

Although he did not disclose the details of the agreement reached, he assured the nation that the implementation will start in May.

Fayemi, who is also the governor of Ekiti State, disclosed this in an interview with State House correspondents after a meeting of the technical committee on the matter chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He insisted that state governors were never opposed to legislative and judicial autonomy, saying the governors, the Speakers of Houses of Assembly and the judges are on the same page on the issue.

The governor said, “We just emerged from a meeting with the Solicitor-General of the Federation, the representatives of the judiciary, the representatives of the Conference of Speakers, and House of Representatives and we are on all fours. An agreement has been reached.

“First, the issue is about implementation. There has been no objection from governors on judicial and legislative autonomies. As a matter of fact, it would not have passed if governors were not in support in the first instance, in the state Assemblies.

“So, that issue has been fully and holistically addressed, but we don’t just want to agree to something on paper without working out the modalities for implementation.

“Thankfully, the meeting we have just emerged from, with the Chief of Staff to the President chairing, has worked out the modalities to the satisfaction of all parties.”

On when the implementation will begin, Fayemi said, “As soon as the final document that is being cleaned up emerges, that is preparatory to implementation.

“We are not going to put a timeframe in the air, but it will be implemented as soon as possible, definitely not later than the end of May 2021.”

Governor Fayemi appealed to the striking judiciary workers to return to work in the interest of the nation.

He said calling off their action was important because “as far as this has gone, we have met with all the parties concerned, the President, through the Chief of Staff, has also been seized of this matter and has been monitoring what has been happening.

“I think we are basically at a position where whether you speak to the Conference of Speakers’ chairperson or you speak to me or you speak to the representative of the judiciary or you speak to the Solicitor-General of the Federation, you will hear that we are speaking with one voice on the implementation and not later than May, you will start seeing the implementation of the agreement that we have reached.”

 

NP/Confidence Okwuchi

Covid-19: Nigeria confirms 70 new cases

Mercy Chukwudiebere
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The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, has confirmed 70 new cases of Coronavirus known as Covid-19.

The newest figures have increased the total number of the confirmed cases to 164,303 with 154,384 Discharged and 2, 061 Deaths, since the outbreak of the virus in the counrty.

The NCDC made the confirmation via it’s official Twitter page@ NCDCgov on Monday, 19th April 2021.

The new cases were recorded in 5 States across the country; Lagos 27, Kaduna 16, Ondo 16, Yobe 6 and Bauchi 5.

China police detain 2 staff of fuel trade venture

Oluwasola Akintonde
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Police in China’s southern Guangdong province have detained several people, including two senior staff of a BP Plc joint venture, in connection with an investigation into suspected illicit fuel trading, reports said.

The detentions come after Guangdong, China’s largest fuel consuming province, launched in February an investigation into suspected illicit trading between 2018 and 2020 of light cycle oil (LCO), a refinery by-product widely used to blend into diesel, reports said.

The Guangdong police issued warrants of detention for more than 70 people in the probe, the source, who had direct knowledge of the matter, said. Under Chinese law, detention warrants allow people to be held for up to 37 days for investigations.

The subject of the warrants include two trading managers of BP Guangzhou Oil Products Development Co, said the source with direct knowledge and another person who had been briefed on the matter.

“This looks like a major crackdown led by the Guangdong provincial government,” the first source said.

BP Guangzhou Oil Products Development Co is 40% owned by BP and 60% by local state-run Guangzhou Development Energy Logistics Group Co. Ltd, according to the company website. The company trades fuel and operates storage facilities in the provincial capital Guangzhou.

A senior official with the joint venture said some staff are “assisting the police investigation”, but declined to comment further.

Multiple calls to Guangzhou Development Group (600098.SS) parent of BP’s Chinese partner, went unanswered.

Reports said that LCO imports almost doubled on year to a record of nearly 16 million tonnes in 2020 as traders exploited a tax loophole by importing LCO to blend into diesel.

LCO is an oil product of similar qualities to diesel but is exempted by the Chinese government from the $29 per barrel consumption tax that applies to diesel which makes LCO trades lucrative, reports said.

In 2017, prosecutors in Guangdong charged an employee of Swiss commodity trader Gunvor Group for allegedly smuggling LCO and evading taxes on sales, reports said.

 

Olusola Akintonde/Reuters

COVID-19: Stakeholders donate Molecular testing facility to FCTA

Mosunmola Ore
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Some stakeholders under the umbrella of FCT Ministerial Expert Advisory Committee on COVID-19 has donated a world-class molecular diagnostic laboratory to the FCT Administration, to boost fight against the pandemic and other health challenges in the Territory.

Read Also: NCDC donates Infectious Disease Centre, Molecular laboratory to Taraba State

Speaking at the commissioning and handover of the multi million Naira laboratory project provided by the Committee at the Kubwa General Hospital, FCT Minister, Mallam Muhammad Musa Bello said it’s a vital and welcome intervention in the healthcare sector.

Bello said the modern facility, fully equipped molecular diagnostic laboratory, with the capacity of processing about 400 blood samples per day, will boost testing for COVID-19 in the FCT.

He expressed gratitude to the FCT Advisory Committee under the chairmanship of Dr. Aliyu Modibbo Umar for their enormous contributions to our fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The committee is today bequeathing to the FCT, their legacy project, which is the donation of this molecular diagnostic laboratory here at Kubwa General Hospital.

“It’s to their credit and great work done by our medical personnel and our entire COVID-19 response team that despite the the status of the FCT as an epicenter of COVID-19 in Nigeria, we have recorded relatively low fatalities and met our testing targets.

“We intend to put this laboratory to good and effective use even long after this war against covid19 is won and forgotten, which we pray will not be very long from now.

“We must however, not be complacent despite the low positives, we are currently witnessing as the virus is still very much around”, the Minister stated.

He therefore urged members of the public to seize the opportunity currently provided to get vaccinated, while observing all non-pharmaceutical preventive measures already prescribed.

Similarly, the Minister of State For Health, Adeleke Olorunnimbe Mamora, described the provision of the facility as apt, as it’s one of the most important aspects of medical care, because no one can effectively treat patients without proper diagnosis.

He noted that COVID-19 is a blessing in disguise as several interventions to tackle the pandemic provided opportunity to boost healthcare services.

He however commended the FCTA for its efforts to ensure the defeat of the COVID-19

Earlier, while handing over the facility to the FCT Minister, Chairman of the Advisory Committee, Dr. Aliyu Modibbo Umar, expressed optimism that the laboratory will serve as a trigger for the building and equipping at least one laboratory each in the Area Councils of the FCT in the next five years.

Umar disclosed that the committee suggested to the FCT Administration, to give consideration on how this laboratory along with other existing and future ones, can operate on a sustainable basis.

He added that, “To this effect, we wish to suggest the consideration of the FCTA to explore public private partnership arrangement; or to create a full-fledged FCT Directorate of Laboratory Services, which will report directly to the Permanent Secretary and will have its own line vote in the FCTA annually”.

Fans to return at US Open – USGA

Mercy Chukwudiebere
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The United States Golf Association says a limited number of spectators will be allowed at the men’s and women’s US Open championships taking place in California in June.

USGA official, John Bodenhamer said on Monday that tickets would be available at the US Women’s Open at Olympic Club, San Francisco from June 3-6, and the June 17-20 US Open at Torrey Pines outside San Diego.

“Last year, we missed the energy that fans bring to our US Open championships,” Bodenhamer said in a statement.

He said; “We are grateful to our local and state health and safety officials in California to be in a position to welcome some fans back this year to witness the greatest players in the world contending for these prestigious championships, while working to maintain the health and safety of all involved.”

The USGA did not disclose how many spectators would be allowed at each event.

Covid-19 protocols
Those attending would be required to follow Covid-19 protocols which included mandatory face coverings for fans, staff and volunteers as well as strict social distancing.

Out-of state fans will be required to show proof of vaccination from at least 14 days prior to each tournament.

After being barred from tournaments last year when golf resumed following the Covid-19 shutdown, fans have gradually been returning to events this season.

The Masters was the first major to welcome the return of spectators earlier this month, although fans were barred from the opening women’s major of the season, the ANA Inspiration in Rancho Mirage, California held from April 1-4.

 

AFP/Mercy Chukwudibere

Ebonyi Governor approves school debate and Sports competitions

Mercy Chukwudiebere
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The Ebonyi State  Government has approved the commencement of debate, quiz and sports competitions in all public and private schools in the State.

The Commissioner for Education, Dr Onyebuchi Chima stated this while addressing Journalists in Abakaliki, the State capital,  on the plans of the Ministry to develop every child.

Dr Chima said the school debate, quiz and sports competition would prepare them for a better tomorrow.

” This maiden edition of Governor David Umahi School debate,  quiz and sports competitions are going to be part of the school curriculum. The debate will help our children to speak in public and have self esteem and assurance, ” Mr Chima explained.

The Commissioner said the debate would come in two segments. There would be children of under 16 and above 16 years.

“The essence of the quiz is to engage the children academically, we are going to major in five areas in the quiz;  English, Mathematics, Sciences, Igbo Language and Culture and Current Affairs,” he stated.

The State Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Chief Charles Akpaenika said the school Sports activities has started with inter-house school competition and the best would be selected for final stage at state level.

”At the Primary schools level, there would sporting activities such as football, sack race, athletic, relays, long jump and high jump while in Secondary schools are football, volleyball, basketball, taekwondo, table tennis, wrestling, chest, squabble, badminton, athletic, high jump and long jump,” Akpaenika explained.

He called on parents to encourage their children and wards to fully participate in the State’s programmes to develop themselves.

 

Mercy Chukwudiebere

Kwara Governor to support small and medium scale businesses 

Mercy Chukwudiebere
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The Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq says  his government will encourage small and medium scale businesses and partner with the Standard Organisation of Nigeria, SON to uphold standards.

Governor AbdulRazaq made the remarks on Monday while receiving the Director-General SON, Alhaji Farouk Salim.

He says Manufacturing is an important means of reducing unemployment in Nigeria and Manufacturers should receive more support to make international standard products, thereby boosting exports and creating jobs.

The Governor was represented by his Deputy, Mr Kayode Alabi.

The Director-General, SON, Alhaji Farouk Salim, said he was in the state to launch the organisation’s new multi-million naira office complex and inspect some manufacturing companies in the state.

Alhaji Salim said ‘‘the Standard Organisation of Nigeria would sign a memorandum of understanding with the state government to educate small scale industries on standard products.”

He appealed to the state government to provide supportive infrastructure to manufacturers and other businesses in the state.

 

Mercy Chukwudiebere

Gombe State bans hunting activities

Mercy Chukwudiebere
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The Gombe State Government has banned all hunting activities in  across the State, following violent attacks in Jessu and Nyuwar Districts of Balanga Local Government Area and  subsequent escalation to other parts of the area.

After an emergency Security Meeting , the Commissioner of Information, Mr. Julius Ishaya, said the proclamation meant an end to all hunting activities of any kind henceforth in any part of the state.

“It is prohibited and it is banned. And so, the use of Malaysia Uniform is equally ba  nned. It is not allowed,” Mr. Ishaya said.

He said so far about eight to 12 arrests had been made in connection with the attacks on the two communities.

Mr. Ishaya said the meeting had agreed on the information available, which revealed that the attacks on the communities were not linked to land issues between the Lunguda and Waja tribes as was attributed to earlier, saying ”the issue has already been settled by the Paramount ruler of the Waja Speaking people in Talase.”

The Commissioner of Information recalled that the Balawaja, who resides in Talase, the headquarters of Balanga Local Government Area had agreed and settled the land issue with all parties concerned.

Mr. Ishaya said the casualty level had risen to 20 from the first day of the attack to Sunday, April 18, 2021.

He equally said the Nigerian Military had informed the emergency Security Meeting of its decision to change its rules of engagement in Nyuwar and Jessu to end the violence.

The Gombe State Commissioner of Information said as part of measures to curtail the escalation of the violent attacks in those areas, the meeting had decided by extending the curfew imposed on Jessu, Nyuwar and Yolde to include Sikam, Kilani and Degri,

He also said the meeting resolved that traditional rulers and security agencies had been directed to collaborate and ensure that the perpetrators of the heinous acts were fished out and made to face the full wrath of the law, saying, “Government will not stand by and watch criminals perpetrating violence on innocent people.”

The Emergency Security Meeting in Gombe also directed traditional rulers to continue to engage one another in discussions to solidify the peace building process in place in the area.

While the government pledged to ensure the protection of lives and property, the people were also cautioned to be wary of fake news in the circulation, which was capable of causing a public disturbance.

 

 

Mercy Chukwudiebere

 

 

Mercy Chukwudiebere

Railways: Customs agrees to remove obstructing structure from Apapa Port

Mercy Chukwudiebere
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The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi says Nigeria Customs Service has agreed to demolish the old scanner centre obstructing the laying of tracks into the Apapa port.

Amaechi  said the process would be done within six months.

He disclosed this in Lagos Southwest Nigeria after a technical meeting with stakeholders on ways to resolve the challenges affecting the completion of the third track that leads to Apapa Port.

Temporary alternative route
The Minister said that the decision was reached to create a temporary alternative route inside the port during the period of the demolition.

”We have decided in the meeting that a temporary alternative route be established inside the port while they start demolition, after which the rail track would be laid and also a survey will be done under the water to find out about the cracks. 

“We have also decided that the drainage should be expanded to accommodate more water to reduce the flood on the rail track. There are three tracks, only one track is not able to enter the port which will be resolved. They should be able to remove the customs building in six months,” he said.

Amaechi said that inspite of the delay in completion of the last track, the inauguration would hold as the two tracks that lead to the Apapa port had already been completed.

The Managing Director, Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Fidet Okhiria said that rail transportation system would facilitate easier movement of passengers and goods in the Country.

Okhiria stated that rail need to access the port for ships to load directly to the rail tracks .

The NRC boss said that ”making use of rail to convey containers from the ports would reduce multiple handling of goods as well as decongesting perennial traffic gridlock along the port corridor.”

He noted that freight operation directly from the port would reduce cost of doing business and increase government revenue.

 

 

Mercy Chukwudiebere

Ramadan blessings: President Buhari hosts Nigerien Leader to ‘Iftar’

Mercy Chukwudiebere
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President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday night hosted his counterpart, Mohamed Bazoum, to an Iftar dinner at the State House, to share the blessings of Ramadan while promoting harmony and mutual understanding between neighbouring countries, Nigeria and Niger.

The visiting President and his delegation arrived at 6.45pm on Monday, and he was received by President Buhari at the State House Mosque, where they prayed together before proceeding to the Banquet Hall.

President Muhammadu ( Right) with the Nigerien Leader, Mohamed Bazoum,

President Buhari met the Nigerien leader, who was on his first international trip after inauguration, earlier in the day in his office, and they discussed issues of mutual interest, security and economy.

Some top officials of the Nigerian government at the dinner included; Geoffery Onyeama, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maj. Gen. Bashir Salihi Magashi (Rtd), Minister of Defense and Timipre Silver, Minister of State, Petroleum Resources.

Others were National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Babagana Munguno (Rtd), Director General of National Intelligence Agency, Amb. Ahmed Rufa’i Abubakar and Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

On the entourage of President Bazoum were Senior Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hassoumi Massasou, Deputy Chief of Staff, Djibo Daouda and Nigerien  Ambassador to Nigeria,  Alat Migaskia.

 

Mercy Chukwudiebere

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