The Nigeria Army on Wednesday said it had commenced construction of road network from Alagarno to Sambisa to ease troops operations in mopping up Boko Haram insurgents in the forest.Maj.-Gen. Lucky Irabor, the Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, stated this during a press conference at the Maimalari military cantonment, Maiduguri.

“We have embarked on roads construction within the Sambisa forest to open up the area and also ease our operations within the theater. “Construction of the roads will assist fighting troops in their effort to mop up the Boko Haram insurgents from their hideouts,” Irabor said. He called on individuals and corporate organisations to support the military as government alone could not do everything.

Irabor said construction of roads was essential to reviving the economic development of the North-East. “I also urge the general public to continue to support the military in the North-East through provision of useful information and not to follow the ways of some media outfits who are bent on bringing down the military,” the commander said.(NAN)

Source: http://nigerianewstoday.com.ng/nigerian-army-begins-road-construction-inside-sambisa-to-ease-operations/

The Federal Government has approved a new policy on whistle blowing that aims to encourage Nigerians to report financial and other related crimes to relevant authorities.

The highlight of the policy is that whistleblowers whose revelations lead to recovery of money will be entitled to as much as 5 per cent of the recovered sum.The new policy was approved Wednesday at the meeting of the Federal Executive Council , chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari inside the Council Chamber of the Aso Rock Villa.

The Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, who announced the new policy to State House correspondents, said it is being put in place “in conjunction with the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice”.

She said the policy is a stop gap initiative until the National Assembly formally passes a law on whistle blowing.

She said the new programme encourages Nigerians with information on financial crimes to disclose it.
She said the aim is to strengthen the fight against corruption by the Buhari administration.

She said anyone who provides information leading to the recovery of fund will be entitled to not more than five per cent of the recovered sum.
Ms. Adeosun said the government will set up a website and provide a phone number and email for people to use.

She said anonymity and protection of whistleblowers will also be guaranteed.

Source: http://nigerianewstoday.com.ng/new-whistle-blowing-policy-nigerians-to-make-money-when-they-expose-corruption/

Here are 7 ways you can be madly in love with your husband too.

1. Look at him
Slow down and really look at him each day. Let him catch you staring. Drop everything you’re doing to give him a kiss. Watch him spend time with your children. See how hard he works for your family. Notice things he’s doing right. Glance over things he’s doing wrong. Study his features. Pay attention to the blessings he brings into your life. Gaze at him lovingly as he tucks your child into bed. Review your life together and imagine it without him. Peek into your future and see how incredible life is to come.
2. Listen to him
Be engaged when he tells you about his day. Take notice when he’s frustrated. Listen when he tells you he needs space. Be attentive when he says he needs you more. Hear his voice as he reads to your toddler. Eavesdrop when he’s discussing video games with your teenager. Take advice when he’s giving it to you. Hang on his words when he tells you you’re beautiful. Believe him when he expresses his love.

3. Fight with him
Don’t be afraid to argue with your husband. Disagreements can lead to understanding. They can bring couples closer together. An occasional squabble doesn’t mean your marriage is doomed. It’s healthy and important for a strong marriage. Learn how to fight fair. Keep things civil and keep your voices down. Never let your arguments last long or become too intense. Don’t forget, the most important part of fighting is making up.

4. Compliment him
Tell your husband specific things you love about him. Thank him for making the bed or taking out the trash. Praise him for handling an argument with your children. Commend him for working hard around the house. Show him admiration when he goes the extra mile at work or for a neighbor. Compliment his new shirt, haircut or shoes.

5. Confide in him
Your husband must be your ultimate confidant. Confess to him when you’re feeling lonely, sad or distant from him. Admit when you’re not happy or something is bothering you. Tell him your frustrations. Reveal your secrets to him. Let him in on your friends secrets. Opening up to your husband is crucial for happiness in marriage. Never be afraid to unload your innermost feelings on him.

6. Never give up on him
He may say something stupid and do something even stupider, but you must not give up on him. Walking away can’t be an option. When you commit to marriage you commit to your partner 100%. You must be his most loyal companion. Be a staunch advocate for your husband to his face and behind his back.

7. Show him you love him
Hug him, kiss him and be intimate with him often. Learn his love language. Discover how your husband wants to be loved. Give him praise, gifts, touch or time. Make an effort every day to show your husband you still love him.

Source: http://nignews.com.ng/7-ways-you-can-stay-madly-in-love-with-your-husband/

Osun Government is to offer free train service during the Christmas and the New Year for its citizens who will be coming home from Lagos. Mr Semiu Okanlawon, Media Aide to Gov. Rauf Aregbesola said this in a statement on Wednesday in Osogbo.

Okanlawon said that the train would leave Lagos to Osogbo by 11a.m. on Dec. 24 for the Christmas celebration and return to Lagos on Dec. 27 by 11a.m. respectively.For the New Year celebration, Okanlawon said the train would leave Lagos for Osogbo on Dec. 31 by 11a.m. and return to Osogbo on Jan. 2, 2017 by 11a.m. He said the essence of the free train ride was to lessen the financial burden of Osun indigenes in the area of transportation during the yuletide.

“The free train ride is in line with the Rauf Aregbesola administration’s tradition of facilitating convenient movement of its citizen in and out of the state during festive seasons. “Government is extending this welfare gesture to residents in spite of financial hardship being faced by different governments of the federation, ‘’the media aide said. He enjoined indigenes of the state to maximise the opportunity of the free train.

Source: http://nignews.com.ng/osun-offers-free-train-service-for-xmas-new-year-celebration/

Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State said, yesterday, that he will soon appoint 6,000 more aides and create 50,000 jobs in January 2017 for youths of the state to expand governance and put food on the table of everyone in the state and ensure that no one goes to bed in an empty stomach. Governor Ayade, who spoke at U J Esuene Stadium during a reception in his honour after the December 9 Supreme Court victory on a case of perjury brought against him by Mr Joe Agi, SAN, a co-contestant in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, primaries in December 2014.

He said, “I am appreciative of all the support given me by the women of the state and the youths and in this light, I will ever remain grateful. To ensure that nobody goes to sleep in an empty stomach, I shall appoint 6,000 more aides, create 3,000 jobs for the youths and in January 2017, create 50,000 jobs to make sure nobody in the state is unemployed.”Ayade who announced a donation of N50 million to the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, and N30m to the Muslim community in the state, said it was God who removed shame from him by giving him victory at the Supreme Court.

“I kept asking myself why me and if I said I truly believe in God, why should I be put to shame? But as it turned out, it is only God who has the glory and nobody else, not even the Supreme Court.” The governor said that the victory has given him more verve to more towards the transformation of the state and hence, he would be dressing in jean and t-shirt while he traverses the state to inaugurate more projects and programmes for the people.

“I should say it without mincing words that if you come here in 2019, you will not recognise that this was not the Cross River State you used to know because I shall carry out a complete transformation of the state.” He extended an olive branch to his opponent, Mr Joe Agi to sheathe the sword and join him along with his group in working for the state because there was a lot of work to be done.

Source: http://nigerianewstoday.com.ng/governor-ayade-to-appoint-6000-more-aides/

In a bid to tackle kidnapping in schools, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has disclosed that the state government is recruiting military trained personnel as guards for public schools in the state.

The move, according to Ambode yesterday, was to strengthen security in public primary and secondary schools in Lagos State.
5, 000 youths from the 57 Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas, LCDA, have been trained in military tactics and formations. The governor disclosed this while reacting to the plea by the Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Colonel Fola Akande (retd) at the launching of the 2017 Armed Forces remembrance emblem Appeal, themed ‘Appreciating the resilience of the Armed Forces,’ held at the banquet hall of the Lagos House, Ikeja.
Though he didn’t disclose the number of personnels to be employed, but said “As part of keeping the public schools safe, we will engage majority of these trained young men.” Within this year, two kidnap cases were recorded in schools located in eastern part of the state.
Ambode noted that the state government would also increase the donation to the Nigerian legion, which was often used to cater for widows of falling soldiers, aged military officers and others, to N5 million and that two Hilux Van, will be donated to the legion for surveillance.
The governor, however, urged residents of Lagos to donate generously in the remembrance of the fallen and for the welfare of their widows, especially during this Yuletide season. Earlier, Akande disclosed to Vanguard that 5, 000 youths have been trained on military formations, to provide adequate security within the state. He said: “We have trained able-bodied young men and women for six months on security duties.
The training is completed and the trainees are waiting for deployment to schools across the state.” On the fund, the chairman explained that the money donated last year by the state government was used to procure bags of rice, textile materials and others items for the widows and aged military officers in the state.

Source: http://nignews.com.ng/kidnapping-lagos-recruits-military-trained-guards-for-schools/

The Managing Director of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, NDIC, Umaru Ibrahim, has said there is nothing else the agency could do except to offer prayers for the victims of the recently crashed Mavrodi Mundial Movement, MMM.
The MMM had last week suspended its window in Nigeria due to what it called ‘heavy workload on the system’is.

Ibrahim who spoke to Journalists over the weekend at the Workshop for Business Editors and Finance Correspondents in Kaduna said the Corporation would not relent in calling on Nigerians, sensitising and enlightening them on the dangers of patronising wonder banks.He said beside the MMM case, there were some new cases of the emergence of the wonder banks in recent times in places like Enugu, Kaduna and Plateau states.

“For us, we already told Nigerians that MMM is not recognised, it is illegal, but some insisted that it is legal, all hands must be on deck to educate the public, today is MMM, tomorrow it could be YYY”, he said.

Source: http://nignews.com.ng/the-only-thing-we-can-do-for-mmm-victims-ndic/

Nigeria will represent Africa at the 2017 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Bahamas, after they crushed Morocco 6-1 in the semi-finals of the 2016 CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday.

Abu Azeez scored twice for the Sand Eagles, while Emmanuel Owhoferia, Suleiman Ogodo and Emeka Ogbona also scored for the hosts, as they clinched an easy win against Mustapha El Hadaoui’s team.

Sami Lazal got the only goal for the North Africans.Nigeria has participated in four Beach World Cups, with their best performances coming in the 2007 and 2011 editions, when they reached the quarter-finals.

They will now play Senegal in the final of the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday, today.

Source: http://nignews.com.ng/nigeria-beats-morrocco-qualifies-for-beach-soccer-world-cup/

The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, says he is happy that he was inside the collapsed church building in his state which claimed many lives and injured several others last week.
The governor said his presence and personal intervention helped in effective rescue operation.

“The footsteps of the righteous are ordered by God,” Mr. Emmanuel told thousands of worshipers who gathered, Saturday night, in the Uyo Township Stadium for the state-sponsored Christmas Carol festival.

“He took me there to save lives.”
At least 27 people lost their lives, while 37 were injured, according to the police, when an uncompleted building housing the Reigners Bible Church, Uyo, collapsed during a ceremony to enthrone the church founder, Akan Weeks, as a bishop.
One minute silence was observed, during the carol night, in honour of all those who lost their lives in the church building collapse.
“I believe that if I were not there to personally supervise the rescue efforts and mobilise the best possible network of medical experts and rescue workers, the casualties would have been a lot more,” Mr. Emmanuel said, while declaring the carol night open.

Mr. Emmanuel said he wasn’t elected governor to share only in the joy of the people, but to also share in their pains and agony.

“We are all in the same boat.

“I share that grievous pain with everyone on that Black Saturday inside that church. My heart would bleed forever as I recollect the harrowing scene,” the governor said.

Mr. Emmanuel thanked President Muhammadu Buhari and other national leaders for showing solidarity with the state during the incident.

“We will all recover from this tragedy and march on to greatness,” the governor said.
The state government has since set up a panel to investigate the cause of the collapse.

Source: http://nignews.com.ng/akwa-ibom-governor-happy-he-was-inside-collapsed-church-building-that-killed-dozens/

The Ebonyi Police Command has confirmed the crushing of a skater by an articulated vehicle in Abakaliki, on Friday evening.

Mr Jude Madu, the state’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), confirmed the accident on Saturday, noting that investigations into it had begun.

According to him, the deceased had been identified and more information on the accident would be released next week.“The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the area where the accident occurred will give us more details on Monday to assist us in the investigations.

“We assure the public that we will get to the root of the matter and ensure that such does not recur,’’ he said. A witness, Mr Paul Okofia, told NAN that the accident occurred at about 6 p.m. on Friday at the NEPA Junction area of the Old Abakalik-Enugu road.

“The skater aged about 25, held the edge of an articulated vehicle which was on top speed as has been the practice among skaters who have besieged the town recently.

“His hands apparently slipped from the vehicle which made him to fall instantly and was tragically crushed by the rear tyre of the speeding articulated vehicle,’’ he said.

He remarked that the incident caused pandemonium in the area and disrupted free-flow of traffic for several hours along the busy road.

“Women, especially, wailed on beholding the mangled body of the young skater as those who claimed to know him said that he had been warned repeatedly by his parents to desist from practicing the sport on express roads.

“A mob gathered to set the articulated vehicle aflame but the police quickly intervened and brought the situation under control.

“The corpse was eventually evacuated to a mortuary in the town as security agencies restored normal flow of traffic along the road,’’ he said.

Mrs Eugenia Umeh, a youth activist, regretted the incident and called for stringent measures by the government to stop youths from skating on the roads in the state.

“The State House of Assembly should immediately pass a law prohibiting such practices while parents and other stakeholders should enlighten youths on the dangers of skating on the roads.

“The deceased has brought untold anguish and pains to his parents and relations as this should serve as a lesson to others to desist from such practices,’’ she said.

Source: http://nigerianewstoday.com.ng/skater-crushed-by-trailer-in-abakaliki/

The Federation Accounts Allocation Committee has allocated a total of N386.9bn to the three tiers of government for the month of November.

The amount, when compared to the N420bn distributed in October, represents a decline of N33.1bn.
Addressing journalists shortly after the meeting, the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, represented by the Accountant General of the Federation, Idris Ahmed,attributed the decline to a drop in crude oil export by 0.34 million barrels per day during the period under review.

The breakdown as follows:

– The Federal Government received N97.9bn, representing 52.68 per cent of the total available for sharing;

– The states got N49.6bn, representing 26.72 per cent; while

– Local governments received N38.2bn or 20.60 per cent of the amount distributed.

Source: http://nigerianewstoday.com.ng/fg-states-lgs-shared-n386bn-allocation-for-november/

The Buhari Youth Organisation (BYO), Lagos State Chapter has called on the Senate to rescind its decision on Mr Ibrahim Magu, acting Chairman of Economic and Financial Crime Commission.

The organisation said that Magu had not been charged and found guilty as charged in any reputable court of law.
Mr AbdulWaheed Odunuga, State Coordinator of BYO said in Lagos on Saturday that it was unimaginable that the Senate found it difficult to confirm Magu’s appointment.

”It is disappointing to see the Nigeria Senate finding it difficult to confirm the appointment of Magu, who has been acting in the same capacity for the past 13 months.

”It is not right that the Senate is only acting on a clandestine security report that has yet to be filed for necessary litigation.

”We are calling on the Senate to rescind its decision until Magu is found guilty as charged in the reputable court of law.

”Otherwise, they should act in line with the same motion that kept the Senate President, Sen. Bukola Saraki as the leader of the Senate, despite being tried in the Code of Conduct Tribunal, ” he said.

Odunuga said that the agency under the leadership of the nominated chairman had been adding value to the 2017 Budget through the recovery of funds.

According to him, this act alone should have earned him a national recognition rather than rejection fueled by tutelage.

He said that the youth organisation would not fold its arms and let fears for good governance and corruption cripple the country any further.

“We are also using this medium to call the attention of National Assembly to the proposed bill for Special Court for Corruption for prompt passage.

“The court will aid quick recovery of more disputable looted funds to resuscitate the nation’s economy, ” he said.

Source: http://nigerianewstoday.com.ng/its-disappointing-senate-cant-confirm-magu/

Nigeria’s male barbie doll and popular social media sensation, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, has subtly owned up to what may be his real sexuality.

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Bobrisky, whose sexuality is shrouded in controversy on Wednesday posted a video on SnapChat, in which he lauded his own cooking skills while frying egg.

“Don’t try me i was trained by my mum, we snatch husband when we want to. Name it is it by food, sex, fashion. Don’t try Bobrisky,” he wrote on SnapChat.

The controversial cross-dresser who recently charged £20 for a meet and greet event he organised in London also boasted that he has sex moves that could steal anybody’s man.

On several occasions, Bobrisky has denied vehemently the rumors of being gay. One of his denials had attracted a comment from an openly gay Nigerian, Bisi Alimi. Alimi called out Bobrisky for anti same sex prohibition law 2013, saying his comments have damaging effects on the LGBT community. Bobrisky later apologised.

The owner of Club Uno, Pretty Mike who was rumored to be Bobrisky’s partner also came out publicly last week to deny any such relationship. Pretty Mike cautioned Nigerians to desist from speculating on the cross-dressers sexuality.

Source: http://nigerianewsnow.com.ng/2016/12/16/i-am-trained-to-snatch-husbands-nigerias-male-barbie-doll-bobrisky-warns/

The Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Corruption, Professor Itse Sagay, has said Ibrahim Magu’s appointment will be renewed whether he is confirmed or not.

Mr. Magu is the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. The Senate on Thursday refused to confirm his appointment after leaving the matter pending for five months.In a wide-ranging interview published in the current edition of The Interview, Mr. Sagay said, “whether they like it or not, he (Magu) will be there. His chairmanship will keep on being renewed.

“Since Nuhu Ribadu left, we have not had a man with such sterling qualities as Ibrahim Magu and whether they like it or not, Magu will be there until he completes his term under the law.”
The EFCC chairman has a four-year tenure. From the EFCC Act, non-confirmation does not impair his duties.

A statement by the MD/Editor-In-Chief, Azu Ishiekwene, described the edition as “arguably the best kept secret in the anti-corruption war.”
The Senate said it would not confirm Mr. Magu based on “security reports.”
No details were given.

In the interview conducted before Thursday’s confirmation hearing, Mr. Sagay said Mr. Magu’s delayed confirmation was “corruption fighting back.”

Also speaking on corruption in the judiciary, he said what retiring chief justices collect off the books is “frightening and totally unrelated to what the judiciary is entitled to.”

The National Judicial Council recently suspended seven justices of the Supreme Court on allegations of corruption and two of them have so far been arraigned.

Investigations by The Interview, which Mr. Sagay neither confirmed nor denied, indicated that the NJC pays retiring justices up to N800m in cash and provides a house valued at N500m, off the books.

The practice started around 2010 and virtually all retired CJs have benefited from it.
“Something very serious is happening there,” Sagay said. “Those rumours have some basis.”

He also spoke on the acting appointment of the current Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen; the perpetual injunction from arrest or investigation granted to former Rivers State Governor, Peter Odili; his relationship with Transport Minister, Rotimi Amaechi; and President Muhammadu Buhari’s fight against corruption.

In the edition also, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Financial Crimes, Kayode Oladele, said the wrong public perception of lawmakers was based on insufficient information, saying there were victims of public ignorance.

He spoke on the future of the fight against corruption and the efforts of his committee to restore Nigeria as a full member of the Financial Action Task Force.

The end-of-year edition also contained some of the inside story in the making of Daily Trust newspapers by its former Managing Director, Isiaq Ajibola, and an interview with the current African champion of table tennis, Funke Oshonaike.

Source: http://nigerianewsnow.com.ng/2016/12/16/magu-will-be-there-whether-they-like-it-or-not-itse-sagay/

The Federal Government on Thursday said the present administration was not responsible for the current economic situation which is impoverishing Nigerians.

The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udo Udoma, said this while answering reporters’ questions after the last meeting of the National Economic Council for the year at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.Udoma’s position was corroborated by the Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, who said any Nigerian accusing the present government of impoverishing the citizens was not being charitable.

They had earlier briefed journalists on the outcome of the meeting presided over by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo during which members did an overview of the key policy actions undertaken by the states and federal governments to address the economic challenges facing the nation.

Udoma said rather than being responsible for the country’s problems, the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari was on a rescue mission.

The challenges notwithstanding, he said, the government would not spend its time looking backwards.

He said the present administration was determined to change things in the country.

The minister said, “We did not create and are not responsible for the current economic situation we find ourselves. We are actually a rescue team, a team working on rescuing Nigeria from the position we find ourselves in.

“Under President Muhammadu Buhari, we are determined to take Nigeria out of the situation. The situation started long before we came.

“As you know, oil price started falling from 2014 when it was about $110 and by January this year, it was below $30. Unfortunately, they did not save.

“None of us here now was there but we are not going to spend our time looking backwards, we are determined to change things in this country.

“We are determined to take Nigeria from a consuming nation to a producing nation. That is why we are developing the economy recovery and growth plan and that is our focus. We are committed to success.”

Corroborating the minister’s position, El-Rufai said the governance structure inherited by the present administration was based on the assumption that oil price would remain at $100 per barrel.

The governor also accused past administrations after former President Olusegun Obasanjo of allegedly wasting the savings they inherited from Obasanjo as well as government’s earnings during their tenure.

El-Rufai said, “When people say that this administration has impoverished them, they are not being charitable because I have said we inherited a governmental structure that was based on the assumption that the price of oil will remain $100 per barrel.

“By the time we took over, prices reduced to as low as $26 per barrel. Eighty per cent of government revenue depends on the price of oil and the quantity of oil sold.”

“You must expect a cut in your consumption if the price collapses. If in your own household, your salary is slashed by 80 per cent, what will you do?

“This is what Nigeria is going through. Our revenues have collapsed by about 40 per cent to 60 per cent if you compare it to say 2014.

“This collapse happened because there is a reduction in price of oil. Secondly, we were producing over two million barrels of oil per day but because of the situation in the Niger Delta, we are now producing about 1.1million barrels per day.

“It is therefore inevitable that there will be cut and pain. But to say that it is government that is doing it without referring to the cause is not fair.

“When I left government as minister in 2007, we left $40bn in reserves and $27bn in the Excess Crude Account, that was what we handed over to Yar’Adua.”

To check the disruption in oil production as a result of the renewed militancy in the Niger Delta, El-Rufai said the governors had resolved to set up a committee that would work with the Federal Government to resolve the issue.

He said Osinbajo told the governors that the Federal Government was willing to address the problem.

The governor also said he presented a paper titled “Doing More With Less” to the council in which he called on his colleagues to reduce cost and size of government.

He said he also advised that the budget reforms being done at the national level should be replicated at state and local government levels..

The governor said the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, also made a presentation on Fiscal Roadmap for 2017.

Source: http://nigerianewsnow.com.ng/2016/12/16/buharis-govt-not-responsible-for-nigerias-woes-el-rufai-udoma/

The West Africa Examinations Council WAEC, has announced that it will soon start conducting its General Certificate Examination, GCE, twice every year in Nigeria.
Speaking in Ghana at a high-powered meeting, the council Registrar, Dr Iyi Uwadiae, said, “The West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination for private candidates known as the November/December diet for private candidates will now be conducted in January/February and August/September.’’

“This development, however, does not affect that of the school candidates, popularly called May/June.“That one remains once a year for all school candidates.”

He explained that administering the WASSCE for private candidates twice a year was part of the projections of the council in 2017.

Source: http://nignews.com.ng/waec-sets-to-conduct-gce-twice-in-a-year/

There will be no mass burial for the victims of last Saturday’s Reigners Bible International Church building collapse in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, the government assured yesterday.The government said those whose negligence caused the collapse would be punished.

Twenty-six worshippers died and 218 others were injured when the building collapsed during the consecration service of Apostle Akan Weeks, the head of the church, as bishop.

The structure came down on the congregation and guests including Governor Udom Emmanuel.

Health Commissioner Dominic Ukpong said at the Government House in Uyo that bodies of the victims would be released to their family members after the conclusion of investigations by the police.

Dr.Ukpong said: “Government has no intention to do mass burial for the dead victims. The corpses will all be released as soon as the police conclude its investigation. It is our responsibility to ensure that we release these bodies to members of their families.”

The commissioner said that 26 people died in the building collapse. 186 in-patients and 50 out-patients were being treated in 10 hospitals (public and private) across the state.

According to him, there were few unreconciled cases of not more than three persons, promising that the figures would be reconciled as soon as possible.

He said: “26 total deaths were recorded (reconciling three); total in-patients are 168 and total out-patients are 50.

“Ten hospitals have the following patients: University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), 28; Ibom Specialist Hospital, Uyo (70) Sifon Clinic (nine); Lifecare clinic (24); Premiers Clinic (nine); St Lukes Hospital (22); Gateway Medical Centre (two); Uwah Mfon Clinic (one); First Line Clinic (one) and Alma Clinic & Surgery (two).”

With Ukpong at the briefing were Commissioner for Works Ephraim Inyang-Eyen; Attorney-General & Commissioner for Justice, Uwemedimo Nwoko; Special Assistant to the Governor on Protocol Mr. Ralph Edem; Senior Special Assistant to the Govenor on Medicals Dr. Ignatius Akpabio and Police Public Relations Officer Cordelia Nwawe, an Assitant Superintendent of Police (ASP).

Reading a prepared statement after the news briefing, Edem, who represented the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Ekerete Udoh, said the panel of enquiry set up by the government to examine the incident had begun its work.

Source: http://nignews.com.ng/collapsed-church-26-dead-218-injured-akwa-ibom-govt/

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has accused a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Bala Mohammed, of diverting internally generated revenue while in office and acting as a front for Mrs. Patience Jonathan, the wife of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.

A detective in the EFCC, while speaking with our correspondent, alleged Mohammed became very close to the Jonathan family in 2009 after he called for the adoption of the doctrine of necessity when the then President Umaru Yar’Adua was critically ill and unable to perform his functions as President.It was through this process that Yar’Adua was declared incapacitated and paved the way for the then Vice-President Jonathan to become the acting President and later President.

As FCT minister, Mohammed revoked the 1.84 hectares of land allocated to Yar’Adua’s wife, which was meant for her organisation, Women and Youth Empowerment Foundation.

The ex-minister then allocated the land to Patience for the construction of African First Ladies’ Peace Mission’s secretariat, stating that the move was in the interest of the public.

An FCT High Court, however, described the land grab as illegal and returned it to Mrs. Yar’Adua.

A source at the EFCC, however, said there was evidence to show that the ex-minister had given other plots of land to Patience in a similar fashion.

“We have evidence to show that Bala Mohammed was a front for Patience Jonathan. He abused his position and used it to allocate land to her as well. Patience has several business interests in Abuja, including a hotel,” a source stated.

Patience has since written a petition to the House of Representatives, accusing the EFCC of harassing her and her associates.

In an interview with journalists in 2015, the ex-minister denied abusing his office, stating that he was loyal to the Jonathan family and was only helping Patience with her African First Ladies’ Peace Mission’s project by providing her with free land.

He had said, “People say all sorts of things about my family: that I have stolen so and so billions; I have given plots of land to the first lady. People are always insinuating that the first lady has so much in the FCT and they are all lies.

“Most people talk this way because they want to see a situation to cause friction; an example is what happened with our support of the First Lady Mission.

“It is an African Union initiative. It is not personal to the first lady, it is a global initiative, but some highly-placed Nigerians were insinuating that we were taking FCT resources to service the first lady. It is not so.”

Mohammed has been in EFCC custody for six weeks and is accused of entering into some controversial land deals, as well as giving some landed properties to his cronies for the construction of malls.

Source: http://nigerianewstoday.com.ng/efcc-accuses-ex-fct-minister-of-fronting-for-patience-jonathan/

If you’ve been agonising over what to get your girlfriend, sister or the special ladies in your life for Christmas, we’re here to help!

Check out these Christmas gift ideas for the women in your life.

1. Makeup
If she loves getting her face beat, she’d thank you for the gift!

2. Weave/Wigs
Make her life easier and get her a weave or wig. You can ask her what she’d like so you know exactly what to get.

3. Heels
Just because heels are awesome and every girl loves new shoes.

4. New clothes
You can get her that outfit she’s been talking about. She’d love you for it.

5. Organic skincare products
Help her skin glow and get her awesome organic skincare products

6. Journal
If she loves to write or likes really fancy notebooks, you can’t go wrong with a journal.

7. Novel
If she loves to read you can get her a few books too.

8. Perfume
If you get her a great scent, she’d remember you each time she sprays it.

9. Jewellery
Ladies love to accessorise. She’d definitely appreciate some nice jewellery.

10. Handbag
If you get her a nice tote that she can fit all her essentials into, you have her heart.

Source: http://nigerianewsnow.com.ng/2016/12/14/10-christmas-gift-ideas-for-the-woman-in-your-life/

President Muhammadu Buhari has assured that the 2017 Budget proposal he will lay before the National Assembly on Wednesday will take Nigeria out of the woods to the path of growth.He urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the ability of his administration to deliver on its promises.

The promise was contained in the President’s 2016 Eid-El- Maulud message to the nation he personally signed.

He said: “As we use the memorable occasion of this celebration to reflect on our current challenges, I urge you not to lose faith in the ability of this administration to make a difference in the lives of our people.

“The reality of the temporary challenges should not undermine our hope, reverse our collective will to succeed, or divide us; rather it should remind us of why we need to stay together, fight together and succeed together.

“We all share a vision of a better Nigeria, and we will all share in the responsibility of building the country of our dreams.

“As we look forward to 2017 with hope and huge expectations, let me assure you that with collective dedication and hard work, we will overcome the mountain of economic difficulties, and return our country to the path of prosperity.

“The 2017 Budget proposals which I will lay before the National Assembly on Wednesday, will contain measures that we are confident will get the nation out of its economic woods.” He stated

He said that the Eid-El- Maulud celebration is offering another opportunity for Nigerians to pause and reflect on the current realities before the nation.

The President wished all Muslims a happy and memorable celebration, which marks the birth of Prophet Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him).

According to him, the nation has gained immensely through the Prophet’s teachings, particularly on peaceful living, tolerance, sobriety, generosity, sacrifice and honesty, and wisdom.

“The universal truths of the Prophet’s values remain unchanged. Against all odds, we have used these pillars of strength in securing a just and fair society, and our efforts are beginning to yield dividends in curbing terrorism, militancy, corruption and other crimes that devalue our humanity,” he said.

Source: http://nigerianewstoday.com.ng/2017-budget-will-take-nigeria-out-of-the-woods-president-buhari/

The Nigeria Police Force said that DSP Promise Nwosu, the Chief Security Officer (CSO) to Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, was redeployed as a result of his involvement in gross professional misconduct and apparent partisanship.

The Rivers State Government had earlier raised the alarm of plot to assassinate Governor Wike following the removal of the CSO.A press release issued on Wednesday, December 7th and signed by Force Public Relations Officer, spokesperson, DCP Don Awunah, said the redeployment must not be misinterpreted” as the Police Force must not be drawn to direct partisan politics and acts that are inimical to peace and public order.”

The Nigeria Police Force have observed the innuendos, distortion of facts and wild allegations peddled in the mass media following the redeployment of the Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the Governor of Rivers State, DSP Promise Nwosu, as a result of gross professional misconduct.
It will be recalled that on 17th November, 2016 during peaceful demonstrations of an opposition party in the state, All Progressive Congress (APC), the Chief Security Officer to the governor, DSP Promise Nwosu was found among the protesting party faithfuls in a manner prejudicial to discipline and displaying conduct unexpected of an officer of his calibre and office.

In the course of monitoring the public protest, an Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations in Rivers State observed the presence of the CSO among the protesting partisan crowd as illegal, unlawful and outside prescribed schedule of the duties of a CSO.

The active presence of the CSO to the governor in a partisan crowd of an opposition party to the governor in a clandestine and suspicious manner was considered mischievous and detrimental to the security of the state and public order and also contrary to his oath of office which constitute an offence against discipline.

The CSO to the governor, when challenged by a superior officer demonstrated brazen indiscipline and showed disrespect to the senior officer, exhibiting conduct that violates all known norms of the force.
Accordingly, the CSO was officially queried for discreditable conduct, insubordination, engaging in partisan political activities, illegal duty and act unbecoming of a public officer.
As a result of such gross misconduct and apparent partisanship, the IGP ordered the redeployment of the CSO pending further disciplinary action. To this end, the IGP has also constituted an investigative inquiry into the officer’s open engagement in political activities, disrespect to senior officers and unethical practices.

It is absolutely imperative the Police and police officers are insulated from partisan politics. The IGP therefore warn all police officers in any capacity to desist from acts that portray the force in a bad light and question the integrity of the personnel.

In addition, any police officer, especially CSOs, Aides-de-Camp (ADCs), and orderlies attached to political officer holders or senior government officials who engages in activities outside the official schedule will be removed and made to face severe disciplinary action.

It instructive to maintain that the redeployment of the CSO to Governor Wike must not be misconstrued or misinterpreted as it is widely reported in the media. The Police Force must not be drawn to direct partisan politics and acts that are inimical to peace and public order.
The Governor as Chief Security Officer of the state is at liberty to select any officer of his choice from the strength of the command to serve as his CSO but under no circumstance should any officer abandon the security of his principal and legitimate duties to engage in direct partisan politics or conversely should any political office holder use police officers attached to them for political machinations.

Source: http://nigerianewstoday.com.ng/nigeria-police-confirm-the-redeployment-of-gov-wikes-chief-security-officer/

An Ilorin Magistrate Court on Thursday remanded a 27-year-old man, Amusa Olatunji, for allegedly forging a military identity card.

The Prosecuting Police, Insp. Nasiru Yusuf, told the court that the accused, on Nov.1, presented himself as an Air force Officer to the Divisional Police Officer at Oke-Ode in Irepodun Local Government area of Kwara.According to him, when the DPO suspected the genuineness of the identity card, Olatunji brandished a dagger and threatened to stab any policeman that came close to him.

He said that the accused was arraigned on a three-count charge of criminal Intimidation, false impersonation and forgery Contrary to Section 397, 179 and 364 of the Penal Code Law.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

The prosecutor objected to bail of the accused on grounds that the offences were not bailable.

Magistrate Abdullahi Hassan ordered that the accused be remanded at Okekura Prison, Ilorin, and adjourned the case till Dec. 14, for further mention.

(NAN)

Source: http://nigerianewstoday.com.ng/court-remands-fake-military-man-for-forgery/

Wife of the President, Aisha Buhari, has said that she has not received any gift from anyone since becoming the President’s wife.

Mrs. Buhari, who spoke at the unveiling of a new campaign against graft tagged, “Women Against Corruption” in Abuja, today, said that she did not also intend to collect gifts as the wife of the president even in the future.“People have been trying to bring some gift items to me but I have not been collecting them. Right from when I was campaigning with the Wife of the Vice President for our husbands, we did not take a dime from anyone and we have continued like that till today.

“I have never collected any gift and I am not ready to do so even in the future,” she said, and received thunderous applause from the audience made up of top government officials, outstanding Nigerians women and businessmen.
Details coming….

Source: http://nigerianewstoday.com.ng/please-i-dont-accept-gifts-aisha-buhari-tells-nigerians/

The Peoples Democratic Party has given reasons why the Ekiti state governor Ayodele Fayose will never join the ruling party, All Progressives Congress. A statement by the Ekiti state chapter of the PDP said it is unfortunate that the APC believes the governor will register as a member of the ruling party. Below are the four reasons given by the PDP

1. No reasonable Nigerian will take such decision

The Ekiti state PDP said following the difficulties and harsh conditions experienced by Nigerian within a short period under APC leadership, no reasonable individual will want to join APC.

2. Joining APC from PDP is like jumping from land to a dangerous sea

The statement released by the national publicity secretary of the Ekiti state PDP Jackson Adebayo said the statement credited to the APC is an indication that the ruling party cannot be separated from the level of intelligence of those who sprang up the propaganda in the first instance. He said the APC has confirmed that its handlers have been sold into the delusional mentality hence they don’t know how well to promote their party again.

3 Fayose lacks the characteristics of an APC member

Adebayo in his statement noted that the governor does not posses the characteristic of an average APC person. He said the political strategy of APC members is only propaganda and their economic innovation is recession and depression.

4 It is suicidal to join APC

The Ekiti PDP spokesperson said it will be suicidal for the governor to join the APC. He said it is only a politician who wants to commit suicide that will deliberately join the ‘dying’ party.



SOURCE: http://thesummary.com.ng/index.php/news-categories/politics/item/9004-see-4-reasons-why-governor-ayo-fayose-will-never-join-apc

Jesus Christ Will Return To Destroy The Earth This Month – Christian Expert (See Video Proof)


Nora Roth, a Christian computer programmer and a conspiracy theorist, has conducted a research that shows the apocalypse will occur by the end of this year. Nora Roth, performed complex calculations using an excerpt from the Bible's Book of Daniel and came to the following conclusions in her work titled "2016 The Time of the End": In the fall [autumn] of 2016, the 6,000 years of sin on earth will come to an end, everlasting righteousness will be brought in, and Jesus will come again to take His people to heaven. Then the Earth will begin its 1,000 years of rest."

The mentioned excerpt tells the story of the Jewish people's forced relocation to Babylon, where Gabriel says that "Seventy sevens are decreed […] to put an end to sin." The programmer believes that 'sevens' refers to a Jubilee cycle, which is a unit of time that consists of seven of the larger units, followed by a year of rest – a total of 50 years. Referring to the Bible's instructions about the working week comprising six days, with a rest day on Sunday, she recalls that God "told the children of Israel to plant and to harvest their land for six years and then let the land rest the seventh year." Ms Roth writes: "The 70 Jubilees began in 1416 BC when God's children entered Canaan. The 70 Jubilees will end 3,431 years later in 2016 AD." Watch video below...



Source: http://thesummary.com.ng/index.php/news-categories/religion/item/9003-jesus-christ-will-return-to-destroy-the-earth-this-month-christian-expert-see-video-proof

If you have diabetes, what I’m about to share with you in this post could prevent you from having a premature heart attack, save youreyesight, kidneys, legs, and nerves—even save your life.

Even though we live in a pill-popping, drug-oriented culture, more and more people are starting to realize that food and nature is really our best medicine. In 90% of all chronic and degenerative diseases, poor diet is either the direct cause or a significant factor. This is especially true for Type 2 diabetes.
There is no stage of Type 2 that can’t be helped by making some smart dietary changes. And the earlier they are made, the more dramatic the health improvements will be.

A few simple changes in your eating habits can actually reverse Type 2 so that all metabolic functions, including the body’s insulin production, return to normal.

ONIONS
Onions are one of the top food sources for the trace mineral chromium, which produces a powerful benefit on blood glucose levels. Research shows that chromium helps your body use insulin more efficiently, maintains steady blood sugar levels, and reduces the need for diabetes drugs.

Chromium deficiency and diabetes often accompany each other, according to a study published in Diabetes Care. This isn’t a surprising when you realize that the symptoms of chromium deficiency (such as out-of-control levels of glucose, insulin, triglycerides, and high cholesterol) resemble those of prediabetes.

One cup of raw onion (about ½ cup cooked onion) gives you 24mcg of the government’s “adequate intake” recommendation of 25 — 35mcg of chromium. So sauté up a big batch of onions, add some garlic and herbs, and throw them on salads, toss them in soups and frittatas, and use them to smother a juicy, grass-fed burger.

NUTS
These little diabetes-busters are bursting with healthy fats, vitamins, and lots of minerals. If you’re prediabetic, or want to avoid Type 2, eating nuts will cut down your risk. If you already have diabetes, nuts help you manage your blood sugar and weight.
Nuts contain monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), which reverse insulin resistance. And remember the diabetes-heart disease connection? Nuts are another weapon in your heart-healthy arsenal, as studies show that daily consumption of nuts cuts the risk of heart attack by 35%.

Source: http://nigerianewsnow.com.ng/2016/11/26/must-read-see-how-to-cure-diabetes-with-these-two-popularcheap-foods/

Some Nigerian troops fighting the terrorist Boko Haram group in the North-East were Saturday morning caught in an explosion triggered by an improvised explosive device planted by the sect, PREMIUM TIMES has learnt.

The troops, who are of the 122 Task Force Battalion, Pulka, in Borno State, ran into the land mine between Banki junction and Bama as they conducted escort patrol from Pulka to Maiduguri, people familiar with the matter told this website.The incident occurred at 9:10 a.m. Saturday, our sources said.

Five members of the detachment were badly injured, and were promptly evacuated to Bama for first aid by a patrol team from Bama.

“The distance between Bama and Banki junction is just 7km,” a military analyst told PREMIUM TIMES. “There are troops deployed in-between yet Boko Haram terrorists still sneak in and plant mines.

“They sneak in at night and plant the mines. They know troops would always move in the morning.”

News of the incident in Pulka came shortly after army authorities emailed PREMIUM TIMES a statement saying a woman arrested wearing Nigerian Army uniforms in Abuja on Friday was an impersonator.

The fake army officer, who was arrested along Gwagwalada road falsely claimed to be a Major in the Nigerian Army, authorities said.

The army said contrary to insinuations, fake Major Juliana Gumel was not carrying Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) nor was she with kids when she was arrested.

Army spokesperson, Sani Usman, said the suspect was undergoing interrogation.

Mr. Usman, a colonel, said, “She claimed to be a Medical Doctor and a ” major” with a fake private soldier’s outdated identity card. But not with IED. I believe Guards Brigade or the Nigeria Police will issue a formal statement on it.

Source: http://nigerianewsnow.com.ng/2016/11/26/breaking-nigerian-troops-on-patrol-caught-in-ied-explosion-in-borno/

A chief magistrate’s court sitting in Makurdi, the Benue State capital on Thursday sentenced the Executive Secretary of Teaching Service Board, Makurdi, James Pine, to five months imprisonment.

Pine was charged to court for assaulting his subordinate in March, 13, 2016.Pine was charged with assault and criminal use of force, an act punishable under Section 268 of the Penal Code Laws of Benue State 2004.

Delivering judgment, Dan Ogoh held that witnesses called by prosecution testified to the effect that they were at the TSB headquarters and saw that the convict slapped and pushed the complainant to the ground.

He said the defence could not dislodge the testimony.

The trial magistrate said, ‘The avalanche of evidence of prosecution point to the same direction and conclusion establishing that the offence was committed.’

The magistrate thereby sentenced Pine to five months imprisonment with an option of N10,000 fine.

A team of prosecution lawyers led by Demeer Adi of Damsa Damsa and Co. called three witnesses.

Pine had during the trial denied assaulting or using criminal force against Asema and said under cross examination that it was wrong for a chief executive officer to slap a subordinate.

His counsel, Ambrose Ikpa, argued that the case of the complainant was a desperate attempt to prosecute the head of secondary school education in Benue State, having earlier prayed for a “no case submission,” which was discountenanced by the court.

This judgment makes it second time that a top officials of Benue State Government would be sentenced for offence of assault and criminal use of force.

The first public officer in the state to receive the sentence was Magdalene Damkor, the then Rector of College of Advanced and Professional Studies Makurdi.

Source: http://nigerianewstoday.com.ng/court-jails-benue-executive-secretary-for-slapping-subordinate/

The Federal Government has stated that the delay in the commencement of Ogoni clean-up exercise was to build a solid foundation for the project, and avert a situation where money is spent without the people feeling the impact of such spending.

It would be recalled that in June, President Muhammadu Buhari, had through his deputy, Yemi Osinbajo launched the “Clean-Up of Ogoniland” at Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State. But since the flag-off, the project has experienced hiccups.Speaking on the delay yesterday, the Minister of Environment, Amina Mohammed, pointed out that every arrangement concerning the project, including the issue of funding, has now been perfected.

She spoke in Abuja at the 10th Anniversary of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, NOSDRA, explaining that: “Talking about Ogoni spill, all resources have been made available and the money has been released. But if you do not have structure in place the money will go into the ground and people will not feel the impact.

“It is important for us to put together structure and make sure that we have a solid foundation. Who is in the office, who is the budget manager and how are they recruiting? All of these were not taken care of in the past. But this time, we believe that by the time we leave, people will see result. It will be a continuing process and in the next few months people will be seeing some of the issues that they had not seen.”

Mohammed maintained that it was important for militants to stop further oil spillage by putting a halt to bombing of oil facilities to assist the exercise.

According to her,“In Nigeria, there is a growing level of oil spill incidents caused majorly by illegal bunkering, artificial refining, oil theft and armed militancy. These activities occur mostly in facilities located on land and swamp areas. However, some incidents do occur offshore, and with the increased interest of operators to pursue exploration and production in the deep offshore, there is the need to step up the level of preparedness to effectively respond to challenges that may be presented by oil spills in the marine environment.

“The devastating impacts of oil spills on the environment, health and livelihoods of our rural and urban communities have led to land degradation, loss of lives, destruction of habitats, loss of biodiversity, incidence of diseases, poor sanitation as well as the depletion of national revenue base.

“The need to prevent and rapidly respond to oil spill incidents whenever they occur can therefore not be overemphasized. To this end, the Federal Government is committed to dialoguing with state governments, opinion and youth leaders in the Niger Delta region to find a lasting solution to these incessant attacks which deplete our national revenue base and degrade the environment.”

Source: http://nigerianewstoday.com.ng/federal-government-explains-reasons-for-delay-in-ogoni-clean-up/

Borno state governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima has promised that all Internally Displaced Person (IDP) camps in the state would be closed down by May 29, 2017.

The governor made the promise while speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday, November 25 in the state capital, Maiduguri.According to the governor, his government had placed priority on the reconstruction of communities destroyed by Boko Haram insurgents, to facilitate the return of IDPs to their towns and villages.

His words: “We have reconstructed Bama by 25 per cent; my target is to reach 50 per cent by the end of this year and 75 per cent by first quarter of 2017.

“I want to close down all IDP camps latest May 29, 2017, because the IDP camps are becoming a huge problem on their own.

“If we allow the entrenchment of these IDP camps, they are pregnant with loads of challenges of early child marriage, prostitution, drug abuse, gangsterism.

“And we will be confronted with huge social challenges of an entitlement complex of people feeling that they are entitled to be catered for.

“So in as much as we observe the Kampala convention, we will not compel anybody to return to their communities.

“We know our people better than any other persons and it is not for somebody seating in Abuja, Paris, London, US and any other places to dictate to us on how we should live our lives.

“Our people in spite of their poverty, still have some pride left in them, a lot of them will rather go back to their communities and eat the guinea corn and millet than to eat your rice and chicken in the IDP camps.

“This is why we want to restore the dignity of our people by rebuilding their homes, rebuilding their schools, engaging them in gender empowerment initiatives so as to enable them return back to their homes.”

The governor stated that with time, Nigerians would appreciate the modest accomplishment of the state towards the resettlement of the IDPs.

There are currently 2 million displaced persons in the state due to the campaign of terror embarked upon by Islamist group, Boko Haram for almost a decade.

Meanwhile, the federal government will commence an education advocacy program for school-aged children displaced in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states.

The competition is open to all school-aged children (8 -18 years old) currently receiving various forms of education in IDP camps in the three states.

Source: http://nigerianewstoday.com.ng/good-news-borno-to-close-down-idp-camps-in-2017/

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, yesterday said if elected his administration will bring a refinery to the state.

Akeredolu lamented that the state lost the Dangote Refinery Company to Lagos State, due to what he described as “lack of commitment” by the Olusegun Mimiko-led administration.

The APC governorship candidate spoke at an economic summit organised by the Sunshine Progressives Coalition (SPC) held at the Adegbemile Cultural Centre, Akure.

Akeredolu said he will drive economic and industrial revolution into the state through foreign investors with Federal Government partnership.

The lawyer, who lamented the absence of industries, noted that the state is in need of investments.

He also said the sunshine state, having the longest shore line and the deepest part of the sea in the country, deserves a sea port.

Source: http://nigerianewstoday.com.ng/ill-bring-refinery-to-ondo-if-elected-akeredolu/

The federal government is set to probe the abuse and excesses of revenue generating bodies, which have been ongoing for a decade.
This was one of the decisions reached at the end of the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Briefing State House correspondents, Anambra State governor, Willy Obiano, who was accompanied by his Bauchi counterpart, Mohammed Abubakar and the Minister of State for Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu, said the vice president informed the council that the government is paying keen attention to the issue of abuses and excesses of certain revenue generating agencies (RGAs).
According to him, the Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun briefed the council on certain activities of some RGAs that amount to financial abuses of the revenue they generate which were supposed to have been remitted to the Federation Account, but diverted through several illegal means and ploys.
He listed the abuses as paying salaries above specifications of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), converting official cars to personal ownership under 48 hours of purchase.

“Inappropriate and arbitrary monetisation of medical allowances, undue and excessive overseas travels, lavish training allowances and conference spending, excessive and personal loan approvals, including unapproved mortgages, among others.
He said the Ministry of Finance and RMFAC were working together to rein in these abuses as the affected agencies raise as much as N1.5 trillion yearly, and spend almost 90 percent of it on recurrent expenditure in clear violation of due process and the constitution.

“The minister added that these financial abuses have been going on for a decade, whereby the agencies hide revenues that ought to go into the Federation Account, but she assured Council that such activities will now be exposed and terminated as directed by the president,” Obiano said.
On complaints by some governors that they were short-changed during the sharing of Ecological Funds in the last regime, Obiano admitted that governors brought up the issue of the alleged N2 billion paid to some states by the last administration under unclear circumstances and criteria.
“There were complaints that state governments did not have equal access to the Fund amid allegations of political preferences.

“Vice President Osinbajo assured the Council that the matter would be properly investigated, broadly reviewed, and forthright counsel would be made to the president regarding the matter,” he said.
On his part, Kachikwu said NEC endorsed a new funding regime for the oil and gas industry, eliminating the often arduous cash call regime which has dragged down the industry in about a decade, stalling growth.
The minister said an alternative funding stream had been approved earlier this week at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday and then presented yesterday to NEC, as the body mandated to come up with “measures necessary for the coordination of the economic planning efforts or economic programmes of the various governments of the federation.”

Kachikwu also noted that while the NNPC pays the entire Oil and Gas revenues realised from the JV operations into the Federation Account, the production costs are appropriated, calendarised and paid monthly as cash calls to the JV operations from the NNPC and international oil companies (IOCs).
According to the minister, January-November 2016 underfunding of the NNPC Cash Calls is estimated at $2.3 billion. This is in addition to the inherited arrears estimated at $6.8 billion for year ending 2015.
He, however, disclosed that through negotiations, the $6.8 billion past due cash calls burden on the federation had now been reduced to $5.1 billion, which would be paid based on an improved oil production output.

Under the new funding stream, the JVs would become incorporated and source for their own financing, freeing up the federal government from the budgetary obligations of coming up with the cash calls already put at $2.3 billion so far this year alone.
Under the alternative funding regime, the technical cost of oil production in the country would also come down from about $27 to $18 per barrel.
The new arrangement, he assured, would drive up investment in the oil and gas sector while also boosting production output and revenue significantly.
For instance, net payment from oil production to the Federation Account is expected to peak under the new arrangement to about $18 billion by year 2020 while raising output to 3 million barrels per day.
On his part, the governor of Bauchi State said the council received a presentation from the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and relevant agencies on
‘Energizing the MSMEs Sector as a Major Economic Growth Drive.’

The Ministry informed the Council that the total estimated number of MSMEs in Nigeria is 37,067,416 and their contributions to employment is 84.02%, 48.47% to GDP, and 7.27% to export.
Of the total number, micro enterprises account for the majority (99.8%) of the MSMEs in Nigeria, with 36,994,578 enterprises, 68,168 small enterprises and 4,670 medium enterprises.

According to the presentation, Lagos State has the highest number of micro enterprises (3,224,324), followed by Oyo and Kano States (1,864,054 and 1,794,358 respectively) while Nasarawa State has the least (226).
He also said the CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, made a related presentation to the Council on financing opportunities critical for MSMEs development.
According to him, the governor reported that the reason for the CBN’s involvement in MSMEs is to increase lending, provide access to affordable credit facility, and diversify the country’s economic base, create jobs and improve microeconomic stability.

Source: http://nigerianewstoday.com.ng/fg-to-probe-abuse-excesses-of-revenue-generating-agencies/