Friday, November 4, 2022

IGP redeploys Kano CP to Ebonyi over allegations of corruption

November 4, 2022

The Inspector General of Police, Alkali Usman, has redeployed the Kano State Commissioner of Police Abubakar Lawal to Ebonyi State, following allegations of corruption against him by senior police officers in the state.

In a signal with reference number: TH.5361/FS/FHQ/ABJ/V.T3/87 released Friday evening, the IGP posted the Ebonyi State Police Commissioner Aliyu Garba to replace Mr Usman with immediate effect.

SOLID UPDATES gathered that senior police officers in the Kano State Police Command had cried out over the CP’s alleged corrupt practices, a situation that prompted the IGP to order discreet investigation into the allegations.

Sources familiar with the situation also said the IGP also personally asked some officers in the command, who confirmed the allegations against the CP.

According inside sources, the CP, upon posting to Kano in August, reviewed all the “lucrative cases” in the command and transferred them to his office and also “taxed” strategic departments and divisions under the command on “huge weekly returns”.

2023: 60 Nollywood stars declare support for Tinubu

By Harun Babaizhi On Nov 5, 2022

Popular Nollywood actors, producers and entertainers under the auspices of Progressive Coalition of Entertainers have declared total support for the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2023 general elections. The group, led by popular actor, Saheed Balogun, announced this during a courtesy visit to the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa on Friday at the assembly’s complex in Lagos.

Obasa who received the group, urged them not to relent in their effort to ensure victory for the APC presidential candidate in the election. He said: “Our task is to involve people, enlighten them and make them see reasons why they should continue to support APC. We know the group has always supported the party and we want them to continue. To us, every vote is an investment because every single vote counts.”

Speaking on the visit, Balogun said the group of over 60 celebrities had come to endorse Tinubu because of his impact on the development of Lagos. He said: “Since the campaign has commenced, the artists, having large followers on social media, see it as an opportunity to reach out and engage prospective voters. This is because we see Tinubu as one who had done a lot to qualify as the next president of Nigeria and we hope to continue to release the presidential candidate’s achievements.

“Asiwaju has done well and it is time to pay back. Every successive government continues to build on his foundation.”

Court dismisses case seeking disqualification of Rivers PDP governorship candidate

By Harun Babaizhi On Nov 5, 2022

A Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State has dismissed a suit seeking to disqualify the 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Siminalaye Fubara. A PDP governorship aspirant, Chief Morgan West, had claimed Fubara was not a member of the PDP and did not have a valid party membership card, among other allegations.

But the presiding judge, Justice Adamu T. Mohammed, in his ruling on Friday, threw out the suit for incompetence and lack of jurisdiction. The court averred that the originating summons was incompetent because it was not signed by a legal practitioner known to law. Justice Mohammed ruled that the defendants were able to prove their case that the plaintiff did not exhaust the internal remedial procedures as provided in the PDP’s constitution before going to court.

The court said that the plaintiff had signed an undertaken to abide by the outcome of the primary election without resorting to any litigation and should be bound by it. Mohammed said: “The plaintiff is hereby bound by the undertaken he made,” in addition to his failure to exhaust the internal dispute mechanisms as provided in the constitution of the party, as an aggrieved aspirant. Justice Mohammed added that the matter was incompetent because proper parties mentioned in his affidavit were not before the court.

The court said the plaintiff in his affidavit in support of his originating summons made allegations of fact against the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, former President of the Nigeria Bar Association, Chief Onueze Okocha and a former governor of the state (now derecognized) Sir Celestine Omehia, whereas the parties were not joined as parties before the court. Speaking outside the court, the lawyer to Fubara and the PDP, Okechukwu Umodu, expressed happiness over the judgement in favour of his client.

Sperm count drops by 30 per cent in 10 years — Report

By Harun Babaizhi On Nov 5, 2022

In the last 10 years, the sperm count of men across the country has dropped by 30 per cent, according to a report from the Nordica Fertility and Fibroid Care Centre.

The Centre noted that while male infertility is on the rise globally, in Nigeria, its data showed that the region most hit by this condition are states in the oil producing region of the country.

It further revealed that the primary cause of this alarming rate of infertility among men is majorly due to unhealthy lifestyle choices, especially excessive drinking, smoking, use of sex enhancing drugs, sedentary lifestyle and stress, among others.

The Chief Medical Director of Nordica Fertility and Fibroid Care Centre, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, who made this known during a briefing to commemorate its 10 years anniversary in Abuja, also called for legislation on assisted conception to reduce quackery in the country.

He said: “Men now are probably the greater culprit in infertility. What we say normally is that it is between 30 to 40 per cent for men and 30 to 40 per cent for women. But we know now that all over the world and in Nigeria, the male factor is increasing.

“We analysed data from all our centres. One thing we saw was that when we looked at sperm count 10 years apart, we saw that there was a decline of 30 per cent in the sperm count of the men we are treating 10 years after.

Wednesday, October 26, 2022

Buhari seeks more Korean investments in Nigeria, promises security, regular electricity

President Muhammadu Buhari has called for increased Korean investments in Nigeria for mutual economic benefit.

By harun babaizhi • OCTOBER 26, 2022

President Muhammadu Buhari has called for increased Korean investments in Nigeria for mutual economic benefit.

His media aide Femi Adesina disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

According to the statement, Mr Buhari gave the invitation to Korean investors when he granted an audience to representatives of strategic Korean companies and industries in Seoul.

The meeting was held on the sidelines of the World Bio Summit 2022 in the Republic of the Korean capital, Seoul, South Korea.

“Nigeria remains committed to creating a stable and enabling business environment for foreign investors through the formulation of sound economic policies and improved governance,” said the statement. “The security forces have been working assiduously with local communities to ensure the security of lives and properties of Nigerians and foreign investors.”

The president stated that his regime had prioritised power infrastructure and procured modern equipment for power generation.

While making a case for the country as investment-friendly and choice destination, Mr Buhari said Nigeria’s economy remained the largest in Africa.

“With a nominal GDP of $431.97 billion, Nigeria’s economy remains the largest in Africa with vast human capital and natural resources,” he said.

According to him, the steady improvement from the global economic downturn of 2020 indicates that the Nigerian economy is on a firm path of recovery.

Mr Buhari implored the investors to take advantage of the many investment opportunities in Nigeria, especially in oil and gas, trade, manufacturing, ICT, creative industry and culture exchange.

”It is worthy of emphasis to underscore that the business environment in Nigeria offers low corporate tax regime/VAT rates, flexible labour market conditions and simple procedures for establishing businesses,” added the statement.

The president also acknowledged some significant investments by Korean companies in Nigeria in the fields of construction or heavy-duty industries, ICT and electronics and chemical production, estimated as of 2021 at no fewer than 20 registered companies in Nigeria.

The Nigerian leader expressed delight that these “companies have continued to contribute immensely to the growth of the Nigerian GDP and have created job opportunities in the country.

“I look forward to increased investments by Korean private companies in Nigeria as we resolve the issues of enabling relevant agreements such as Investment Promotion and Avoidance of Double Taxation between our two countries,” said Mr Buhari.

He expressed optimism that his engagements with Korean economic operators in priority areas would mutually benefit both countries and their peoples.

Enugu: NSCDC nabs vandals of railway sleepers

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested two people suspected of vandalising railway sleepers in Enugu.

By harun babaizhi • OCTOBER 26, 2022

NSCDC officers

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested two people suspected of vandalising railway sleepers in Enugu.

Aloysius Obiorah, the NSCDC commandant in the state, said this in a statement by Denny Manuel, the command’s spokesperson.

The suspects, Onu Chekwube, 28, and Okeke Okwudiri, 18, were arrested on October 10 in Aruokwe village, Oduma, in the Aninri council area.

Mr Obiorah disclosed that they were arrested while dismantling railway installations belonging to the Nigerian Railway Corporation. He said the suspects would be charged to court after a full investigation.

The commandant added that the NSCDC recovered 77 railway bolts and nuts, an iron pipe, a digger and machete, a rig spanner, empty hydraulic acid containers, a flat spanner and two full hydraulic containers from the suspects.

He further stated that the suspects were nabbed with the support of hunters and Forest Security Service operatives.

Mr Obiorah urged Enugu residents to assist security agencies with information on the activities of criminals for prompt action, emphasising that community-based intelligence is important to the timely containment of criminal activities.

N7 Billion Fraud: Fayose’s trial stalled over date mix-up

The money laundering trial of former Governor Ayodele Fayose could not continue on Wednesday following a date mix-up.

By harun babaizhi • OCTOBER 26, 2022

The money laundering trial of former Governor Ayodele Fayose could not continue on Wednesday before the Lagos Division of the Federal High Court following a date mix-up.

Mr Fayose is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for fraud and money laundering charges.

The trial will now continue when the parties have agreed on a date.

He was first arraigned alongside his company, Spotless Investment Ltd, on October 22, 2018, before Justice Mojisola Olatotegun on 11 counts bordering on fraud and money laundering offences.

He had pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail on October 24, 2018.

The defendant was re-arraigned before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke on July 2, 2019, after the case was withdrawn from Ms Olatoregun following EFCC’s petition.

He had also pleaded not guilty to the charges and was allowed to continue on the earlier bail granted while the case was adjourned for trial.

The commission has since opened its case before Justice Aneke and is still leading witnesses in evidence.

In December 2021, EFCC called its 11th witness, Joanne Tolulope, who had narrated how Abiodun Agbele, an associate of Mr Fayose, bought properties worth several million.

Di Maria to end career with childhood club Rosario Central

Juventus winger Angel Di Maria wants to finish his playing career where it started, back in Argentina with Rosario Central.

By harun babaizhi • OCTOBER 26, 2022

Juventus winger Angel Di Maria wants to finish his playing career where it started, back in Argentina with Rosario Central.

“I’d like to go back to Rosario,” he said. “I know it’s difficult… but it’s as I always say — the dream of all those in Argentina is to come and play in Europe; mine is to return one day to wear the Rosario Central shirt. It’s reality. I’ve always said it. If I get the chance, I’d love to.”

Di Maria, 34, joined Rosario as a four-year-old, spending the next 15 years with the club before a starring performance in the FIFA Under-20 World Cup saw Benfica come knocking.

His move to Benfica was the beginning of a remarkable European career.

Later, he played for Real Madrid, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) before landing in Italy with Juventus.

Despite all his success in Europe, Di Maria expressed his desire to return to his roots.

Rosario currently sits 19th in the 28-team top division in Argentina, and with little spending power, it would require a massive pay cut for Di Maria’s desire to become a reality.

2023 Budget: El-Rufai earmarks N107.72 billion for education out of N370.3 billion

Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s government has allocated N107.72 billion to the education sector in its proposed 2023 budget, pending before the Kaduna assembly for consideration.

By harun babaizhi • OCTOBER 26, 2022

Kaduna state Governor, Nasir El-Rufai

Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s government has allocated N107.72 billion to the education sector in its proposed 2023 budget, pending before the Kaduna assembly for consideration.

A copy of the budget document showed that the allocation represents 29.1 per cent of the total N370.3 billion proposed for the 2023 fiscal year.

A breakdown of the allocations also showed that the ministry for education got N34.2 billion representing 9.25 per cent of the total budget, made up of N13.28 billion for recurrent expenditure and N20.96 billion for capital expenditure.

The state Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) got N45.64 billion, representing 12.3 per cent of the total budget, with a capital expenditure of N40.22 billion and recurrent expenditure of N5.42 billion.

Kaduna State University (KASU) was allocated N18.59 billion, representing five per cent of the total budget of N5.15 billion for recurrent expenditure and N13.44 billion for capital expenditure.

Also, N2.69 billion was earmarked for the State Scholarship and Loans Board, of which N42.37 million was allocated for recurrent expenditure and N2.65 billion for capital expenditure.

Similarly, Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria, got N3.03 billion, with recurrent and capital expenditures constituting N1.81 billion and N1.23 billion, respectively.

Furthermore, the State College of Education, Gidan Waya, got N2.86 billion, with N1.85 billion earmarked for recurrent expenditure and N1.01 billion for capital expenditure.

However, the three sub-sectors with the least allocation are the Teacher Service Board (N109.24 million), Kaduna State Library Board (N93.71 million), and the Kaduna State Schools Quality Assurance Authority (N460.48 million).

The N107.72 billion allocated to the sector was N41.32 billion higher than the N66.40 billion revised allocation to education in the 2022 budget, representing a 62.2 per cent increase.

However, the 2022 half-year budget performance report showed that of the N66.40 billion allocated to the sector, only N19.85 billion was spent, representing 29.9 per cent performance leaving a variance of N46.55 billion.

Commenting on the development, Aliyu Tijjani, citizens’ co-chair of the Kaduna Basic Education Accountability Mechanism (KADBEAM), commended the government for increasing the budget for education.

Mr Tijjani, however, urged the government to pay attention to releasing funds to enable the education ministry, department, and agencies to implement planned programmes.

“As you have observed in the 2022 second quarter budget performance, the ministry for public works and infrastructure, with an allocation of N31.92 billion, was able to spend N19.91 billion, representing 62.3 per cent performance,” said Mr Tijjani. “Similarly, the ministry for finance, with an allocation of N36.31, spent N23.11 billion, representing 63.6 per cent performance, while the education sector, with more than N66 billion, spent only N19.9 billion.”

He called on the government to demonstrate its commitment to improving the education sector by ensuring adequate and timely release of allocated funds to the sector.

2,790 hectares of farmlands destroyed in Nguru LGA: AFAN

The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) says at least 2,790 hectares of farmlands in the Nguru local government area of Yobe were destroyed by flood.

By Harun babaizhi • OCTOBER 26, 2022

Flooded farm used to illustrate the story [Photo credit: Medium]

The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) says at least 2,790 hectares of farmlands in the Nguru local government area of Yobe were destroyed by flood.

Madu Tandari, AFAN chairman in the area, told journalists in Nguru town that 1,500 hectares were used for rice cultivation.

Mr Tandari added that other crops destroyed on the remaining 1,290 hectares of the land include maize, sesame, millet, tomatoes, pepper and bell pepper.

“In a rice farm, you can harvest about 50 bags on each hectare if all conditions are met. So, you can imagine the magnitude of this disaster,” Mr Tandari explained.

The chairman further disclosed that 934 farmers were affected by the flood, allegedly caused by the release of water from the Tiga Dam in Kano.

He listed the areas worst hit by the flood as Nguru town, Dogon Kuka, Dumsai, Gajamma, Disari, Bambori, Kachallari and Dogon Jeji.

He appealed to the state and federal governments to assist farmers in the area to cushion the losses they recorded.

“As the dry season sets in, we are appealing to the government at all levels to support us with seeds, water pumps, fertiliser and soft loans,” stated the AFAN chair. “If this support can be provided, we will shift the focus to dry season farming to make up for our losses.”

Fire breaks out at WAEC office

The West African Examination Council office in Nigeria was on fire Wednesday morning.

By Harun babaizhi • OCTOBER 26, 2022

WAEC

The West African Examination Council office in Nigeria was on fire Wednesday morning.

The fire broke out from the middle floor of the Yaba building around 6:50 a.m.

Many staff were trapped in the building while thick black smoke was billowing out of the building’s roof.

An unnamed WAEC official in the public administration office disclosed that a power surge caused the fire.

No casualty recorded, he added.

“We resumed by 7:30 (a.m.), (and) we just discovered that there was a fire somewhere. We have to get an emergency ambulance to come over,” the official explained. “We have to make sure that everybody is protected. We brought them down, so nobody was affected, and we put the fire off.”

While Nosa Okunbor, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency spokesman, said officials were on the ground to put out the fire.

Mr Okunbor added that WAEC employees were safely evacuated from the building.

Islamic bank, corporation invest $1.8 billion in Nigeria’s economy, infrastructure

The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) will continue to engage Nigeria on economic and social infrastructure, says IsDB president

Islamic bank, corporation invest $1.8 billion in Nigeria’s economy, infrastructure

“The IsDB active portfolio in Nigeria now stands at $1.2 billion, and we look forward to strengthening our bilateral relations.”

By HArun babaizhi • OCTOBER 26, 2022

IsDB president Muhammad Aljasseer, [Photo Credit:

The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) will continue to engage Nigeria on economic and social infrastructure, says IsDB president Muhammad Aljasseer, disclosing that the IsDB and the Islamic Corporation for Development (ICD) are investing $1.8 billion in the country

Mr Aljaseer disclosed this to journalists while visiting project sites in Kano on Tuesday and commended the Kano State Agro-Pastoral Development Project (KSADP) for meeting the bank’s expectations, which is the sponsor of the project, whose objective is to reduce poverty by strengthening food security in Kano.

He added that the project, funded by the bank and the Lives and Livelihood Funds (LLF), contributed to poverty reduction and strengthened food and nutrition security in Kano.

“The bank has been monitoring Kano’s performance. I am impressed that you are working very hard to meet the bank’s expectations. The IsDB has approved a total financing of $1.8 billion for Nigeria,” the bank’s president said.

He added, “The $1.8 billion facility for Nigeria is made up of $971 million for project financing by the bank, and about $$288 million provided by the Islamic Corporation for Development (ICD)–IsDB’s private sector affiliate.”

He further stated that $477 million was in the form of trade operations by its trade arm, the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) and $90 million from other funds and operations.

“Our investment guarantee arm has provided $1.1 billion as business insured and $1 billion as a new insurance commitment to help attract businesses and insure them,” Mr Aljasser explained. “The IsDB active portfolio in Nigeria now stands at $1.2 billion, and we look forward to strengthening our bilateral relations.”

According to him, the bank is keen to continue engaging Nigeria on its strategic priorities, “such as economic and social infrastructure and advisory support for strengthening Islamic financial services.”

Mr Aljasser inaugurated the veterinary reference laboratory renovated and equipped by KSADP at Gwale Veterinary Clinic in Kano and visited Watari dam infrastructure, renovated by KSADP, with funding from the IsDB and the LLF.

Ukraine needs €4 billion to go through winter season: Minister

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia’s attacks had destroyed about 30 per cent of Ukraine’s power stations, causing massive blackouts across the country.

By harun babaizhi • OCTOBER 26, 2022

RAVAGED UKRAINE [Photo credit: DW]

Ukraine needs €4 billion ($3.97 billion) to go through the winter cold season, Minister for the Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine Oleksiy Chernyshov said.

“We need €4 billion to get through this winter to renovate houses, to support health care and energy supplies,” Mr Chernyshov said at the International Expert Conference on the Recovery, Reconstruction and Modernisation of Ukraine in Berlin, Germany.

“Besides, Ukraine lacks backup equipment for water and power supply such as mobile water purification stations, mobile heating stations, diesel generators and electric heaters,” the minister said.

Ukraine is facing an energy crisis ahead of the winter cold due to the conflict with Russia that started on February 24.

On October 18, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia’s attacks had destroyed about 30 per cent of Ukraine’s power stations, causing massive blackouts across the country.

U.S. government authorises evacuation of citizens, embassy staff from Abuja over terrorist threat

The United States has authorised the relocation of U.S. government employees and their families from Abuja over potential terrorist attacks.

By harun babaizhi • OCTOBER 26, 2022

The United States has authorised the relocation of U.S. government employees and their families from Abuja over potential terrorist attacks.

“On October 25, 2022, the U.S. Department of State granted authorised departure status to Embassy Abuja, which permits the voluntary departure of family members and certain employees due to the heightened risk of terrorist attacks,” the terror alert said.

It added, “The U.S. Embassy in Abuja continues to have limited ability to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens in Nigeria. The U.S. Consulate in Lagos continues to provide routine and emergency services to U.S. citizens in Nigeria.”

The latest terror alert followed similar security warnings from the U.S. and the United Kingdom on Sunday of a possible terrorist attack in the Federal Capital Territory, targeting government buildings, places of worship and schools, among others.

The capital has come under attack in recent months following the Boko Haram raid on Kuje Prison and an attack on the Presidential Guards Brigade at Bwari in which three elite officers were killed.

In July, schools in the capital and neighbouring states were shut down over security concerns.

The terror alert, however, was dismissed by information minister Lai Mohammed.

Mr Mohammed claimed that the U.S. and UK’s “clickbait” security warnings forced schools to shut down and disrupted commercial activities in Abuja.

The FCT Administration, in a statement, called on Abuja residents to remain calm as security agencies are working to maintain law and order in the nation’s capital.

On Monday, police spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, said there was no cause for alarm, noting that all hands were on deck to nip the threats in the bud.

Chelsea appoint Laurence Stewart technical director

Laurence Stewart arrives from Monaco to become Chelsea’s technical director to focus on global football.

By Harun babaizhi • OCTOBER 26, 2022

Chelsea has announced the arrival of Laurence Stewart from Monaco as technical director with a focus on global football, in what was seen as the first move towards a multi-club model.

Stewart, a former performance analyst for England during the 2014 World Cup, would arrive at Stamford Bridge upon the completion of his tenure with the Ligue 1 outfit.

Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has made little secret of his desire to move the Premier League outfit towards a multi-club model, akin to Manchester City and the City Football Group, who own teams in 11 countries.

Stewart, who has experience with such a model through Monaco, appears to be arriving to help facilitate that vision, given the emphasis his role will have on global matters.

Boehly, in a statement with co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali said: “Laurence is an important appointment as we plan to build a deep sporting team that will collaborate closely.

“He’s a world-class football leader who understands talent management, data and scouting, player development and performance.”