Presidency Awaits Briefing on Adeosun’s Alleged Certificate Forgery

Mercy Lank

The presidency said yesterday that it was yet to be briefed about alleged forgery of National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) discharge certificate by the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun. An online news portal, Premium Times, had in a report at the weekend, alleged that the minister failed to undertake the mandatory one year national service, having graduated at 22, and fraudulently obtained an exemption certificate at 42, in violation of the NYSC establishment act, Decree No 24 of 1973 as amended. Despite the weight of the allegation, the minister has kept quiet, failing to answer calls to her phones or return text messages from THISDAY. The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed could not also be reached on the matter. However, a reliable source at the NYSC Headquarters in Abuja told THISDAY that the service would issue a statement on the allegation today, refusing though to state whether the exemption certificate was actually issued by it or not. NYSC spokesperson, Mrs. Adenike Adeyemi, also confirmed that the corps would issue an official statement but declined to give the exact date the statement would be made. But the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, told THISDAY last night that he was yet to be briefed on the forgery allegation. “Well, I have not been briefed on this. I haven’t heard of it being spoken. I am completely unaware of anything,” he said in response to THISDAY’s query on what President Muhammadu Buhari was doing about the allegation that one of his ministers committed the crime of forgery. Expectedly, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had at the weekend called on Buhari to sack and prosecute Adeosun on the strength of the allegation by the online medium. The NYSC is compulsory for all Nigerians who graduate from universities or equivalent institutions at less than 30 years of age. In addition to being a requirement for government and private sector jobs in Nigeria, the enabling law prescribes punishment for anyone who absconds from the scheme or forges its certificates. Eligible Nigerians who skipped the service are liable to be sentenced to 12 months imprisonment and/or N2,000 fine, according to Section 13 of the NYSC law. Section 13 (3) of the law also prescribes three-year jail term or option of N5,000 fine for anyone who contravenes provision of the law as Adeosun has done. Subsection 4 of the same section also criminalises giving false information or illegally obtaining the agency’s certificate. It provides for up to three-year jail term for such offenders. According to Premium Times, Adeosun’s official credentials showed that the minister “parades a purported NYSC exemption certificate, which was issued in September 2009, granting her exemption from the mandatory service on account of age.” Adeosun graduated from the Polytechnic of East London in 1989, at 22. According to her curriculum vitae, the finance minister was born in March 1967. The institution changed name to University of East London in 1992. The minister has her certificate issued in the new name. Having graduated at 22, it was obligatory for Adeosun to participate in the one-year national service, for her to qualify for any job in Nigeria.

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Saraki: Presidency Wasted a complete Three Years Fighting Me for nothing

Mercy Lank

Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has said the presidency wasted three years fighting him through the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), instead of concentrating on the development of the country. Saraki is expected to deliver a speech on Nigeria and United States relations, and opportunities at the US parliament this week. This is coming as Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has condemned the recent Executive Order on Questionable Assets signed by President Muhammadu Buhari, saying it is unconstitutional. Meanwhile, the Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has also described the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a spent force, and urged the Senate president to dump the party for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The trio spoke last Saturday night in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, while inaugurating Obiri Ikwerre – Airport Road reconstructed by Wike’s administration. Inaugurating the road, Saraki expressed regret that rather than concentrate on the development of the country, the federal government wasted three years chasing perceived opponents. He said his victory at the Supreme Court had exonerated him of any wrong-doing and proved his innocence. The Senate president, however, urged Nigerians not to lose focus and hope, saying the country would eventually work. “We are determined that there will be peace in this country. Those that don’t do the right thing will be sanctioned for not doing the right thing. “We are determined that from every part of the country, this country belongs to us,” he said. Saraki charged Nigerians to continue to fight for the development of the country. He declared that Rivers State is safe for major investments as exemplified by the presence of the multi-billion dollar Eleme Indorama Fertilizer plant which he flagged off also on Saturday. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Wike stated that with the Senate president, Nigerians, irrespective of their political affiliation, would continue to fight the forces of darkness. He called for the upholding of the Rule of Law across all tiers of government, saying is the only way to attain progress in the country. Wike said: “Any government that does not respect the rule of law is the most corrupt government. This is because you cannot fight corruption without the rule of law.” While berating the federal authorities for using the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to illegally probe the finances of Rivers State despite a subsisting court judgment yet to be vacated by a higher court, Wike condemned the Executive Order on corruption, which he said, is unconstitutional. Wike, who congratulated Saraki on his victory at the Supreme Court, said Rivers people would always stand by him, noting that the frame-up of the Senate president for armed robbery has negative consequences for the country. In his speech, Fayose said PDP was behind Senate President in period of his travail. He told the Senate President that APC is now a spent vehicle that can no longer take him to the expected destination, adding that it was high time the Senate President returned to the PDP. Meanwhile, Saraki will deliver a speech on Nigeria and United States relations, and opportunities at the US parliament this week. This is part of Saraki’s itinerary in the US as he will on Monday lead a 12-man National Assembly delegation to Washington D.C, on a parliamentary visit. The visit is meant to strengthen parliamentary and diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and the United States. During the trip, Saraki is expected to deliver a speech on Nigeria and US Relations at the Council on Foriegn Relations, while the delegation is expected to meet with the US State Department and USAID officials to discuss energy development, health, education, gender development initiatives and agriculture. Other highlights of the trip include: meetings with select members of the US House Foreign Relations Committee led by Senator Ed Royce, Ranking Member Eliot Engel; Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organisations’ Sub-committee Chairman, Chris Smith, and Ranking Member, Karen Bass to discuss issues of mutual interest to Nigeria and the US. The delegation will also hold meetings with select members and staff of the Committee on House Administration, including, Chairman Gregg Harper; Ranking Member, Bob Brady, and Chairman, Cedric Redmond, and members of the Congressional Black Caucus. In addition, the team will hold talks with the US Congress leadership, including Senate Majority Leader, Mitch McConnell, President Pro Tempore, Senator Orrin Hatch, as well as with members of Foreign Relations, Committee on Africa and Global Health. The delegation will also partake in a Policy Forum on ‘Doing Business and Investing in Nigeria’ hosted by the US Chamber of Commerce, where Saraki will make a presentation. Members of the delegation include Leader of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan, Minority Whip, Senator Philip Aduda, Chairman, Committee on Rules and Business, Senator Baba Garbai, Chairman, Committee on Non-Governmental OrganiSations and Diaspora, Senator Rose Oko and Chairman, House Committee on Telecommunications, Hon. Fijabi Akinade, Chairman, House Committee On Justice, Hon. Rasak Atunwa and Hon. Hassan Saleh, Chairman House Committee on Local Content. Also on the trip are the Chairman, House Committee on Women in Parliament, Hon. Evelyn Omavowan, Chairman, House Committee on Freedom of Information, Hon. Gabriel Onyenwife, Hon. Sunday Katung and the Director General, National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Ladi Hamalai.

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Insecurity: Nigerian senator wants citizens to carry guns due to excessive killings in the Country

Mercy Lank

“My point is, people cannot be slaughtered in their houses helplessly. Maybe what we need to do is to liberalise gun control. Let everybody own a gun so that when you are coming to my house, you will know that I have my own gun while you are coming with yours,” a senator. Kabir Marafa, said on Tuesday. Mr Marafa, who represents Zamfara Central Senatorial District, was clearly angered by not just the killings across the country but also the defenseless state of the victims. His Zamfara State has witnessed hundreds of killings by armed bandits in 2018. Several houses and properties were also burnt and destroyed by the criminals during the attacks. On Tuesday, while contributing to a debate at the Senate on the insecurity across Nigeria, the senator called for legalisation of guns and firearms to enable citizens defend themselves.

He said he believed that the only advantage the criminals have over their victims is the guns and weapons they carry. Mr Marafa had at several times decried the killings across the country, especially in Zamfara State on the floor of the Senate and called for the intervention of the federal government in crisis-affected areas of the state. He has openly accused the state governor, Abdul’aziz Yari, of playing politics and blame game with the incessant killings in the state.

What Led To Call

Prior to Mr Marafa’s call for liberalisation of gun control, former governor of Plateau State, Jonah Jang, raised a point of order on the killings in the state. Senator Kabiru Marafa Photo: Daily Trust Senator Kabiru Marafa Photo: Daily Trust Mr Jang called on the federal government to take proactive measures to prevent more killings. His point of order went on smoothly as many lawmakers in the upper chamber took turns to condemn the attacks and seek protective measures for people of the state. Jonah Jang Jonah Jang Among the many contributors was Isa Misau (APC, Bauchi Central) who blamed the happenings on the incompetence of security agencies as well as the executive arm of government. Mr Misau expressed disappointment at President Muhammadu Buhari for his continuous refusal to sack “incompetent people” in authoritative positions. He said the president is paying more attention to corruption than to injustice. President Muhammadu Buhari speaking President Muhammadu Buhari speaking Mr Marafa, thereafter, stood up and expressed disappointment at Nigerians who judge the killings based on religion. He said religious leaders who are giving the killings a religious colouration, are hypocrites. “Plateau State is predominantly a Christian state, so if people are killed in Plateau, Christians will be killed. But we sit down and say ‘Christians are being eliminated’, ‘it is genocide’ and so on. This is hypocrisy! We ought to give this thing the name it deserves. “There are killings in Zamfara and those arrested are not all foreigners or Fulanis. I make bold to say that the killings in Plateau State are happening in conjunction with indigenes of that state because it is a business. But every day, we either give it an ethnic or religious colouration without minding the fact that these things are being done and we are the losers. “The Christian and Muslim clerics that are giving these killings a religious colouration are all hypocrites because we all know where they belong to. It is not limited to one religion but at the end of the day, the problem remains,” he said. He then described the attacks as “a grand agenda by other lawmakers that want state police.” His accusation was followed by noise and rowdiness as lawmakers protested and asked him to withdraw his statement. Mr Marafa withdrew his accusation, and then called for the legalisation of guns for citizens. “My point is, people cannot be slaughtered in their houses helplessly. Maybe what we need to do is to liberalise gun control,” he said. How Other Lawmakers Reacted Although his call for liberalisation of guns led to more chaos in the chamber, Mr Marafa was, however, unconcerned and appeared satisfied having made his point. Some lawmakers protested in the background but no one stood to either condemn or support Mr Marafa’s statement on gun liberalisation. Bukola Saraki Senate President, Bukola Saraki [Photo: Sahara Reporters] After a while, the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, simply called the Senate to order, condemned the attacks and then resolutions were made – among which was the creation of state police. Nigerians React There have been mixed reactions to the lawmaker’s call. While some people think it is a good call, others, however, do not see it as a way of curbing insecurity in the country. Francis Enobore, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Prison Service, strongly disagreed with the senator. Using prison officers as example, he said it will increase dangers in prisons which can lead to the breach of security in prisons. “As a prison officer, I don’t think I will agree with that opinion. Given the nature of our prison facilities, I don’t know how safe it will be for every prison officer to bare guns even though you are within the prison yard. “The idea of giving guns to some prison personnel, came as a result of external invaders who broke in and set some prisoners free because in the past, when students or any group of persons, are demonstrating or have different opinion from the government, what they resolve to is invade the prison, set prisoners free and so on. “Even the guns that we get is to ward off external invaders and on rare occasions where you have internal disturbance. So no, I won’t support that,” he said. Ibanga Isine, a lecturer at the American University of Nigeria, said Mr Marafa is right “to an extent.” “When you see the level of insecurity in the country and the senselessness of government in tackling the situation, you realise that such calls are necessary. “I mean you can’t just tell people to go and pray. For a president to say that, it shows that the government is not ready to take the bull by the horn. “Instead of people waiting for the killers to come, kill them and take away their lives and their lands; for now, it is somehow right for calling for legalisation of guns in the country. To that extent, he is right,” he said. He, however, wondered if the country can afford letting every citizen carry guns. “If you allow everyone to carry guns, then both the sane, the semi-sane and the unsane will get it. It will result to a major problem in the country,” he said. He urged the federal government to empower or re-organise security agencies and create state police. “Empower them and give them a free hand to do their jobs. Let them be properly equipped and in a position to take care of their country instead of asking Nigerians to carry arms.I also support the call for state police,” he added. Hamzat Lawal, an activist,, frowned at the idea; making reference to the abuse of guns in the U.S. “In Nigeria, we cannot even regulate the oil and gas sector, we cannot regulate our security and now you want to put guns on the street and arm people, No, I would not support that motion,” he said. He accused the government of shying away from its responsibility, which is protecting lives and properties of its citizens of Nigeria. “I understand Senator Marafa and other colleagues who are bitter with the fact that it’s been senseless killings for the past weeks and government sadly came out and was comparing deaths in the past and present administration. “Be that as it may, it will be a disaster if guns find their way into everybody’s hands. It then means that anybody’s face you hate, you’ll just take a gun and shoot the person,” he explained. He said the federal government should rather start looking at how much is the security votes that goes to state governor. “Every now and then, they come to Abuja and they sign and collect undisclosed amount for security votes. If we can find out what is happening with that money and make it more transparent and accountable, maybe we can get our security right. “Implementing gun control will be like turning governors into warlords,” he said. Chioma Chuka, a human rights activist, said Mr Marafa’s call shows that the country is moving towards a failed state. She stressed that one of the primary duties of the government and the commander in chief of the armed forces is to secure the lives and properties of Nigerian citizens. She said Nigeria already has a lot of undocumented arms. “As a matter of fact, an international report I read recently, says there are almost twice as many small arms in the country than there are people. So a country that is already proliferated with arms and you have this call? I think TY Danjuma said recently, that people should rise up and defend themselves; we are itching towards a failed state,” she said. While describing the attacks as well as Mr Marafa’s call as a really unfortunate situation, she said it is even more unfortunate that the government is focused on 2019 not minding the killings. Her advice to the people in power is that “they need people to vote them in 2019. People need their lives to vote them. Too many Nigerians are dying.” Yomi Fawehinmi, an economist, rejected the call in totality, stating that it is no way to solve the issue. He said countries like the U.S. have proven that giving people guns does not solve security issues “because you then have mass shooting and gun shooting and so on.” ‘I think instead of giving people guns which will just cause chaos, they should ensure that the guns are currently in the hands of the right people. “Insecurity is simply the absence of security. So the only way to tackle it is to provide security and in that case, it is the question of finding more creative ways to provide security. Our security is just based on guns, checkpoints and all,” he said.

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Buhari has totally reduced country to his level, says Lamido

Mercy Lank

Former Jigawa State Governor and presidential aspirant on the platform of Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Sule Lamido, has urged Nigerians to join hands to lift the country, stressing that President Muhammadu Buhari has reduced the country to his level.

Lamido, who spoke to The Guardian, regretted that the president and his All Progressives Congress (APC), had taken Nigeria through “the path of suffering, confusion, apprehension and division in the past three years.” On insecurity bedeviling the country, particularly, the incessant herdsmen and farmers clashes, the former governor said they all boiled down to the personality and outlook of President Buhari. He said: “What you see in Nigeria today is not only as a result of incompetence of the leader, but also the lack of capacity of the number one citizen to unite the citizens. “President Buhari has reduced Nigeria to his level and I want to call on Nigerians to use the opportunity of 2019 election, to join hands to lift their country to greatness. Buhari revels in spreading fear, hate and division. That is not what Nigerians want or are known for.” The PDP presidential aspirant said the emergence of Reformed APC is a sign to President Buhari that his leadership no longer commands respect, pointing out that in the days to come, many of Buhari’s former foot soldiers would come out boldly to denounce his incompetence and nepotism.

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Igbo political ambition/destiny is not in the hand of Buhari, group replies Presidency

Mercy Lank

A leading Igbo socio-cultural group, Igbo Bu Igbo,

has responded to the statement credited to Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Boss Mustapha, who said during a rally of the All Progressives Congress, APC, which held in Owerri, the Imo State capital on Tuesday, July 3, 2018, that the attainment of Igbo presidency would depend on whether the Igbo support Buhari in 2019 or not. Igbo Chiefs While speaking as representative of President Muhammadu Buhari at the event, Mustapha had said that the strength of the Igbo in negotiating for the presidency after 2019 would be determined by the support the region gives Buhari at the next presidential election “so that you can navigate your way to the presidency of this country after the second term of President Muhammadu Buhari”. However, in a press release signed by Dr Law Mefor-Anueyiagu and Jude Ndukwe, Chancellor and Head, Media and Publicity Directorate, respectively, the Igbo group said “Contrary to the thinking of the presidency, the destiny of the Igbo nation is not tied to any one man not to talk of Buhari whose presidency, both in character and in words, has not been fair to the Igbo”. The statement in full reads: “We noted with surprise the comments made by Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, who represented his boss, President Muhammadu Buhari at the southeast rally of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Owerri on Tuesday, July 3, 2018, and wish to state that the continued belief that the political destiny of the Igbo would be determined by their support for Buhari at the next presidential election is not only erroneous but an incontrovertible evidence that the presidency still does not understand the Igbo and how they are truly wired. “Contrary to the thinking of the presidency, the destiny of the Igbo nation is not tied to any one man not to talk of Buhari whose presidency, both in character and in words, has not been fair to the Igbo. “Ndigbo do not and will never succumb to such cheap blackmail. We will not take a detour from our political beliefs simply because someone somewhere thinks we are so desperate for the presidency to the extent that we would now begin to vote for a government whose administration has brought nothing but sorrow, tears and blood to Nigerians. “While few have continued to wrongly vilify the Igbo for not supporting President Buhari at the 2015 polls, terming it a political mistake, events unfolding everyday in our nation have continued to justify the position of the Igbo on the Buhari presidency and elevate the Igbo as a region with exceptional vision for spotting political disaster waiting to happen even long before others see it. “We have always been guided by our famed political sagacity, history and conscience in our choices for the nation’s presidency particularly as it concerns the current 4th Republic. Our voting patterns have shown that we are neither ethnic bigots nor religious fanatics, nor do we trade in emotional considerations when voting for the president as we fully supported the emergence of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo who is a Christian from the southwest; we fully supported the late President Umar Musa Yar’adua who was from the same State with the incumbent and also a Muslim, and we also fully supported former President Goodluck Jonathan, a Christian from a minority tribe in the south southern part of Nigeria. “It is on record that the unfortunate events in our nation today have proved that all the past presidents we supported as Ndigbo were far better than the current administration. This is proof that Ndigbo have always been right in their political leanings. “May we quickly remind the Mustaphas of this world that never has Ndigbo relied mainly on the presidency for survival. In fact, just like he said at the rally, we are leaders in the different areas of this nation’s endeavours including industry, trade & commerce despite the unabated harassment, intimidation, malicious maligning and persecution of our business and political leaders by this same administration. In education, our students have kept excelling as Abia State has maintained top position in WASCE back to back in the last three years. All these have been achieved despite the systemic marginalization and official subjugation of the Igbo nation. “Lastly, we wish to inform Boss Mustapha that the inability of his boss to be magnanimous in victory to all sides and prove that despite the happenings at the elections in which winners and losers must emerge no matter the voting pattern of any region, that he is the leader of the whole nation and not the president of only certain parts of the country thereby causing his ratings even before the entire world to continue to nosedive freely, is not the fault of the Igbo. Three years down the line, Buhari has not given the Igbo any cause to regret not voting for him at the 2015 elections. Rather, he has enforced what we always knew about him to the chagrin of even a majority of those who merrily voted for him. “Once again, we reiterate that our destiny as a people is not, cannot and will never be tied to Buhari. We have never flinched in making our political choices even if it means we have to go it all alone. For Ndigbo, time always vindicates us. It is Buhari who should court us with fairness, equity and justice, as expected of a leader, and not us expected to cower before him because someone thinks our political destiny is tied to him!”

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Infinix Launches Note 5 Smartphone Powered by Android One

Mercy Lank

 

Infinix Mobility Limited has launched another premium mobile phone brand, the Note 5 smartphone, designed to bring cutting-edge technology to young generations. Tagged:“Beyond Intelligent” the smartphone, which operates on Android One from Google, was launched recently in Lagos and witnessed by an impressive turnout of guests, mainly youth. With Infinix Mobility joining the Android One programme, the Note 5 will bring young people together and empower them to become trendsetters. The “Beyond Intelligent” Note 5 smartphone is equipped with an amazing display, which provides users with superb viewing and entertainment experience with an Infinity 6.0’’FHD screen and an 18:9 screen ratio. The edge-to-edge screen also makes the device look stunning, both from a design and a technological perspective. The Note 5 device features a perfect 16MP low-light front camera, which allows selfie lovers to take professional selfies even in low light. As for the rear camera, it is supported by a 12MP resolution. Its long-lasting battery will provide 3 days on average usage with a 4500mAh battery, built with a 3A Fast Charge, which will keep users fully functional throughout the day. Managing Director, Transsion, the parent body of Infinix Mobility, Mr. Chidi Okonwo, said the smart phone came with unique features that enables users to do more with it, with better picture quality and latest selfie technology that is powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology. Infinix Mobility Country Manager, Jay Liu, said: “Targeting vibrant trendsetters, and young professionals, Infinix Note 5 comes with a state of the art software experience designed by Google, combined with great hardware from Infinix. We empower our users to go beyond the limit with our newest breakthrough technology. All while they enjoy an intelligent lifestyle through the fusion of technology and stylishness. In partnership with Google on Android One, we will provide the young generations with impeccable mobile experience and revolutionise their mobile life with Note 5.” The Note 5 was also launched in conjunction with telecommunication giants, MTN. According to MTN Senior Manager for Data and Services, Biodun Ajayi, the collaboration would enable MTN 1GB free data and up to 100 per cent data bonus on every recharge for the next six months, with every purchase of the Note 5 on the MTN network from any authorised retail shop.

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five persons recorded dead , 9 injured as trailer, commercial bus collide in Zaria

Mercy Lank

The accident occurred around Dan-Magaji area in Zaria, Kaduna State on Monday at about 1:50pm. Confirming the accident, the Zaria Unit Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Assistant Corps Commander, Muktar Zubairu tasked motorists on speed limit. Zubairu, who spoke through the Unit’s Head of Public Enlightenment, Mr Idris Yahaya, attributed the accident to over-speeding. He said, “The accident involved 23 people including 20 males and three females, five people died while nine others were injured. “The injured persons are responding to treatment at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, ABUTH, Shikka- Zaria while the corpses were also deposited at the hospital. “The two vehicles involved are a Toyota Hiace with registration number: XS 159 ABJ and a trailer with no registration number,” the unit commander explained.

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