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Adamawa

Security agencies may go after some national leaders of
All Progressives Congress (APC), on allegation of an attempted  bribe offered Adamawa State House of Assembly members in a bid to stall the impeachment move against the impeached governor, Murtala Nyako.
A top government official who spoke to journalists in Abuja on condition of anonymity, said except the leaders of APC desist from pointing fingers at President Goodluck Jonathan of being behind Nyako’s travail, security agencies may go after them to explain their roles in an alleged bribery attempt to the lawmakers to stave off the impeachment.
The top government official told journalists that  both the government and security agencies were in possession of information linking the APC leaders to the alleged criminal act.
According to him, intelligence report indicated that an APC governor from the North and the one from the South, made the inducement offer of N250 million each to the Adamawa State lawmakers to jettison the impeachment move against Nyako.

Benue

Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State has declared his
intention to contest the Benue North East Senatorial seat in the forthcoming 2015 general election.
Suswam declared his interest in Adikpo, Kwande local government area of the state when he led three paramount rulers of the ‘Sankera political bloc’ to lobby the two paramount rulers of Ushongo and Kwande local government areas where the PDP supposedly zoned the position to, asking that the position be ceded to him.
Addressing the gathering on the purpose of their visit, the Ter Katsina-Ala, Chief Fezanga Wombo, who spoke on behalf of the Suswam-led delegation, said they were in the palace of the Ter Kwande to intimate them of the governor’s intention to contest the 2015 senatorial election.
Responding to the request, the Ter Kwande, Chief Hilary Ikima, stated that “since none of our subjects had indicated interest to contest the seat and given that Governor Suswam is the first to ask for it we will loan the seat to Sankera.

Borno

Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima met with President
Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja last Friday, pleading for assistance to stop the rampaging Boko Haram insurgents.
According to sources, Shettima had a closed door session with the President at night on Friday on the security challenges facing the state. The two leaders locked themselves up for about 45 minutes without any of their aides present.
A source said: “The meeting had to do with the security situation in the state, especially attacks on Damboa and the withdrawal of troops from the area by military authorities. The death toll had made the governor sad, in spite of the huge investment in security apparatchik in the state.
“The military is unhappy that some local collaborators played key roles in the ambush of troops on July 4 which led to the killing of a Lieutenant Colonel in a tank by some suicide bombers. The governor came to beg for more military intervention to save the state. No leader will be happy seeing his people being killed like fowls. And the President reassured the governor that more actions will be taken” the source added.

Ekiti

The Minister of State for Works, Prince Adedayo Adeyeye,
has assured the people of Ekiti State and Nigerians alike of his readiness to deliver on the presidential mandate of providing critical road infrastructure in the country.
Adeyeye who stated this, shortly after assuming office while receiving the Ekiti State Governor-elect, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, in his office. He reiterated Mr. President’s resolve to deliver on critical road infrastructure across the length and breadth of the country.
He thanked the people of Ekiti State for the overwhelming support and votes given to the Governor-elect during the June 21, 2014 governorship election and disclosed that having known the pedigree of the governor-elect, he was sure that Ekiti people would once more, experience unprecedented development, peace and progress.
Earlier in his remarks, Mr Ayo Fayose urged the minister to squarely face his mandate while eschewing politics of rancour and favouritism with a view to leveraging on the performance of his national assignment.
The governor-elect also said he was confident on the ability of the Honourable Minister of State to deliver on the dividends of democracy, having known him to be a good team player.

FCT

The National Human Rights Commission has asked a
Federal High Court in Abuja to set aside its order of a stay of execution of the commission’s investigation report which awarded N135 million to relatives and victims of the attack and killing of some squatters in Apo, Abuja.
Justice Gabriel Kolawole had on June 27, 2014, in his ruling on the ex parte application filed by the State Security Services, ordered a stay of execution of the report.
The judge had equally granted leave to the SSS to apply for an order of certiorari to quash the decisions and awards contained in the NHRC’s report on complaint No: C/2013/7908/HQ.
The court also granted leave to the SSS to serve the commission with the originating motion, which is the main suit.

Gombe

The Nigerian Immigration Service has paraded three
suspects, including two policemen, for allegedly defrauding members of the public through an employment scam.
The two policemen, Bitrus Gata, Asartia Johnson, both of State Police Command and one Oluwatayo Komolafe, were said to have issued out fake letters of employment to their victims, after collecting various amounts from them.
The Comptroller-General of Immigration, David Parradang, who addressed journalists in Abuja on Monday, said the service was not recruiting, and cautioned the public against falling prey to solicitations from fake Facebook accounts for employment into the immigration service.
Parradang stated that the Presidential Committee on immigration recruitment, was yet to announce the date and modalities for recruitment into the NIS, adding that the right information would be publicised once the committee concluded arrangements.

Kaduna

Former Military Head of State and leader of the opposition
All Progressives Congress (APC), Maj.  Gen. Muhammadu Buhari ( rtd) has warned that the unconstitutional impeachment of governors will plunge the country into anarchy.
Buhari in a statement on Monday in Kaduna maintained that the Nigerian Constitution was being subverted in the desperate quest to impeach governors in the opposition party.
According to him, “the recent induced impeachment and threats of impeachment of Governors in the opposition” was aimed at decapitating  the APC , stressing that it does not augur well for the survival of a fragile nation like Nigeria and its tenderfoot democracy.
He stated   that deploying the institutions of state, some of which are symbols of the country’s unity, “just to kick an out-of-favour state Governor in the stomach can only breed anarchy and lead the nation down the slippery slope to chaos.”

Kwara

Impeachment and threats of impeachment of All Progressives
Congress (APC) governors is suspicious, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) National Vice-President Isa Aremu has said.  The labour leader said the sanctity of tenure is needed to sustain democracy.
Aremu, who was a member of the National Conference, spoke   in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, on the state’s radio programme, The Platform. The labour leader urged President Goodluck Jonathan not to use his office to torment governors in the opposition.
He said: “What is worrisome to me is that of Nasarawa. The impeachment notice was served just at the time the President, who comes from another party, was visiting the state. I mean we should not give it the impression that the President is using his office to torment a governor in an opposition state. I don’t think this is the intention of the President.
“What I am saying is, even the timing alone makes it to be suspicious. The President is an elected President. Currently, he is our President.

Nasarawa

The First  Governor of  Nasarawa  State, Senator Abdullahi
Adamu, foresees a prolonged crisis arising from the plot by some members of the State Assembly to impeach Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura. He has therefore cautioned them to have a rethink and avoid being conned by fifth columnists who do not wish the state well.
Adamu, in a letter to the Assembly said that given the heterogeneous nature of the state and the recent   sectarian upheavals there, nothing should be done to further rubbish the image of the state.
“Permit me to remind you that we in this young state cannot afford the   luxury that people in states that were created 30, 40 or more years ago would afford. I    therefore wish to appeal to our sense of reason, to reflect and ponder deeply over the ultimate   implications of taking our young state through an unpredictable path,” he said.
“As the popular saying   goes, ‘Discretion is the better part of valour’. While you ponder on these few words of mine, I   also urge all of you to listen to the voices of those who elected you. All of us in high and low   positions of leadership in the state owe it to our people to do all we can to save our dear state   from an ill wind that blows no one any good.  You are advised!” he added.

Oyo

Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has said his administration
will establish a radio station in Oyo town. Ajimobi spoke at the weekend during his visit to the town.
The governor was received by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi. The governor and the Alaafin later proceeded to the Ansar-Ud-Deen Central Mosque for the Jumat prayer.
In his sermon, the Chief Imam, Alhaji Mukail Mobolaji, eulogised the governor for his transformation agenda.
Ajimobi said:  ’’Alaafin remains not only the pillar of my success, the paramount ruler’s un-relentless, sincere and rare support for me and my administration has been a source of inspiration and stimulant in governance.’’ Adding that his administration would establish Atiba radio station and rehabilitate the Erelu Water Works.

President Goodluck Jonathan (5th right), Senate President David Mark (4th left)in  a  group photograph with parents and some Chibok Girls during their visit to  the Presidential Villa in Abuja, yesterday.

President Goodluck Jonathan (5th right), Senate President David Mark (4th left)in a group photograph with parents and some Chibok Girls during their visit to the Presidential Villa in Abuja, yesterday.

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Yahaya Bello: Senator Hails EFCC’s Probe Of N80.2bn Fraud

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Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has commended the efforts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) to apprehend and prosecute the immediate past governors of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, over an alleged N80.2 billion fraud.
This is just as she also hailed the EFCC chairman, Ola Olukoyede, for ceding 14 properties that were initially forfeited to the federal government to the government and people of Enugu State.
Reacting to Bello’s excuse for not honouring the EFCC’s invitation, the lawmaker emphasized the need for the commission to investigate other corrupt public officials to avoid the impression that their actions against former governor were meant to witch hunt him.
In a now-viral video, the EFCC chairman had claimed Belloh told him that a female senator (name withheld) allegedly gathered journalists to humiliate him anytime he was at the agency’s Abuja office for interrogation.
“I called Yahaya Bello, as a serving governor, to come to my office to clear himself. I shouldn’t have done that. But he said because a certain senator had planted over 100 journalists in my office, he would not come.
“I told him that he would be allowed to use my private gate to give him a cover, but he said my men should come to his village to interrogate him,” Olukoyede was quoted as saying.
But Senator Natasha in a statement signed by her Chief Press Secretary, Arogbonlo Israel and issued at the weekend in Abuja, reminded Yahaya Bello of the importance of respecting Nigeria’s laws and constitution, given his former position as the chief security officer of Kogi.
“I was surprised to hear that Yahaya Bello evaded the invitation from the EFCC, despite having served as Kogi’s former chief security officer. As a former governor, he should understand the importance of respecting Nigeria’s laws and constitution.
“It’s a well-known fact that ‘he who comes into equity must come with clean hands’. As such, I advise him to honour the invitation and clear his name while he still has the chance.
“I’d also like to take this moment to appreciate the diligence of the EFCC in handling the case so far. No Nigerian is above the law, and therefore the agency must see this case through to the end if they are to gain the trust of both Nigerians and the international community in the fight against corruption,” she said.

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Senate  Frowns Over Continued Depreciation Of Naira

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Worried over the  latest depreciation of the Naira against major foreign currencies, the Senate through its Committee on Finance, has  stated that the Legislature  is  exploring a range of policy options to mitigate the impact of Naira depreciation and foster economic stability in the country.
These, according to the committee, in a statement signed by its chairman, Senator Sani Musa (APC Niger East) and released yesterday, includes robust oversight of fiscal policies, engagement with key stakeholders, and the formulation of targeted interventions to support key sectors of the economy.
Senator Musa said the statement became necessary “to address the current state of the economy and the need for concerted efforts at tackling the instability and continuous depreciation of the Naira.”
This is even as he hoped that the “economic managers will adhere strictly to the norms and standards set by this administration to ensure that we achieve the desired outcomes in taking Nigeria to its economic growth and prosperity”, pledging the support of the National Assembly to the executive arm of government to achieve the set goals.
He, however, urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and resilient as they navigate these uncertain times, saying “together, we can overcome the challenges facing our economy and chart a path towards prosperity for all.”
The statement titled: “State of the Nation Economy and Naira Depreciation’, reads “The Nigerian economy is facing significant challenges, exacerbated by both internal and external factors.

“Despite efforts to stabilize and bolster economic growth, the numerous initiatives and bold but necessary steps and policy decisions taken by President Bola Tinubu, the persistent depreciation of the Naira against major foreign currencies has become a pressing concern.

“The recent depreciation of the Naira underscores the need for proactive measures to safeguard the stability and resilience of our currency.

“The Senate Committee on Finance is closely monitoring the situation and is committed to working collaboratively with relevant stakeholders to implement effective policies and strategies.

“It is imperative that we address the root causes of Naira depreciation, including but not limited to fluctuations in global oil prices, fiscal deficits, and structural imbalances in the economy.”

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WIW: Banigo Advocates Legislative Impetus

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The Senator, representing Rivers West Senatorial District at National Assembly Sen.Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo has advocated for legislative backings to enforce immunisation as a pre-condition for admission into nursing, primary and secondary schools in Nigeria.
Banigo made the assertion recently in a statement to commemorate this year’s week-long immunisation campaign in line with the World Health Organisation advocacy.
Banigo, a Harvard-trained Public Health personnel, explained that such legislation would strengthen the National Immunisation Policy in the administration of vaccines, saves lives, helps in the child normal growth, prevents serious illness and disabilities such as poliomyelitis .
The former Deputy Governor of Rivers State who is also the Chairman, Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary), noted that Nigeria must attain at least, 90 percent vaccine coverage for all childhood and adolescence; stressing that a fully vaccinated child should have received BCG, Mussels and three doses of DTP and Polio .
She emphasised the need for collective efforts by stakeholders in the campaign against preventable diseases .
The theme for this year’s World Immunisation Week is “Humanly Possible: Saving Lives Through Immunisation” while the national theme is “Vaccine Works For All”.

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