Hello readers, Inside this post you will find trending important news in Nigeria today, you will find news that are of concern to Politics,Entertainment Economics,Locals and more... We update this page twice daily; morning and evening.
TOP NEWS IN NIGERIA TODAY(EVENING EDITION)
=> House Of Reps Summons Diezani Alison-Madueke-Thisday
=>Dasukigate: Metuh Wants Jonathan As Witness-Sunnews
NATIONAL Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olisa Metuh, has told a Federal High Court that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) cannot prosecute him without interrogating former President Goodluck Jonathan regarding the source of the N400 million alleged to be part of arms purchase funds.
Metuh, who has filed a no case submission asking the court to discharge him from the seven- count money laundering charge preferred against him and his company, Destra Investment Limited, said the Prosecution Witness (PW5) evidence that presentation for which money was paid was made to Jonathan makes the investigation of his role as well as his evidence vital and indeed crucial without which no prima facie case can conceivably be said to have been made out. Chief Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) led Metuh’s defence team.
“Dr. Jonathan, to whom the presentation was made for which the payment was made, is therefore a material and indispensible person in order for a prima facie case to be present. Where the prosecution failed to call such a vital witness, a strong presumption will arise that the evidence, if called, would be unfavourable to the prosecution.
Metuh argued that the EFCC has not established a prima facie case against him in line with Sections 302 and 357 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 since the prosecution has not made such case against him and his company.
“In any case, the “mens rea’ of the defendants to the effect that former NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd) committed a criminal offence cannot be inferred, but must be established by a competent evidence which must come from the prosecution.
It is the case of Metuh that no evidence was laid out by the prosecution that N400 million was the proceed of alleged criminal conduct committed by Dasuki, adding that if anything, all the documents presented by the prosecution in the case only point out that the former NSA complied with due process and the contrary has not been pronounced by the court of competent jurisdiction.
“In this case, by the evidence of PW3 who works in the Office of the National Security Adviser [ONSA], the NSA is answerable to the then President Goodluck Jonathan only,” he said.READ FULL NEWS
ENTERTAINMENT
=>"How I Met & Fell In Love With Femi Fani-Kayode" - 27-yr-old Precious Chikwendu
Actress, beauty queen, and pageant director, Precious Chikwendu is the new wife of 55-year-old PDP chieftain Femi Fani-Kayode. She delivered her first child Lotanna for the ex-minister of aviation recently. Lotanna is Fani-Kayode's 1st son and 6th child. Speaking on how they met, Chikwendu - a native of Awka in Anambra State and University of Calabar graduate- in an exclusive interview with City People said, "We met in Owerri at a friend’s house. We’ve been together for almost 2 years now." On what she likes about him, she said," I love his openess and bravery. He speaks his mind regardless of whose ox is gored. I love that he is very compassionate, passionate and very fair to everyone". And what is it about her husband she dislikes, she further added, "He could be strong willed and stubborn .When he decides on something it’s often difficult to change his mind. But I always find a way. He also doesn’t like stock fish(okporoko)."SOURCE
Everybody was stunned yesterday when Annie Idibia put a mystery lady
on blast and accused her of causing troubles in her home. I personally
didn't even take it serious sef until this morning, I saw GOBE! 
“Please tag her family members to put this woman in order,” Annie captioned the photo of the unknown woman, adding, “She needs to stop bugging my family. I’m a peaceful person.” And then she threatened to leak the lady’s messages.
From the conversations, and confirmation from top blogger Stella Dimoko Korkus, the mystery lady is Raymond Dokpesi’s niece who allegedly had been dating 2baba Idibia.
Now watching in 3D how this drama would eventually end
SOURCES
=>Ooni Of Ife Set To Remarry As First Marriage Crashes - Stella Dimoko-Korkus
The Ooni of Ile Ife Oba Enitan Babatunde Adeyeye Ogunwusi has taken a new wife because his first marriage has crashed due to irreconcilable differences....
Have you noticed that Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II has always been on his own to all occasions and even on his official coronation on the 7th of December 2015 there was a distance between him and his wife Adebukunola Ogunwusi?...well thats because Insiders allege his union to his ex wife was already so strained that both were no longer in talking terms as at when the Ooni ascended the throne.
Ex wife?Yes, because i hear the Marriage has fallen apart and cannot be salvaged.My sources inform me that ''Adebukunola never assumed the role of an Olori and never moved to the Palace,she left Ile-ife town as soon as the Coronation was over and has not been back there or seen with the Oba eye to eye...''
Reliable information from the palace is that the Ooni is an extremely happy king now cos he's about to be joined in Matrimony to Wuraola Otiti Zynab Obanor and the duo are in love.Wuraola from Oluyare Compound, Iremo Quarters in Ile- Ife But a native of Benin City.
Ile- Ife and Benin Kingdom Uniting?Wow!
The New Olori is from Royal Brass Casters guide family -Ine n' Igun and Her forefather Ezhoe from Oluyare compound, Ile Ife was requested for by the Oba of Benin - King Oguola from the Ooni Of Ife. Ezhoe left his son - Ighueghae who naturally became the head of the family after his father left back to Ife from Benin. Hmmmm strong ties between Benin and Ife and about to be re-ignited with this Marriage.
According to Stella Dimoko Korkus sources,Their union is already 95 percent completed, just for a few other formalities to be concluded within a few weeks.
Wuraola is relocating from the diaspora to take on her role as wife and Olori to a Powerfully Popular King,Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi,Ojaja II...
TOP NEWS IN NIGERIA TODAY(MORNING EDITION)
=>President Buhari Jets Out To Saudi Arabia, Qatar-Vanguard
=>APC Wins All The Rerun Elections In Kaduna,Niger, Nassarawa And Plateau States-ChannelsTV
The APC candidate defeated his main challenger, the former Deputy Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Dogara Mato, on Saturday.
According to the results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the APC’s candidate polled a total of 17, 672 votes to defeat the PDP candidate, who polled 10, 772 votes.
By this victory, the APC has 28 members in the State House of Assembly while PDP has 6 members.
An earlier election held in Lere West Constituency was won by the APC’s candidate, Kabir Mohammed, in the 2015, but his victory was nullified by the Tribunal on the ground that he was not qualified to stand for the election.
The Tribunal, however, ordered INEC to conduct a fresh election within 90 days.
Meanwhile, report says Jackson Dandali of the APC won in Pankshin North Constituency of Plateau State in the re-run House of Assemble Election on Saturday.
According to the INEC, the APC’s candidate polled 17,320 against the PDP candidate who polled 16, 817.
The result of Pankshin South is still being collated.
Nasarawa Assembly Re-run: Dahiru Emerges Winner
The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abubakar Dahiru, has emerged winner of the House of Assembly re-run election in Lafia Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Mr Dahiru defeated his main opponent, Dr. Joseph Kigbu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to return as the member representing Lafia/Obi Federal Constituency.
SOURCE
=>Consumer Protection Council Orders Dstv To Compensate Consumers-Vanguard
The Consumer Protection Council (CPC) has ordered MultiChoice Nigeria Limited in the provision of its Digital Satellite Broadcast Television (DStv) to compensate consumers within 90 days and introduce toll-free lines to them, following confirmation of its investigations on allegations of violations of consumer rights. Consequently, the Council in Abuja yesterday directed DStv to release of free-to-air channels, even when subscription expires; compensation consumers across board for lost viewing time and reasonable equitable spread of popular sports channels, among others. Director General of CPC, Mrs. Dupe Atoki, expressed optimism that compliance with these reforms would bring about a new dawn for Nigerian consumers, who would henceforth enjoy value for money in their engagement with the company. Atoki reiterated the Council’s commitment towards sanitising the nation’s market-place for the benefit of consumers, assuring that no stone would be left un-turned to ensure it is no longer business as usual and shoddy service delivery becomes a thing of the past in the country. According to her, “During the course of our investigations, the Council observed that the company’s billing system, whereby “billing is not contemporaneous with the provision of service” was not in the best interest of consumers and therefore ordered MultiChoice to install a billing system that ensures billing starts with the provision of service” She said that the pay-television company was also ordered to within 90 days provide across board compensation to its subscribers, considering the fact that many of them have over time lost legitimate and paid viewing time by its conduct of not restoring service contemporaneously after payment as well as other instances of disruptions. MultiChoice was ordered to keep local and free-to-air channels open so that subscribers would have the opportunity of watching these channels, even when their subscriptions have expired. DSTv was also instructed to present written assurances in line with Section 10 of the Council’s enabling law that it will not engage in any conduct which is detrimental to the interest of consumers. In the same vein, the company shall for 18 months from the date of the orders, subject its processes to the Council’s inspection to ensure compliance with the directives contained in the orders.
READ FULL NEWS
TOP NEWS IN NIGERIA TODAY(EVENING EDITION)
=> House Of Reps Summons Diezani Alison-Madueke-Thisday
The House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee investigating the Refined
Product Exchange Agreement/Crude Oil Swap between the Nigerian National
Petroleum Corporation/Petroleum Pipelines Marketing Companies
(NNPC/PPMC) has summoned the former Minister of Petroleum Resources,
Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, to explain her role in the award of
contracts worth $24billion without valid agreements signed with the
befitting companies.
Three former Group Managing Directors (GMDs) of the NNPC, Mr. Austin Oniwon, Mr. Andrew Yakubu and Mr. Joseph Dawha, who appeared before the committee last week, indicted the former minister, accusing her of extending the oil swap contracts for Duke Oil Company Incorporated and Trafigura B.V, without valid agreements.
The contracts for both firms had expired in October 2011, but they had continued to lift crude without formal contract extension for 20 months, lifting crude worth $24billion.
The contracts were formalised in December 2014 and backdated to cover the period from when they earlier expired.
The Chairman of the ad hoc committee, Hon. Zakari Mohammed (Kwara APC) in a telephone interview with THISDAY disclosed that the former minister would be invited by the committee.
“The former oil minister’s invitation will definitely go to her tomorrow (Monday). We are going to invite her, because contracts expired for 20 months, there was no renewal of contract, but the GMDs wrote to her, and she, on her own, approved the contracts,” he said.
It remains unclear how the former minister would be expected to honour the invitation following reports of her arrest in the United Kingdom, where her passport was also seized as part of her bail conditions.
Mohammed however explained that her not being able to appear is not a matter for the commitee, which has to have it on record that she was informed “that we need her attention…if we are now saying she will not show up, that is a matter of speculation.”
The lawmaker however debunked insinuations that the probe was targeted at the former minister, insisting that the House is determined to avoid a repeat of the sort of happenings that have been revealed in the course of the oil swap deals investigation.
Three former Group Managing Directors (GMDs) of the NNPC, Mr. Austin Oniwon, Mr. Andrew Yakubu and Mr. Joseph Dawha, who appeared before the committee last week, indicted the former minister, accusing her of extending the oil swap contracts for Duke Oil Company Incorporated and Trafigura B.V, without valid agreements.
The contracts for both firms had expired in October 2011, but they had continued to lift crude without formal contract extension for 20 months, lifting crude worth $24billion.
The contracts were formalised in December 2014 and backdated to cover the period from when they earlier expired.
The Chairman of the ad hoc committee, Hon. Zakari Mohammed (Kwara APC) in a telephone interview with THISDAY disclosed that the former minister would be invited by the committee.
“The former oil minister’s invitation will definitely go to her tomorrow (Monday). We are going to invite her, because contracts expired for 20 months, there was no renewal of contract, but the GMDs wrote to her, and she, on her own, approved the contracts,” he said.
It remains unclear how the former minister would be expected to honour the invitation following reports of her arrest in the United Kingdom, where her passport was also seized as part of her bail conditions.
Mohammed however explained that her not being able to appear is not a matter for the commitee, which has to have it on record that she was informed “that we need her attention…if we are now saying she will not show up, that is a matter of speculation.”
The lawmaker however debunked insinuations that the probe was targeted at the former minister, insisting that the House is determined to avoid a repeat of the sort of happenings that have been revealed in the course of the oil swap deals investigation.
READ FULL NEWS
=> ''I Can Bring The US Dollar To N200 In One Month'' - Business Mogul, Ifeanyi Ubah - ChannelsTV
As the nation's currency exchanges at N400 to the US dollar on Sunday, Billionaire business mogul has said that if the Buhari-led federal government consults him, he could restore the nation's currency to an exchange rate of N200 to one US Dollar within one month.
Speaking on a Channels Television politics programme on Sunday, billionaire businessman and the Chairman of Capital Oil and Gas Services Ltd., Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, has advised the Federal Government to consult some Nigerians who can halt the free fall of the Naira which is affecting the nation’s economy.The Naira currently exchanges at N400 to the US dollar.
The Publisher of The Authority newspapers, said that if the President Buhari-le federal government consults him, he could restore the nation’s currency to an exchange rate of N200 to one US Dollar within one month, thereby arresting the slide in the Naira which is virtually crippling the economy.
The Chairman of Ifeanyi Ubah Football Club, however did not say how he was going to bring the Naira down to an exchange rate of 200 per dollar, but said the government could seize everything he owns if he failed to do this within one month, if given the mandate.
Chief Ubah also affirmed that he was not involved in any way whatsoever in the $2.3 billion Dasukigate arms deal that involved the former National Security Adviser, Col Sambo Dasuki, adding that he was not involved in the politics of contracts and has never done any government contracts, whether at the Federal, state or local government levels.
"I am highly misunderstood, sometimes controversial. But I have never done any government contracts. I did not collect any money from Government; I do not have an oil block – and I have not asked for one.
"I did not know Dasuki. TAN never received money from Dasuki or the People’s Democratic Party. We did what we did in the interest of the nation and for posterity.
READ FULL NEWS
=> Civilian-JTF In Konduga Local Government Of Borno Claims Shekau Was Arrested-Africaonline.cc
The Nigerian military has said it is yet to confirm the speculation over an arrest of Boko Haram kingpin popularly known as Bashir Sarkin Yanka, which, in Hausa, means Bashir the King of Slaughter and who had been acting as Abubakar Shekau in some videos on the social media.
Local security volunteer group known as Civilian JTF in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State claimed that it had arrested the notorious Boko Haram kingpin.
The arrested suspect was reported to have confessed to the Civilian JTF that he had acted as Boko Haram leader, Shekau, in some videos and was responsible for the death of his (Bashir’s) mother, two sisters and brother apart from engaging in mass slaughter.
However, spokesperson of Operation Lafiya Dole in the North-East, Air Commodore Dele Alonge, said the military could not confirm the arrest of the Shekau’s actor yet.
He said the military had sustained its counter-insurgency operations where some terrorists had been eliminated and others apprehended in the North-East.
Alonge said: “As you are aware, the Nigerian military has succeeded in routing out terrorists from some of their hideouts in the North-East, and, in the process, some were eliminated and others had been arrested.
“We cannot at the moment provide the identities of those in our custody or in other places until after we have conducted thorough investigations,” he said.
Speaking further, he said the military arrested two suspects, Audu Umar and Hassan Umar for smuggling themselves among the Internally Displaced People (IDPs) brought from Pulka to Gwoza IDPs Camp in Borno State.
He said the male suspects who gave their names as Audu Umar and Hassan Umar were undergoing interrogation by the military and intelligence operatives.
SOURCE=> ''I Can Bring The US Dollar To N200 In One Month'' - Business Mogul, Ifeanyi Ubah - ChannelsTV
As the nation's currency exchanges at N400 to the US dollar on Sunday, Billionaire business mogul has said that if the Buhari-led federal government consults him, he could restore the nation's currency to an exchange rate of N200 to one US Dollar within one month.
Speaking on a Channels Television politics programme on Sunday, billionaire businessman and the Chairman of Capital Oil and Gas Services Ltd., Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, has advised the Federal Government to consult some Nigerians who can halt the free fall of the Naira which is affecting the nation’s economy.The Naira currently exchanges at N400 to the US dollar.
The Publisher of The Authority newspapers, said that if the President Buhari-le federal government consults him, he could restore the nation’s currency to an exchange rate of N200 to one US Dollar within one month, thereby arresting the slide in the Naira which is virtually crippling the economy.
The Chairman of Ifeanyi Ubah Football Club, however did not say how he was going to bring the Naira down to an exchange rate of 200 per dollar, but said the government could seize everything he owns if he failed to do this within one month, if given the mandate.
Chief Ubah also affirmed that he was not involved in any way whatsoever in the $2.3 billion Dasukigate arms deal that involved the former National Security Adviser, Col Sambo Dasuki, adding that he was not involved in the politics of contracts and has never done any government contracts, whether at the Federal, state or local government levels.
"I am highly misunderstood, sometimes controversial. But I have never done any government contracts. I did not collect any money from Government; I do not have an oil block – and I have not asked for one.
"I did not know Dasuki. TAN never received money from Dasuki or the People’s Democratic Party. We did what we did in the interest of the nation and for posterity.
READ FULL NEWS
=> Civilian-JTF In Konduga Local Government Of Borno Claims Shekau Was Arrested-Africaonline.cc
The Nigerian military has said it is yet to confirm the speculation over an arrest of Boko Haram kingpin popularly known as Bashir Sarkin Yanka, which, in Hausa, means Bashir the King of Slaughter and who had been acting as Abubakar Shekau in some videos on the social media.
Local security volunteer group known as Civilian JTF in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State claimed that it had arrested the notorious Boko Haram kingpin.
The arrested suspect was reported to have confessed to the Civilian JTF that he had acted as Boko Haram leader, Shekau, in some videos and was responsible for the death of his (Bashir’s) mother, two sisters and brother apart from engaging in mass slaughter.
However, spokesperson of Operation Lafiya Dole in the North-East, Air Commodore Dele Alonge, said the military could not confirm the arrest of the Shekau’s actor yet.
He said the military had sustained its counter-insurgency operations where some terrorists had been eliminated and others apprehended in the North-East.
Alonge said: “As you are aware, the Nigerian military has succeeded in routing out terrorists from some of their hideouts in the North-East, and, in the process, some were eliminated and others had been arrested.
“We cannot at the moment provide the identities of those in our custody or in other places until after we have conducted thorough investigations,” he said.
Speaking further, he said the military arrested two suspects, Audu Umar and Hassan Umar for smuggling themselves among the Internally Displaced People (IDPs) brought from Pulka to Gwoza IDPs Camp in Borno State.
He said the male suspects who gave their names as Audu Umar and Hassan Umar were undergoing interrogation by the military and intelligence operatives.
=>Dasukigate: Metuh Wants Jonathan As Witness-Sunnews
NATIONAL Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olisa Metuh, has told a Federal High Court that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) cannot prosecute him without interrogating former President Goodluck Jonathan regarding the source of the N400 million alleged to be part of arms purchase funds.
Metuh, who has filed a no case submission asking the court to discharge him from the seven- count money laundering charge preferred against him and his company, Destra Investment Limited, said the Prosecution Witness (PW5) evidence that presentation for which money was paid was made to Jonathan makes the investigation of his role as well as his evidence vital and indeed crucial without which no prima facie case can conceivably be said to have been made out. Chief Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) led Metuh’s defence team.
“Dr. Jonathan, to whom the presentation was made for which the payment was made, is therefore a material and indispensible person in order for a prima facie case to be present. Where the prosecution failed to call such a vital witness, a strong presumption will arise that the evidence, if called, would be unfavourable to the prosecution.
Metuh argued that the EFCC has not established a prima facie case against him in line with Sections 302 and 357 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 since the prosecution has not made such case against him and his company.
“In any case, the “mens rea’ of the defendants to the effect that former NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd) committed a criminal offence cannot be inferred, but must be established by a competent evidence which must come from the prosecution.
It is the case of Metuh that no evidence was laid out by the prosecution that N400 million was the proceed of alleged criminal conduct committed by Dasuki, adding that if anything, all the documents presented by the prosecution in the case only point out that the former NSA complied with due process and the contrary has not been pronounced by the court of competent jurisdiction.
“In this case, by the evidence of PW3 who works in the Office of the National Security Adviser [ONSA], the NSA is answerable to the then President Goodluck Jonathan only,” he said.READ FULL NEWS
ENTERTAINMENT
=>"How I Met & Fell In Love With Femi Fani-Kayode" - 27-yr-old Precious Chikwendu
Actress, beauty queen, and pageant director, Precious Chikwendu is the new wife of 55-year-old PDP chieftain Femi Fani-Kayode. She delivered her first child Lotanna for the ex-minister of aviation recently. Lotanna is Fani-Kayode's 1st son and 6th child. Speaking on how they met, Chikwendu - a native of Awka in Anambra State and University of Calabar graduate- in an exclusive interview with City People said, "We met in Owerri at a friend’s house. We’ve been together for almost 2 years now." On what she likes about him, she said," I love his openess and bravery. He speaks his mind regardless of whose ox is gored. I love that he is very compassionate, passionate and very fair to everyone". And what is it about her husband she dislikes, she further added, "He could be strong willed and stubborn .When he decides on something it’s often difficult to change his mind. But I always find a way. He also doesn’t like stock fish(okporoko)."SOURCE
=>Annie Idibia's New Rival Was "Deflowered By Tubaba"
“Please tag her family members to put this woman in order,” Annie captioned the photo of the unknown woman, adding, “She needs to stop bugging my family. I’m a peaceful person.” And then she threatened to leak the lady’s messages.
From the conversations, and confirmation from top blogger Stella Dimoko Korkus, the mystery lady is Raymond Dokpesi’s niece who allegedly had been dating 2baba Idibia.
Now watching in 3D how this drama would eventually end
SOURCES
=>Ooni Of Ife Set To Remarry As First Marriage Crashes - Stella Dimoko-Korkus
The Ooni of Ile Ife Oba Enitan Babatunde Adeyeye Ogunwusi has taken a new wife because his first marriage has crashed due to irreconcilable differences....
Have you noticed that Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II has always been on his own to all occasions and even on his official coronation on the 7th of December 2015 there was a distance between him and his wife Adebukunola Ogunwusi?...well thats because Insiders allege his union to his ex wife was already so strained that both were no longer in talking terms as at when the Ooni ascended the throne.
Ex wife?Yes, because i hear the Marriage has fallen apart and cannot be salvaged.My sources inform me that ''Adebukunola never assumed the role of an Olori and never moved to the Palace,she left Ile-ife town as soon as the Coronation was over and has not been back there or seen with the Oba eye to eye...''
Reliable information from the palace is that the Ooni is an extremely happy king now cos he's about to be joined in Matrimony to Wuraola Otiti Zynab Obanor and the duo are in love.Wuraola from Oluyare Compound, Iremo Quarters in Ile- Ife But a native of Benin City.
Ile- Ife and Benin Kingdom Uniting?Wow!
The New Olori is from Royal Brass Casters guide family -Ine n' Igun and Her forefather Ezhoe from Oluyare compound, Ile Ife was requested for by the Oba of Benin - King Oguola from the Ooni Of Ife. Ezhoe left his son - Ighueghae who naturally became the head of the family after his father left back to Ife from Benin. Hmmmm strong ties between Benin and Ife and about to be re-ignited with this Marriage.
According to Stella Dimoko Korkus sources,Their union is already 95 percent completed, just for a few other formalities to be concluded within a few weeks.
Wuraola is relocating from the diaspora to take on her role as wife and Olori to a Powerfully Popular King,Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi,Ojaja II...
TOP NEWS IN NIGERIA TODAY(MORNING EDITION)
=>President Buhari Jets Out To Saudi Arabia, Qatar-Vanguard
President Muhammadu Buhari is billed to leave Abuja for Suadi Arabia and Qatar tomorrow to engage officials of both countries in talks for the stability of oil prices.
The president who would be away for a week will be accompanied to the journey by a high-powered Federal Government delegation, including the Minister of State (Petroleum) and Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, (NNPC), Dr. Ibe Kachikwu.
On Tuesday, president Buhari would fly to Riyadyh, the Saudi Arabia capital to meet talks with King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and senior officials of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
A statement by the presidential spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina on Sunday stated that the "Ongoing efforts by Nigeria and other members of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to achieve greater stability in the price of crude oil exports are expected to be high on the agenda of discussions between President Buhari and the Saudi Monarch."
Similarly, the statement added that "Crude oil prices and market stability will also be on the front burner when President Buhari goes on to Doha on Saturday for talks on Sunday with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani."
The President is also scheduled to meet with leading Saudi and Qatari businessmen in Riyadh and Doha.
It is also expected that the meeting with the businessmen would eventually lead to investments in Nigeria’s mining, agriculture, power supply, infrastructure, transportation, communications and other sectors consequent upon an invitation president Buhari would extend to them.
The president who would be away for a week will be accompanied to the journey by a high-powered Federal Government delegation, including the Minister of State (Petroleum) and Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, (NNPC), Dr. Ibe Kachikwu.
On Tuesday, president Buhari would fly to Riyadyh, the Saudi Arabia capital to meet talks with King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and senior officials of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
A statement by the presidential spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina on Sunday stated that the "Ongoing efforts by Nigeria and other members of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to achieve greater stability in the price of crude oil exports are expected to be high on the agenda of discussions between President Buhari and the Saudi Monarch."
Similarly, the statement added that "Crude oil prices and market stability will also be on the front burner when President Buhari goes on to Doha on Saturday for talks on Sunday with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani."
The President is also scheduled to meet with leading Saudi and Qatari businessmen in Riyadh and Doha.
It is also expected that the meeting with the businessmen would eventually lead to investments in Nigeria’s mining, agriculture, power supply, infrastructure, transportation, communications and other sectors consequent upon an invitation president Buhari would extend to them.
READ FULL NEWS
=>Dollar Scarcity: 40,000 Jobs Threatened, Food Prices Soar - PUNCH
The difficulties in getting foreign exchange and the steep fall in the value of the naira are seriously affecting the manufacturing sector, with prices of locally made and imported food items heading northward, IFE ADEDAPO writes
The scarcity of foreign currencies in the country, especially the dollar, which has made it difficult for manufacturers of essential food items to import raw materials into the country, is threatening about 40,000 jobs.
Investigations by our correspondent showed that the high cost of importation due to unprecedented fall in the value of the naira has made importation difficult and expensive, thereby resulting in many factories operating far below their installed capacities.
It was also gathered that as a result of the currency crisis, the prices of essential food items were gradually rising as a direct consequence of the high cost of production and the imported substitutes becoming more expensive.
The naira, which has been taking a beating from the fall in global oil prices since mid-2014, tumbled to 391 against the dollar at the parallel market on Friday and has remained at the Central Bank of Nigeria-pegged 199 to $1 at the interbank market.
On January 11, the central bank stopped the sale of foreign currencies to Bureaux de Change operators as part of measures to reduce the pressure on the nation’s foreign reserves.
Since the announcement was made, the value of naira, which was 283 against the dollar at that time, has been depreciating.
Speaking with our correspondent on the effects of the falling currency on food manufacturers, the Executive Secretary, Association of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employers, Mr. Aderemi Adegboyega, lamented that hundreds of jobs out of the 40,000 workforce in the sector had been lost already and that those still in employment were hanging on by the thread.
He said the business was no longer profitable and firms in the sector were shutting down because they could not afford to pay the salaries of workers, while producing very little.
“We need forex to buy raw materials as a lot of our companies are producing below capacity, which is a big problem. As we are not manufacturing, it means that some of our employees are going to lose their jobs. In our industry alone, we have about 40,000 jobs, and if care is not taken, there will be a lot of loss in terms of the jobs,” Adegboyega warned.
While analysing the precarious situation in the manufacturing and trade sectors, the Director-General, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Muda Yusuf, said many organisations were becoming insolvent due to accumulated debts owed foreign suppliers.
READ FULL NEWS
=> Jonathan’s Former ADC States Role In N10b Gift For PDP Chiefs - The Nation
Former President Goodluck Jonathan’s detained ex-Aide-de-Camp (ADC) Col. Ojogbane Adegbe has passed the buck on the N10billion gift for Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) delegates.
He has told the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to ask Dr. Jonathan’s former Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs, Waripamowei Dudafa to account for the cash, a source said yesterday.
The ADC said when the suitcases containing the cash were brought as messages for the President, he merely handed them over to Dudafa.
He said military law forbids him from opening any message meant for the President, unless otherwise directed.
Also, one of the Army officers being questioned over the $2.1 billion arms purchase scandal, Col. N. Ashinze , the former Special Military Assistant to the ex-NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.), is stranded as he could not resume in his new posting as the nation’s Military Attache to the Nigerian Embassy in Germany.
Although Col. Ashinze has been released from EFCC custody and restricted to the Officers Mess, there was anxiety yesterday that he might be dropped from the foreign mission.
Also yesterday, it was learnt that the embattled ex-Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, has been linked with the ongoing probe of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
Air Chief Marshal Badeh was moved to Lagos last week as part of the investigation of NIMASA.
The EFCC is believed to be tidying up some loose ends in its investigation of military officers suspected to have been involved in the $2.1b phoney arms deals.
The N10billion withdrawn from the oil block account at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for PDP delegates to its nomination convention has been a knotty issue because it was based on the instruction of the former President, according to a source close to the investigation.
READ FULL NEWS=>Dollar Scarcity: 40,000 Jobs Threatened, Food Prices Soar - PUNCH
The difficulties in getting foreign exchange and the steep fall in the value of the naira are seriously affecting the manufacturing sector, with prices of locally made and imported food items heading northward, IFE ADEDAPO writes
The scarcity of foreign currencies in the country, especially the dollar, which has made it difficult for manufacturers of essential food items to import raw materials into the country, is threatening about 40,000 jobs.
Investigations by our correspondent showed that the high cost of importation due to unprecedented fall in the value of the naira has made importation difficult and expensive, thereby resulting in many factories operating far below their installed capacities.
It was also gathered that as a result of the currency crisis, the prices of essential food items were gradually rising as a direct consequence of the high cost of production and the imported substitutes becoming more expensive.
The naira, which has been taking a beating from the fall in global oil prices since mid-2014, tumbled to 391 against the dollar at the parallel market on Friday and has remained at the Central Bank of Nigeria-pegged 199 to $1 at the interbank market.
On January 11, the central bank stopped the sale of foreign currencies to Bureaux de Change operators as part of measures to reduce the pressure on the nation’s foreign reserves.
Since the announcement was made, the value of naira, which was 283 against the dollar at that time, has been depreciating.
Speaking with our correspondent on the effects of the falling currency on food manufacturers, the Executive Secretary, Association of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employers, Mr. Aderemi Adegboyega, lamented that hundreds of jobs out of the 40,000 workforce in the sector had been lost already and that those still in employment were hanging on by the thread.
He said the business was no longer profitable and firms in the sector were shutting down because they could not afford to pay the salaries of workers, while producing very little.
“We need forex to buy raw materials as a lot of our companies are producing below capacity, which is a big problem. As we are not manufacturing, it means that some of our employees are going to lose their jobs. In our industry alone, we have about 40,000 jobs, and if care is not taken, there will be a lot of loss in terms of the jobs,” Adegboyega warned.
While analysing the precarious situation in the manufacturing and trade sectors, the Director-General, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Muda Yusuf, said many organisations were becoming insolvent due to accumulated debts owed foreign suppliers.
READ FULL NEWS
=> Jonathan’s Former ADC States Role In N10b Gift For PDP Chiefs - The Nation
Former President Goodluck Jonathan’s detained ex-Aide-de-Camp (ADC) Col. Ojogbane Adegbe has passed the buck on the N10billion gift for Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) delegates.
He has told the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to ask Dr. Jonathan’s former Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs, Waripamowei Dudafa to account for the cash, a source said yesterday.
The ADC said when the suitcases containing the cash were brought as messages for the President, he merely handed them over to Dudafa.
He said military law forbids him from opening any message meant for the President, unless otherwise directed.
Also, one of the Army officers being questioned over the $2.1 billion arms purchase scandal, Col. N. Ashinze , the former Special Military Assistant to the ex-NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.), is stranded as he could not resume in his new posting as the nation’s Military Attache to the Nigerian Embassy in Germany.
Although Col. Ashinze has been released from EFCC custody and restricted to the Officers Mess, there was anxiety yesterday that he might be dropped from the foreign mission.
Also yesterday, it was learnt that the embattled ex-Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, has been linked with the ongoing probe of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
Air Chief Marshal Badeh was moved to Lagos last week as part of the investigation of NIMASA.
The EFCC is believed to be tidying up some loose ends in its investigation of military officers suspected to have been involved in the $2.1b phoney arms deals.
The N10billion withdrawn from the oil block account at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for PDP delegates to its nomination convention has been a knotty issue because it was based on the instruction of the former President, according to a source close to the investigation.
=>APC Wins All The Rerun Elections In Kaduna,Niger, Nassarawa And Plateau States-ChannelsTV
The APC candidate defeated his main challenger, the former Deputy Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Dogara Mato, on Saturday.
According to the results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the APC’s candidate polled a total of 17, 672 votes to defeat the PDP candidate, who polled 10, 772 votes.
By this victory, the APC has 28 members in the State House of Assembly while PDP has 6 members.
An earlier election held in Lere West Constituency was won by the APC’s candidate, Kabir Mohammed, in the 2015, but his victory was nullified by the Tribunal on the ground that he was not qualified to stand for the election.
The Tribunal, however, ordered INEC to conduct a fresh election within 90 days.
Meanwhile, report says Jackson Dandali of the APC won in Pankshin North Constituency of Plateau State in the re-run House of Assemble Election on Saturday.
According to the INEC, the APC’s candidate polled 17,320 against the PDP candidate who polled 16, 817.
The result of Pankshin South is still being collated.
Nasarawa Assembly Re-run: Dahiru Emerges Winner
The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abubakar Dahiru, has emerged winner of the House of Assembly re-run election in Lafia Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Mr Dahiru defeated his main opponent, Dr. Joseph Kigbu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to return as the member representing Lafia/Obi Federal Constituency.
SOURCE
The Consumer Protection Council (CPC) has ordered MultiChoice Nigeria Limited in the provision of its Digital Satellite Broadcast Television (DStv) to compensate consumers within 90 days and introduce toll-free lines to them, following confirmation of its investigations on allegations of violations of consumer rights. Consequently, the Council in Abuja yesterday directed DStv to release of free-to-air channels, even when subscription expires; compensation consumers across board for lost viewing time and reasonable equitable spread of popular sports channels, among others. Director General of CPC, Mrs. Dupe Atoki, expressed optimism that compliance with these reforms would bring about a new dawn for Nigerian consumers, who would henceforth enjoy value for money in their engagement with the company. Atoki reiterated the Council’s commitment towards sanitising the nation’s market-place for the benefit of consumers, assuring that no stone would be left un-turned to ensure it is no longer business as usual and shoddy service delivery becomes a thing of the past in the country. According to her, “During the course of our investigations, the Council observed that the company’s billing system, whereby “billing is not contemporaneous with the provision of service” was not in the best interest of consumers and therefore ordered MultiChoice to install a billing system that ensures billing starts with the provision of service” She said that the pay-television company was also ordered to within 90 days provide across board compensation to its subscribers, considering the fact that many of them have over time lost legitimate and paid viewing time by its conduct of not restoring service contemporaneously after payment as well as other instances of disruptions. MultiChoice was ordered to keep local and free-to-air channels open so that subscribers would have the opportunity of watching these channels, even when their subscriptions have expired. DSTv was also instructed to present written assurances in line with Section 10 of the Council’s enabling law that it will not engage in any conduct which is detrimental to the interest of consumers. In the same vein, the company shall for 18 months from the date of the orders, subject its processes to the Council’s inspection to ensure compliance with the directives contained in the orders.
=> Buhari To Hold Prayer For Nigeria In Mecca - Presidency-Thecable
President Muhammadu Buhari will begin a weeklong official visit to Saudi Arabia and Qatar on Monday, and hold a special prayer for Nigeria before returning to the country. Femi Adesina, special adviser to the president on media and publicity, announced the president’s trips in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday.
The statement said Ibe Kachikwu, minister of state for petroleum and group managing director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), will accompany the president, who is expected to hold talks with Saudi authorities on stability in the price of oil.
“Before going on to Doha, the president will also visit Medina and Mecca to pray for greater peace, prosperity and progress in Nigeria,” the statement read.
“President Buhari, who will be accompanied by a high-powered Federal Government delegation, including the Minister of State (Petroleum) and Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, (NNPC), Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, will first fly to Riyadyh for talks on Tuesday with King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and senior officials of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“Ongoing efforts by Nigeria and other members of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to achieve greater stability in the price of crude oil exports are expected to be high on the agenda of discussions between President Buhari and the Saudi Monarch.
“Crude oil prices and market stability will also be on the front burner when President Buhari goes on to Doha on Saturday for talks on Sunday with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.”
Adesina said in Qatar, Buhari will meet with top businessmen and seek support for his administration.
“The president is also scheduled to meet with leading Saudi and Qatari businessmen in Riyadh and Doha, and invite them to support his administration’s efforts to revamp the Nigerian economy by taking advantage of the great investment opportunities currently available in Nigeria’s mining, agriculture, power supply, infrastructure, transportation, communications and other sectors,” the statement read.
“President Buhari’s other engagements in Saudi Arabia include meetings with heads of international financial organisations and multilateral associations.”
SOURCE
=> We Never Congratulated David Mark – APC- PMnews
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied issuing a congratulatory message to winner of Benue South senatorial rerun election, David Mark.
In a statement by Mai Mala Buni, National Secretary APC, the ruling party said: “The attention of the National Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been drawn to some false online publications reporting that the party has congratulated David Mark, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in Saturday’s Benue South Senatorial rerun election,” the statement read.
Adding that, “The APC has not issued any congratulatory message on the Benue South Senatorial rerun election.”
“The “congratulatory message” purportedly obtained from a twitter handle, “@APCNigeria” did not emanate from the party. The purported twitter message itself is not credited to any APC official.”
“The general public is advised to ignore the false message.”
“The APC reiterates that only the National Chairman and the National Secretary officially speaks for the party.”
=> We Never Congratulated David Mark – APC- PMnews
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied issuing a congratulatory message to winner of Benue South senatorial rerun election, David Mark.
In a statement by Mai Mala Buni, National Secretary APC, the ruling party said: “The attention of the National Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been drawn to some false online publications reporting that the party has congratulated David Mark, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in Saturday’s Benue South Senatorial rerun election,” the statement read.
Adding that, “The APC has not issued any congratulatory message on the Benue South Senatorial rerun election.”
“The “congratulatory message” purportedly obtained from a twitter handle, “@APCNigeria” did not emanate from the party. The purported twitter message itself is not credited to any APC official.”
“The general public is advised to ignore the false message.”
“The APC reiterates that only the National Chairman and the National Secretary officially speaks for the party.”
SOURCE
=> $2.1bn Arms Scandal: Returning loot won’t stop prosecution - EFCC chairman-Nigerianeye
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, says the anti-graft agency will prosecute those suspected to have benefitted from the $2.1bn arms fund even after they have returned stolen money to the national treasury.
Magu, in The Interview magazine’s February edition, was responding to a question on whether the EFCC would enter into plea bargaining with suspects or waive prosecution if stolen funds were returned.
He said the priority of the EFCC was to recover the diverted arms funds.
He said, “What matter, first and foremost, is for everyone involved in the arms scandal to return the money he or she may have collected. That does not preclude such suspects from facing prosecution.”
The EFCC chairman said the desire for illicit wealth among public office holders was one of the major reasons why corruption had been on the rise in the country.
Magu said Nigerians should be outraged by the amount of money originally set aside for the war against Boko Haram, which was diverted for personal use.
The EFCC chairman said allegations against the commission that its anti-corruption war was politically-motivated was a proof that corruption was already fighting back.
He said, “Political offices in Nigeria are too attractive. This encourages a rat race of a sort. Also, the judiciary, which is the last resort, has allegedly been complicit, making civil servants who have been found guilty of corruption feel confident to poke the law in the face and go scot-free.
“There should be a national outrage by now. There is something wrong with our values. Corruption has been celebrated over the years.”
=> $2.1bn Arms Scandal: Returning loot won’t stop prosecution - EFCC chairman-Nigerianeye
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, says the anti-graft agency will prosecute those suspected to have benefitted from the $2.1bn arms fund even after they have returned stolen money to the national treasury.
Magu, in The Interview magazine’s February edition, was responding to a question on whether the EFCC would enter into plea bargaining with suspects or waive prosecution if stolen funds were returned.
He said the priority of the EFCC was to recover the diverted arms funds.
He said, “What matter, first and foremost, is for everyone involved in the arms scandal to return the money he or she may have collected. That does not preclude such suspects from facing prosecution.”
The EFCC chairman said the desire for illicit wealth among public office holders was one of the major reasons why corruption had been on the rise in the country.
Magu said Nigerians should be outraged by the amount of money originally set aside for the war against Boko Haram, which was diverted for personal use.
The EFCC chairman said allegations against the commission that its anti-corruption war was politically-motivated was a proof that corruption was already fighting back.
He said, “Political offices in Nigeria are too attractive. This encourages a rat race of a sort. Also, the judiciary, which is the last resort, has allegedly been complicit, making civil servants who have been found guilty of corruption feel confident to poke the law in the face and go scot-free.
“There should be a national outrage by now. There is something wrong with our values. Corruption has been celebrated over the years.”
Tension is mounting within the Christian Association of Nigeria following an alleged plot by President Muhammadu Buhari to install a successor to its current President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, whose tenure expires in July 2016.
The All Progressives Congress is said to be interested in sponsoring a pro-Buhari clergy from the North so as to avoid any radical opposition to his administration from the Christian community.
But when contacted, the Special Adviser to the President (Media and Communications), Mr. Femi Adesina, dismissed the allegation and revealed that “Buhari does not interfere in the internal affairs of any organisation.”
He said, “It means that some Nigerians don’t know their President. Your President, Muhammadu Buhari, does not interfere in things like that; so, they need to know the person who is their President.
“The people making the allegation can’t insist that they are correct because that is the man for you and Buhari doesn’t interfere in anything. If he doesn’t interfere in state elections where his own party, the APC, is having candidates, how will he interfere in CAN elections? They don’t know their President.”
A group of Christians, under the aegis of Christ’s Redeemers’ Union, claimed that the Presidency was interested in CAN election for some selfish reasons The National Director of CRU, Dr. Abednego Olusola, in a statement obtained by journalists on Sunday in Abuja, said Christians would resist any plan by the Presidency to install a puppet as CAN President.
He said, “A top official in the Presidency, who is spearheading the campaign, has started deploying resources for logistics towards ensuring the emergence of a church leader in the northern part of the country believed to be friendly with Buhari.
The All Progressives Congress is said to be interested in sponsoring a pro-Buhari clergy from the North so as to avoid any radical opposition to his administration from the Christian community.
But when contacted, the Special Adviser to the President (Media and Communications), Mr. Femi Adesina, dismissed the allegation and revealed that “Buhari does not interfere in the internal affairs of any organisation.”
He said, “It means that some Nigerians don’t know their President. Your President, Muhammadu Buhari, does not interfere in things like that; so, they need to know the person who is their President.
“The people making the allegation can’t insist that they are correct because that is the man for you and Buhari doesn’t interfere in anything. If he doesn’t interfere in state elections where his own party, the APC, is having candidates, how will he interfere in CAN elections? They don’t know their President.”
A group of Christians, under the aegis of Christ’s Redeemers’ Union, claimed that the Presidency was interested in CAN election for some selfish reasons The National Director of CRU, Dr. Abednego Olusola, in a statement obtained by journalists on Sunday in Abuja, said Christians would resist any plan by the Presidency to install a puppet as CAN President.
He said, “A top official in the Presidency, who is spearheading the campaign, has started deploying resources for logistics towards ensuring the emergence of a church leader in the northern part of the country believed to be friendly with Buhari.
READ FULL NEWS
ENTERTAINMENT
=>Meet The Woman That Is Causing Trouble In Idibia's Family As Annie Cries Out
The humble nature, extraordinary music talents and the handsomeness of 2Baba can make any lady want to die for him, little wonder he has
three baby mamas and several kids before he finally tie the knot.
But now that he is married and living a peaceful life, we feel the ladies should let the pop star and his wife Annie Idibia enjoy their home.
2baba’s wife, Annie Idibia posted a photo of an unknown woman and accused her of trying to cause confusion in her home.
“Please tag her family members to put this woman in order,” “She needs to stop bugging my family. I’m a peaceful person. Won’t embarrass you by munching all your messages here…. Stay away rich kid. ”
SOURCE
Kanye West shockingly revealed he’s millions of dollars in debt last week and went on a Twitter rant asking for financial hep.
ENTERTAINMENT
=>Meet The Woman That Is Causing Trouble In Idibia's Family As Annie Cries Out
The humble nature, extraordinary music talents and the handsomeness of 2Baba can make any lady want to die for him, little wonder he has
three baby mamas and several kids before he finally tie the knot.
But now that he is married and living a peaceful life, we feel the ladies should let the pop star and his wife Annie Idibia enjoy their home.
2baba’s wife, Annie Idibia posted a photo of an unknown woman and accused her of trying to cause confusion in her home.
“Please tag her family members to put this woman in order,” “She needs to stop bugging my family. I’m a peaceful person. Won’t embarrass you by munching all your messages here…. Stay away rich kid. ”
SOURCE
=>Nigerian Bank Offers to Help Kanye West with His $53million Debt
These Updates Are Brought To You By Apata Bayode Follow Him On Twitter Here
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