Saraki, Ekweremadu shun suit seeking their sack

•Judge deplores Senate leaders’ conduct
•Returns case file for re-assignment

Senate President, Bukola Saraki, his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu and three others yesterday in Abuja shunned the resumed hearing of a suit seeking their sack.

Although it was not mandatory for Saraki, Ekweremadu and the other defendants in the suit to attend proceedings in person, they were required to be represented by their lawyers.

Yesterday, none of the defendants was represented by lawyers when the case was called before Justice Adeniyi Ademola, to whom the case was transferred from Justice Gabriel Kolawole, who ended his sitting as the vacation judge at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Justice Ademola, who was uncomfortable that none of the defendants was represented in court, noted that the choice of Monday was with the consent of lawyers to parties in the suit.

The judge, following the decision by the plaintiffs’ lawyer, Mamman Osuman (SAN) to withdraw his motion for interlocutory injunction, struck out the motion.

Justice Ademola agreed with Osuman that the motion, which sought to restrain the Senate leadership from constituting ad hoc committees, had been overtaken by events, and that the prayers contained in the motion were similar to those contained in the plaintiffs’ ex-parte application which Justice Kolawole earlier refused to grant.

The judge, whose time as the vacation judge, will end soon, said he would return the case file to the chief judge for reassignment at the end of the court’s vacation.

Other defendants in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/651/2015, are the National Assembly, the Clerk of the National Assembly and the Clerk of the Senate.

Senators Abu Ibrahim, Kabir Marafa, Ajayi  Boroffice, Olugbenga Ashafa and Suleiman Hunkuyi are the plaintiffs.

It is their contention that the election of Saraki and Ekweremadu as president and deputy president was invalid on the grounds that the Senate’s Standing Orders 2015 used for the election was a forged document.

The plaintiffs argued that since the Senate’s Standing Order 2011, which was the valid Senate Rules as at the proclamation of the Eighth Senate on June 9, was not known to have been validly altered before the election, the 2015 Rules could not be said to be a legitimate document.

They stated, in a supporting affidavit,  that the Senate’s Standing Orders 2015 was “contrived” from the amendment of the 2011 version of the Orders without following its (the 2011 edition’s) relevant provisions and those of the Constitution.

The plaintiffs argued that the amendment was in breach of the “prescriptive procedures” stipulated by Section 60 of the constitution (as amended) and Rule 110(1), (2), (3), (4) and (5) of the Senate Standing Orders 2011 (as amended).

They prayed the court for the following reliefs:

*A declaration that the Senate’s Standing Order 2011(as amended) is the proper, valid, constitutional and subsisting Rules/Standing Orders of the Eighth Senate.

*A  declaration that the Senate’s Standing Order 2015(as amended), not being a product of any legitimate amendment pursuant to Rule 110 of the Senate’s Standing Orders 2011 (as amended), is invalid, illegal, unconstitutional.

*A declaration that the election of the 1st and 2nd defendants as the president and peputy president of the Senate of the Eighth Senate pursuant to the Senate’s Standing Orders 2015 and contrary to Rules 3(3)(e) and (k), Chapter II of the Senate’s Standing Orders 2011, is illegal and unconstitutional.

*An order setting aside the purported election of the 1st and 2nd defendants as Senate president and deputy Senate president  of the Eighth Senate; an order setting aside the Senate Standing Orders 2015 and an order directing the Eighth Senate to elect its presiding officers in accordance with Section 54 of the Constitution and Rules 3(3)(e) and (k)of the Senate’s Standing Orders 2011.

 

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Ambode orders recruitment of more medical workers

•Governor hands over 10 Hilux vans, 15 motorcycles
to police

To ensure 24-hour service in general hospitals and health centres, Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has approved the recruitment of more parademic staff and special medical coordinators.

Ambode made this known at the Lagos House in Ikeja yesterday when he commissioned 20 Mobile Intensive Care unit (MICU) ambulances and 26 transport ambulances in fulfilment of his promise to bring quality healthcare service closer to the people particularly during emergencies.

He also handed over 10 new Hilux Vans and 15 motorcycles to the Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni in furtherance of his commitment to ensure a crime free state.

The governor said: “In my inaugural address, I pledged my total commitment to run a government that will leave no one behind; a government that will implement programmes that make life simpler, easier and happier for our people, Today we are launching the free ambulance service as a demonstration to that pledge”.

He said the acquisition of the ambulances was also in consonance with his administration’s mantra to run a government of continuity with improvement.

“I recall with much satisfaction, the great strides we have witnessed in the health sector in the last 16 years; commencing from the foundational leaps of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the significant landmarks of Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN)”, the governor said.

The transport ambulances,  he said, would be in the 26 general hospitals for easy access, adding that his administration has restructured the State Emergency Ambulance Services and increased the fleet of MICU by 20, bringing the number to 33 units.

Ambode promised to upgrade the general hospitals and also build a Medical Park.

Handing over the vehicles and motorcycles to Owoseni, the governor urged the Police to utilise them judiciously for the enhancement of security.

Owoseni thanked the governor for the gesture, promising that the vehicles would be deployed for crime prevention.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Modele Osunkiyesi, said the acquisition of the MICUs was a fall-out of a stakeholders’ meeting with the governor.

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Oyo tribunal: INEC to present 160 witnesses

   One hundred and sixty witnesses are to testify at the Oyo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Ibadan, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) lead counsel, Yusuf Ali (SAN), said yesterday.

Sikiru Sanni, who held the fort for Ali, said the witnesses would be selected from the 33 local governments to prove to the tribunal that INEC conducted free, fair and credible election.

The Accord candidate in the April 11 governorship poll, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, challenged the declaration of Governor Abiola Ajimobi of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner.

He joined the APC, Dr. Rufus Akeju, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) and the commission as co-respondents.

Chief Richard Ogunwole (SAN) represented the first and second petitioners. Olumuyiwa Aduroja (SAN) and Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) were counsel to the first and second respondents, while Ali led a team of lawyers for the third and fourth respondents.

He prayed the court to adjourn the case till tomorrow to enable him gather his witnesses.

The lawyer said: “We have substantial witnesses to present to this tribunal within the five days allotted to us. We promise to utilise the time allotted to us judiciously.”

The lead counsel to the second respondent, Chief Akeredolu, who ought to present his witnesses yesterday, closed his case without presenting any witness.

He said: “We are not presenting any witness because we have light evidence presented by the petitioner’s counsel. We will not want to waste the time of this panel by presenting any witness.”

 

 

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Nigeria’s first IVF baby to study medicine abroad

Nigeria’s first test tube baby is heading for Hungary to study medicine.

Hannatu Kupchi, 17,was born at Nisa Premier Hospital in Abuja on February 11, 1998.

A ceremony was organised by the hospital on Sunday in Abuja to mark her departure. Medical Director Dr. Ibrahim Wada said Kupchi’s birthday marked the fulfillment of his medical career.

“It is very difficult to make a statement on a day like this. When I was out of this country, I knew there were people who wanted babies. I made the decision to come back to Nigeria to help people. It happened on February 11, 1998 when this historic event occurred at this hospital.

“The baby of that historic day is going to become a doctor. Because the parents stood firm, we were able to help others. You gave us government recognition and that was important. It was the first time that a minister came to receive a baby in Nigeria.

I want to assure you (Hannatu),that after graduation, there is an automatic employment for you. .”

Kupchi expressed gratitude to the hospital for giving her “a life”.

She said what informed her choice of study was the desire to help save the lives of other children.

She said with her birth, misconceptions about IVF were broken and that many more children would be born.

She said: “I am very grateful to be sent off like this. It is not everybody that gets this opportunity. God has a big hand in this. God was behind me. I want God to use me get more children. I am hoping that through me God will make people see the value of having children. I will specialize in genealogy and obstetrics.

Hannatu’s father Hosea Kupchi, said: “We had 13 years of marriage without a child and we went through the orthodox method without any success. But along the line, my sister in law told me that there is one Dr. Wada that has been helping couples. That is how we came.

“Then challenges came again on how to let the world know that we achieved this feat locally here. There are a lot of couples out there that are not ready to speak out. One, there is issue of stigmatization.

 

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Akpabio’s convoy, U.S. embassy’s car collide in Abuja

Former Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio yesterday spent hours at the National Hospital in Abuja after a car accident . He was discharged at about 5.10pm, accompanied out of the hospital by Governor Udom Emmanuel and Senator Theodore Orji.
They left in the governor’s official car.
Akpabio, who is also Senate Minority Leader, was said to be on his way to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, to catch a flight when the accident occurred.
He was rushed to the National Hospital in the city, where doctors described his condition as stable.
Akpabio’s car ran into a convoy of a U.S. diplomat.
A Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) personnel, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Akpabio may have suffered some injuries in the chest region “due to the way he held his chest after the incident”.
The FRSC operatives also said “from the look of things other occupants of the vehicles in the convoy and Akpabio’s driver did not seem to have sustained any injury”.
The officer said he was at the scene of the accident around 7.30 am near Bolingo Hotels on the Abuja Airport Road in the Central Business District of the Federal Capital territory (FCT).
It was learnt that Akpabio was on his way overseas to visit his family when the accident happened.
One of the early callers at the National Hospital was the Senate Deputy Minority Whip, Senator Biodun Olujimi.
Mrs. Olujimi said she was told by an official at the hospital that the Akwa Ibom North West lawmaker was in a stable condition.
Akwa Ibom State Governor  Udom Emmanuel, who was at the hospital, declined comments.
The hospital’s Chief Information Officer Hajia Rabiah Labaran, said Akpabio was brought to the hospital by some FRSC officers.
Labaran said: “He (Akpabio) was brought in this morning after he had a car crash as I learnt. He was brought in from the Bolingo Hotels junction where a vehicle crashed into his own vehicle from behind.
“Luckily enough when they brought him after the preliminary check –up, it was found that he did not have any serious injury.
”He was talking when he was brought in and the medical team that attended to him gave him necessary attention at the trauma unit.
“I learnt that as at this afternoon, (12:30pm), he had been taken to the private wing of the hospital for proper care but there was no serious injury.
“It is something he can get over in a few days. He is recuperating. He was with his driver but the driver did not sustain any injury.”
Last year, Akpabio’s convoy was arrested in Abuja by security operatives for driving against traffic. At the time, Akpabio was governor. The convoy was en route to the Three Arms Zone, the area of Abuja where the administrative offices of the executive, legislative and judicial arms of the federal government are located. The drivers encountered a mild traffic jam close to the Nigeria Police Headquarters and chose the one way.
Reports show that at the time of the incident, the then President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, was leaving Aso Rock Villa for the National Executive Council meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the Wadata House national secretariat of the party. Security operatives blocked the road as the presidential convoy moved towards Shehu Shagari Way. Other road users halted movement to make way for the presidential convoy, Akpabio’s convoy was unwilling to queue. They made a detour and speed against traffic at a high, blaring siren and swerving from side-to-side.
Heavily armed soldiers and police officers arrested the convoy. The convoy was released with a warning, after the intervention of security operatives attached to the then governor.

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APC, governors, others join row over Buhari’s choices

SGF, Oshiomhole, Okorocha, Oyegun: they’re on merit

Ohanaeze urges Igbo to be calm

CRITICS of President Muhammadu Buhari’s appointments yesterday got a reply  – they are based on merit.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) and some governors defended the appointments which have been criticised as sectional.

The President’s men also denied that they were appointed based on sentiment, after three of them took the oath of office yesterday in Abuja.

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Southeast’s leading socio-cultural group, urged the Igbo to remain calm. Governors Rochas Okorocha (Imo) and Adams Oshiomhole (Edo) said the appointments came strictly on merit.

President Buhari swore in Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Mr. Babachir David Lawal, National Security Adviser (NSA) Gen. Babagana Monguno and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Mr. Femi Adesina.

Adesina was appointed on May 31.  Monguno was appointed on July 13 and Lawal was appointed August 27.

At the brief ceremony, Lawal, who spoke on behalf of others, said: “We want to thank God for granting President the vision, wisdom, kindness and boldness to consider us worthy for positions of responsibilities.

“We got appointed into these positions, not because of our tribes or our faiths or our political groups.

“If it is such, I am sure none of us would have been considered worthy of these appointments. We appreciate the President and we appreciate God that he has blessed us with these privileged appointments.

“It is a privilege to serve Nigerians in these capacities at this point in time. Nigeria is at the threshold of achieving greatness and it is our honour and privilege to be senior members of the team that will propel the country to this greatness.”

He told the President: “We have in you and the Vice President leaders that lead by example, leaders that are focused; whose goal is to build a Nigeria where there is liberty, security, economic prosperity and the rule of law.

“We are grateful that we are part of the team to deliver this goal. Accept our assurances that by the grace of God, we will not fail you, we will not fail our country, we will not fail ourselves, our families and our friends. By the grace of God. We will strive at all times to serve our country and to serve you with excellence, hardwork and integrity.”

APC National Chairman Chief John Odigie-Oyegun assured Nigerians that President Buhari is not unmindful of the principle of federal character in the appointments of public officers.

He said the President will definitely balance appointments across all the geopolitical regions.

Speaking when he received a delegation from MBO Dynamic Support Group, led by its national coordinator, Hon. Usman Ibrahim, the APC chairman urged Nigerians who are aggrieved by the appointments to remain calm and give the President the chance to balance his appointments.

Odigie-Oyegun said there was a lot of fight back from the people who want to draw back the nation under the Buhari administration, adding: “There have been a lot of unfortunate misinformation and uproar against appointments at this stage. We have two sets of appointments that have been made.

“One set is the personal privilege of Mr. President –  as far as his personal staff are concerned. The other set has to do with a few important and strategic persons that are going to help him either in the fight against corruption or the fight against insurgency in the Northeast of our country, but this is not where to play the political balancing game.

“These are serious and the President has the right to appoint those he has confidence in because these are the areas where he has made promises to Nigerians. But we have thousands of political appointments and he has just made a few appointments while thousands are still waiting.

“The balancing must happen when the political appointments are being made but we must not at this particular point in time with the few appointments say that one must be from the North, one must be from South or from the East; not at this stage.

“So, one must make that clear. Nobody, no leader can disadvantage any part of this nation, that will not happen.”

On the anti-corruption battle, Odigie-Oyegun said: “If a particular group has ruled for 16 years, then who is guilty of corruption? And all the fight, witch-hunt are neither here no there.

“What is important is that everybody who has a skeleton in his cupboard has something to fear; if you do not have any skeleton in the cupboard you go to sleep and sleep very sound but of course if you have, you will pretend and try to divert attention.”

Ohanaeze Ndigbo yesterday urged Ndigbo in Nigeria and in the diaspora to avoid any confrontation with the government.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Secretary-General Dr. Joe Nwaorgu, told reporters in Enugu that the best option “especially in view of the present circumstance of skewed pattern of appointments by President Buhari, which has completely excluded Ndigbo from key strategic positions in the Federal Government is to remain calm and watch events as they unfold.”

Okorocha said the President’s decision was in the nation’s best interest.

He said the President had the right to appoint anyone from any part of the country and that no one could dictate to him who to appoint.

“Most of the appointments the President has so far made are like his personal staff.  I don’t think the Southeast will ever be forgotten in this administration. We will get our due. He has the right to make appointments that will make him succeed and nobody should dictate to him who to appoint or who he should not appoint,” Okorocha said, adding:

“What I can only do is to continue to appeal to the President to consider the Southeast in his appointments.  And as far as I am concerned, the President has executed what the office empowers him to do, and it is believed that he did that in the best interest of the nation.

“In fact, if you ask me, I would say we should be more interested in the projects coming down to the Southeast, and as much as we can get.  The projects will bring about development of the Southeast. There is no cause for alarm.  It is too early in the day to begin to judge Buhari’s intention.  I think he means well.  Let us give him a chance.  Nigeria is one nation.  A nation for all of us.  We must start thinking about the nation rather than thinking about sentiment of where we come from.

“Although the Southeast had expected so much, we believe all will be well with the Buhari presidency and for the development of the Southeast.  It is wrong for some people to begin to use the issue to incite the people of the Southeast against the President.  The government is about to celebrate its 100 days and the appointments are just beginning to come and, by and large, the Southeast will get its due.

“The point is that we cannot begin to judge President Buhari with the appointments so far made.  We cannot obviously use it to judge his intention.  I think he means well for the nation and with every geo-political zone inclusive.  So let us give him a chance.”

Oshiomhole said Nigerians should praise Buhari “for having the uncommon courage to take plausible decisions in the appointments”.

He said the appointments were based on merits and not political sentiments or ethnic consideration as some tribal jingoists would want Nigerians to believe.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Peter Okhiria, Oshiomhole said it was time to use the best hands to confront the peculiarity of the country’s problems and not descend to the level of geopolitical balancing.

Oshiomhole noted that unusual methods should be used to solve an unusual problem and added that the level of decay required very seasoned hands and incorruptible Nigerians that would help to translate the APC agenda of change for the benefit of all Nigerians.

“We must not reduce governance to political patronage of bread and butter. The Comrade Governor wishes them well in their new jobs of helping to sanitise a system that has become so rotten and corrupt as a result of manifest incompetence and mismanagement.

“If we must make a huge difference in the lives of Nigerians, things must be done differently. We cannot continue to apply same template in the recruitment of persons and expect different results. The new appointees are Nigerians who have served the country in different capacities before now and deserved every bit of our cooperation and support to make them excel in their new jobs.”

 

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APC seeks kidnapped journalist’s release

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Rivers State chapter, has called for unconditional release of the kidnapped renowned columnist with Vanguard newspaper, Dornu Kogbara, an Ogoni, insisting that her abduction underscores the breakdown of security in the state.

The party in a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary in the state, Chris Finebone, said it was in great pains over the abduction of the essayist.

The gunmen, who kidnapped Kogbara on Sunday morning, stormed her Nkpogu-Port Harcourt residence in a CRV car, amid gunshots.

The gunmen immediately disappeared with the columnist, whose whereabouts remained unknown and no demand for ransom had been made by the criminals at the time of filing this report.

The Rivers police Spokesman, Muhammad Kidaya Ahmad, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), confirmed the kidnap and noted that the police personnel were on the trail of the gunmen.

He assured that the victim would soon be rescued unhurt.

The party said: “A sundry reflection on the security situation of our dear Rivers State indicates that the several efforts made by the previous administration, which significantly brought criminality to its lowest ebb across the state, have now been reversed in just three months of the administration of Governor Nyesom Wike. The present sorry state of security in the state did not come by accident.

“Before and during the last campaigns, the APC warned that the worst thing that would happen to Rivers State was for Nyesom Wike to become governor of our dear state, especially with regard to security of life and property. The warning was based on a clear assessment and observation of the individuals who call the shots in the Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and those they chose to engage as their foot soldiers to snatch electoral victory through the use of the guns.

“Today, the worst fears of the APC have come to stay in Rivers State, considering the skyrocketing level of killings, armed robberies and kidnappings sweeping through the length and breadth of the state, with negative impact on the economy and social life of the people and residents of the state.

“The APC will like to call on security agents in Rivers State and beyond to do all they can to ensure a quick and safe retrieval of the kidnapped journalist of international repute, whose only crime was to visit the family in Port Harcourt, the capital of her home state.”

 

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Salary: Ibadan Poly workers begin indefinite strike

Academic activities collapsed Monday at the Polytechnic Ibadan as members of the Academic staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Polytechnic Ibadan chapter, embarked on an indefinite strike to protect the non-payment of five months’ salary arrears by the state government.

Before the union announced the strike action, the aggrieved workers went round in procession to sensitise members on the industrial action following state government’s inability to pay outstanding salaries.

The state secretary of ASUP, comrade Akande Adekunle while speaking with newsmen in Ibadan said members of the union have been working under hunger because government failed to pay workers five months salary arrears.

Adekunle, who charged the state government to immediately offset the salary arrears without delay, noted that ASUP members have been experiencing irregularity in payment of their salaries since 2014, a situation which he said was not palatable to members as they do not have any other source of income.

Meanwhile, all efforts to speak with the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the institution Adewole Soladoye on the matter proved abortive.

Despite the peaceful protest by ASUP members in the Polytechnic Ibadan, the Student Union Government of the institution has promised to revive the school radio which will create employment opportunities within the institution.

The newly elected SUG President Joseph Esho, while speaking with journalists during the swearing-in ceremony Monday , stated that the polytechnic radio is one of the innovations that the SUG plans to bring into the institution, one he believes will be a major way to communicate information to everyone.

Esho who expressed optimism towards the revival of the Poly Radio, promised to actualize it through consultations with major stakeholders in the sector.

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How we prepare for flights – BA Pilots

From what to pack and how to squeeze it all in, to the benefits of roll-over folding and the weird thing you should put in the safe, some British Airways’ pilots share their professional secrets

Senior First Officer Cliodhna Duggan, Boeing 777 fleet 

The night before my first training day at BA, 10 years ago, I packed my uniform and travelled to Heathrow in my civvies. It wasn’t until I got dressed the following morning I realised I’d forgotten my black uniform shoes. All I had were the bright yellow trainers I’d travelled in… I’ve learnt my lesson – I now always travel in my uniform.

Travel is made so much worse if you’re tired, hungry or have a dead phone, so you should always take earplugs, snacks and a travel adapter. I recommend see-through ziploc bags too – they’re great for everything, including making sure your liquids don’t leak and for storing wet bikinis.

For work I can pack my case in 10 minutes. The best advice I’ve ever been given is always to put your name and contact details inside your case as well as on a label on the outside. And if you’re putting your passport in a hotel room safe, be sure to put a shoe in there with them so you won’t forget about it.

Project Pilot Ilkka Tahvanainen, Airbus training, A380 fleet 

I live in Finland and commute to work in the UK, where I might be flying, doing simulator training or working in the office. In addition to the essentials (wash bag, my British Airways ID and my flying licence), I take swimming trunks for any impromptu dips, and travel binoculars for checking out in detail some of the remote places we fly over. The mountains in the Canadian Arctic are particularly stunning.

It’s not often I have a packing disaster, though I did once arrive somewhere to discover I’d brought the kids’ socks instead of mine. I have a neat way for folding shirts – I do up most of the buttons, then fold the ironed shirt along the middle vertical line. Then I fold the sleeves in and fold the shirt in two. The shirt comes out without needing to be ironed.

First Officer Chloe Harrison, Airbus A320 fleet, Gatwick 

My longest work trips are three days so I never carry much more than gym kit and a pair of jeans. My advice for frequent travellers is to have your suitcase ready to go at all times. When I return from a trip, I just wash whatever’s in my wash bag and put it back in. Then all I have to add is a clean shirt and my toothbrush just before I leave. The most surprising thing I travel with is tin foil. Why? So I can use the iron in my hotel room to turn a cheese sandwich into a toastie!

I’m a huge fan of the rolling method for packing – you can jam in so much more stuff. This is particularly true in the winter, when you have to pack ‘warm’. Stuffing tights into shoes and rolling up toiletries into jeans helps.

First Officer Aoife Duggan, Airbus A320 fleet 

For work, I can pack my case in less than three minutes. In my bag, you’ll always find a small handbag that folds flat, a good lip balm for dealing with dry cabin air, and spare undies in case I get stuck somewhere for longer than planned. During the winter I’ll also pack a mini hot water bottle. Some hotel rooms never get warm, plus I find it hard to warm up on long night flights.

My fiancé always asks me to pack for him, though that’s not without flaws. We once arrived on holiday to discover he had no underwear packed at all.

Captain Rob Johnson, Airbus A320 fleet

Packing a case has been part of my life for 16 years, so these days I can do it in minutes. The best bits of packing advice I’ve ever received are to ask myself ‘Do you really need it?’ and ‘Can you even carry all this?’

As an author of children’s books (Plane Characters), I always pack a notebook and pencil for when I’m exploring a new city. I use these notes in helping to compose my stories. The one thing I wouldn’t travel without is my running kit. After a long day sitting on a plane it’s great to get out for a jog and some fresh air.

For an easy-to-pack souvenir, I like olive oil. Wrap the bottle in a plastic bag and then wrap it again in some of your dirty clothes before packing it securely in the middle of your case. As long as it’s in there snugly, it won’t break.

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It’s too early to judge Buhari – Lai Mohammed

The National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Lai Mohammed, has said it is too early to judge the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari based on few appointments made so far.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Monday, Mohammed said he believes the President will make the right decision on appointments and he will be gender-friendly.

He debunked reports that some members of the APC have expressed disappointments over the appointments made by the President, insisting that the party is happy about the appointment.

“I also read online that some APC leaders, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed dissatisfaction.

“But I can tell you that all the APC members are behind the President on these appointments,” he stressed.

He, however, disagreed with a statement credited to the National Chairman of the party, John Oyegun, that APC will be more involved in future appointments by the President.

“I read the full statement of the National Chairman of my party, and what he said was that, these are personal staff. It’s too early to make a judgment, you do not take part to be the whole.

“Future appointments will be different but these are personal staff,” he said.

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Awoniyi joins Liverpool

… Loaned to FSV Frankfurt

Dream Team VI striker, Taiwo Awoniyi has joined English Premier League side, Liverpool, from Imperial Academy.

The 18-year-old forward who was part of the Flying Eagles squad to the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand has been sent on loan to Bundesliga side, FSV Frankfurt, Goal reports.

“This is the biggest club in the world and I’m privileged to be here,” Goal quoted Awoniyi as saying on Liverpoolfc.com.

“I’ll try to develop myself very well so that when I come back to Liverpool I’ll be able to add value to the team.

“When I’m in the red shirt, I will always give my very best to make the fans happy,” he concluded.

He will hope to get regular playing time at the Bundesliga 2 side managed by Tomas Oral.

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Editors to media owners: Don’t owe your workers

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has urged some media owners to stop owing workers salaries.

In a communiqué issued at the end of its conference in Yenegoa, Bayelsa State capital, the editors said journalists’ working conditions should be improved.

“Media owners must ensure regular payment of salaries as well as provide improved working conditions commensurate with the efforts of media practitioners,” NGE said.

The communiqué was signed by NGE’s president Garba Deen Mohammad and General Secretary Victoria Ibanga.

About 300 Editors drawn from the print, electronic and online media across the country attended the conference which held from August 26 to 30 and featured presentation of papers from scholars and giants in the media industry.

They include Professor Etannibi Alemika of the Department of Sociology, University of Jos; Executive Secretary, National Institute for Cultural Orientation, Abuja, Dr. Barclays Ayakoroma; and Editor-in-Chief of Vanguard Newspapers Mr. Gbenga Adefaye.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) was the Special Guest of Honour. He was represented by Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information Dr. (Mrs) Folashade Yemi-Esan.  Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson was the Chief Host

The editors urged the media to remain steadfast in their reportage of events as well as be facilitators and agents of the positive change that Nigerians desire.

NGE said Nigerians must unite to build a nation that is prosperous and secure, irrespective of political, ethnic and religious differences.

It said steps taken so far by the President Buhari-led government to tackle terrorism are commendable. It urged Nigerians not to politicise or ethnicise the war against the scourge, stressing that much more must be done by all stakeholders to ensure that every part of country is secure.

On graft, NGE said: “The present administration’s war against corruption is commendable but that every effort must be made to ensure that it is not selective. Every Nigerian must support the battle to eradicate the monster which has adversely affected the country.”

The communiqué added:  “Media practitioners must play their agenda setting role and make conscious effort to raise the level and quality of public debate by bringing issues of national interest to the fore.

“Editors must strive continually to improve their skills and acquire new skills that would prepare them for life outside the Editorial chair. Editors must do more to bring about the change Nigerians are yearning for by playing the watchdog role assigned them by Section 22 of the Nigerian Constitution.

“Nigerians must unite and support efforts of the government of President Buhari to revive the nation’s economy. There must be a conscious effort to re-orient Nigerians to embrace values that would bring about the desired change.

“That the Governors’ Forum make more efforts to build synergy among themselves and function as a Peer Review Mechanism, for sharing experiences and learning from each other policies and programmes that would make their states better.”

The editors praised President Buhari for appointing two past NGE presidents Mr. Femi Adesina and Mallam Garba Shehu as his Special Adviser and Senior Special Assistant, Media and Publicity.

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Dogara lauds D’Tigers’ FIBA tourney victory

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara has said the victory of the nation’s basketball team at the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Afro basketball 2015 championship in Tunisia was an exhibition of the true Nigerian spirit of resilience, courage and determination.

Dogara, in a congratulatory message by issued his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Turaki Hassan, said the victory was for all Nigerians and not just the team.

It reads: ” Nigeria has never won the competition as Angola, continued to triumph over the D’Tigers in the past but that yesterday`s victory has finally broken the jinx.

“By beating the 10th time champions 74-65, members of D`Tigers had made Nigeria proud and written their names in gold.

“The Speaker further expressed his happiness with the team for not only winning the competition but qualifying for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

“He said the team has exhibited the true Nigerian spirit of resilience, courage and determination which according to him, led to their victory over Angola.

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Faulty card reader cannot invalidate election – Court

The Court of Appeal in Lagos has held that a faulty card reader cannot be a ground for invalidating an election.

The court held that the Electoral Act (2010) as amended does not recognise the malfunctioning of a card reader as one of the factors that can lead to the nullification of an election.

This, the appellate court held, is because the Electoral Act predates the introduction of the card reader.

The Court of Appeal stated this in a verdict on a cross-appeal filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) challenging parts of the Governorship Election Tribunal’s verdict in the case of Jimi Agbaje versus Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and others.

APC had filed the cross-appeal based on two grounds. In the first ground, it said the tribunal erred in law when, having held that Paragraph 14 of Agbaje’s petition challenged Ambode’s nomination, went ahead to hold that it was a valid ground.

The party said any complaint about a pre-election issue falls within the jurisdiction of the Federal or Lagos State High Court, therefore, the tribunal ought to have declined jurisdiction.

The party also asked that Agbaje’s petition be struck out because its paragraph 13b which complained about faulty card readers did not qualify as a ground to challenge the April 11 election.

The Court of Appeal, in a judgment by Justice Obande Festus Ogbuinya, resolved the first issue in Agbaje and PDP’s favour, and the second issue in APC’s favour.

A copy of the judgment, delivered on August 26, was obtained by our correspondent on Monday. Other justices on the panel were A. J. Abdulkadir, Mohammed Danjuma, Emmenuel Agim and Saidu Hussaini.

Agbaje, the PDP, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Ambode and the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) were the cross-respondents.

The appellate court held that both the High Courts and the tribunal have concurrent jurisdiction over the issue of a candidate’s qualification/disqualification.

 

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Sylva pleads for forgiveness from kinsmen

The Bayelsa State leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Chief Timipre Sylva, at the weekend begged his kinsmen in Okpoama, Brass local government area of the state, for forgiveness.

Sylva, a former governor of the state, reportedly urged his kinsmen to put his shortcomings in office behind them and welcome the new dawn in the state powered by the APC.

The former governor was said to have spoken during a unity rally and reception held in his honour by the Traditional Ruler of the Okpoama Kingdom, King Ebitimi Banigo.

He recalled how the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) denied him a ticket as a sitting governor to run for second term in office.

But he said his homecoming as the state leader of the APC made him realise that only God can truly forgive.

He said: “If I have learnt any lesson from my travails, it is only the fact that it is only God that forgives. I have forgiven those that offended me. I also urged those of you that I have offended to forgive me.”

Sylva described the decision of the Traditional Ruler and the Council of Chiefs in Okpoama kingdom to honour him as “a blessing.”

He called on the people of the community to consider the rally as a symbol of renewed unity in the kingdom.

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Boko Haram: US condemns recent attacks

United States (US) has strongly condemned the recent attacks in the North East of Nigeria.

In a press Statement by John Kirby U.S. Department of State Spokesperson, Washington, D.C. reassured Nigeria of continued support in the fight against terrorism.

The statement reads: “The United States strongly condemns the raids on villages in northeast Nigeria on August 28, and we extend our sympathies to the families and loved ones of the civilians who were killed and injured.

“These recent raids are just additional examples of the horrific and indiscriminate violence that Boko Haram continues to use to terrorize civilians in northeast Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin region.

“August 27 marked the 500th day since Boko Haram kidnapped 276 girls from their school in Chibok.  We send our continued condolences to the families and loved ones of the girls who remain missing.

“The kidnapping of the school girls in Chibok galvanized international attention for the Boko Haram conflict.  It is one of many attacks, kidnappings, raids and other acts of indiscriminate violence that continue on a frequent basis in Nigeria, Chad, Niger, and Cameroon.

“The United States continues to support the governments and people of the Lake Chad Basin region in their ongoing struggle to degrade and defeat Boko Haram.

“We contribute to these efforts through a number of security and counterterrorism assistance programs, which provide intelligence, advisors, training, equipment, and logistics.  We actively provide support on a bilateral basis and through the Multinational Joint Task Force, which the Lake Chad Basin countries and Benin are standing up to coordinate the regional efforts to counter Boko Haram.”

 

 

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Buhari swears- in SGF, NSA, media aide

We won’t fail Nigeria – SGF

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday sworn-in the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Engr. Babachir David Lawal, National Security Adviser (NSA), Babagana Monguno and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina.

Adesina was appointed on May 31, while Monguno got the President’s nod on July 13.

Lawal was named the SGF on August 27.

At a brief ceremony held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Lawal, who spoke on behalf of others, promised that they will not let the country down.

He said: “We want to thank God for granting President the vision, wisdom, kindness and boldness to consider us worthy for positions of responsibilities.

“We did not have to pass any examination to get appointed into these positions, not because of our tribes, or our faiths, or our political groups that we were considered worthy for these positions.

“If it is such, I am sure none of us would have been considered worthy of these appointments. We appreciate the President and we appreciate God that he has blessed us with these privileged appointments.

“It is a privilege to serve Nigerians in these capacities at this point in time. Nigeria is at the threshold of achieving greatness and it is our honour and privilege to be senior members of the team that will propel the country to this greatness.

“We have in you and the vice president leaders that lead by examples, leaders that are focused, whose goal is to build a Nigeria where there is liberty, security, economic prosperity and the rule of law.

“We are grateful that we are part of the team to deliver this goal. Accept our assurances that by the grace of God, we will not fail you, we will not fail our country. Also, we will not fail ourselves, our families and our friends. By the grace of God, we will not fail you either. We will strive at all times to serve our country and to serve you with excellence, hardwork and integrity.”

 

 

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Police arrest doctor for operating abortion clinic

The Managing Director of the Ofure Royal Medical Centre located at Upper Uwa Street, Benin City, Dr. Omokhomion Kingsley, has been arrested for allegedly conducting abortion at his clinic.

Dr. Omokhomion was arrested by operatives of Zonal Criminal Investigation Bureau, Zone 5’ police headquarters, Benin City, after complaints that a woman’s pregnancy was terminated.

Police sources said its operatives brought a patient who posed as pregnant woman and asked for abortion.

The doctor and four nurses at the hospital were arrested while trying to carry out the abortion.

Items recovered at the clinic, according to source included, a lifeless foetus and hospital equipment suspected to be abortion apparatus.

The raid on the clinic followed complaints received by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the zone, Mr. Musa Daura, that the woman whose pregnancy was terminated is on a danger list at another hospital.

The acting spokesman for Zone, Emeka Iheanacho, confirmed the doctor’s arrest.

He said they are investigating a case of abortion and that the hospital has been under surveillance.

“All of them were arrested because they were involved in the act and they are telling us their involvement in the act.

“As I am talking to you the person involved is still laying critically in a hospital,” Iheanacho said.

 

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Anti-graft war not politicised – Lawmaker

A lawmaker representing Akure North/South Federal Constituency, Mr Afe Olowookere has faulted the claim by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that the anti-corruption crusade of President Muhammadu administration was targeted at its members.

He attributed the endemic nature of corruption in Nigeria to obsolete laws where corrupt people had always taken advantage of these laws to escape justice.

Olowookere spoke at the flag-off of construction of the Community Town Hall at Emiloro in Akure South local government area of Ondo state.

He assured that the eighth National Assembly would do everything within its power to get rid of these laws to fortify the fight against the menace.

His words;”So far, I’ve not seen how this anti-graft war has been politicised. PDP members are protesting that the probe is targeted at them. But my question is since 1999, which party had been ruling us at the centre?

“If the federal government is probing activities at the centre, which party will be affected? Is it not PDP. The probe has not been extended to the states where other parties are involved in governance at that level.

Olowookere emphasised that the crusade was not targeted at any particular party saying “As a member of the National Assembly, I support it and I am going to encourage my colleagues to do everything necessary to support it.”

He lamented the lack of confidence and trust in Nigerian politicians, urging the political class to do something about it by fulfilling promises made during electioneering.‎

According to him; “during my electioneering campaign, I could realise that people have lost faith. They have lost confidence and trust in politicians.

“They don’t believe us again. When you get to any community and say you will do this or that, the people will just express pessimism.”

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Fayose vows to close down banks over tax evasion

… Locks out civil servants for late coming

Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has threatened to close down four commercial banks in the state over their alleged refusal to pay several millions of naira as taxes to government coffers.

Fayose, who issued the threat on Monday while holding a meeting with retirees in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, revealed that he had obtained a court order to shut down the affected banks.

The governor, who accused the banks of shortchanging government despite making huge profits from the state, said he would not look the other way and allow banks and other corporate organizations to defraud the state.

He warned the affected banks and other businesses owing government taxes and levies to pay same or risk being closed down.

Fayose also reiterated his decision to make all private nursery, primary and secondary schools in the state pay newly-imposed taxes before resumption by middle of September.

Each of the private schools is expected to pay N150,000 into government coffers before reopening for the new academic session, while anybody who purchases one cow to be slaughtered for any occasion will now pay N1,000.

Fayose also told the pensioners that he is targeting haulage vehicles passing through the state as taxes would now be imposed on them to generate revenue into government purse.

He pleaded with the pensioners to be patient with him, saying he has been battling with the debt left behind by the immediate past administration and promised to meet their demands as soon as financial situation improves.

Meanwhile, Fayose on Monday caught hundreds of civil servants by surprise when he stormed the state Secretariat unannounced for an unscheduled visit.

The governor, who arrived the secretariat at 8:00am, ordered that the main gate be locked against latecomers most of whom were unaware that the state chief executive was around.

Fayose, who wore a black suit over sky blue shirt and black trousers, stood on the road leading to the secretariat where he personally caught the erring civil servants.

 

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Buhari hails D’Tigers’ victory at FIBA championship

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday congratulated the national men’s basketball team, D’Tigers, on the team victory over Angola in Sunday’s final of the FIBA Africa Basketball Championship in Tunisia.

Buhari, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, joined other sports loving Nigerians in applauding D’Tigers’ exhilarating 74-65 victory over the Angolans, which also secured Nigeria’s qualification for the men’s basketball event at next year’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The President commended the players for displaying exemplary strength, courage, determination, patriotism, great skills and creativity to dethrone Angola, the perennial African basketball champions.

He urged members of the team and their handlers to work very hard to surpass their extraordinary heroics in Tunisia before a global audience at next year’s Olympic Games and bring even greater glory to Nigeria.

The President assured the team, its managers and the Nigerian Basketball Federation that his administration will give them and Nigeria’s other representatives at the next Olympic Games, the fullest possible support to ensure that they are well prepared to excel against the champions of other countries and regions in Rio De Janeiro.

 

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Photo: Kneeling, prostrating civil servants pleading with Fayose

The post Photo: Kneeling, prostrating civil servants pleading with Fayose appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

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Obama renames Mount McKinley as Denali

After decades of controversy, the name of Mount McKinley, the tallest mountain in North America, has been changed back to its original native Alaskan, Denali.

Denali translates to High One and is used widely by locals, the BBC reports.

The 20,237ft (6,168m) peak was named by a gold prospector in 1896 after he heard that William McKinley had been nominated to become the United States president.

U.S President Barack Obama announced the change ahead of a three-day visit to Alaska to highlight climate change.

“With our own sense of reverence for this place, we are officially renaming the mountain Denali in recognition of the traditions of Alaska Natives and the strong support of the people of Alaska,” U.S Interior Secretary, Sally Jewell, said in a statement announcing the change.

The statement went on to note that McKinley had never set foot on Alaska.

Alaska has been attempting to change the name to Denali for decades. However, its attempts to change it at a federal level have been blocked by Ohio, William McKinley’s home state.

It is unclear if Ohio will attempt to stop this name change.

McKinley was the 25th president of the U.S. He was assassinated early in his second term in 1901.

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Mikel Agu joins Club Brugge on loan

Porto FC starlet, Mikel Agu, has joined Belgium Jupiler League side, Club Brugge, on a one – year loan deal.

But the central midfielder will have to wait before making his debut for the Belgian giants as he is still nursing an injury, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

The 22 – year – old started his career back in his homeland with grassroots team Megapp FC and put himself in the shop window after he was chosen as the best player at the 2009 Edition of the Copa Coca-Cola.

He has made two appearances for Porto first team in the Primeira Liga and was on the bench when the two – time European champions played Zenit Saint Petersburg in the UEFA Champions League on November 6, 2013.

 

 

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Egypt to hold parliamentary poll in October

Egypt will hold a long-awaited parliamentary election in two phases starting October 18-19, the election commission said on Sunday, the final step of a roadmap to democracy that critics said has been tainted by a crackdown on dissent.

The first phase of voting was due to begin in March but the election was delayed after a court ruled part of an election law unconstitutional, Reuters reported.

The second phase of voting will take place on November 22-23, the election commission told a news conference.

Egypt has been without a parliament since June 2012 when a court dissolved the democratically elected main chamber, reversing a major accomplishment of the 2011 uprising that toppled autocrat Hosni Mubarak.

Then military chief Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who went on to become president, toppled Egypt’s first freely elected president, Islamist Mohamed Mursi, in 2013 after mass protests against his rule.

The army then announced a roadmap to democracy in Egypt, the most populous Arab state and close ally of Western powers.

That announcement was followed by the toughest crackdown on Islamists in Egypt’s history. Security forces killed hundreds at street protests and thousands were arrested.

The government said the election is proof of Egypt’s commitment to democracy.

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Photos: Victims of Air Force flight crash

The post Photos: Victims of Air Force flight crash appeared first on The Nation Nigeria.

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NNPC, agency in talks on delivery of crude to refineries

The National Inland Waterways Authority ( NIWA) has initiated discussion with the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation ( NNPC ) on how to deliver crude to the refineries through the waterways.

The Acting Managing Director of NIWA, Mr Danaladi Ibrahim, told reporters in Lokoja yesterday that formal discussions with the management of the NNPC on the proposal would begin this week.

Danaladi said NIWA was encouraged to initiate the proposal following the decision to stop the delivery of crude by trucks to the refineries in Port Harcourt, Kaduna and Warri.

He said the NIWA could deliver crude through barges to the refineries, describing the option as cheaper, safe and environment-friendly.

Ibrahim said NIWA also had the capacity to deliver refined products through inland waterways to all states, except Katsina and Kano.

He said the organisation had procured enough tugboats to drive the barges, which were of varying capacities from 300 to 800 tonnes.

The NIWA chief said the organisation had also procured 17 gunboats to guarantee the security of the facilities and personnel involved in the operation.

Ibrahim hoped the proposal would be considered by the NNPC, saying the organisation had taken steps to protect the banks of River Niger.

This is to prevent the dredged channel which was undertaken at a cost of N36 billion from being blocked.

The NIWA chief said the country would reap the benefits of the dredging, saying more companies were ready to use barges to move their products.

Ibrahim suggested the establishment of an inland waterways trust fund.

He said the fund would make it compulsory for stakeholders in the maritime sector to pay a certain percentage of their earnings for the development of inland waterways infrastructure.

Ibrahim said his vision was to unlock the potential of the sector in line with efforts of the government to diversify the economy.

“Our prayer is that the Federal Government should muster the necessary political will to finance it while we provide adequate manpower,” he said.

He also spoke of plans to maintain waterways and develop the waterfront in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Asaba and Warri through a public-private partnership arrangement.

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Buhari can’t ignore corrupt practices under Jonathan

The Presidency last night hinted why the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari won’t turn a blind eye on the corrupt practices carried out under former President Goodluck Jonathan.

The brazen theft of public assets and an almost empty treasury nearly stalled the new administration.

The Presidency asked the Association of Ex-Jonathan ministers, to do  self-reflection on the sort of government they handed over to President Muhammadu Buhari.

By doing this, the Presidency said they should be able to determine for themselves if it would have been right for any incoming government to ignore the brazen theft of public assets, which is perhaps the first of its kind ever witnessed in Nigeria.

A statement by Mallam Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the the President on Media and Publicity, said the earlier statements made that there was no witch hunt or malice against anyone in the pursuit of the county’s stolen assets still stand.

According to him, the ongoing war against corruption knows no friend nor foe.

He said: “There is no intention to deny anyone of their good name where they are entitled to it and that President Buhari reserves the highest regards for the country’s former leaders,  including Dr Jonathan Goodluck who he continues to praise to the high heavens for the way and manner in which he accepted defeat in the last election.

“That singular action remains a feat that has earned the former president and Nigeria befitting commendations all over the world, the latest coming from Mr Ban Ki-Moon, the Secretary-General of the United Nations who visited a week ago.”

But he pointed out that the issue of fighting corruption by Buhari is non negotiable.

He said: “It is sine qua non to the overall reconstruction of the economy and social systems  which suffered destruction and severe denigration under the last administration.

“President Buhari will not be deterred or blackmailed into retreat and surrender. No one in the PDP can accuse President Buhari of undermining the economy when all they handed over to him, at best,was  a tottering economy hobbled by corruption and the absence of due process.

“Things have become worsened by the continuing fall of oil prices, which is expected to fall even further with the imminent full return of Iran to the market. All he has been doing while around is to put things together, organising to defeat Boko Haram, paying outstanding salaries, cleaning up the mess left behind, improving security and restoring our relationships with neighbours and the world.”

Wondering what the former ministers are afraid of, he queried if they have become a new trade union overnight.

He said: “Let this collection of ex-VIPs allow the President the peace he needs to handle the reconstruction of the economy and the nation in a manner that most serves Nigeria’s best interests.

“President Buhari does not need these types of distraction presented by the so-called association of former ministers.”

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APC: PDP mess must be cleared for better life

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has listed new instances of the alleged looting of the treasury by some officials of the Dr Goodluck Jonathan administration.

The party, in a statement in Abuja yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said: ‘’Those who would rather give comfort to the looters by dismissing the media exposure of looting cases as mere hell-raising should realise that no sane person can be silent in the face of what is unfolding as the worst cases of brazen stealing of public funds in Nigeria’s history.’’

The party’s statement reads: ‘’On August 16, 2015, we listed some instances of the breath-taking looting of the treasury by some officials of the immediate past administration. Today, we bring three more heart-rendering cases to the attention of Nigerians. We will not relent until closure has been brought to this issue,’’ it said, listing the new cases as:

• A mind-shattering $2.2 billion-arms scandal.


• A $6.9 million-fraud by the Chief Security Officer (CSO) to President Jonathan, committed under the guise of buying three mobile stages for the ex-President.


• A N2.5 billion-scam involving the renting of house boats.

‘’While those charged with handling these cases are finalising the details of bringing the suspects to justice, our immediate concern is the attempt by the PDP, under whose umbrella the looting took place, to blame the Buhari administration for the mess and then infer that things have been worse in Nigeria in the past three months under the APC-led Federal Government than in the 16 years under the PDP. This is totally provocative, shameless and uncharitable.

‘’They say we are yet to fulfil our campaign promises to Nigeria, but they have forgotten that if only the PDP/Jonathan administration had not stolen Nigeria blind, there would have been more than enough money to give school children in Nigeria not just one but three meals a day and even pay N5,000 to 50 million most vulnerable Nigerians, not just the 25 million we promised in our manifesto,’’ APC said

“Despite the almost daily discovery of cases of corruption under the Jonathan administration, the party assured Nigerians of better days ahead, as all its campaign promises will be kept because of the commitment and determination of President Buhari not only to cleaning the Augean Stable but also ensuring purposeful governance for the benefit of Nigerians.

‘’It is clear to Nigerians that the debilitating impact of 16 years of PDP’s misrule cannot be reversed in just three months. It is an obvious truth that it is always easier to destroy than to construct, but nothing will stand in the way of the Buhari administration’s commitment to improving the quality of life of Nigerians and making our country to function again,’’ it said.

It said a major cog in the wheel of faster progress for the new Nigeria under President Buhari has been the discovery that the pot housing the commonwealth has been licked dry by the looters of yesterday, hence the need to work meticulously to recover the looted funds and facilitate the delivery of good governance that will manifest in abundant jobs, strong economy and improved welfare and security for Nigerians.

APC said while the PDP, ever steeped in the pursuit of lies, presents the recently released data on job creation and economic growth as ‘clear signals’ that President Muhammadu Buhari was failing Nigerians, the disgraced party mischievously omitted the fact that those numbers were basically a manifestation of the disastrous final days of ex-President Jonathan’s failed economic policies.

‘’The PDP omitted the fact that these numbers measure job creation and economic growth for the second quarter of 2015, which covers April to June 2015, a period in which ex-President Jonathan was in office for two months while President Buhari was only just settling in to discover even more of the mess left for him to clear. No one in his or her right mind will hold someone more accountable for actions in just one month and exonerate another who was in the same office for two months.

‘’Since the PDP has become insular to global events, the APC will also like to educate the party that every country in the world is struggling to adjust to the effects of a global downturn at the moment. Only very few countries, if any, are growing as fast as they did, in say two years ago. From China, India, Russia, South Africa, to Ghana, Malaysia and Brazil, every country is feeling the effects of a sustained slowdown in global growth.

‘’The APC will also like to categorically say that it supports the policies of the CBN in its quest to ensure greater transparency in the forex market and eliminate currency substitution in our economy. The CBN’s policy to stop cash deposits of foreign currency is in line with global best practices and has led to a drastic reduction in BDC exchange rate for the Dollar.”

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Corruption: Ex-ministers defend ex-president

Some former ministers in the immediate past administration yesterday protested against President Muhammadu Buhari’s style, following plans to probe the  Goodluck Jonathan administration.

They accused Buhari’s administration of trying to discredit Jonathan’s government by labelling it as “corrupt” and “irresponsible”.

They said Jonathan’s administration did not encourage corruption, but fought it vigorously within the context of the rule of law and due process.

They urged the President to press on with the anti-corruption fight, but in a fair and non-partisan manner.

They said the Buhari administration should be fair to acknowledge Jonathan administration’s good deeds.

They challenged the administration and the APC to publish the details of the hand over notes they received.

The former cabinet members made their feelings known in a statement signed on their behalf by the ex-National Planning minister Dr Abubakar Suleiman.

The statement reads: “We, the ministers who served under the President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan administration, have watched with increasing alarm and concern the concerted effort by the Buhari administration and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to condemn, ridicule and undermine the efforts of that administration, in addition to impugning the integrity of its individual members.

“While we concede that every administration has the right to chart its own path as it deems fit, we nevertheless consider the vilification of the Jonathan administration to be ill-intentioned, unduly partisan and in bad faith.

“The effort that has been made to portray each and every member of the Jonathan administration as corrupt and irresponsible, in an orchestrated and vicious trial by media, has created a lynch mentality that discredits our honest contributions to the growth and development of our beloved nation.

“We are proud to have served Nigeria and we boldly affirm that we did so diligently and to the best of our abilities.

“The improvements that have been noticed today in the power sector, in national security, and in social services and other sectors did not occur overnight. They are products of solid foundations laid by the same Jonathan administration.”

The former ministers faulted Buhari administration and the APC for rating the Jonathan administration as corrupt.

The statement added: “Contrary to what the APC and its agents would rather have the public believe, the Jonathan administration did not encourage corruption, rather it fought corruption vigorously, within the context of the rule of law and due process.

“For the benefit of those who may have forgotten so soon, it was the Jonathan administration that got rid of the fraud in fertiliser subsidies, which had plagued the country for decades. This helped to unleash a revolution in agricultural production and productivity.

“It was also the Jonathan administration that supported the institutional development of strong systems and mechanisms to curb corruption in the public service and plug revenue leakages. These included the development of the Government Integrated Financial Management Platform, The Single Treasury Account (TSA), and the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Management Systems (IPPIS), in addition to the biometric registration of civil servants and pensioners which saved the country over N100 billion paid to ghost workers and ghost pensioners.”

They also listed the cleansing of the oil sector , the tarring of 25, 000 kilometres of roads and alleged robust  multinational response to Boko Haram insurgency as the highpoints of  Jonathan’s achievements in office.

The statement said: “To ensure greater transparency and integrity in the oil and gas sector, the Jonathan administration ordered investigations and put mechanisms in place to check the theft of Nigeria’s crude oil.

“It was also under the Jonathan administration that a Nigerian Content policy was introduced, which opened up that sector to Nigerians in a manner that was not previously the case.

“ It was also the Jonathan administration that mobilised and secured the support of our neighbouring countries to ensure a robust multinational response to the menace of terrorism and insurgency, resulting in notable advancements in the fight against terror. President Jonathan personally initiated the collaboration that led to these advancements and ensured that Nigeria provided the needed financial support for the Multinational Joint Task Force.

“It was the Jonathan administration that repaired and rehabilitated over 25, 000 kilometres of our nation’s roads. Nigeria also became a profitable and preferred investment-friendly destination. It was under President Jonathan, for example, that Nigeria’s electric power sector became more competitive and attractive to local and foreign investments.

“The same administration promoted the rule of law, free speech, fundamental human rights, and a robust freedom of information regime. Women’s rights to participate in public life and the Federal Character principle as well as other Constitutional principles were also respected.

“In every respect, our administration promoted inclusive governance and encouraged all stakeholders, including the private sector to play key roles in the transformation of Nigeria.”

On electoral process, the former ministers said the “chief beneficiaries of Jonathan’s reforms are the most vociferous today.”

The statement said: “It should also not be forgotten that the Jonathan administration strengthened electoral institutions and created a peaceful environment for democracy to thrive. On this score, it is sad and ironic that the chief beneficiaries of that same legacy are the most vociferous today in condemning President Jonathan and his team.

“Perhaps the new administration and the APC would be sincere enough to publish the details of the handover notes they received.

“In addition, the Buhari administration should be fair enough to acknowledge the good works of the Jonathan administration. No administration can be either completely bad or completely good. President Jonathan’s achievements in moving this country to greater heights deserve to be duly acknowledged. We urge President Muhammadu Buhari to build on these achievements.

“We also urge him to press on with the anti-corruption fight, but in a fair and non-partisan manner, in line with due process, and not as a political witch-hunt.”

Although they asked the President to continue with the ongoing probe of the administration of Jonathan, they said  it must be in strict accordance with his oath of office to treat all Nigerians equally and with the fear of God.

The statement said: “The various lies and fabrications being peddled by some self-appointed spokespersons of the administration may entertain the unwary, but such sensationalism may achieve the unintended effect of de-marketing our country within the international community.

“ All such persons playing to the gallery for whatever gains should be called to order. The name-calling of members of the Jonathan administration and the trial by news media should also stop.

“We encourage President Buhari to continue with the probes, but this must be in strict accordance with his oath of office to treat all Nigerians equally and with the fear of God.

“We have reserved our comment until now, in the fervent hope that once the euphoria that may have inspired the various attacks on the past administration wears off, reason will prevail.

“But we are constrained to speak up in defence of the legacy of the Jonathan administration, and shall do so again, for as long as those who are determined to rubbish that legacy, are unrelenting in their usual deployment of blackmail, persecution, and similar tactics. “

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Probe: Jonathan holds meeting with ex-ministers

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has met with some members of his cabinet in a bid to defend his integrity.

He was said to have told the former ministers that he was “not a thief in office as being portrayed”.

He explained how he met President Muhammadu Buhari for 20 minutes on two issues.

They are:

• advising Buhari against subjecting his person and former cabinet members to “media trial” on alleged corruption and;


• why the Election Petition Tribunals in Rivers and Akwa Ibom should be allowed to work unhindered.

He deplored what he called the involvement of the Department of State Security Service(DSS) on election-related matters in the two states.

According to sources, the meeting was held at Jonathan’s Abuja home  a few days  ago.

It was gathered that about 15 former ministers (including two who were recalled from London) and some former security chiefs attended.

One of the former media aides in the Presidency attended the “strictly private” session to put issues in the correct perspective at the right time.

But the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, who is central to the allegations against Jonathan, was absent.

A source, who spoke in confidence, said the session was “a frank and fact-finding” against the backdrop of plans by the Buhari administration to probe Jonathan’s tenure.

The source said: “The ex-President confided in the meeting that he was worried that the gains of his administration were being washed away daily by the allegations of corruption being reeled out by the government.

“He said he called the session to set the records straight and get facts because his administration was not enjoying any benefit of doubt among Nigerians, especially the media.

“At a point, Jonathan, in an emotional manner told the meeting that ‘I am not a thief in office as being portrayed.”

Another source said the former President asked all the ex-ministers to “brace for the probe ahead and keep their records intact to reply Buhari’s administration on issues being raised.

“The ex-ministers unanimously agreed that there were better sides of Jonathan’s administration than being painted as a tenure of graft.

“The key ministries, such as Works, Finance, Health, Aviation, Education and even Petroleum Resources were mandated to produce lists of achievements.

“Some of the ex-ministers lamented that the Permanent Secretaries proving to Buhari as holier-than-thou were part of the Jonathan administration and they even made input into the handover notes.”

Responding to a question, the source said: “Jonathan and the ex-ministers admitted that the administration might have some issues to clear in the management of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.

“But they said the situation was not as bad in the oil sector as being alleged.”

A third source said: “I think we should expect some fireworks in the next few days. The meeting resolved to reach out to the public in the same equal weight the allegations of corruption will be  released by the Buhari administration.

“But there was a word of caution that any response must not be abusive. The President personally appointed a former Minister of National Planning, Dr. Abubakar Suleiman, to sign any statement on cabinet issues.

It was learnt that some of the ex-Ministers asked Jonathan what he actually discussed with Buhari.

“The President said he raised two issues with President Buhari within 20 minutes. This border on the need to avoid media trial on any allegation of corruption being looked into. He said he told Buhari that his image and members of his cabinet were being dragged in the mud. He said even in law, an accused person is deemed innocent until proven guilty.

“Jonathan also said he asked Buhari to leave the Election Petition Tribunals in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states to do their work instead of the hounding of some INEC officials and politicians by DSS.”

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Air Force names crash victims

•Govt condole with families

The victims of the Nigerian Air Force plane which crashed on Saturday into a residential quarter at Ribadu Cantonment in Kaduna,have been named.

They are: Squadron Leader Adekunle Suara (pilot), wife of Wing Commander N. Hassan, wife of Wing Commander I. B. Musa, Warrant Officer Etim and Air Craft Woman Naomi Adekunle.

The ill-fated aircraft was Abuja-bound.

Squadron Leader Suara is survived by a young wife, who got married to him last year.

According to a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Col. Rabe Abubakar, President  Muhammadu Buhari  described the crash as colossal loss not only to the families but to the nation

“The President spoke through the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence, Alhaji Aliyu Ismaila, who was also the head of Federal Government delegation that visited the site of the crash and the families of the victims.

“The President extends his condolences on behalf of the Federal Government and the good people of Nigeria over the unfortunate loss of the officers and men whom he described as gentlemen and intelligent personnel whose loss could not be quantified especially now that their services are much-needed.

“The President prayed for the repose of their souls and also prayed Almighty God to grant the families the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.

” Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin, who was also in the Presidential entourage, condoled with the families on behalf of the Armed Forces and described the late officers as fine, loyal and patriotic gentlemen who died gallantly while serving their fatherland.

He said: “Though you are gone, your memories will be with us for a very long time to come”.

A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Dornier-228 aircraft, with call sign NAF030, crashed into a house at Ribadu Cantonment, Kaduna shortly after take-off.

The highlight of the condolence visit was the observance of a one-minute silence in honour of the departed colleagues and visits to the individual families of the victims.

Some of those on the entourage were the GOC 1 Division, Maj Gen Adeniyi Oyebade, Air Officer Commanding, Training Command, Kaduna, AVM Alkali Mamu, Commandant, Nigerian Defence Academy, Maj Gen MT Ibrahim, Chief of Defence Communications, Defence Headquarters and other senior officers on the entourage of the Federal Government delegation.

The owner of the house on which the chopper crashed, Lt. Col. Grema, narrated how he escaped death.

He told the delegation that: “I came out of my house few minutes before the aircraft fell on my bore hole.  I had not quite shut the door to my house when I heard the noise arising from the crash.”

As at the time of the visit, condolence registers had been opened in the victim’s houses, while some family members were still in shock. The young wife of the deceased pilot, thanked the delegation.

Wing Commander Musa and Hassan said the visit by the top brass team had given them encouragement and courage to raise the children their wives left. They pledged  their unrelenting effort to move the NAF and the Nigeria military forward.

Speaking with reporters after inspecting the scene of the crash, the Permanent Secretary said: “We have lost very able officers and their families and we want to on behalf of the Federal Government extend our condolences to all of them and pray for the repose of their souls.

“With the passion and zeal the president came in with, you will appreciate that he is doing everything possible to address some of these challenges of security in the country. The Nigerian Army, Air force and Navy are all one and he is doing all his best to reposition them to meet global standards.”

He appealed to Nigerians to give Buhari the needed support to move the country forward, saying: “This incident is something that is from God and we should accept it as such, all we can do is pray that when our time come, we die in peace.”

Wife of Wing Commander Hassan left behind four young kids, the eldest is not up to 10. As at the time of the visit, the children were busy playing around the compound.

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DSS nabs Boko Haram suspects in Lagos, others

Operatives vow to frustrate sect’s activities

Detectives have arrested 19 suspected Boko Haram terrorists in Lagos, Enugu, Plateau, Kano and Gombe states.

The suspects were some of the commanders and frontline members of the sect who had played active roles in its bloody campaign, particularly in the Northeastern.

The suspects, who were arrested between July 8 and August 24, included those that coordinated and executed suicide attacks in Potiskum, Kano, Zaria and Jos.

The Department of State Service (DSS) broke the news yesterday in a statement signed by its spokesman Tony Opiuyo.

One of the suspects, Usman Shuaibu (a.k.a Money), revealed that he coordinated the attacks with N500,000 which was provided by his Amir, Isa Ali, the DSS said.

“Shuaibu claimed that the said Isa Ali has links to the leader of the Boko Haram sect, Abubakar Shekau, from where he collects monies to fund operations undertaken by their Markaz.

“Also, he revealed that he has participated in several Boko Haram attacks, including the attacks at Gwoza Divisional Police Station in 2014.

“Shuabu also admitted being the leader of the team of nine sect members that was dispatched from Sambisa Forest to carry out the attacks. He disclosed that four out of the nine of them were used as suicide bombers in executing all the suicide attacks,” the statement added.

Another suspect, Ahmed Mohammed (a.k.a Abubakar) who the Service described as an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) expert, confessed to having prepared the IEDs used for most of the suicide attacks in the Northeast.

He was also quoted by the DSS to have confessed that he prepared the IED strapped to the vests worn by a suicide bomber and his wives which they used in the recent Jos attacks.

Also in the net is Adamu Abdullahi (aka Babpa) who was said to have confessed that Usman Shuaibu motivated him to work closely with Ahmed Mohammed (aka Abubakar) in the preparation of the IEDs used in the said attacks.

Another of the suspects, Ibrahim Isa, reportedly confessed that he carried out reconnaissance on the targets in Jos ahead of the attacks.

Muttaqa Yusuf (aka Mohammed Sani/Mudtaka) was said to have named Aliyu, who is believed to be the notorious Aliyu Gombe of Sambisa forest, as the one who ordered the serial attacks which the syndicate carried out at various locations in the Northeastern part of the country.

He was said to have confessed that he assisted Shuabu in planning and executing the said attacks.

Other suspects arrested in various parts of Lagos include: Bakura Modu, Mustapha Alli Jamneri, Abuyi Sherriff, Babangida Ali, Babangida Koloye, Abba  Modu Sagma and Grema Abubakar, Tijani Bagudu, Baba Alhaji and Abbas Ibrahim, Adam Wakil Abdul Jilbe and Mohammed Usman.

Ibrahim Audu was arrested in Enugu; Ibrahim Haruna was arrested in Gombe, Mal Ali Mohamodu was arrested in Kano.

The DSS said the terrorists have decided to spread to other parts of the country as a result of the pressure being put on them in their core areas of strength in the Northeast.

“Nigerians and indeed the general public have to note that the arrest of Usman Shuaibu (Money) and the core members of his cell, stemmed the spate of bombings by the extremist sect.

“Money and his group were arrested on their way to Bauchi State where they had planned to execute another heart-rending bomb attack and this was frustrated by the arrest.

“Furthermore, the sudden influx of Boko Haram members into Lagos State points to the determination of the sect to extend its nefarious terrorist activities to the state and, in fact, other parts of the country.

“The arrest of these confessed terrorist elements has, however, helped in no small measure to avert devastating attacks in the area. However, the Service is making efforts to conclude its investigations and commence prosecution of the suspects.”

“Drawing from the above, the DSS reiterates its avowed determination to work with other stakeholders in the fight against terror and other forms of criminality in our country.

“Citizens and residents are, therefore, called upon to rise to the occasion by volunteering useful information to the Service and other relevant security agencies,” the DSS stated.

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N338b loans for Ekiti, Oyo, Kwara, Ondo, Osun, others

CBN-backed cash ready for 27 states to pay workers

Cash-strapped workers who are being owed salaries are set to smile again, with the disbursement of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) – backed bailout loans for states.

Fourteen banks are disbursing N338 billion “to stimulate the economy”.

Kwara and Zamfara have received their loans and have begun the payment of salary arrears to workers.

A CBN source confirmed that the other states will get the cash this week.

A breakdown of the loans repayable at an interest rate of nine per cent over 20 years is as follows:

Abia- N14.152b; Adamawa- N2.378b; Bauchi- N8.60b; Bayelsa – N1.285b; Benue – N28.013b;

Borno – N7.680b; Cross River – N7.856b; Delta – N10.036b; Ebonyi – N4.063b; Edo – N3.167b; Ekiti – N9.604b; Enugu – 4.207b; Gombe – N16.459b; Imo – N26.806b; Katsina – N3.304b; Kebbi – N0.690b; Kogi – N50.842b; Kwara – N4.320b; Nasarawa – N8.317b; Niger – N4.306b; Ogun – N20.00b; Ondo – N14.686b; Osun – N34.988b; Oyo – N26.606b; Plateau – N5.357b; Sokoto – N10.093b and Zamfara – N10.020b.

The CBN last week announced that it had approved that Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) lend money to requesting states to pay salary arrears owed their workers.

Some of the conditions for accessing the loan include:

• resolutions of the State Executive Council authorising the borrowing;


• State House of Assembly consenting to the loan package; and


• issuance of Irrevocable Standing Payment Order (ISPO) to ensure timely repayment.

With the signing of the  ISPO, “it is clear that the facility is not free as the states’ financial exposure to the banks becomes first line charges deducted from their monthly allocation”.

The CBN official explained that specific figures were attached to the facilities to be disbursed to the states is because “every state is to come up with its specific needs in order to access the facility from the commercial banks. They’re (states) working out what they need from the banks according to the conditions they reached with the banks”.

The decision to borrow money from commercial banks is sequel to the decision by the National Executive Council (NEC) at its June 29 meeting, requesting the CBN “in collaboration with other stakeholders to appraise and consider ways of liquidating the outstanding staff salaries owed by state and local governments.”

The Buhari administration announced a bailout package for states to take care of the backlog of workers’ salaries and access funds for development through the rescheduling of their debts by banks with the CBN’s guarantee.

Eleven states have had their commercial debts to DMBs restructured with a proviso to pay 14.83 per cent of the value of their bonds which their commercial debts were converted to. Eleven others are also to have theirs restructured.

Debt Management Office (DMO) Director-General Abraham Nwankwo said “the restructuring was effected using a re-opening of the FGN-Bond issued on July 18, 2015 and maturing on July 18, 2034. The pricing was based on the yield to date of the bond at a 30-day average, resulting in a transaction yield of 14.83 per cent.”The impact of the restructured states’ commercial debts to domestic bonds, he said, is that “management operations will include: monthly debt service burden will drop by a minimum of 55 per cent and a maximum of 97 per cent, among the 11; and interest rate savings for the 11 states ranging from 3 per cent to 9 per cent per annum.”

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