IYANDA'SBLOG

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
The recent death of a child boxer in Thailand has drawn new attention to attempts to rein in the industry.

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
Eyewitnesses report a blast and gunfire near the Chinese consulate in the Pakistani city of Karachi.

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
The controversy over an ad campaign risks alienating the firm from one of the world's biggest luxury markets.

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
There are signs of possible progress in the case of jailed UK academic Matthew Hedges.

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
About 6,000 of the critically rare fish are thought to have died because of the construction work.

Adams Oshiomhole, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has said the party would involve "women of substance" to persuade aggrieved members.

He stated this after the inauguration of the committees on Wednesday, stating that the committee would involve women because they have the "special gift of persuasion".

Oshiomhole also noted that the committee, which includes the aggrieved governors, would deliver on ensuring peace within the party.

His words: "We are convinced that these committees that include all our governors who we believe — not as if they don’t have any reservations whatsoever, if the world was to be a perfect place, but in spite of that they are at home; they are at peace with the party and they are working hard to ensure that the party delivers in their respective zones — that we can call on them to help us in this process of peace-building, mediating and helping us to reconcile those who are aggrieved for whatever reason.

"Whether they are right or they are wrong, the important thing is somebody is unhappy we have a duty to try and make the person happy.

"We also realise that sometimes women have the special gift of persuasion. Sometimes, just looking can just disarm somebody who is so aggrieved. So, as you can see it, in these committees, we will make sure we have enough, as they say, ‘women of substance’, who have all the gifts to persuade, to bring harmony, to dilute you know, the heart of those who are ready for war, to convert them to peacemakers."

Elections Politics News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2QGLqg8

Adams Oshiomhole, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has said the party would involve "women of substance" to persuade aggrieved members.

He stated this after the inauguration of the committees on Wednesday, stating that the committee would involve women because they have the "special gift of persuasion".

Oshiomhole also noted that the committee, which includes the aggrieved governors, would deliver on ensuring peace within the party.

His words: "We are convinced that these committees that include all our governors who we believe — not as if they don’t have any reservations whatsoever, if the world was to be a perfect place, but in spite of that they are at home; they are at peace with the party and they are working hard to ensure that the party delivers in their respective zones — that we can call on them to help us in this process of peace-building, mediating and helping us to reconcile those who are aggrieved for whatever reason.

"Whether they are right or they are wrong, the important thing is somebody is unhappy we have a duty to try and make the person happy.

"We also realise that sometimes women have the special gift of persuasion. Sometimes, just looking can just disarm somebody who is so aggrieved. So, as you can see it, in these committees, we will make sure we have enough, as they say, ‘women of substance’, who have all the gifts to persuade, to bring harmony, to dilute you know, the heart of those who are ready for war, to convert them to peacemakers."

Elections Politics News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2QGLqg8

Adams Oshiomhole, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has said the party would involve "women of substance" to persuade aggrieved members.

He stated this after the inauguration of the committees on Wednesday, stating that the committee would involve women because they have the "special gift of persuasion".

Oshiomhole also noted that the committee, which includes the aggrieved governors, would deliver on ensuring peace within the party.

His words: "We are convinced that these committees that include all our governors who we believe — not as if they don’t have any reservations whatsoever, if the world was to be a perfect place, but in spite of that they are at home; they are at peace with the party and they are working hard to ensure that the party delivers in their respective zones — that we can call on them to help us in this process of peace-building, mediating and helping us to reconcile those who are aggrieved for whatever reason.

"Whether they are right or they are wrong, the important thing is somebody is unhappy we have a duty to try and make the person happy.

"We also realise that sometimes women have the special gift of persuasion. Sometimes, just looking can just disarm somebody who is so aggrieved. So, as you can see it, in these committees, we will make sure we have enough, as they say, ‘women of substance’, who have all the gifts to persuade, to bring harmony, to dilute you know, the heart of those who are ready for war, to convert them to peacemakers."

Elections Politics News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2QGLqg8

The Presidency has criticised Goodluck Jonathan, former President, for saying the country is more corrupt today than it was when he left office more than three years ago.

In his book, ‘My Transition Hours’, launched on Tuesday, Jonathan had written: “The sundry accusations by the new administration will appear to have baited the media. Media trials are entertaining but have little or no effect in fighting corruption and improving the economy.

“Since I left office, rather than improve on our TI corruption perception record, the situation has worsened with the nation going 12 places backward, becoming number 148 according to the latest CPI ranking for 2014, from 136 in 2014 when I was President.”

However, responding in a statement released on Thursday evening by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, the Presidency described Jonathan’s claims as “absolutely untrue”.

“The facts on the ground today run contrary to his outlandish claim,” Shehu said.

“President Muhammadu Buhari, in pursuit of the war against corruption, has set a number of local and international records, one of which is to call judicial officers in Nigeria to account. He is the first to set such a record. Not only that, this is the first time that top military commanders and Service Chiefs are brought to trial and convictions were achieved on account of corruption.”

Shehu also dismissed as “hollow boast” Jonathan’s claim that he, not Buhari, introduced schemes such the Biometric Verification Number (BVN), Treasury Single Account (TSA) and the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPS). 

“Of what use is the announcement of good policies without the will to implement them?” he asked.

THE FULL STATEMENT
DR. JONATHAN SHOULD STOP PLAYING THE OSTRICH

The Presidency rejects former president, Dr Goodluck Jonathan’s astonishing claim, to the utter surprise of many, that there is more corruption in the country compared to when he left office. This is absolutely untrue. The facts on the ground today run contrary to his outlandish claim.

President Muhammadu Buhari, in pursuit of the war against corruption, has set a number of local and international records, one of which is to call judicial officers in Nigeria to account. He is the first to set such a record. Not only that, this is the first time that top military commanders and Service Chiefs are brought to trial and convictions were achieved on account of corruption.

Also, this is the first time a ruling party is convicting high profile citizens including former governors, who are members of same party. This is the first time the international community is acknowledging the efforts of a government of Nigeria in this regard as manifested by the selection of President Buhari by the African Union as the Anti-Corruption Champion of the continent.

For the records, this is the first time a ruling party is investigating ranking officers of the administration, including some at the very top.

In addition to the many firsts recorded by President Buhari’s administration, the government has introduced a lot of changes, considering that the laws relating to the fight against corruption cannot reasonably be static.

In line with its aspiration to be ahead of the growing sophistication of corruption and financial crimes, the administration has initiated new legislations and proposed amendments to different sections of laws, among which are:

• The Money Laundering Prevention and Prohibition Bill 2017;

• Anti-Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Bill 2017;

• Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit Bill 2017 (NFIU);

• Proceeds of Crime Bill 2017;

• Public Interest Disclosure and Witness Protection Bill, 2017 and

• The Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Bill, 2017.

Owing to these efforts and support all of relevant stakeholders, NFIU Act has been passed and President Buhari gave his assent on July 18, 2018. The administration is currently working with the legislature for an expedited passage of the Proceeds of Crimes Bill to make the anti-corruption war more effective.

Nigerians should dismiss Dr. Jonathan’s hollow boast that he, not President Buhari, introduced schemes such the Biometric Verification Number, VBN, Treasury Single Account, TSA and the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPS). Of what use is the announcement of good policies without the will to implement them?

Since President Buhari assumed office, Nigerians are witnesses to the huge success recorded through the implementation of the TSA where some government agencies that had over the years remitted peanut amounts or nothing at all are now periodically pumping billions into government coffers. Prominent among these remittances include the ones made by Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Nigeria Customers Service (NCS) and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

While it is also true that the BVN was introduced in 2014 to ensure that all bank accounts have biometric identification of their owners, the lack of will and capacity under Dr Jonathan stalled implementation. Today, BVN covers nearly all bank accounts. There are still some individuals who have shielded their identity and are now afraid of enrolling on the BVN platform as this will expose them and their corrupt actions. The law is going after them.

President Buhari’s administration introduced the whistle-blower policy as a veritable tool against corruption as it gives individuals an opportunity to expose corruption, fraud, bribery, looted government funds, financial misconducts, government assets and any other form of corruption or theft. Within six months of introducing this policy, over 5,000 reports were made through various channels, 365 actionable tips were received out of the 5000 reports. So far more than N200bn has been recovered.

As the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), said on Thursday, the former President does not have the facts to claim that there was any serious effort on the part of his administration to fight corruption.

As at 29th May 2015, when this administration came into office, the EFCC recovery account had only N19.5 billion as revealed by the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General. After one year of the new anti-corruption drive by the Buhari administration, this figure had gone up to N279 billion, and since then a lot more has been recovered.

Finally, as evidenced from a fleeting look at the book, the former President had nothing to say about his own achievements. If there was a recession, and yes we had a moment in it, was it due to one year of President Buhari’s government?

In his efforts to blame everyone but himself for his failures, Dr Jonathan heaped the blame for the predictable economic recession on President Buhari, ignoring the seeds sown under him through mismanagement and the process set in firm roots for the decline of the economy. Evidently, he did nothing to avert the situation.

As we have explained over and over, the recession in 2016 was caused by years of mismanagement and corruption. In the 16 years of PDP and earlier than that, the country solely relied on oil, the price of which was as high as 140 USD per barrel under their watch. Government simply reticulated oil revenue through personal spending by corrupt leaders, wasteful expenses and salaries; rather than investing in what would grow the economy. There was no investment in infrastructure as President Buhari is now doing in seaports, airports, power plants, railways, roads and housing.

The oil windfall for the country was mismanaged, and Nigeria’s greatest opportunity for growth was turned into a tragedy. More worrisome, there were no savings. And to compound the problem and compromise growth of the economy, the previous government borrowed heavily, owed contractors and international oil companies. When President Buhari came into power in 2015, the country had accumulated debt, which took it back to the level it was before the Paris Club Debt forgiveness. Nigeria did not have fiscal buffers to withstand an oil shock when oil prices fell to as low as 28 USD.

The oil shock should and could have been foreseen. When visionary Nigerians and economists foresaw this and warned of the dangers ahead, Dr Jonathan hounded such men as the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi 11 and Professor Chukwuma Soludo. Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, under Dr Jonathan’s administration also warned and she was rebuffed.

The former President and his party have nothing to say about achievements. They ruled the country for 16 years and what is their record on jobs, power, rail, seaports, airports and internal security, including the crippling disaster of terrorism?

Books Politics News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2R84Yu6

The Presidency has criticised Goodluck Jonathan, former President, for saying the country is more corrupt today than it was when he left office more than three years ago.

In his book, ‘My Transition Hours’, launched on Tuesday, Jonathan had written: “The sundry accusations by the new administration will appear to have baited the media. Media trials are entertaining but have little or no effect in fighting corruption and improving the economy.

“Since I left office, rather than improve on our TI corruption perception record, the situation has worsened with the nation going 12 places backward, becoming number 148 according to the latest CPI ranking for 2014, from 136 in 2014 when I was President.”

However, responding in a statement released on Thursday evening by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, the Presidency described Jonathan’s claims as “absolutely untrue”.

“The facts on the ground today run contrary to his outlandish claim,” Shehu said.

“President Muhammadu Buhari, in pursuit of the war against corruption, has set a number of local and international records, one of which is to call judicial officers in Nigeria to account. He is the first to set such a record. Not only that, this is the first time that top military commanders and Service Chiefs are brought to trial and convictions were achieved on account of corruption.”

Shehu also dismissed as “hollow boast” Jonathan’s claim that he, not Buhari, introduced schemes such the Biometric Verification Number (BVN), Treasury Single Account (TSA) and the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPS). 

“Of what use is the announcement of good policies without the will to implement them?” he asked.

THE FULL STATEMENT
DR. JONATHAN SHOULD STOP PLAYING THE OSTRICH

The Presidency rejects former president, Dr Goodluck Jonathan’s astonishing claim, to the utter surprise of many, that there is more corruption in the country compared to when he left office. This is absolutely untrue. The facts on the ground today run contrary to his outlandish claim.

President Muhammadu Buhari, in pursuit of the war against corruption, has set a number of local and international records, one of which is to call judicial officers in Nigeria to account. He is the first to set such a record. Not only that, this is the first time that top military commanders and Service Chiefs are brought to trial and convictions were achieved on account of corruption.

Also, this is the first time a ruling party is convicting high profile citizens including former governors, who are members of same party. This is the first time the international community is acknowledging the efforts of a government of Nigeria in this regard as manifested by the selection of President Buhari by the African Union as the Anti-Corruption Champion of the continent.

For the records, this is the first time a ruling party is investigating ranking officers of the administration, including some at the very top.

In addition to the many firsts recorded by President Buhari’s administration, the government has introduced a lot of changes, considering that the laws relating to the fight against corruption cannot reasonably be static.

In line with its aspiration to be ahead of the growing sophistication of corruption and financial crimes, the administration has initiated new legislations and proposed amendments to different sections of laws, among which are:

• The Money Laundering Prevention and Prohibition Bill 2017;

• Anti-Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Bill 2017;

• Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit Bill 2017 (NFIU);

• Proceeds of Crime Bill 2017;

• Public Interest Disclosure and Witness Protection Bill, 2017 and

• The Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Bill, 2017.

Owing to these efforts and support all of relevant stakeholders, NFIU Act has been passed and President Buhari gave his assent on July 18, 2018. The administration is currently working with the legislature for an expedited passage of the Proceeds of Crimes Bill to make the anti-corruption war more effective.

Nigerians should dismiss Dr. Jonathan’s hollow boast that he, not President Buhari, introduced schemes such the Biometric Verification Number, VBN, Treasury Single Account, TSA and the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPS). Of what use is the announcement of good policies without the will to implement them?

Since President Buhari assumed office, Nigerians are witnesses to the huge success recorded through the implementation of the TSA where some government agencies that had over the years remitted peanut amounts or nothing at all are now periodically pumping billions into government coffers. Prominent among these remittances include the ones made by Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Nigeria Customers Service (NCS) and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

While it is also true that the BVN was introduced in 2014 to ensure that all bank accounts have biometric identification of their owners, the lack of will and capacity under Dr Jonathan stalled implementation. Today, BVN covers nearly all bank accounts. There are still some individuals who have shielded their identity and are now afraid of enrolling on the BVN platform as this will expose them and their corrupt actions. The law is going after them.

President Buhari’s administration introduced the whistle-blower policy as a veritable tool against corruption as it gives individuals an opportunity to expose corruption, fraud, bribery, looted government funds, financial misconducts, government assets and any other form of corruption or theft. Within six months of introducing this policy, over 5,000 reports were made through various channels, 365 actionable tips were received out of the 5000 reports. So far more than N200bn has been recovered.

As the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), said on Thursday, the former President does not have the facts to claim that there was any serious effort on the part of his administration to fight corruption.

As at 29th May 2015, when this administration came into office, the EFCC recovery account had only N19.5 billion as revealed by the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General. After one year of the new anti-corruption drive by the Buhari administration, this figure had gone up to N279 billion, and since then a lot more has been recovered.

Finally, as evidenced from a fleeting look at the book, the former President had nothing to say about his own achievements. If there was a recession, and yes we had a moment in it, was it due to one year of President Buhari’s government?

In his efforts to blame everyone but himself for his failures, Dr Jonathan heaped the blame for the predictable economic recession on President Buhari, ignoring the seeds sown under him through mismanagement and the process set in firm roots for the decline of the economy. Evidently, he did nothing to avert the situation.

As we have explained over and over, the recession in 2016 was caused by years of mismanagement and corruption. In the 16 years of PDP and earlier than that, the country solely relied on oil, the price of which was as high as 140 USD per barrel under their watch. Government simply reticulated oil revenue through personal spending by corrupt leaders, wasteful expenses and salaries; rather than investing in what would grow the economy. There was no investment in infrastructure as President Buhari is now doing in seaports, airports, power plants, railways, roads and housing.

The oil windfall for the country was mismanaged, and Nigeria’s greatest opportunity for growth was turned into a tragedy. More worrisome, there were no savings. And to compound the problem and compromise growth of the economy, the previous government borrowed heavily, owed contractors and international oil companies. When President Buhari came into power in 2015, the country had accumulated debt, which took it back to the level it was before the Paris Club Debt forgiveness. Nigeria did not have fiscal buffers to withstand an oil shock when oil prices fell to as low as 28 USD.

The oil shock should and could have been foreseen. When visionary Nigerians and economists foresaw this and warned of the dangers ahead, Dr Jonathan hounded such men as the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi 11 and Professor Chukwuma Soludo. Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, under Dr Jonathan’s administration also warned and she was rebuffed.

The former President and his party have nothing to say about achievements. They ruled the country for 16 years and what is their record on jobs, power, rail, seaports, airports and internal security, including the crippling disaster of terrorism?

Books Politics News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2R84Yu6

The Presidency has criticised Goodluck Jonathan, former President, for saying the country is more corrupt today than it was when he left office more than three years ago.

In his book, ‘My Transition Hours’, launched on Tuesday, Jonathan had written: “The sundry accusations by the new administration will appear to have baited the media. Media trials are entertaining but have little or no effect in fighting corruption and improving the economy.

“Since I left office, rather than improve on our TI corruption perception record, the situation has worsened with the nation going 12 places backward, becoming number 148 according to the latest CPI ranking for 2014, from 136 in 2014 when I was President.”

However, responding in a statement released on Thursday evening by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, the Presidency described Jonathan’s claims as “absolutely untrue”.

“The facts on the ground today run contrary to his outlandish claim,” Shehu said.

“President Muhammadu Buhari, in pursuit of the war against corruption, has set a number of local and international records, one of which is to call judicial officers in Nigeria to account. He is the first to set such a record. Not only that, this is the first time that top military commanders and Service Chiefs are brought to trial and convictions were achieved on account of corruption.”

Shehu also dismissed as “hollow boast” Jonathan’s claim that he, not Buhari, introduced schemes such the Biometric Verification Number (BVN), Treasury Single Account (TSA) and the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPS). 

“Of what use is the announcement of good policies without the will to implement them?” he asked.

THE FULL STATEMENT
DR. JONATHAN SHOULD STOP PLAYING THE OSTRICH

The Presidency rejects former president, Dr Goodluck Jonathan’s astonishing claim, to the utter surprise of many, that there is more corruption in the country compared to when he left office. This is absolutely untrue. The facts on the ground today run contrary to his outlandish claim.

President Muhammadu Buhari, in pursuit of the war against corruption, has set a number of local and international records, one of which is to call judicial officers in Nigeria to account. He is the first to set such a record. Not only that, this is the first time that top military commanders and Service Chiefs are brought to trial and convictions were achieved on account of corruption.

Also, this is the first time a ruling party is convicting high profile citizens including former governors, who are members of same party. This is the first time the international community is acknowledging the efforts of a government of Nigeria in this regard as manifested by the selection of President Buhari by the African Union as the Anti-Corruption Champion of the continent.

For the records, this is the first time a ruling party is investigating ranking officers of the administration, including some at the very top.

In addition to the many firsts recorded by President Buhari’s administration, the government has introduced a lot of changes, considering that the laws relating to the fight against corruption cannot reasonably be static.

In line with its aspiration to be ahead of the growing sophistication of corruption and financial crimes, the administration has initiated new legislations and proposed amendments to different sections of laws, among which are:

• The Money Laundering Prevention and Prohibition Bill 2017;

• Anti-Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Bill 2017;

• Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit Bill 2017 (NFIU);

• Proceeds of Crime Bill 2017;

• Public Interest Disclosure and Witness Protection Bill, 2017 and

• The Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Bill, 2017.

Owing to these efforts and support all of relevant stakeholders, NFIU Act has been passed and President Buhari gave his assent on July 18, 2018. The administration is currently working with the legislature for an expedited passage of the Proceeds of Crimes Bill to make the anti-corruption war more effective.

Nigerians should dismiss Dr. Jonathan’s hollow boast that he, not President Buhari, introduced schemes such the Biometric Verification Number, VBN, Treasury Single Account, TSA and the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPS). Of what use is the announcement of good policies without the will to implement them?

Since President Buhari assumed office, Nigerians are witnesses to the huge success recorded through the implementation of the TSA where some government agencies that had over the years remitted peanut amounts or nothing at all are now periodically pumping billions into government coffers. Prominent among these remittances include the ones made by Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Nigeria Customers Service (NCS) and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

While it is also true that the BVN was introduced in 2014 to ensure that all bank accounts have biometric identification of their owners, the lack of will and capacity under Dr Jonathan stalled implementation. Today, BVN covers nearly all bank accounts. There are still some individuals who have shielded their identity and are now afraid of enrolling on the BVN platform as this will expose them and their corrupt actions. The law is going after them.

President Buhari’s administration introduced the whistle-blower policy as a veritable tool against corruption as it gives individuals an opportunity to expose corruption, fraud, bribery, looted government funds, financial misconducts, government assets and any other form of corruption or theft. Within six months of introducing this policy, over 5,000 reports were made through various channels, 365 actionable tips were received out of the 5000 reports. So far more than N200bn has been recovered.

As the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), said on Thursday, the former President does not have the facts to claim that there was any serious effort on the part of his administration to fight corruption.

As at 29th May 2015, when this administration came into office, the EFCC recovery account had only N19.5 billion as revealed by the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General. After one year of the new anti-corruption drive by the Buhari administration, this figure had gone up to N279 billion, and since then a lot more has been recovered.

Finally, as evidenced from a fleeting look at the book, the former President had nothing to say about his own achievements. If there was a recession, and yes we had a moment in it, was it due to one year of President Buhari’s government?

In his efforts to blame everyone but himself for his failures, Dr Jonathan heaped the blame for the predictable economic recession on President Buhari, ignoring the seeds sown under him through mismanagement and the process set in firm roots for the decline of the economy. Evidently, he did nothing to avert the situation.

As we have explained over and over, the recession in 2016 was caused by years of mismanagement and corruption. In the 16 years of PDP and earlier than that, the country solely relied on oil, the price of which was as high as 140 USD per barrel under their watch. Government simply reticulated oil revenue through personal spending by corrupt leaders, wasteful expenses and salaries; rather than investing in what would grow the economy. There was no investment in infrastructure as President Buhari is now doing in seaports, airports, power plants, railways, roads and housing.

The oil windfall for the country was mismanaged, and Nigeria’s greatest opportunity for growth was turned into a tragedy. More worrisome, there were no savings. And to compound the problem and compromise growth of the economy, the previous government borrowed heavily, owed contractors and international oil companies. When President Buhari came into power in 2015, the country had accumulated debt, which took it back to the level it was before the Paris Club Debt forgiveness. Nigeria did not have fiscal buffers to withstand an oil shock when oil prices fell to as low as 28 USD.

The oil shock should and could have been foreseen. When visionary Nigerians and economists foresaw this and warned of the dangers ahead, Dr Jonathan hounded such men as the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi 11 and Professor Chukwuma Soludo. Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, under Dr Jonathan’s administration also warned and she was rebuffed.

The former President and his party have nothing to say about achievements. They ruled the country for 16 years and what is their record on jobs, power, rail, seaports, airports and internal security, including the crippling disaster of terrorism?

Books Politics News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2R84Yu6

Lawali Attahiru Dogonkade, a serving member of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, has been sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty to fraud on a N31million contract.

Dogankade was convicted on Thursday by Justice Bello Shinkafi, a sitting judge at the Zamfara State High Court, on a four-count charge filed against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The convict, representing Kauran-Namoda Local Government in the Zamfara State House of Assembly, was accused of using his position to accrue to himself undue advantage in awarding a N31,290,000 contract meant for the supply of medical equipment to the state government.

ICPC said this violates Sections 10, 12 and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

In one of the counts, counsel to ICPC, Mashkur Salisu, told the court that the lawmaker received N4.5 million from the Managing Director of Madaci Pharmacy, Mr. Hamisu Saminu Jibril, as percentage for the supply of medical equipment contract awarded by the state government.

His counsel, Abubakar Junaidu, had earlier argued on the propriety of the charge before the court stating that his client had earlier been charged before the Federal High Court in Gusau by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

However, the trial judge overruled his argument and shortly after, the convict entered into a guilty plea.

The lawyer of now convicted lawmaker pleaded with the court to be lenient with his client, considering the fact that he was a first-time offender with a large family and dependents who solely rely on him for their livelihood. 

Counsel to the Commission, however, asked that the Zamfara lawmaker be convicted in line with the provisions of 274 (2) of Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.

The court thereupon convicted the accused person as charged, and sentenced him to four years' imprisonment or payment of fine of N30,000 on each of the counts, totalling N120,000.

Corruption Legal News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2DUBZa9

Lawali Attahiru Dogonkade, a serving member of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, has been sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty to fraud on a N31million contract.

Dogankade was convicted on Thursday by Justice Bello Shinkafi, a sitting judge at the Zamfara State High Court, on a four-count charge filed against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The convict, representing Kauran-Namoda Local Government in the Zamfara State House of Assembly, was accused of using his position to accrue to himself undue advantage in awarding a N31,290,000 contract meant for the supply of medical equipment to the state government.

ICPC said this violates Sections 10, 12 and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

In one of the counts, counsel to ICPC, Mashkur Salisu, told the court that the lawmaker received N4.5 million from the Managing Director of Madaci Pharmacy, Mr. Hamisu Saminu Jibril, as percentage for the supply of medical equipment contract awarded by the state government.

His counsel, Abubakar Junaidu, had earlier argued on the propriety of the charge before the court stating that his client had earlier been charged before the Federal High Court in Gusau by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

However, the trial judge overruled his argument and shortly after, the convict entered into a guilty plea.

The lawyer of now convicted lawmaker pleaded with the court to be lenient with his client, considering the fact that he was a first-time offender with a large family and dependents who solely rely on him for their livelihood. 

Counsel to the Commission, however, asked that the Zamfara lawmaker be convicted in line with the provisions of 274 (2) of Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.

The court thereupon convicted the accused person as charged, and sentenced him to four years' imprisonment or payment of fine of N30,000 on each of the counts, totalling N120,000.

Corruption Legal News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2DUBZa9

President Goodluck Jonathan’s ‘My Transition Hours’ was only two days old after launch before its fake versions began to circulate online.

If you didn’t attend the launch, where only the original versions could only have been on display, there’s a chance you’re reading the wrong book. if you're reading an online version, that chance is even higher!

What, then, do you need to look out for, to be sure you’re not wasting away your precious time on a fake book?

Pages
The original version is a 194-page book; the fake version contains 254 pages and is a PDF document of 4MB in size.

Number Of Chapters
While the original version has 15, the fake has 12.

The Copyright
The original book was copyrighted in 2018. The writers of the fake book must have seen into the future, though, as the copyright on it reads 2015.

Table Of Contents
The original begins with Foreword, Acknowledgement and Prologue, in that order, while it is ‘Acknowledge’, Prologue and Introduction for the fake book

The Book Proper
In the original version, the book proper begins with a chapter titled ‘Reflections’, with an opening sentence that reads: “The circumstances of my family background, birth and childhood would not have led anyone to believe that I would ever assume office as President of Nigeria”.

However, the fake version begins with a chapter titled ‘Looking Back’, with an opening sentence that reads: “First, let me explain my unusual entry into Nigerian politics. It is a little puzzling because I was almost decidedly not going into politics, but I need to clarify this before going into my story.”

Jonathan’s book is controversial enough. There are already question marks in places of power over the truthfulness of his narration of the final minutes before he called President Muhammadu Buhari to concede the 2015 election, while Kashim Shettima, Governor of Borno State, has already punctured his account of the post-Chibok abduction politics. See Also Sahara Reporters DETAILS: The Final Minutes Before Jonathan Phoned Buhari To Concede 2015 Election 0 Comments 1 Day Ago

It is possible that some accounts of Jonathan;s book are false; how then can anyone read  fake version of it in addition?

Books Politics News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2Sa3vUe

President Goodluck Jonathan’s ‘My Transition Hours’ was only two days old after launch before its fake versions began to circulate online.

If you didn’t attend the launch, where only the original versions could only have been on display, there’s a chance you’re reading the wrong book. if you're reading an online version, that chance is even higher!

What, then, do you need to look out for, to be sure you’re not wasting away your precious time on a fake book?

Pages
The original version is a 194-page book; the fake version contains 254 pages and is a PDF document of 4MB in size.

Number Of Chapters
While the original version has 15, the fake has 12.

The Copyright
The original book was copyrighted in 2018. The writers of the fake book must have seen into the future, though, as the copyright on it reads 2015.

Table Of Contents
The original begins with Foreword, Acknowledgement and Prologue, in that order, while it is ‘Acknowledge’, Prologue and Introduction for the fake book

The Book Proper
In the original version, the book proper begins with a chapter titled ‘Reflections’, with an opening sentence that reads: “The circumstances of my family background, birth and childhood would not have led anyone to believe that I would ever assume office as President of Nigeria”.

However, the fake version begins with a chapter titled ‘Looking Back’, with an opening sentence that reads: “First, let me explain my unusual entry into Nigerian politics. It is a little puzzling because I was almost decidedly not going into politics, but I need to clarify this before going into my story.”

Jonathan’s book is controversial enough. There are already question marks in places of power over the truthfulness of his narration of the final minutes before he called President Muhammadu Buhari to concede the 2015 election, while Kashim Shettima, Governor of Borno State, has already punctured his account of the post-Chibok abduction politics. See Also Books DETAILS: The Final Minutes Before Jonathan Phoned Buhari To Concede 2015 Election 0 Comments 1 Day Ago

It is possible that some accounts of Jonathan;s book are false; how then can anyone read  fake version of it in addition?

Books Politics News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2Sa3vUe

President Goodluck Jonathan’s ‘My Transition Hours’ was only two days old after launch before its fake versions began to circulate online.

If you didn’t attend the launch, where only the original versions could only have been on display, there’s a chance you’re reading the wrong book. if you're reading an online version, that chance is even higher!

What, then, do you need to look out for, to be sure you’re not wasting away your precious time on a fake book?

Pages
The original version is a 194-page book; the fake version contains 254 pages and is a PDF document of 4MB in size.

Number Of Chapters
While the original version has 15, the fake has 12.

The Copyright
The original book was copyrighted in 2018. The writers of the fake book must have seen into the future, though, as the copyright on it reads 2015.

Table Of Contents
The original begins with Foreword, Acknowledgement and Prologue, in that order, while it is ‘Acknowledge’, Prologue and Introduction for the fake book

The Book Proper
In the original version, the book proper begins with a chapter titled ‘Reflections’, with an opening sentence that reads: “The circumstances of my family background, birth and childhood would not have led anyone to believe that I would ever assume office as President of Nigeria”.

However, the fake version begins with a chapter titled ‘Looking Back’, with an opening sentence that reads: “First, let me explain my unusual entry into Nigerian politics. It is a little puzzling because I was almost decidedly not going into politics, but I need to clarify this before going into my story.”

Jonathan’s book is controversial enough. There are already question marks in places of power over the truthfulness of his narration of the final minutes before he called President Muhammadu Buhari to concede the 2015 election, while Kashim Shettima, Governor of Borno State, has already punctured his account of the post-Chibok abduction politics. See Also Books DETAILS: The Final Minutes Before Jonathan Phoned Buhari To Concede 2015 Election 0 Comments 1 Day Ago

It is possible that some accounts of Jonathan;s book are false; how then can anyone read  fake version of it in addition?

Books Politics News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2Sa3vUe

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
A plane carrying 127 people falls onto its side after appearing to collapse onto its landing gear.

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
The BBC's James Landale went to Tehran's Grand Bazaar see what people think of the stringent sanctions.

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
Starting with one family 30 years ago, a whole village in Sudan has stopped cutting its women and girls.

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
A "humble" timber complex for disadvantaged children wins this year's Riba best new building award.

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
Aged between six and 21, post-millennials are more educated and diverse than any generation before them.

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
It is the supreme request of many indigenous Australians - so can one state make history?

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
The navy dogs like Frida were key in helping search for people after last year's deadly earthquake.

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
It's the weekly news quiz - have you been paying attention to what's been going on in the world during the past seven days?

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
A selection of the best photos from across Africa this week.

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
A new unit at a Serbian coal-fired power station focuses concerns on China's role in global warming.

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
The US president says the CIA did not conclude the crown prince ordered Jamal Khashoggi's murder.

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
The ruling sentencing the woman to 10 years in prison is to be reviewed, Greek officials say.

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J
Guido Amsel sent bombs to several businesses and placed a device at his ex-wife's home in Winnipeg.

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), has said the newly established Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko in Delta State is on the "verge of collapse".

According to the group, the institute is now in a “sorry state” and has been "completely abandoned".

A statement by Roland Pereotubo Oweilaemi, the IYC President, noted that the pitiable condition of the institution "threatened its continued existence".

The statement read: "The Council, on our unscheduled visit to the school, was made to understand that the Federal Government only paid N2billion out of the N5billion take-off grant it earlier pledged to pay. Even the N3billion financial appropriation in the 2018 budget for the school has not been released to it. As we speak now, majority of the staff have deserted the school as the institution is unable to pay its staff for many months, while the Vice Chancellor of the institution is moving round the country sourcing for funds.

“The leadership of the IYC National, having visited the school, has gotten first-hand information about its functionality. It is regrettable that the present government has reneged on its promises to pay due attention to the school. What we found out on our visit is an eyesore. The generating plant that has been supplying power to the institution is not working as the management has no finance to buy diesel. Students and the staff are living in hell in the school building, because there is no light. Water supply to the school has stopped because there is no light to pump water.

“While the Federal Government is paying due attention to some other newly established institutions in the country, such as the Nigerian Army University, the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko which is the only economic benefit to the economically dejected, marginalised and pauperised Niger Delta people has been completely abandoned by the government of President Muhammadu Buhari.

"After all the promises to the Niger Delta people, which have hitherto reduced the growing tension occasioned by the resurgence of the bleak oil crisis in the region, the Federal Government is paying lip service to the demands of the people.

“The Nigerian government should not think it can always buy peace with lip service by giving non-implementable promises to the people. Starving the institution of funds upon the corresponding peace the country is enjoying in the oil sector means that the present government is still neck-deep in perpetuating its illicit agenda to scrap the school. The Federal Government is playing with fire. Though we do not pray for crisis in the region, if however the government's lukewarmly provocative and incisive stance instigates any breakdown of law and order in the region, then the present government should be held responsible.

“President Buhari should, as a matter of urgency, release funds for the school. We will vehemently resist any move to scrap the Institution through starving it of funds. People of goodwill should prevail on the government to do the needful before things get out of control. We cannot guarantee that the existing peace in the region will be sustained if the Federal Government keeps on maintaining its cynical stand on the school. A stitch in time they say saves nine.”

Education News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2DECHHC

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), has said the newly established Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko in Delta State is on the "verge of collapse".

According to the group, the institute is now in a “sorry state” and has been "completely abandoned".

A statement by Roland Pereotubo Oweilaemi, the IYC President, noted that the pitiable condition of the institution "threatened its continued existence".

The statement read: "The Council, on our unscheduled visit to the school, was made to understand that the Federal Government only paid N2billion out of the N5billion take-off grant it earlier pledged to pay. Even the N3billion financial appropriation in the 2018 budget for the school has not been released to it. As we speak now, majority of the staff have deserted the school as the institution is unable to pay its staff for many months, while the Vice Chancellor of the institution is moving round the country sourcing for funds.

“The leadership of the IYC National, having visited the school, has gotten first-hand information about its functionality. It is regrettable that the present government has reneged on its promises to pay due attention to the school. What we found out on our visit is an eyesore. The generating plant that has been supplying power to the institution is not working as the management has no finance to buy diesel. Students and the staff are living in hell in the school building, because there is no light. Water supply to the school has stopped because there is no light to pump water.

“While the Federal Government is paying due attention to some other newly established institutions in the country, such as the Nigerian Army University, the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko which is the only economic benefit to the economically dejected, marginalised and pauperised Niger Delta people has been completely abandoned by the government of President Muhammadu Buhari.

"After all the promises to the Niger Delta people, which have hitherto reduced the growing tension occasioned by the resurgence of the bleak oil crisis in the region, the Federal Government is paying lip service to the demands of the people.

“The Nigerian government should not think it can always buy peace with lip service by giving non-implementable promises to the people. Starving the institution of funds upon the corresponding peace the country is enjoying in the oil sector means that the present government is still neck-deep in perpetuating its illicit agenda to scrap the school. The Federal Government is playing with fire. Though we do not pray for crisis in the region, if however the government's lukewarmly provocative and incisive stance instigates any breakdown of law and order in the region, then the present government should be held responsible.

“President Buhari should, as a matter of urgency, release funds for the school. We will vehemently resist any move to scrap the Institution through starving it of funds. People of goodwill should prevail on the government to do the needful before things get out of control. We cannot guarantee that the existing peace in the region will be sustained if the Federal Government keeps on maintaining its cynical stand on the school. A stitch in time they say saves nine.”

Education News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2DECHHC

Veteran Yoruba actress, Sola Sobowale has said God ordained her to be an actress.

In an interview with Pulse on Thursday, Sola Sobowale took out time to explain her role in the recently released movie 'King of Boys', which was directed by Kemi Adetiba.

Speaking on the movie, Sola who played the main character referred to Kemi Adetiba as someone who brings the best out of you.

"Kemi is a killer, I almost died. Kemi is a slave driver but thank God. She would say to me: 'Do you want to look bad on that screen at the end of the day? We thank God for the result. However, what baffles me is when she commends a scene and says 'that was nice, that was beautiful', but says we should have another take and before you know it, we would have had 10 or 15 takes.

"I remember a particular scene we were shooting and I was already in action and I heard a distant voice saying 'Get Aunty S a chair; get her a bottle of water'. I asked what was going on and Kemi said 'Aunty S, you are fainting'. I sat down and didn't know I was shaking vigorously. That is the kind of director Kemi is — the type who sees the work and sees the person. Other locations, maybe I would have been dead by now.

"I got the King of Boys script after a lunch with Kemi Adetiba. After The Wedding Party, I got a call from Kemi Adetiba — she calls me Aunty S. She said 'Where are you?' and I told her I was home. She asked me to join her for lunch somewhere in Victoria Island and I joined her because I love food and I love her personality."

Speaking on her acting career, she said: "This is what God has ordained me to do".

She also stated that she thanked Adetiba for giving her the "opportunity to shine, for the whole wide world to know this is what Sola knows how to do best".

Entertainment News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2QdfCSR

Veteran Yoruba actress, Sola Sobowale has said God ordained her to be an actress.

In an interview with Pulse on Thursday, Sola Sobowale took out time to explain her role in the recently released movie 'King of Boys', which was directed by Kemi Adetiba.

Speaking on the movie, Sola who played the main character referred to Kemi Adetiba as someone who brings the best out of you.

"Kemi is a killer, I almost died. Kemi is a slave driver but thank God. She would say to me: 'Do you want to look bad on that screen at the end of the day? We thank God for the result. However, what baffles me is when she commends a scene and says 'that was nice, that was beautiful', but says we should have another take and before you know it, we would have had 10 or 15 takes.

"I remember a particular scene we were shooting and I was already in action and I heard a distant voice saying 'Get Aunty S a chair; get her a bottle of water'. I asked what was going on and Kemi said 'Aunty S, you are fainting'. I sat down and didn't know I was shaking vigorously. That is the kind of director Kemi is — the type who sees the work and sees the person. Other locations, maybe I would have been dead by now.

"I got the King of Boys script after a lunch with Kemi Adetiba. After The Wedding Party, I got a call from Kemi Adetiba — she calls me Aunty S. She said 'Where are you?' and I told her I was home. She asked me to join her for lunch somewhere in Victoria Island and I joined her because I love food and I love her personality."

Speaking on her acting career, she said: "This is what God has ordained me to do".

She also stated that she thanked Adetiba for giving her the "opportunity to shine, for the whole wide world to know this is what Sola knows how to do best".

Entertainment News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2QdfCSR

The family of Taofeeq Abdulquadri, who was killed by an officer of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has offered to pay for the autopsy to speed up Police investigation into the matter.

Taofeeq was shot twice in the head by an NSCDC officer identified as Kehinde Osho, after an argument ensued between the two at Oke-Odo community of Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State. See Also CRIME Lagos NSCDC Official Shoots Man Multiple Times, 'Blows His Skull Open' 0 Comments 2 Days Ago

Taofeeq's remains have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Panti.

The family expressed lack of confidence in the Nigeria Police Force, stating that they were worried the Police might "stall the process".

They also added that the family is eager to give Taofeeq a befitting burial according to Islamic rites.

Speaking to SaharaReporters on behalf of the family, the deceased's sister, Nifemi Basirat stated that the family had already offered to pay for the autopsy.

"We've contacted the police but they said the process might take up to six months or even a year. That is too much time and we want to bury our brother, so we've offered to pay for the autopsy and take care of the bills needed to complete the process so we can bury the body in the next one week," she said.

Residents had lamented the spate of indiscriminate shooting in the community, but since the incident and relocation of the corps, there has been no sound of gunshots heard in the area.

One of the residents told our correspondent that the youth of the community are ready to chase away any NSCDC personnel who comes to the area.

"We are insisting that we don't want any NSCDC official here. Residents are still very angry and any NSCDC member seen around will probably be beaten to death. The NSCDC are the ones smuggling fuel in this community and they have been threatening and harassing the people every time," a resident told SaharaReporters.

CRIME News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2KjmxVh

The family of Taofeeq Abdulquadri, who was killed by an officer of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has offered to pay for the autopsy to speed up Police investigation into the matter.

Taofeeq was shot twice in the head by an NSCDC officer identified as Kehinde Osho, after an argument ensued between the two at Oke-Odo community of Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State. See Also CRIME Lagos NSCDC Official Shoots Man Multiple Times, 'Blows His Skull Open' 0 Comments 2 Days Ago

Taofeeq's remains have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Panti.

The family expressed lack of confidence in the Nigeria Police Force, stating that they were worried the Police might "stall the process".

They also added that the family is eager to give Taofeeq a befitting burial according to Islamic rites.

Speaking to SaharaReporters on behalf of the family, the deceased's sister, Nifemi Basirat stated that the family had already offered to pay for the autopsy.

"We've contacted the police but they said the process might take up to six months or even a year. That is too much time and we want to bury our brother, so we've offered to pay for the autopsy and take care of the bills needed to complete the process so we can bury the body in the next one week," she said.

Residents had lamented the spate of indiscriminate shooting in the community, but since the incident and relocation of the corps, there has been no sound of gunshots heard in the area.

One of the residents told our correspondent that the youth of the community are ready to chase away any NSCDC personnel who comes to the area.

"We are insisting that we don't want any NSCDC official here. Residents are still very angry and any NSCDC member seen around will probably be beaten to death. The NSCDC are the ones smuggling fuel in this community and they have been threatening and harassing the people every time," a resident told SaharaReporters.

CRIME News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
https://ift.tt/2KjmxVh