Lagos – The House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee on Review of Pump Price of Petrol has directed the NNPC and its subsidiaries to make public the true cost of imported petrol.

The Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Raphael Igbokwe, gave the directive in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos.

Igbokwe spoke on the side lines of the committee’s visit to Lagos depots of some private operators involved in transportation and distribution of petrol from the ports to the consumers.

NAN reports that the depots visited by the committee are Folawiyo Energy Limited, WOSBAB Energy Solutions, First Royal and Stallionaire Oil & Gas Limited.

According to him, NNPC and its subsidiaries sourced 90 per cent of petrol while private marketers sourced only 10 per cent of the product into the country.

“The reason for our curiosity and unannounced visit to some depots is that our investigation shows that importation of petrol is no longer profitable to the private marketers and dealers.

“The issue is how come that only the government agencies are engaging in the importation and supply of petrol.

“This will make us to compel them to open their (NNPC and subsidiaries) books for Nigerians to know the true cost of importation of petrol,’’ Igbokwe said.

The chairman said that the committee would find out from neighbouring countries and refineries the cost of petrol per litre.

He said that the committee got authentic information from a reliable source that the price of petrol was around N230 to N250 per litre in neighbouring countries.

Igbokwe noted that the official landing cost of petrol was about N130 to N135.

He said that the committee, however, received information that the landing cost of petrol was higher than the N145 official rate fixed by government.

Igbokwe commended the management of Folawiyo Energy and WOSBAB Energy for being diligent in their operations.

He directed the management of First Royal to appear before the committee on May 26 to present its record of operation and explain why it failed to honour two previous invitations by the committee.

According to Igbokwe, officials of the Directorate of Petroleum Resources (DPR), had on Thursday sealed Stallionaire Oil & Gas depot at Satellite Town, Lagos due to inadequate storage facilities.

He said that the committee would not shield any depot firm frustrating government’s efforts at making fuel available and affordable to Nigerians.

Abuja – As the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) began its 2017 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), candidates commended JAMB as others lamented the irregularities experienced in the network at the Computer Based Centres.

Some of the candidates who spoke in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in some parts of the country decried poor internet network.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) observed orderliness at most of the exam centres visited while students took their turns to write the exam.

The 2017 UTME which commenced at about 8:30 a.m. is a two hour exam for every batch and is expected to hold for seven days excluding Sunday across the country.

Some of the candidates in FCT, Osun, Ebonyi and Nasarawa states expressed dissatisfaction over poor internet challenges at their respective CBT centres especially at Kunike International School, Ilesa road in Osogbo.

Also candidates at the Risewise CBT centre in Kuchikau, Nasarawa state lamented poor internet facilities.

Mr Dauda Geoffrey at the CBT centre, Kuchikau, told NAN that he experienced some challenges ranging from bad network to system tripping off as a result of power failure.

He said that the operators in the centre were, however, able to manage the problems, adding that the experience can deter candidates from full concentration in the exam.

“Generally, the exam was good but some of us experience some hitches while writing the exam because some of the computer systems were malfunctioning.

“They were logging in and out and we also experienced a situation where some of the systems were outrightly switched off.

“But the officials were able to manage the situation because for those of us with the challenge, we have to wait for some candidates to finish then we move to their system to write our exams,” he said.

Geoffrey, however, said he would rather prefer the old method of paper and pencil in writing the exam as it was stressed free.

Miss Faith Attah, also noted that the only problem faced in the centre was that of network failure, adding that JAMB authority should look for ways of solving the problems for the next batch of candidates.

She said that this would help erase the doubt of hitch-free exam from the public.

Also, Mr Dare Monday appealed to JAMB to put in place effective and efficient structure in the conduct of the exam.

Some of the candidates also decried the unfriendly attitude of some JAMB staff that showed less concern to candidates who needed immediate attention or faced with some immediate challenges.

Earlier, Mr Ayodele Ojo, JAMB supervisor at the centre said the problems were minor but promised to proffer immediate solution before subsequent batches.

Ojo also said that the exam was smooth; adding that all the candidates were familiar with the computer as there was no problem of having to put them through the system.

He said that over 98 per cent of the first batch reported and wrote the exam.

He said the remaining candidates who failed to appear would be made to face the consequence as no other exam would be conducted for them.

“The exam is going on, we have checked in the candidates and like every human scheme, we are still expecting a few candidates,” he said.

Master Adebayo Oyelabi , one of the UTME candidates told NAN on Saturday in Osogbo, said that he experienced bad network and wrong password in the event of logging into the JAMB website.

Oyelabi said the computer systems at Kunike denied a lot of candidates’ access to the UTME site, which eventually led to distraction before the intervention of the coordinator and normalcy was later returned.

“The computer will tell us, “No exams for you’’ which made some of us to become uncomfortable.

“Some candidates have to be taken from one position to another position just to ensure easy access to the portal,’’ he said.

In Abakaliki, Mrs Rose Eze, JAMB official from Abuja and supervisor at Mastersoft Technology LTD, JAMB UTME approved centre told NAN that the innovation of the board is more preferable compare to the past system.

Eze said that the board Instruction, registration, procedures and portal, gave credit to the new development.

Eze expressed satisfaction over conducts of students at the Abakaliki centre and stated that there are no challenges of bad network or computers breakdown.

She said that the students were advised earlier to be conscious of time to end their examination properly before time.

“Generally, the exam is well conducted and no challenges experienced in this centre.

“JAMB new innovation is more preferable to other method of examination and we advised them to be time conscious to conclude their exams before time, “ she said.

Miss Ogomu Okereke and Ndidiamaka Ukpia, JAMB candidates at the centre in their separate interviews acknowledged the innovation and advised the board to sustain it.

NAN reports that Prof. Mojeed Alabi, the 2017 UTME General Monitoring Officer for Osun, Oyo and Ogun states had told NAN about the level of preparedness at ICT centres in Osogbo for the Jamb examination. 

Students of the Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma-Edo State on Saturday participated in the 5th edition of the Okpekpe 10km race to draw attention to the evil of cultism.

The institution’s Vice Chancellor, Ignatius Onimawo who led several of the students to participate in the race, said he was encouraged to participate in the race to discouraged cultism in all ramification.

According to him, when awareness is created people will not be encourage to join the evil organization whose main objective is to kill and maim people.

“my Idea is that if the awareness is created, people will not be encourage to join. We want the awareness to be created that it is an evil organisation that only kills and mane people. It is not worthy and of no benefit for people to join.”

Aside the run against cultism, VIP such as the Edo State Gov. Godwin Obaseki, former Gov. Adams Oshiomhole and Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung, also participated in the road for various purposes.

The run for breast cancer awareness, Re-industrialise Africa, Women Empowerment, for Charity and
Orphanages.

Like the previous editions, Ethiopians again dominated the 2017 edition with Leul Gebiesaile emerging the winner with a time of 29.28 while his counterpart, Jemeli Bekele came after him with a time of 29.34. About 3,000 athletes, including15 top foreign athletes participated in the 5th edition.

If the track records of lawmakers are relevant in Nigeria and the laws correctly enforced, Hon Lasun would have been either in the farm or motor park at the time he was contesting for the position of lawmaker. An official report released had shown that out of the 360 members in the 7th National Assembly, 191 of them did not sponsor a single bill in their four years stay in the house. The official report was tagged “Status of Bills, Petitions and Other Legislative Measures,” and it had some high profile names like the current deputy speaker of the House, Yusuff Lasun (Osun, APC). People from his constituency were against him for the fact he could not move a single motion or sponsor any bill during the 7th National Assembly. It showed, perhaps he may be largely and not equal to the task of law making. The national assembly is also full of individuals who are after their own selfish interests. Hon Lasun does not understand the importance of courtesy and decorum. The way he has been screaming, making statements and lately campaigning across Osun State adds to the embarrassment that he has brought to Osun. This is one of the sources of the challenges that Nigeria faces. People like Hon Lasun who should be receiving counselling and psychological supports have been elevated to run politics and policies.
The people of Osun State are worried over several unguarded statements and allegations made by Hon Lasun Yusuff which have attracted national spotlight on the need for stricter psychological background investigations of federal lawmakers, but less attention has been paid to the question of whether Hon Lasun’s psychological screening should have determined him unsuitable for the job, even before he was elected. The point behind this psychological evaluations isn’t solely to determine whether Hon Lasun is fit and proper because of his recent reckless statements, but also to flag other lawmakers whose personality types and behavior are unsuited for the job in which sound judgment – including the ability to make quick decisions – is key, as emotional stability in tense situations as we approach Osun 2018 election. It’s a determination that plays a substantial role in controlling over-zealous lawmakers.
HON. YUSUF Sulaiman-Lasun represents Irepodun/Olorunda/Orolu/Osogbo Federal Constituency of Osun State in the House of Representatives. He was elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He emerged the Deputy Speaker in an election on June 9, 2015. Lasun was a member of the 7th Assembly (2011-2015) also on APC platform. He was the deputy chairman of the House Committee on Water Resources. The hitherto little known politician from Osun State came to the limelight when he joined the race for the Speakership two weeks to the inauguration of the Assembly. Many believed he was out to play the role of a“spoiler” because his aspiration was not in tune with the South West APC’s which resolved to present the former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila as sole candidate. Lasun’s move became suspect when he held meetings with Hon. Yakubu Dogara from Bauchi State. He later stepped down for Dogora who eventually emerged as Speaker. The intrigue finally played out when Lasun was nominated for the post of Deputy Speaker by the “Eighth Assembly Consolidation Group” loyal to Dogara.
“Lasun may not realise the implication of what he did but it will certainly affect his political career in future. His loyalty to the party is questionable. It is true that he was close to Governor Aregbesola. In fact it was the governor’s intervention that won him the party’s ticket for second term. The people in his constituency had wanted to drop him for lack of effective representation but for the governor’s grace, he was returned to the House. All his four years in the House, he didn’t sponsor a motion let alone a bill.
The Deputy Speaker drew the ire of the public when he defended the N150 billion budgetary allocation for the National Assembly. Reacting to public criticism on the salaries and allowances of senators and members of the House of Representatives, Lasun argued that the N150 billion received by the National Assembly yearly is only 2.67 per cent of the national budget. To him, there is nothing wrong in the National Assembly getting more allocations than other strategic sectors of the economy like Agriculture that was allocated 1.47 per cent in the 2015 budget.
Rather than focusing on his immediate task of making laws and good governance, Hon Lasun Yusuf has been more preoccupied witch-hunting Governor Aregbesola in the name of sending Aregbesola back to Lagos and raising false alarm on threat to his life. Perhaps, someone should help us tell Hon Lasun to stop all this attention-seeking tactics and focus on the more serious business of governance. Is he so bent on outshining his bosses, Governor Aregbesola inclusive? Why trying to make the Governor look inadequate? That still reminds me, why is it every time Hon Lasuni does something no matter how negligible, he beckons to the press to show off? Are we as a people now celebrating mediocrity in the name of performance? I don’t know why Mr Lasun Yussuff and his co travellers will be using the death of Asiwaju of Ede, Sen Isiaka Adeleke (MAY HIS GENTLE SOUL REST IN PEACE) as an avenue for political selfish interest of his. That they have descended to this level is indicative of their desperation for relevance, even if it means dancing on the grave of our notable leader, whose contributions to the development of the State is worthy of emulation
At a time when Nigerians are demanding greater accountability and transparency from their leaders, it is ridiculous that Hon Lasun is among the federal lawmakers who are seeking to provide immunity for themselves under the guise that the executive branch enjoys same. If they listen carefully to the people, they will be shocked to discover that many Nigerians do not want immunity for anyone — whether in the executive, legislature or judiciary. I have been campaigning against immunity all my life and I will never relent. Our leaders want to enjoy all the benefits of office without shouldering the responsibility that comes with it. Outrageous. It appears that the intention of Mr. Lasun is to gain cheap popularity by laying claims to the building of the Eid ground. If that is not the case, why did he wait till the unfortunate demise of Senator Adeleke to whip up unnecessary sentiments? If the account in the press report is correct, was the incident reported to the police? At least Oke Baale police station is not even up to a stone throw to the Eid prayer ground and the case should have been reported immediately to the Police for necessary actions.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Lasun Yusuf, January paid a private visit to Ilorin, the Kwara State capital where he later spoke with some journalists on the state of the nation as published in Vanguard Newspaper of 9th January, 2017 pages 38 and 39..One of the questions Hon Lasun responded to was: What is your message to the people of Osun in 2017? Hon Lasun responded that they have my sympathy; I know workers there have not been earning their regular salaries, and when they do, it is only in Osun that I hear people are earning half salaries. I am not so familiar with it now, I have been out of that system for about one and a half years, I cannot specifically say certain things but I know that people have not been earning their full salaries, and when such salaries come, they come in trickles. My message, first and foremost, is to workers, that they should know that things are going to get better and that it’s a lesson for all of us that when an economy is struggling, paid employment is the one that suffers most. Those who have to change the face of the economy are likely to use the money that is supposed to be used in paying salaries. So, they have my sympathy. I want to again generally touch on the people of Osun, I know that they are resilient, I know they are hard working but they should have hope that things are going to get better-Hon Lasun Yusuf.
Hon Lasun was behind a statement credited to Alhaji Fatai Oyedele that we will send Aregbesola back to Lagos as reported by the Punch Newspaper of 27th February, 2017 page12. A short-sighted and misguided statement that lacks dignity and respect for the truth in Osun State. One of the prominent chieftains of the ruling All Progressives Congress in Osun State, Alhaji Fatai Oyedele, has said that he and other people within the party will resist Governor Rauf Aregbesola ahead of the 2018 governorship election in the state. Although Aregbesola is not going to contest the governorship poll, the party leaders said his group would not allow him to impose his stooge as the candidate of the party in the 2018 poll. Oyedele made that statement in Osogbo at the empowerment programme which the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Lasun Yussuff, organised for 350 youths and women. The deputy speaker gave out kilns for smoking fish, plantain suckers and cash to mushroom growers and other beneficiaries. Oyedele, said anybody, who wanted to contest governorship election must be courageous, saying the contest was not for the weak.
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Lasun Yusuff has alleged a threat to his life since he has expressed his interest to run for the governorship race of Osun State. Addressing a press conference on the 28th of April, 2017 on behalf of the Lawmaker on Saturday, the head of the Constituency Relations Office of the Deputy Speaker in Osogbo, Hon. Niyi Ogunsola said Yusuff has continued to receive series of threats in the recent past, that have put his life in danger. Ogunsola noted that the latest of the series of threats were the ones from some members of All Progressive Congress(APC) Osun caucus in the House of Representatives, including Hon. Jibola Famurewa, Hon. Mojeed Alabi, Hon. Ayo Omidiran among others. ” In the press statement made after the tributes on Late Senator Isiaka Adeleke at the plenary on the floor of the house, the said caucus members categorically said that the expression of fear of danger on the life of Rt. Hon. Lasun Yussuff was built on emotion.
Hon Lasun Yusuf needs psychological evaluation because he is a deputy speaker that sees nothing wrong in increasing the number of House Committees from 84 to 95 in the face of a dwindling revenue and their talks about ‘the need to cut cost of governance’ is hypocrisy of the highest order. The sad thing is that these guys are not doing anything for us. How is it that no member of the National Assembly has been recalled by his constituency beats me. What can 95 committees do that 20 can’t? How many members constitute a committee? Are we going to have one person in several committees? Well, I guess yes, and no wonder they have been scrambling for “plum committees”. Plum? Isn’t that a word for milking the treasury? Are we supposed to have anything ‘plum’ in the House? With the amount of committees, then every member will definitely be a chairman of one committee or the other. Hon Lasun needs psychological evaluation because he can raise a motion in the House of Representatives calling for the declaration of of state of emergency in Osun State before the 2018 election if steps are not taken to recall him.

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Inwalomhe Donald, public affairs analyst, Benin City, inwalomhe.donald@yahoo.com

BENIN-CITY: The Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development has arrested over 15 companies operating illegally in Edo State with yet another one, Update Industrial Trading Company Limited, alleged to be evading arrest.

The Nigerian Observer Investigation gathered that the ministry which has the mandate to regulate the solid minerals and mining sector on the Exclusive Legislative List has a core target to increase revenue generation and ensure environmental compliance from operators in the State and as a result embarked on sensitization and compliance campaign.

An Impeccable source close to the ministry revealed that the efforts of the ministry were thwarted as some of the mining companies were heavily being protected and that a blood bath was almost averted at the Update Industrial Trading Company Limited site, one of the companies operating illegally and is protected by men of the Nigeria Police at his site, but for wisdom employed by the ministry officials who retreated with their back up protection under the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

According to the source about 40 companies had so far regularized their mining operations and noted that it was disconcerting that the numbers of companies operating illegally are more than the registered ones, resulting in loss of revenue to the Federal government and adverse environmental degradation.

‘’We adhered to due process, we have done all that we were expected to do and wrote a demand notice to the company concerned requesting for valid Mineral Title of the mining operation, Community Development Agreement signed with the host community and approval by the ministry, Environmental Protection and Rehabilitation Programme approved by the ministry and Environmental Impact Assessment Statement/Report approved by the Federal Ministry of Environment’’, but they were not forth coming with any of these requests made to them, the source revealed.

Besides, it was learnt that the company had been owing the federal government the sum of N1, 350,000.00 (One Million Three Hundred and Fifty Thousand naira) for the periods June 2016 to March, 2017.

On the security situation and the attempted blood bath, the source disclosed that the ministry had informed the Commissioner of Police, Edo State of the incident and drew his attention to section 146(i-iv) of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007 which gives any officer of the Ministry duly authorized in that behalf to carry out an arrest without warrant, any person whom he finds committing or suspects to have committed an offence under the Act or Regulation and may by notice in writing require any lessee or any person employed by the lessee or holder to appear before the Mines Officer at a reasonable time and place and give information regarding mining operations in or about the area of the mining which he possesses, and the lessee, holder or other person shall comply with the notice and give the information.

BENIN CITY- The wives of a lawyer and a police sergeant shot dead by gunmen in Benin, last Monday have called on the police to unmask and prosecute the killers of their husbands.

The widows Mrs Agbontaen Odiase an expectant mother with three children, and Mrs Rosemary Agbonmwema Eguakun, 37 said only justice would assuage their cries and comfort them and their children.

Mrs Odiase Agbontaen with her children

Barr. Agbontaen Eghosa Odiase was killed before his wife and children at his residence in Odiase Street, Off Pipeline Road, Avbiama Community, while the cop, Sgt. Sunday Agbonmwema Eguakun a.k.a Barry was shot dead some metres away from his private residence in the same community in Ikpoba-Okha local government area of Edo State.

Until the unfortunate incident the barrister headed a Benin-based legal firm where he was regarded as a store of legal authorities, while the police sergeant was attached to the Iyase of Benin kingdom Chief Sam Igbe, who has described him as an officer who was committed to his duty.

It could not be ascertained whether the gunmen also plotted to kill the policeman that fateful night, unconfirmed source alleged that he received a distress call from the barrister as he met the gunmen while on a rescue mission to the residence of the barrister.

Investigation revealed that the distance from both scenes of killing is far apart even as the armed men were said to have walked throughout their murderous operation.

Meanwhile Chief Sam Igbe said the police officer closed and left his office about 5pm, while his wife said he promised to return home after a mechanic finish fixing his car when she called him about 8pm.

Rosemary Agbonmwema Sunday

The killings occurred between 9pm and 11pm on Monday, May 8, 2017.

The policeman was said to have begged the gunmen to spear his life as they probably took his gun after killing him.

Money, phones and other valuables of the cop were said to be intact when he was found stone-dead with the car engine still running, the following morning.

The two widows while narrating their ordeals separately, said their late husbands were breadwinners of their families.

They wept that their children have been left to face challenges of life without paternal assistance, whatsoever.

Our crime correspondent visit revealed that 10 little children including one unborn child have been rendered fatherless by the mindless and irreversible action of the gunmen.

“About 10pm we were watching cartoon in my children’s room, suddenly we heard a bang inside the compound.

“My husband jumped up from the bed, we peeped through the window we saw a boy half naked with a scar on his head. My husband started making calls.

“Before we knew it they shot and broke through the window and were inside with us.

“They told my husband to shout or call anybody he wanted to call as they were ready for him that night. I quickly took my three children to the other room while the eldest child ran back to meet his father with the three gunmen.

“Then, I heard two gun shots and everywhere was silent.

“Thereafter, they said to themselves, let us go the man is dead.

“They only took my husband’s phone, left their torch”. Mrs Odiase Agbontaen narrated her ordeal.

“About 8pm I called my husband because he does not come home late. He said the mechanic was still working on his car and that he has bought a torch for him to work with.

“I waited throughout the night I did not see or hear from him.

“The following morning, somebody came to the house to inform me that my husband was shot dead before this street”. Wife of the Police Sergeant mourned.

The Edo State Police Command is yet to make comments on the sad incident.

It was however gathered that the corpse and vehicle the police sergeant were removed from the scene of killing by operatives of Ugbekun Police Station in the area.

BENIN CITY: Edo State Governor Mr. Godwin Obaseki has assured the people of the state that the present hardship faced by transporters and passengers in the city center due to the commencement of operation clean up Edo exercise will soon be a thing of the pass as his administration has shown its readiness to recover all government land where a central bus terminal will be built for buses to decongest the city center.

He gave the assurance while speaking to newsmen as he went on an inspection tour of some government properties around the Ring road axis in Benin City the state capital.

Obaseki said in the last four months of his administration, his government took time to study the congression experienced at the city center and found out that the problem and challenges of traffic is that of the absent of a central bus terminal for buses and the indiscriminate picking of passengers by the roadside and also that of street trading.

“We are trying to decongress the Ring road and Oba market and open up the bottle neck because the city center has become choked due to the activities of people selling by the road side and also that of transporters picking passengers by the road side.

“One of the key problem and challenges of traffic is that we do not have a central terminal, we have identified some key properties belonging to government as location where we can build central bus terminal, so we can bring people all across the city here and also dispatches them from this location.

Obaseki said Operation Clean up Edo is not an exercise to punish Edo people but to ensure that the state is clean and if not the cleanness in the country. “There is a bit of hardship due to the exercise but my administration is in a hurry to get a central terminal and a few other parking areas ready quickly so that we can have orderly movement of transportation from this areas that is why I have come to do this inspection” he said.

The governor accompanied by Secretary to Edo State Government Barr. Osarodion Ogie said the present space occupied by Idah primary school, Okai primary school; Ekpenede primary school and government landed property opposite Evbuotubu Motor Park will be used as central bus terminal for buses in the state.

He said at least two of these schools will be relocated to other areas to pave a way for the realization of the central bus terminal. “We are here at St. Paul primary school and Ogbe Junior Secondary School along Airport road to inspect the space here, we have enough space here. We are looking for alternative to relocate those schools to create a way for the central terminal. We found out that we have a lot of land here and our intension is to re-build, improve the infrastructure and increase the classrooms and move some of the pupils from the three schools (Idah, Okai and Ekpenede primary schools) and free up that space and use that land for central terminal.

“We are going to re-build these schools as a proper educational hub, put play ground, mini stadia, so that the children here can feel a sense and create a proper atmosphere for education for them”.

Cleanliness, they say is next to godliness. This truism appears to be the drive of Governor Godwin Obaseki who recently assured the people of his administration’s determination to make Edo the cleanest state in Nigeria. It was at a 2-day workshop where he delivered the keynote address with the theme: ‘Enhancing Environmental Governance for sustainable Development’ held recently in the state capital.

Stakeholders in the field of environment and participants from other relevant sectors attended the workshop, which was organized in Benin City by the state government. The governor told the gathering that the aim of the workshop was to bring experts together to brainstorm on how to sustain and manage the environment prudently to increase the living standards of the people of the state

A former governor of Cross River state and a friend of Edo people, Donald Duke, who saw the workshop as being timely, equally noted that if the environment was clean, investors would be attracted to the state and there would be access to potable water and job opportunities among others.

Donald Duke was quick to caution that efforts to make Edo State a reference point for environmental sustainability might be unachievable without support and partnership from private organisations and individual citizens

To pull through an efficient and sustainable environment in Edo State, the State Government decided to launch the “Clean Up Edo project.” headed by the Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq. The General Manager of the Edo Environmental Sanitation Board is also the operational head of the team that implements decisions from the SSG’s directives.
The team did a good job by coming up with a blue print on how to sanitise all environmental issues ranging from street trading, hawking, trading by walk ways and traffic offences that had made the city centre nightmarish for both citizens and visitors of the state alike.

As a purposeful and people-centred government, the environmental team went round affected parts of the state sensitizing and educating all stakeholders, including those breaching the environmental and traffic laws. For weeks and months running, several meetings were held to discuss the best way to take away the madness always witnessed at the Ring Road, Mission Road, Ibiwe, Lagos Street and environs as well as New Benin, Sakponba Road by Third East Circular among others. Then came the first warning, the second, third and last warning. The task team were quite urbane in their approach. They appealed, they counseled and they warned.

Sadly, all entreaties to the violators were more of dialogue of the deaf. They stubbornly refused to adhere to the government clear order. Traders and drivers alike. remained adamant

Then came the big hammer! The only language our people could sometimes hear-Use of force, a subtle one at that. All makeshift structures that gave bad outlook to the city centre were overnight removed by the task team and by the following morning, the all clear. Illegal traders who came to the city centre to ply their trade in unauthorised places were taken by storm as they were stupefied with the new look Ring Road. The government made good its promise and it is moving ahead with its lofty plans.

As a result the removal of makeshift trading spots and illegal bus stops, as well as the sweeping and clearing of refuse around the popular Ring, traders, motorists and pedestrians have applauded the political will of Governor Godwin Obaseki for bringing to life, the beauty of the city.

That is exactly what is expected of any well meaning citizen. The ‘Edo Clean-up’ Project is aimed at decongesting major areas in the city centre and restoring order and sanity to the metropolis. Interestingly, the process, which was executed by the state’s Task Force on Environmental Sanitation, was ordered by Governor Godwin Obaseki, who has demanded the restoration of the serenity of the affected areas in the state capital.

Some residents hailed the sanitisation measures while others chose to vilify government over its actions. But all civilised persons have praised the government effort and many now wants it permanently sustained. This view is as a direct learning from the experience of immediate past administration led by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole who made a lot of efforts to enforce sanity in the king square but unfortunately could not achieve the desired result being harvested today. But the good thing is that Oshiomhole made the good start which the new government is building upon.

There is every need for sustainability of the current momentum because negligence by the task force would encourage the scourge to return. That was what didn’t go well with the Oshiomhole’s approach. Lessons from that experience means government putting in place a 24/7 measure to check this terrible state of affairs.

Without sounding immodest, the former situation was sickening and made nonsense of the amount spent by the last administration on beautifying the affected areas, especially Ring Road. Before the current effort, the refuse dumped everywhere would block the drainages constructed by Oshiomhole, which reduced the incidents of floods in the affected areas. Now that the rains are here, the government’s measures are timely and most commendable. The street traders may prove stubborn people, so the government must use ‘iron hands’ if it wants result

For most motorists, the testimony is everywhere that the clean-up has facilitated smooth flow of traffic. What perhaps needed be done by government to assuage a few dissenting voices is that it should open new markets for the displaced traders and ensure that all traders in the state stayed within market parameters.

In the same vein, government should also properly relocate some of the motor parks such as the one by Oba Market road end covering Siluko, Ekehuan, Evbuotubu and Eruwunse routes. The current parking space is quite chaotic leading to their resort to self help in some streets around the Oba Market area. All stakeholders in the Edo State project need to key into government’s Clean up Edo project to take Edo to the next level of development as enunciated by the quiet achieving Governor Godwin Obaseki.

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• Mr. Dan Owegie is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Edo State.

WORRIED by the increasing rate of poverty in the country, a non governmental organization, God sent Foundation has embarked on a mission of changing lives with random acts of kindness in Benin City.

On any typical working day, you will find women, some with their children, young men and ladies at the reception of the God sent Foundation office on Ezoti road, waiting to see the founder of the organization.

These persons are usually on appointment to see Amb. Dion Osagie, founder/ President God sent Foundation for one financial assistance or the other to either set up a business, improve on an existing one or meeting a financial need like the payment of school fees.

When you sit in the midst of these people, you are likely to hear discussions such as, “I am going to the market in the neighborhood Community to buy bunch of plantains to sell in Benin City. Others are setting up petty businesses of their choice.

You can easily deduce from the discussions that all they need is some funding which obviously is hard to come by in this period of recession. If you however take a closer look at these persons you will obviously notice that they are ready to work or do something to make a living but the opportunity is not just there.

But the story seem to be changing, because the God Sent Foundation, a non profit organization in Texas, United States of America, has been striving to ensure the well being of women and youths by helping them achieve their heart desires through giving of soft loans and creating employment opportunities.

According to Amb. Dion Osagie, the God Sent Foundation is on a mission to make life of Edo people better by giving them the chance to experience something different from what they are used to. To him, every child deserves the ability to unlock their potentials.

From the way the people are promptly attended to and more people keep coming to receive succor from the foundation, it is a confirmation of the fact that the founder truly believes that these people, especially the youths of today will become the future leaders of tomorrow if given the opportunity and he also believes that anyone’s dream can come true if a platform is created for them.

In his words, “I wake up everyday to carry out random act of kindness, by giving to those around me. As an American based entrepreneur who grew up and spent most of my teenage years in Benin City, I saw my mother who was a teacher for many years giving unconditional love to the youths who were not family members.”

This however made him to vow that he will do his part in making his community better. There is no doubt that his story is one that truly touches the heart and to see what he is doing to ameliorate the plight of the less privileged in the society one cannot help but be proud of him and therefore call on other well meaning persons in the society to emulate such humanitarian gestures.

The foundation has empowered over 50 women and sent several indigent children to schools by paying their school fees as well as setting up businesses for young people.

When this writer visited the office to find out if these kind gestures are not politically motivated, he swiftly responded that the goal of the foundation is to remove 10,000 youths from the streets by 2020, through the creation of 10,000 jobs and empowering 10,000 women. This, he noted can be achieved through funding that will be put together by close to 20 million Nigerians in Diaspora. “This has nothing to do with politics”, he enthused.

Edo state government is to set up a technical committee to plan a three year development programme for the Okpekpe 10 kilometer road race ahead of the May 12 date already set aside for next year’s event.

Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu disclosed this Monday when he played host to the organizers of the race, led by Chief Mike Itemuagbor who were at the Government House, Benin on an appreciation visit to government for the successful hosting of this year’s event which held last Saturday.

The deputy governor who received the visitors on behalf of Governor Godwin Obaseki said the technical committee is to ensure sustainability of the programme and also map out ways of bringing in more investors into the race to boost the economy of the host community and encourage more participation of local athletes as already announced by Mr. Governor.

Comrade Shaibu also praised the introduction of technology in this year’s race, saying that has brought credibility to the race and innovations.

“I congratulate you on the successful hosting of this year’s event. The most important aspect of this year’s event is the integrity that was emphasized. Playing by the rules of the game makes it real. This has also brought integrity to the race.”

He expressed joy that the race has brought Okpekpe into the eyes and hearts of sports lovers around the world, indeed, the map of the world. This, he said, will in turn attract potential investors to the community.

On his part, the head of the delegation and chief organizer, Mike Itemuagbor who announced May 12 as date for next year’s race, revealed that revenue from private sector this year had an increase of about 20 percent.

On improvements in upcoming editions of the race, Itemuagbor said beyond the use of transponders and split mast, the organizers are working on an upgrade to raise the standard of the event, to bring it to the same standard with the Boston and London marathons.

He explained that with the improved revenue generation, there would be more commercialization of the competition in successive editions.

On how to encourage more participation of local athletes, Itemuagbor said the bulk of the work lies on the table of the sports councils and ministry to train and encourage athletes while the local people must imbibe the culture of participation and should be hungry to challenge the foreign athletes, as the organizers have created a level playing field for all athletes.

Itemuagbor and his team also presented some souvenirs including the Okpekpe race goodies pack, towels, and customized tables to the governor in appreciation of his commitment to the sustainability of the bronze labelled international race.

Lagos – Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode was on Monday re-arraigned before a Federal High Court in Lagos, over charges bordering on laundering N4.6 billion.

Fani-Kayode was re-arraigned alongside former Minister of State for Finance, Sen. Nenadi Usman and Yusuf Danjuma, former National Chairman, Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON).

Also charged is a company, Jointrust Dimentions Nigeria Ltd.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) re-arraigned the accused on 17-counts charge of money laundering.

Their re-arraignment was sequel to the transfer of the case file to a new trial judge, Justice Mohammed Aikawa.

The charge, which was previously before Justice Sure Hassan, was re-assigned to Justice Aikawa following an application by counsel to Fani-Kayode, Mr Norrisson Quakers.

Quakers had urged Hassan to withdraw from the suit alleging that he (judge) would be biased as he previously worked for the EFCC.

Meanwhile, before the re-arraignment of the accused, defence counsels, Mr Wale Balogun (SAN) and Mr Abiodun Owonikoko (SAN) had informed the court of their application seeking transfer of the case from Lagos division.

The application was however, opposed by the prosecutor, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, who argued that the pleas of the accused ought to be taken first.

The trial judge then ordered that the pleas of the accused be taken.

The accused persons however, pleaded not guilty of the charges.
Justice Aikawa then adjourned the case till June 7 and June 9 for trial and decision on the application to transfer the case.

In the charge, the accused were alleged to have committed the offences between January and March 2015.

In counts one to seven, they were alleged to have unlawfully retained over N3.8 billion which they reasonably ought to have known formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act of stealing and corruption.

In counts eight to 14, the accused were alleged to have unlawfully used over N970 million which they reasonably ought to have known formed part of an unlawful act of corruption.

In counts 15 to17, Fani-Kayode and one Olubode Oke, who was said to be at large, were alleged to have made cash payments of about N30 million in excess of the amount allowed by law and without going through financial institution.

Besides, Fani-Kayode was alleged to have made payments to one Paste Poster Co (PPC) of No 125 Lewis St., Lagos, in excess of the amount allowed by law.

All the offences were said to contravene the provisions of sections 15 (3) (4), 16 (2) (b), and 16 (5) of the Money laundering (prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012.

The government of Edo State, yesterday, began the screening and verification process of prospective officers of the State Traffic Control and Management Agency in the state, who had erstwhile registered through the Edo Jobs initiative.

The Managing Director of the agency, Mr Dennis Oleregbe disclosed this in Benin City while explaining that the verification process included an interview as well as biological check-ups to ensure they were physically sound and qualified to do the job.

It would be recalled that Governor Godwin Obaseki had promised to create over 200,000 jobs in the state and had earlier introduced the Edo Jobs initiative to register interested people in a data base for allocating employments to them when such employments were available.

On the speed of the screening process, he revealed that 100 people would be screened daily for 5 days, continuing that the process had, thus far, been successful with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of transport present.

He also explained that some of those, who would pass the screening, would be mobilised and deployed to sustain the clean-up process, which had commenced at the King’s Square (Ring Road).

He, however, warned members of the public to be careful to avoid dupery during the verification process, adding that prospective workers should ensure they appeared at the screening venue with their certificates, birth certificates and original credentials.

Abuja – President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, has said that the Senate will pass the Whistle Blower Protection Bill in July, 2017.

He made this known at the launch of “Antidotes for Corruption: The Nigerian Story”, a book written by Sen. Dino Melaye, on Monday in Abuja.

Saraki said that when backed by legislation, whistle-blowing would have greater value “and it is hoped that we can pass it before July this year”.

According to him, other anti-corruption legislation being considered by the Senate, include the Proceeds of Crime Bill, the Special Anti-Corruption Court, which will be done through constitutional amendment and the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Bill.

Saraki said that the executive and legislature must work hard to make it difficult for proceeds of corruption to find any hope.

“We must fight corruption with sincerity. We must aim to go to the root of the problem. We must strengthen our institutions.
“If we work on prevention we will get to a milestone in our fight against corruption,’’ he said.

He said that it was imperative for government at all levels to demonstrate that they were not in office for the pursuit of private gains, but to make Nigerians happier.

The senate president explained that such approach in governance would enable citizens to meet their legitimate aspirations and achieve higher quality of live.

“Nigeria and Nigerians have not accepted corruption as normal; we recognize it as a problem; we are determined to make a break with our past and live by different rules.”

According to him, the reason why our fight against corruption has met with rather limited success is that we appeared to have favoured punishment over deterrence.

“We must review our approaches in favour of building systems that make it a lot more difficult to carry out corrupt acts or to find a safe haven for corruption proceeds within our borders.

“In doing this, we must continue to strengthen accountability, significantly limit discretion in public spending, and promote greater openness,” he said.

Saraki stated that the passage of the 2017 Budget by the National Assembly was the first major step in ensuring openness.

“For the first time in our political history, the budget of the National Assembly changed from a one-line item to a 34-page document that shows details of how we plan to utilize the public funds that we appropriate to ourselves.

“The people are demanding more openness, more accountability and more convictions.

“Those of us in government are also responding, joining the conversation and accepting that the basis of our legitimacy as government is our manifest accountability to the people,” he said.

He further said that providing more opportunities for Nigerians would help in winning the crusade against graft, adding that if government provided basic amenities, corruption would be minimised.

In his address, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Ghali Umar Na’abba, said corruption was a result of failure in leadership.

He added that nepotism, stealing and all deviance to culture were acts of corruption, and called on all stakeholders to join in the fight against the menace.

On his part, the book reviewer, Prof. Kabiru Mato of the University of Abuja, said the book had 500 pages with 14 chapters.
Mato, who was represented by Abubakar Ahmed of Sociology Department of the institution, said that with corruption, there would be no sustainable development.

The author of the book, Melaye, who is Chairman, Senate Committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT), said that the fight against corruption in Nigeria was total.

“My motion on Treasury Single Account (TSA) got over N7 billion recovered to government treasury.

“Ninety per cent of my Bills and Motions bothered on corruption. This is because it is the bane of our development.
“Once we get corruption right, development is imminent,” he said.

Melaye appreciated his colleagues, Nigerians and the media for their support.

Present at the event were lawmakers and other eminent Nigerians, including former first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan.

Abuja – A total of 335 foreign nationals were on Tuesday in Abuja granted citizenship by the Federal Government after statutory clearance and due diligence by the relevant security agencies.‎
‎
The Minister of Interior, retired Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau,‎ who presented the certificates of citizenship to the foreigners, charged them to be good ambassadors of Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that Mrs Lara Oshiomhole, Wife of former Governor of Edo, Adams Oshiomole‎, who is from Cape Verde, is one of the recipients.

Dambazau in his remarks said that 335 applicants were approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in January, out of the over 500 foreigners that applied.

He explained that 245 of the foreigners approved were granted Citizenship by‎ Naturalisation while 90 were by Registration, mainly foreign women married to Nigerians.

“Let me say that application for the Citizenship of Nigeria which can be by Naturalisation or Registration is provided for in Chapter 3, Sections 26 and 27 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,’’ the minister explained.

The minister said that the approval was part of government’s effort on the “Ease of doing business in Nigeria” and boosting Nigeria’s image in line with international best practice.

He tasked the “new Nigerian citizens” to be of good conduct, respect the rights and customs of their communities and contribute to the development of Nigeria.

Damabazau said the last time such ceremony was conducted was in December, 2013 and pledged to ensure its sustenance on an annual basis for proper scrutiny.

Dr Lamabert Shumbusho, from Rwanda, who responded on behalf of the recipients, thanked the Federal Government and pledged their loyalty and commitment to the development of Nigeria.

NAN reports other recipients include nationals from Lebanon, Syria, Pakistan, China and some African countries, most of whom are business moguls who have been operating in Nigeria for years.

The Ministry of Interior and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) are charged with the responsibility of processing applications for Naturalisation from foreign nationals who have stayed/lived in Nigeria for a minimum of 15 years and those by Registration who are mainly married to Nigerians.

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has urged the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to help in the management of resources for the Niger Delta states, adding that individual member states accounts should be operated to facilitate appropriation of funds for project execution.

This was as both parties met at the Edo State Government House in Benin City on Wednesday where they also agreed to join forces to repair the Benin-Abraka road in the state.

Governor Obaseki revealed that the Benin-Abraka road was of high priority and great economic benefit to the state.

“The road links Benin with Oben, a location which is the gas hub of the country. Rehabilitation of the road will also open up 25, 000 hectares of land for agricultural production”, he said.

He explained that the prior notice given to NDDC contractors in the state to stop work was not to embarrass the commission, but to understand what the contractors were doing, noting that Edo formed an integral of the Niger Delta region and the state would work with the commission to foster development of the region.

He also revealed that his administration was unhappy with some of the projects executed in the state, urging the commission to manage one major account made up of management fees paid by member states, while separate accounts should be dedicated to member states for project execution.

Meanwhile, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, who led the delegation, said that the commission had resolved to collaborate with member states in the Niger Delta to execute projects, adding that the commission’s present board was working on image redemption.

As part of plans to diversify the commission’s sustenance, he revealed that a Niger Delta Development Bank would be established and that the budget formation process for the commission would be strengthened, with governors of the member states forming an integral part of such processes.

On the commission’s activities in Edo, he said that a total of 708 projects, valued at N86. 34 billion, had been awarded in Edo since the inception of the commission. These included 233 ongoing projects, 130 yet to commence, 131 completed but not inaugurated while 173 were completed and inaugurated.

Abuja – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday arraigned two whistle blowers in a Federal High Court in Maiduguri for alleged false information.

The Spokesman of the commission, Mr Wilson Uwujaren, in a statement on Wednesday identified the accused as Buhari Fannami and Ba-Kura Abdullahi.

The accused persons were arraigned separately on a one-count charge each under Section 39 (2) (a) and 39 (2) (b) of the EFCC (Establishment) Act 2004.

The prosecution counsel, Alkassim Ja’afar, told the court that Fannami had informed the EFCC on May 8 that illegally acquired monies were buried at the residence of one Ba’a Lawan in Maiduguri.

However, Ja’afar, was quoted as saying the “information turned out to be false after the commission had executed a search warrant on the residence’’.

According to Uwujaren, Abdullahi also gave false information to the effect that large sum of money in naira and foreign currencies were buried in the same residence of Ba’a Lawan.

The accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the prosecution counsel, Alkassim Ja’afar, asked for a trial date.

Ja’afar also asked the court to remand the accused persons in prison pending their trial.

The Presiding Judge, Justice M. T. Salihu, adjourned both cases to June 7 and 8, for hearing, and ordered the accused persons to be remanded in prison custody.

Abuja – The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has assured all operators and their subscribers of the security of national telecommunications network due to the recent outbreak of a Ransomware Virus known as “WannaCry”.

The commission gave the assurance on Wednesday in Abuja in a statement on its website.

It said that the Ransomware was capable of infecting and encrypting all files on a system or any smart device until an amount was paid for a decryption key.

“Or other means of retrieval (which may lead to data loss) are used to recover the system as an alternative.

“This situation demands that proactive measures be taken by all players in the telecommunication eco-system to forestall the hazards of critical data loss, financial losses and ultimately network/business disruption.’’

The commission advised operators and respective subscribers to obtain software patch released by Microsoft in March 2017 to fix the Ransomware Virus.

It also advised operators and respective subscribers to plan scheduled penetration tests on the networks and systems to ensure protection and availability at all times.

“Subscribers, who use their smartphones as substitutes to computers for internet access should protect themselves and their devices by not opening e-mail attachments or links from unknown sources.

“Not clicking pop-ups and applets on unknown websites and installing effective antivirus software for their mobile devices.

“Furthermore, the NCC has taken the following proactive measures in fulfilling its statutory mandate, “ it said.

The commission also advised Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to initiate regular assessment and audit of their cyber security readiness.

According to him, all operators should continue to ensure that their backup and disaster recovery strategies are in place and up to date.

“And also ensure continued deployment of effective firewalls, login passwords and antivirus management regime.’’

It further advised all operators to ensure continued deployment of effective firewalls, login passwords and antivirus management regime.

“The commission is working towards creating a link with the Cyber security Alert System on its website so that current information on global cyber threats and incidents can be immediately communicated to stakeholders.

“The commission will continue to provide more cyber security training for its staff,“ it added.

On the attack, it said that companies across the globe woke up to find they were under attack.

It said a virus known as “Wanna Cry” started infecting computers before the weekend, but many did not find out until they started trying to open files with the start of the work week.

“So far, more than 200,000 systems have been infected in over 150 countries around the world,“ it said.

Yenagoa -The Joint Task Force (JTF) deployed to the Niger Delta on Wednesday said its troops had rescued two kidnap victims in an operation conducted at Brass and Ekeremor local government areas of Bayelsa.

Rear Admiral Suleman Apochi, Commander of JTF, disclosed this to newsmen in Yenagoa.

Apochi said that the troops recovered a cache of arms and ammunition in the rescue operation carried out at the militants camps.

He, however, said that one of the victims held hostage by the kidnappers sustained gunshot wounds during a shootout with the kidnappers, who later abandoned their camps “due to the superior firepower of the troops”.

He said the troops rescued the injured victim and was receiving medical attention at a medical facility and was in a stable condition.

One of the freed victims, Sulaiman Yinusa, told newsmen that he was kidnapped at Abonima in Rivers while returning from a business trip from Aba.

He said he was held hostage at the militants’ camp in Bayelsa for 50 days.

“I remain eternally grateful to God for my rescue by the joint military force, it was God’s making.

“They had killed many hostages before two of us were freed, especially those that their relations could not pay the ransom demanded.

“They had demanded N10 million and my people cannot even raise N1 million, they negotiated ransom down to N100, 000, but my people could not raise the money.

“They had told me that I will be killed today, Wednesday, but God intervened, I thank Him, and I am so proud of Nigerian military, ” Yinusa said.

Apochi also said that the military would continue with its clearance operation in Southern Ondo to rid the area of criminals.

“We were vindicated when the Ondo State Governor visited the creeks in Southern Ondo following reports that troops had sacked residents and destroyed houses.

“It was evident that no houses were torched as erroneously reported and that the governor was able to see things for himself.

“We are after the criminals and we are raiding their hideouts, therefore, we need the support of the people to isolate the criminals in the ongoing operation,” the commander said.

Abuja – The Senate has directed the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and other revenue generating agencies to stop further capital expenditure until they comply with the Fiscal Responsibility Act.

‎It said that the agencies had violated the Act and gave them two weeks to submit their budgets in accordance with the provisions of Section 21 of the law.

‎The directive was sequel to a motion on “Non-submission of 2017 Budget by Public Corporations in Violation of the Fiscal Responsibility Act” moved by the Deputy Senate Leader, Bala Na’Allah, at Wednesday’s plenary.

He said that the Act stipulated that government’s revenue-generating agencies should submit to their supervising ministers, estimates of revenue and expenditure for three years ahead.

Na’Allah said that the submission of the estimates, as contained in the Act, should be done not later than six months from the commencement of the Act and for every three financial years thereafter.

“It should also not be done later than the end of the second quarter of every year’’.

He said that non-compliance with the provisions of the Act amounted to abuse of power and economic sabotage aimed at frustrating current economic measures being taken by the present administration to revive the economy.

He pointed out that the absence of penalties in the provisions of the Act had emboldened and encouraged the perpetration of infractions on it.

The legislator stated that the Fiscal Responsibility Commission was failing in its responsibility in executing of its mandate, owing to complacency.

In his contribution, Deputy President of the Senate, Mr Ike Ekweremadu, said “we are here talking about responsibility of governance, there cannot be any hard responsibility than Fiscal Responsibility because that is the beginning of all evils.

“We must begin to ensure that we live by the laws we make for ourselves.

“If we say that ministers are supposed to send the estimates of various agencies under them with the Appropriation Act of each year that has to be done.

“I recall in 2016, President Muhammadu Buhari sent to this National Assembly the Appropriation Act for that year together with those estimates.

“But, in 2017, the ministers find it impossible to accompany the same Appropriation Bill with those estimates of the agencies under them.

“We cannot be going forte and back. I believe that this is time for us to insist under Section 88 that gives us power of oversight that this has to be done.

“We make laws here for the good governance of this country and that is actually what we have to insist,” he said.

In his remarks, President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, said that the motion was at the heart of the fight against corruption.

“It is very important that some independent revenue agencies even exceed how much we get from oil revenue.

“So, this is a huge amount to our revenue line. We are talking about looking for money to fund projects, hospitals, education etc; this is where the source of the revenue is.

“And, I cannot see how we can continue in a society where we are fighting corruption, where people will be spending money without approval, without appropriation.

“It must stop; it will stop and is going to stop from now,” Saraki said.

Maiduguri – The Nigeria Army on Wednesday said it had rescued 30,000 women and children held by Boko Haram in Sambisa Forest in the last 14 months.

Brig.-Gen. Victor Ezugwu, the outgoing Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, Nigerian Army, made this known at the handover ceremony in Maiduguri.

Ezegwu attributed the successes recorded so far in the fight against insurgency in the North-East to doggedness, hardwork and determination of troops in the frontline.

“Successes recorded so far is as a result of collective efforts of all of you here.

“I cannot take this glory alone because I could not have achieved anything without your support and encouragement,” he said.

The GOC, who urged troops to increase the momentum in the campaign to flush out the remaining terrorists in the region, said all hands must be on deck to end Boko Haram.

Ezugwu paid glowing tribute to the past GOCs of the Division for laying solid foundation at the formative age of the Division.

“We cannot forget the efforts of our past GOCs, who laboured to build this Division before my assumption of duty as the sixth GOC.”

He pledged that the Army would not forget those who died in the service of the nation.

“The death of these gallant men and women will not be in vain.

“We that are still alive must double our efforts towards total elimination of insurgency in the region so that their death will not be in vain.”

He thanked the Chief of Army Staff for providing necessary support needed to execute the war in the North-East.

“Let us thank God for giving us Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai as the COAS. He provided us with all we needed to fight this war.

“He practically took it upon himself to plan the war strategies and we all can see the results of such efforts”.

Ezugwu described the incoming GOC as a hardworking and gallant senior officer, who knew the terrain very well having served as Brigade Commander in the Theater.

He urged troops to extend the support he enjoyed to the incoming GOC.

The outgoing GOC was recently posted to Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, Kaduna State and is being replaced by Brig.-Gen. Ibrahim Yusuf after serving for 18 months as the Acting GOC of 7 Division.