ELECTION 2019 : I AM ATIKU’S SENIOR, I WON’T STEP DOWN FOR HIM – LAMIDO

 
Atiku Abubakar and Sule Lamido

A former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, has responded to a statement in which former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, said Mr Lamido would step down for him in the presidential race.

Both men are running for the ticket of opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) alongside about ten other aspirants.

At a meeting with PDP leaders in Dutse, Jigawa State on Monday, Mr Abubakar said he believed Mr Lamido would step down for him as his elder brother.

He said he believed Mr Lamido would concede the ticket to him because the former governor is his younger brother and shares the same political ideology with him.

Mr Abubakar based his prediction on the scenario in the aborted Third Republic when the Yar’Adua brothers initially sought the tickets of the defunct Social Democratic Party.

The late Shehu, who was the elder, was running for president while the late Umar sought the ticket of the same party for governorship of Katsina State.

Mr. Atiku recalled that the late Musa was eventually persuaded to sacrifice his ambition so as not to jeopardise the chances of his elder brother.

“But with the intervention of elders in the state, the junior brother Umar Musa stepped down for another aspirant so that the politics will not be a family affair, leaving Shehu Musa to contest for president while someone from another family vied for governor,” Mr Abubakar said.

Mr Abubakar told the gathering that his mother was from Jigawar Sarki, a village in Dutse Local Government Area of Jigawa State before her family migrated to Adamawa State where Mr Abubakar was born.

Responding to Mr Abubakar’s comment through a statement on Tuesday by his media aide, Adamu Usman, Mr Lamido said he would not step down.

“While it is true he (Mr Abubakar) is older than me age-wise, I’m senior to him politically because I was in the House of Representatives in 1979 when he was an employee of Nigeria Customs Services.

“And if age is the criterion for standing election then he should drop out for Buhari.”

According to Mr Usman, Mr Lamido had been “patient, loyal, committed and consistent” in politics despite all the odds and his travails.

“Even if Lamido did not shows interest to contest, PDP should have called him to be the flag bearer and if there is anyone the other aspirants should step down for, it should be Sule Lamido because he has the goodwill, political experience and capacity to confront the ruling party, APC.

“Also if Lamido is to step down, why would he aspire in the first place? Sule Lamido is out to run for the president come 2019 God willing,” Mr Usman stated.

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JUDGE ORDERS ACCELERATED TRIAL OF EVANS

Evans

Justice Hakeem Oshodi of an Ikeja High Court, Lagos on Tuesday warned counsel to Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike alias “Evans” that no further delays would be tolerated in his ongoing trial.

Justice Oshodi gave the warning following a 30-minute  verbal exchange he had with  Mr Chinonye Obiagwu,  Evans’ new defence counsel who had prayed for an adjournment to study the case file.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Obiagwu is one of  the 31 newly-shortlisted  Senior Advocate of Nigeria  for induction on September 24.

Justice Oshodi said, “I cannot come from home during vacation to be told that the matter will not go on for one excuse or the other.

“Counsel should desist from filing applications targeting at stalling trial,  parties must get their witnesses ready, so that justice will be served within reasonable time frame.”

NAN reported that Evans had on various occasions hired two defence counsel; Mr Olukoya Ogungbeje and Mr Noel Brown to represent him.

The changes in defence counsel had caused delays in the trial.

Previous court proceedings held on June 26, had been put on hold due to Brown taking over from  Ogungbeje who was Evans’ first defence counsel at the onset of his trial.

Evans is standing trial alongside Uche Amadi, Ogechi Uchechukwu, Chilaka Ifeanyi, Okwuchukwu Nwachukwu and Victor Aduba.

The six accused were arraigned on August 30, 2017 on two-count of conspiracy and kidnapping of the Chief Executive Officer of Maydon Pharmaceutical Limited, Donatus Dunu, from whose family they allegedly collected 223,000 Euro (N100m) as ransom.

Evans and his co-defendants have pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Earlier during proceedings, a witness,  Inspector Idowu Haruna of the Intelligence Response Team that arrested the defendants, had told the court how the accused were arrested.

Haruna’ who was led in evidence by Mr Adebayo Haroun,  the State Prosecuting counsel, told the  court that the statements of the defendants were not obtained under duress but rather in a conducive environment.

Following Haruna’s revelation of how the statement were obtained, the prosecuting officer urged the court to admit the statements as evidence.

Obiagwu,  however opposed the admissibility of the statements on the premise that they were obtained under duress prompting Justice Oshodi to order a trial-within-trial.

During the trial-within-trial,  Haruna told the court that when Dunu,  Evans’ alleged victim escaped from the kidnappers den, he was brought to the Anti-Kidnapping Department,  Ikeja and was later taken to the then Lagos State Police Commissioner, Mr Fatai Owoseni.

“Owoseni then ordered a team to move to the defendants hideout at Igando, a suburb of Lagos.

” On getting to the house, the abductors had fled the scene with their little possessions but the police team found some ammunitions in the house which the defendants left behind,” he said.

Haruna revealed that during interrogation,  Evans had alleged that he enjoyed the services of some officers of the Nigerian Army during their kidnap operations.

“Whenever they were going on their  operation,  they put on army uniform to camouflage as army officers and disguise in order to deceive their prey.

“Two army officers involved were later arrested and taken before their superiors at Abati Barracks for disciplinary actions.

“They were dismissed and taken back to the police for further disciplinary action,” Haruna said.

The case was adjourned until October 26 for continuation of the trial-within-trial.

(NAN)

NASARAWA GAS EXPLOSION DEATH TOLL NOW NINE, - GOVERNOR

Gov. Umaru Tanko Al-Makura

The death toll from the gas explosion on Monday at Monaco gas station in Nasarawa has risen to nine.

Governor Umaru Al-Makura confirmed the figures on Tuesday when he visited the scene of the incident to assess the level of damage.

Al-Makura, who described the incident as “unfortunate” condoled the families of those who lost their lives, and assured that government would do its best to ensure that the survivors of the fire outbreak get the best medical attention.

“Last night, I got a report that six people died as a result of the burns sustained from the incident, but this morning, I was told that three more people had been confirmed dead.

“We were able to transfer 17 victims, who had over 60 per cent burns out of the 37 persons affected to the National Trauma Centre in Abuja, but three among them later died.

“Shortly before I arrived here, another child died while being removed from a pregnant mother, who also suffered severe burns.

“So, at the moment, we have recorded nine deaths as against the large figures being speculated in the media,” Al-Makura said.

He said the remaining 14 casualties currently at the National Trauma Centre were responding to treatment.

“I have directed that all the victims be given the best treatment available and for those in critical condition, requiring to be moved abroad, the Nasarawa State Government will take care of their bills just to ensure they live,” he assured.

The governor called on residents of the state to obtain proper approval before situating their structures anywhere in the state in order to avert a repeat of such occurrence.

“I have called for a meeting with the committee on development control for us to review approvals for situaing all businesses that pose danger to the people, especially gas stations.

“We have agreed that existing stations must comply with the safe distance specifications,” he said.

He also said that he had directed the state fire service to cordon-off the area for the next seven days to ensure that it is totally safe for habitation.

“We discovered that gas was still leaking from the tanks and we are making contact with the Department of Petroleum Resources and other agencies with the necessary equipment to assist in evacuating gas from the area,” Al-Makura added.

The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that Monaco gas station in Lafia was on Monday morning engulfed by fire when a tanker offloading the liquified gas suddenly went ablaze.

Mr Dogara Dalhatu, the Chief Fire Officer of the Nasarawa State Fire Service, who confirmed the incident attributed it to a spark around the vicinity where the gas was being discharged.

Dalhatu, however, said the inferno has been put under control by men of the fire service.

He said that about 10 vehicles, five motorcycles and three tricycles were destroyed by the fire.

(NAN)

WE’LL CONTINUE TO DEPRIVE LOOTERS THE FRUITS OF THEIR CRIMES – BUHARI

President M. Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari said in Abuja on Tuesday that his administration was committed to depriving looters of public assets of the fruits of their crimes.

Describing asset recovery as an anti-corruption tool, he called on the National Assembly to take all necessary steps to pass the pending Proceeds of Crimes Bill.

He said the bill when passed and assented to would “revolutionise our asset recovery and management architecture”.

Buhari said this at the Presidential Villa while officially receiving the report of the three-man presidential committee set up to audit recovered funds.

The President had on November 22, 2017, inaugurated the committee which comprised Mr. Olufemi Lijadu, Mrs. Gloria Chinyere Bibigha and Mr. Mohammed Nami.

The committee was given the mandate to carry out a comprehensive audit of assets and funds recovered by Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria from May 29, 2015, to November 22, 2017.

Although details of the report of the committee were not released, the President promised to implement its findings and recommendations.

He described corruption as constituting “a threat to the well-being, national security, and economy of Nigeria”, adding that his administration “will not allow the wanton diversion and embezzlement of public funds into private pockets”.

He added, “Thus, we intend to continue taking all necessary measures to deprive looters of public assets of the fruits of their crimes.

“It is in keeping with the Anti-corruption Policy of this Government, and in line with global best practices that this Committee was set-up to review our asset recovery and management practices in order to evolve a proper management, transparency and accountability culture in the management of recovered assets.

“Given our history of impunity, much of Nigeria’s wealth has historically been squandered or stolen; leaving us with inadequate infrastructure for our growing population and economy.

“Asset Recovery is thus one of the essential tools for fighting corruption and we must, therefore, take issues of managing such recovered assets very seriously.

“We must utilise proceeds of our recoveries optimally to address our economic and social problems, and loopholes for stealing public funds must be blocked.

JUST IN: AREGBESOLA RELEASES N19.8 BILLION FOR WORKERS’ SALARY ARREARS

Gov. Rauf Aregbesola

The governor of Osun State, His Excellency, Rauf Aregbesola, has authorised the release of N19.8 billion for payment of four months salary of the workers as well as pensioners.

The State’s Commissioner for Finance Bola Oyebamiji, in a statement on Tuesday said the governor had approved the release of nineteen billion, eight hundred and one million, three hundred and twenty-eight thousand, two hundred and seventy-one naira, twenty-two kobo for disbursement to the workers and pensioners.

The workers are being owed a backlog of salaries, with some cadre receiving only portions of their pay.

The state government applauded the workers for their perseverance and commitment to the state despite its lean finances, in a statement.

“In line with its agenda and fulfillment of its promise to the state workers regarding prioritisation of their welfare above others, the government of the State of Osun has commenced payment of full salary and arrears in line with available resources.

“This decision was taken at the meeting of the Fund Apportionment Committee led by Comrade Hassan Sumonu with labour and government representatives in attendance.

“In line with labour unions’ demands and current financial position of the state, government of the State of Osun led by Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has authorised payment of of four (4) months salary arrears and 2016 leave bonus to its workers.

“Also, Mr Governor has directed that going-forward, workers in the state should be paid their full salary as and when due to demonstrate his commitment to his earlier promises.

“With this, Government of the State of Osun has commenced gradual disbursement of Nineteen Billion, Eight Hundred and One Million, Three Hundred and Twenty-Eight Thousand, Two Hundred and Seventy-One Naira, Twenty-Two Kobo (19,801,328,271.22) as salaries and other entitlements to its workers”, the statement read.

APC GIVES CONDITION FOR EMERGENCE OF CONSENSUS CANDIDATES

The All Progressives Congress has given conditions for the emergence of consensus candidates for all elective positions.

This was contained in a statement signed by the acting National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Yekini Nabena, in Abuja, on Tuesday.

The statement read “The attention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been drawn to announcements of consensus candidates for elective positions in some states.

“It is therefore pertinent to make some clarifications to enlighten Party faithful on the procedure for nominating candidates.

“While consensus is provided for by the Party’s Constitution, the option is conditional.

“Consensus does not foreclose Direct or Indirect Primaries for all elective positions as contained in the resolution of the 6^th meeting of the Party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).

“Again, consensus will apply when no other aspirant signify interest (i.e. through purchase of nomination forms) for the position in question.”

Recall that the Ogun, Zamfara and Yobe state chapters of the APC earlier announced the emergence of “consensus” candidates for the governorship position amidst protests from other aspirants.

BAKERS SET TO INCREASE BREAD PRICES

The high cost of baking ingredients may push bread prices up, bakers have warned.

The Premium Bread Makers Association of Nigeria gave this warning on Monday at a press briefing in Lagos.

“The challenges we face as a result of incessant increase in the prices of baking ingredients have rendered most premium bakeries comatose making us to operate at a loss,” the President of the association, Mr Jemide Tosan, stated.

The association noted that whereas the prices of flour, sugar and other baking ingredients had increased threefold in the past three years, there had been no corresponding increase in the prices of premium bread by the PBAN members.

It said between 2015 and 2018, the price of flour had increased from N6,500 to N11,500 per 50kg bag, while sugar had seen 77 per cent rise in price in the same period, with salt, margarine, yeast and preservatives had recorded 84 per cent, 67 per cent, 112 per cent, 45 per cent and 137 per cent increases, respectively.

Also, the price of diesel, which is used to power factory generators on a 24-hour basis, had gone up by 57 per cent, while the price of improvers used in enhancing the quality of bread had risen by 160 per cent during the period, the association stated, adding that conversely, the price of bread had only witnessed 11 per cent rise within the period.

“Most of us got loans with double-digit interest rates from financial institutions to fund our bakery projects and are finding it extremely difficult to meet our loan repayment obligations,” Tosan noted, adding that something had to be done to save the industry from extinction.

He said, “Given the current situation, most premium bakeries may be forced to embark on a price increase, which will further make bread unaffordable to the common man.

“As an association, we are totally committed to ensuring that Nigerians have healthy, quality, affordable and harmless bread on their tables.

“It is in light of this that we appeal to the Federal Government to look into the issues that currently threaten the existence of the premium bakery industry in Nigeria.”

MAN, 25, BURNT HIS BOSS’ CREDENTIALS FOR REFUSING TO INCREASE SALARY

A 25-year-old store keeper, Abubakar Hussaini, who was on Tuesday sentenced to 12 months imprisonment by a Kubwa Grade 1 Area Court, Abuja, said he burnt his boss’s credentials for his failure to increase his salary‎.

Hussaini said the complainant, Mr Jack Jiang, a Chinese, promised to increase his salary, but failed to do so.‎

‎Hussaini who pleaded guilty to charges of criminal trespass, mischief by fire and theft, begged the court for leniency.

The judge, Abdulwahab Mohammed, however, sentenced Hussaini to 12 months imprisonment, but gave him N20,000 option of fine.

He also warned Hussaini to be of good behaviour and to also desist from committing crime.

The prosecutor, John Okpa, had told the court that Jiang reported the matter at the Area Command, Life Camp, Abuja on August 26.

He said that Hussaini criminally trespassed into the complainant’s house and stole a traveling bag containing five wrist watches, two bangles, four T -shirts and credentials.

Okpa said that all the said items were valued at N1.5 million.

The prosecutor said that four wrist watches, two bangles, two T-shirts and the traveling bag were recovered from Hussaini during police investigations.

He further said that Hussaini burnt the complainant’s credentials, adding that the offences contravened Sections 348, 336 and 288 of the Penal Code.

(NAN).