SABINEWS MORNING NEWS UPDATE FOR JUNE 1, 2017
FG wrong to keep Dasuki, El-Zakzaky in detention –SANs
Prominent Senior Advocates of Nigeria, on Wednesday, condemned the Federal Government for the continued detention of the immediate past National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.), and the leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (Shiites), Sheik Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.
Different courts had ordered the release of the former NSA and the Shiite leader but the Federal Government has kept Dasuki and the fiery cleric men in detention without appealing the court rulings, ordering their release. Read more
Buhari in competent hands in UK, says Lai Mohammed
The Federal Government yesterday assured Nigerians that ailing President Muhammadu Buhari is in “very competent hands” in London where he has gone to do a follow-up medical consultation with his doctors.
The wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, had on Tuesday left Nigeria for London to join her husband. Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, gave the assurance yesterday while briefing State House reporters after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo. Read more
Nnamdi Kanu meets Igbo leaders in Enugu over Biafra
Apparenyly buoyed by the success of the sit-at –home exercise called on Tuesday by agitators, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, stormed Enugu yesterday and held closed door meeting with some Southeast leaders under the auspices of the Ala Igbo Development Foundation (ADF).
At the over two hours meeting chaired by the president of the ADF, Prof. Uzodinma Nwala, were Archbishop Maxwell Aniekwenwa; a former Ohanaeze president-general, Dr Dozie Ikedife; Secretary general of Igbo Leaders of Thought (ILT), Prof Elo Amucheazi; a former Vice Chancellor of Imo State University, Prof Ukachukwu Awuzie; Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Ebere Chukwu, Ambassador Lawrence Agubuzo, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, Bishop Obi Onubugo among others. Read more
Groups seek probe of N1.2tr NASS budgets, propose N53b plan
Civil society groups and experts have called for the probe of N1.15 trillion received by the National Assembly between 2005 and 2014, with the view to making it public.
They also expressed concerns that since 2010, NASS has spent about $3.3 billion (N1.01 trillion at subsisting official exchange rate) without recourse to transparency and public information. Read more
Nigeria loses $2.5b yearly to gas flaring, says Senate
The Senate yesterday declared that Nigeria is losing $2.5 billion yearly to gas flaring. This is just as it began moves to enact a legislation to outlaw gas flaring in the country.
At a public hearing on the Gas Flaring (Prohibition) Bill in the National Assembly, the Senate Committee on Gas Resources also lamented that gas flaring is creating so much health hazard. Read more
N423 billion for projects in Niger Delta misappropriated, says minister
The Technical Audit Committee set up to review projects in the Niger Delta between 2009 and 2015 has said 88 per cent of the N423 billion earmarked for its infrastructural development was misappropriated.
The panel report indicated that only 60 per cent of the N700 billion appropriated for the oil-rich area during the tenures of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan was expended. Read more
Former IGP Arase heads taskforce on private property protection law
Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has restated his administration’s determination to enforce the Community Development Association (CDA) law, with the Chairman and former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase to head the taskforce team under the Private Property Protection (PPP) law
Obaseki also vowed that the long arm of the law would catch up with anyone found contravening any section of such law. The governor made the vow yesterday in Benin City, during the inauguration of the committee, led by Arase. Read more
Man stabbed to death after row with sex workers over ‘service fee’
A middle-aged man, Adeyinka Olayinka, has allegedly been stabbed to death by two sex workers, Kudirat Raji (a.k.a Angela) and Esther Basiru, in Ifo area of Ogun State, over disagreement on ‘service fee’.
According to a statement signed by the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Abimbola Oyeyemi, a copy of which was made available to The Guardian, the incident occurred on Tuesday, May 30, 2017 at the KS Hotel, Ifo, when the deceased, who was supervising construction works going on in his building site decided to pass the night at the hotel. Read more
Multiple charges cost local airlines 65 per cent revenue
Local airlines in the country have very slim chances of survival under the alleged current regime of multiple taxes. According to the airlines, sundry charges, under the guise of taxes and levies at airports nationwide, account for at least 65 per cent of revenue accruing to them.
Apparently unable to pay the bills amidst other critical obligations that include maintenance, fuel and personnel, the airlines are more in financial distress with the attendant debt burden cumulatively estimated at N15 billion. Read more
Senate seeks prosecution of herdsmen over rape, killings in Edo
The Senate at its plenary yesterday urged the security agencies to halt, arrest and prosecute Fulani herdsmen for raping and killing six Edo women among other criminal activities across the country.
Two of the women killed by the herdsmen were identified as Martina Emoyon and one Ariu both of who hailed from Ewu in Esan Central local government council while the other four unidentified victims hailed from Edo North senatorial district. Read more
Lagos NBA urges CJN to constitute caretaker committee for national body
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos Branch, has called on Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, to save the NBA from implosion by immediately constituting a caretaker committee for the association pending the resolution of its crisis.
Chairman of the branch, Martin Ogunleye, in a statement yesterday said the branch took the decision to call on the removal of the national executive and constitution of a caretaker committee after its extra-ordinary general meeting held on May 23, 2017. Read more
Obaseki commissions electricity project in Edo community
Governor Godwin Obaseki has inaugurated a 300 KVA transformer substation valued at over N40 million in Ogbekpen Community of Ikpoba Okha Local Council of Edo State.
Donated by PRESCO Plc, the project is in tune with the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) mission of bettering the lot of residents of its host communities. Read more
Government to begin enforcement of tobacco control laws
As the world marks World Tobacco Day, the Federal Government has announced plans to begin the immediate enforcement of key sections of the 2015 National Tobacco Control Act (NTC).
The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole disclosed this yesterday in Abuja at a press briefing to mark the day. He explained that evidence from World Health Organisation (WHO) has shown that tobacco use costs national economies immensely, through increased health-care and decreased productivity. Read more
Police nab three electricity cable vandals
Three persons have been arraigned before a magistrate court sitting in Ogba, Lagos State for attempting to vandalise an Ikeja Electric’s 500KV transformer at Orisunbare, Ayobo area of Lagos.
The suspected vandals were apprehended on May 23 by the vigilance groups of Orisunbare Community Ayobo and handed over to the police. They were arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy to commit felony, attempt to steal and vandalise distribution transformer cables and unlawful possession of dangerous tools. Read more
Drug manufacturers want help for backward integration
With about N20 billion invested in upgrading their factories in the last five years, pharmaceutical manufacturers and companies in the country are seeking the Federal Government’s buy-in in a proposed backward integration plan expected to revamp the industry.
Specifically, the operators want clarity and consistency in government’s policies as regards the sector as well as a new strategy for drug importation to enable them stay afloat and increase created jobs to one million direct and indirect staff. Read more
PDP, APC disagree over gains of democracy in Plateau
Claims by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has failed in the last two years to bring the promised change to the people of Plateau State, have provoked controversy about the performance of the administration of Governor Simon Lalong in the political scene.
The PDP had asked the APC to publicly apologise to the people of the state for bringing upon them nothing but pains and regrets for their support stressing that the ruling party has run out of excuses for its failure. Read more
Rhodes scholarship launches in West Africa
The Rhodes Scholarships for West Africa was formally launched in Lagos recently. Under the scheme, remarkably brilliant students from Nigeria, Ghana and other countries in the sub region within the age range of 19 to 25 years have a unique opportunity to study at the prestigious University of Oxford, UK.
Addressing reporters on the initiative, the Chief Executive Officer of the Rhodes Trust Charles Conn disclosed that the scheme provides funding for exceptional students to undertake postgraduate studies at the prestigious UK university. Read more
Saraki: Why I Did Not Contest against Buhari in APC Primary
The Senate Dr. President Bukola Saraki, has stated that he did not throw his hat into the ring to contest in the presidential primary of the All Progressives Congress against the then presidential aspirant, Maj.-Gen. Muhammumadu Buhari and other aspirants in December 2014 because he needed to make a sacrifice and be “part of the solution, rather than be part of the problem of the party.”
Saraki, who made this revelation yesterday on his facebook page, was responding to a publication by Africa Confidential, which said he was one of those who contested against Buhari in 2014 during the APC primary. Read more
How Masquerades invaded mosque, attacked worshippers in Ekiti
The Imam of Ikun-Ekiti Central Mosque in Moba Local Government Area of Ekiti State, is currently at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, receiving treatments after he was attacked by masquerades Tuesday night. Read more
Rename Maritime Varsity location in 14 days —Itsekiri youths
Itsekiri youths, under the aegis of Niger Delta Omega, NIDO, have issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal and Delta State Governments and International Oil Companies operating in their land to rename the location of the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko to Okerenghigho, as allegedly recognised by the law of Nigeria. NIDO gave other reasons for the ultimatum include immediate provision of licenses to Itsekiris to own and operate oil blocs and modular refineries in their land, completion of the Koko-Ogheye-Lagos road project, pilling of all Itsekiri riverine communities, employment of Itsekiri indigenes by the IOCs, provision of light, drinkable water, hospitals, motorable roads with bridges to connect Itsekiri areas in the Niger Delta. Read more
Masari Speaks on How Buhari Saved Nigeria
The Governor of Kastina State, Alhaji Aminu Masari, wednesday said Nigeria would have been plagued into serious socio-political and economic crisis going by “the huge mess created by the former President Goodluck Jonathan-led government for five years,” if President Muhammadu Buhari had not been elected in the 2015 presidential election.
Assessing the two-year of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government in an exclusive interview with THISDAY in Abuja, the governor who hails from the same state with Buhari, said he is very proud of the achievements of the president. Read more
Equities Market Gains N1.3tn in May on Sustained Investor Confidence
The Nigerian equities market posted record gains in the month of May, growing N1.285 trillion or 14.4 per cent by market capitalisation on sustained investor demand for Nigerian stocks. This came as oil prices fell to a three-week low wednesday on news that Libyan output was recovering from an oilfield technical issue, while sustained rise in Nigeria’s output was posing a challenge to efforts by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to curb output. Read more
Recession puts CBN’s financial inclusion target at risk
The current economic challenges, which have led to massive job losses in some sectors of the economy, as well as closure of some businesses, are having a negative impact on the financial inclusion target of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
This is one of the major outcomes of the third annual symposium of the Nigerian Microfinance Platform with theme, ‘Enhancing savings mobilisation through mobile money, agent banking and digital money’. Read more
Africa Will Be Left Behind If Nigeria, S’Africa Fail, Say Ambode, Makhura
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode and the Premier of Gauteng, Mr. David Makhura, wednesday said Africa would be left behind in the world of 21st century if Nigeria and South Africa failed to drive the much needed economic growth through industrial revolution.
On this ground, the duo disclosed the plan to sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which they said would enable Gauteng, a South African province partner Lagos State in trade, manufacturing and capacity-building to unleash economic growth on the continent. Read more
China advices Nigeria to tap into $43.5bn
The government of the Peoples’ Republic of China has urged the Federal government of Nigeria to tap into its $43.5 billion fund to enhance the nation’s economic growth. This is even as the Chinese government increased its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Fund by 100 billion Yuan ($14.5 billion), following the global acceptance of the Initiative. Read more
NNPC moves to frustrate building of $160m modular refinery initiative
The termination of the construction of a modular refinery in Akwa Ibom state by Hi Rev Exploration and Production Company is sending conflicting signals to the oil and gas sector.
It concerns the position of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to frustrate the building of modular refineries in the Niger Delta to compete with its existing three refineries. Read more
Indonesia to buy more crude from Nigeria
Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Harry Purwanto, has said his country was interested in purchasing more crude oil from Nigeria.
He stated this in Abuja when he paid a courtesy visit to the Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru, in Abuja. According to him, President, Joko Widodo, had instructed Indonesia National Oil Company, Pertamina, to direct its attention to Nigeria in its quest to meet that country’s surging energy needs. Read more
Ovia’s Quantum Petrochemicals will Transform Nigeria, Says Group
The plans to set up a petrochemical and gas company, Quantum Petrochemicals, in Akwa Ibom State by the Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Jim Ovia, has been described as a giant stride that will reduce the level of unemployment and bring about a better life in the state and beyond.
Speaking with journalists on the occasion of the second anniversary of the Governor Udom Emmanuel-led government at the Uyo Township Stadium, on Monday, the Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Integrity Group, Mr. Robert Okon Jim, commended the promoters, saying it would help in the current industrialisation policy of the state government. Read more
Mobil Oil increases profit by 67 per cent
Mobil Oil Nigeria Plc has recorded a profit after tax of N8.15 billion in 2016, representing a 67 per cent increase from the N4.87 billion earned in 2015.
The Chairman/Managing Director of the company, Adetunji Oyebanji, who made this disclosure during Mobil’s yearly generally meeting in Lagos recently, attributed the increase to improved product margins and increased rental income from investment properties. Read more
‘Moses can still win Africa Footballer of the Year Award’
Former Green Eagles winger, Adegoke Adelabu is optimistic that Super Eagles and Chelsea forward, Victor Moses can still be voted African Footballer of the Year despite seeing red in the Emirates FA Cup final against Arsenal at the weekend.
Chelsea went a man down in the second half after Moses was shown two yellow cards – the second for simulation. The Blues, thereafter, lost the game 2-1 to spark series of controversies across the world that the Nigerian cost Chelsea the game. Read more
Bafana: Rohr drops Moses, Mikel, Odey, Onazi returns
Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr on Wednesday named 23 players for camping in Abuja ahead of the Super Eagles’ 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Africa in Uyo on June 10.
First-teamers Ogenyi Onazi and Kenneth Omeruo, who were omitted from the squad, who battled to a 1-1 draw against minnows Corsica in Ajaccio on Friday and scheduled to face Togo in Paris on Thursday ahead of the Uyo fixture, made the list alongside South Africa-based goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi. Read more
Pinnick Lauds Senate for Passing NFF Bill
President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick has praised the Senate of the Federal Republic for a marvelous job, after the Red Chamber passed the much-awaited NFF Bill following a third reading on Tuesday.
“Today will go down as one of the most remarkable in the history of the Nigeria Football Federation. I am very excited. With the passing of this Bill, we now await the very important assent of Mr. President. Once Mr. President gives assent, I assure you the NFF can achieve so much. Read more
Tiger Woods dashcam video released by Florida police
Police in Florida have released dashboard video footage showing golfer Tiger Woods struggling to walk after being found asleep in his car.
Mr Woods was charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) after the incident near his home early on Monday.
He said his disorientated condition was caused by an unexpected reaction to medication he was taking, following surgery on his back. Read more
TRANSFER RUMOUR: LIONEL MESSI WANTS BARCELONA TO SIGN ATLETICO MADRID MIDFIELDER SAUL NIGUEZ
Spanish publication Don Balon have reported that Lionel Messi wants Barcelona to prioritise the signing of Saul Niguez from Atletico Madrid in the summer transfer window.
Saul Niguez progressed through the ranks at Atletico Madrid before making his first-team debut in 2012. Five seasons on, the Spaniard has established himself as one of the most integral components in Diego Simeone’s squad, while also becoming a regular fixture for the Spain national side. Read more
Chelsea not worried about losing star man: Reports in Spain claim talks are underway
Azpilicueta, 27, has established himself as a firm fans’ favourite since joining the Blues from French outfit Marseille in 2012 And he further endeared himself to the Stamford Bridge faithful by playing in every minute of every game of the 2016/17 title winning campaign.
Azpilicueta’s form for Chelsea has seen him linked with a £26m summer move to Catalan giants Barcelona by Spanish outlet Sport. Read more
Man City news and transfer rumours LIVE Ederson and Enes Unal updates
Manchester City are extremely close to wrapping up a complicated deal for Benfica goalkeeper Ederson.
The 23-year-old is set to become the most expensive keeper of all time after the Blues agreed a deal in excess of £35m.
In terms of outgoings, loan star Enes Unal is poised to complete a £13m move to Villarreal – having never made a first team appearance for City. Read more
Chelsea loanee Mario Pašalić may not get dream move to AC Milan
Mario Pašalić spent the season on loan at AC Milan, where, after a slow start, he worked his way into manager Vincenzo Montella’s plans, featuring in all but four games since the end of October.
It had been more or less assumed that the 22-year-old midfielder would turn his successful loan stay into a more permanent arrangement this summer, but since AC Milan have come into some new money, that assumption may not be as valid anymore. Read more
Romelu Lukaku to Manchester United: Huge contract offer could complete Old Trafford deal
Manchester United are in the market for a world-class striker, with some claims emerging that Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is currently injured, could have his contract scrapped.
Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann, who has an £86million release clause, remains their top target.
But Mourinho is lining up other moves in case a deal for Griezmann falls through. Read more
UK’s red letter day awaited in Brussels – with Brexit talks looming
It’s now almost a year since the UK blind-sided the EU by voting to leave the club.
Almost twelve whole calendar months. And the sum total of face-to-face negotiations between the two sides to date? Zero. Perfectly explicable in political circles, though baffling for much of the general public. Read more
Fraught White House campaign blamed as US bucks global trend towards peace
Peace has deteriorated in North America following the turbulent US presidential campaign, claim researchers, with racial tension and murder rates rising even as the rest of the world shows signs of recovering from a period of unprecedented violence and upheaval.
The divisive nature of Donald Trump’s rise to the White House has increased mistrust of the US government and means social problems are likely to become more entrenched, said the authors of the annual global peace index, in which 163 countries and territories are analysed. Read more
Chinese Maker of Ivanka Trump’s Shoes Looks for Cheaper Labor
The Chinese factory workers who make shoes for Ivanka Trump and other designers gather at 7:40 every morning to sing songs.
Sometimes, they extol worker solidarity. Usually, they trumpet ties between China and Africa, the theme of their employer’s corporate anthem. Read more
Sean Spicer on Trump’s ‘covfefe’ tweet: ‘The President and a small group know exactly what he meant’
White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer is refusing to admit that a late-night typo tweeted by his boss was anything but a simple mistake.
During his daily press briefing, Mr Spicer cryptically told reporters that “the president and a small group of people know exactly what he meant” when he tweeted the word “covfefe” at 12:06 a.m. Read more
UN calls climate action ‘unstoppable’ as Trump threatens to withdraw from Paris Agreement
The United Nations has made clear that climate action “is unstoppable”, as Donald Trump weighs whether the US should remain in the Paris climate deal.
According to White House sources cited by the press, the President is expected to withdraw from the agreement sometime this week, but Mr Trump did not confirm this during a spray in the Oval Office with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc. Read more
Death of refugee woman on Canadian border sparks calls for more relaxed immigration policies
Canadian politicians and refugee advocates urged the government on Wednesday to scrap a U.S. pact that has spurred asylum seekers to cross the border illegally after a woman trying to walk into Canada was found dead of possible hypothermia.
U.S. police said they discovered the woman’s body on Friday near Noyes, Minnesota, which is directly across from the Canadian border town of Emerson where asylum seekers have been crossing in recent months. Read more
Elon Musk threatens to quit role advising Trump if he pulls US out of Paris Agreement on climate change
Elon Musk has said he would have “no choice” but to leave his advisory role on a White House business council if Donald Trump pulls out of the Paris Agreement on climate change.
The head of electronic car maker Tesla and space exploration company SpaceX tweeted that he had “done all I can to advise…that we remain.” Read more
