Category: Latest News

Bayelsa State government has filed a suit before the Supreme Court seeking to stop the Federal Government from further paying monthly statutory allocation from Soku oil wells to Rivers State.

In the suit filed in Abuja, according to Channels TV, Bayelsa State Government is invoking the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, which enables a state government to sue the Federal Government directly at the apex court.

No date has been fixed for the hearing.

A Federal High Court had, earlier in December 2019, ruled that Rivers State owns the disputed Soku oil wells located in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.

ALSO READ: FG, States, LGCS share N547.309 billion for month of May 2020

Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court declared that after examining all the documents from relevant government agencies and facts before the court, the Soku Oil Wells/fields belong to Rivers State.

However, Bayelsa State is now contending that it stands to lose billions of naira accruable to it if the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee, FAAC, complies with the high court judgement and pays the allocation to Rivers State.

Also, Bayelsa State is also seeking an interlocutory injunction against Akwa Ibom State, asking the Supreme Court to stop the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission from withholding its statutory allocation or deducting it in favour of Akwa Ibom State.

VANGUARD

By Omeiza Ajayi – Abuja

The Federal Government has described the Nigerian public service as its engine room, saying it is not a dumping ground for people who have nothing to offer to societal development.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF, Mr Boss Mustapha stated this on Thursday in Abuja at the unveiling of the book “On Merit”, written by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Mrs Georgina Ehuriah-Arisa.

Speaking at the event, Mustapha who paid glowing tributes to the permanent secretary said; “The public service should not be a dumping ground. It is supposed to be the engine room that drives the nation, and the public service is a reflection of what a nation will become and what it is.”

On his part, Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, said the permanent secretary “is in a class of her own. She is the quintessential civil servant – loyal, diligent, firm, efficient, effective, knowledgeable, and hard-working.”

READ ALSO: Financial Autonomy: Fail to implement, face shut down — PASAN to States

In the speech titled “Eulogy to an Amazon,” Aregbesola said the Permanent Secretary has proven to be an excellent civil servant.

“She has commendably blessed us with her autobiography. One of the benefits of reading is that the reader acquires the wisdom it takes the author, in our case, 35 years, to garner, in the length of time it takes to read the book. Her book, therefore, is 35 years compressed into a few pages. No wonder Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote that ‘There is properly no history, the only biography’. If you avail yourself of reading the biographies of the great people of history, you already have a history in your hands.

“Her book is therefore a treasure trove of the experience and wisdom of her meritorious service. It should be a compulsory read for students and teachers of public administration and civil servants. Beyond that, as I have always advocated, someone with her experience should have a place as a faculty in any top university and civil service training academy, teaching public administration and shaping the intellect of those who will mind public service at all levels in the country”, Aregbesola said.

Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folashade Yemi Esan on her part described the author as one of the finest bureaucrats the country has produced.

According to her, the book would serve as reference material and guide for civil servants in the country.

The author, Ehuriah-Arisa said the book “On Merit” would help boost the morale of civil servants and thus enhance their productivity.

According to her, she wrote the book as a way of giving back to a system which gave her the privilege to serve and get rewarded accordingly.

Vanguard

By Ike Uchechukwu

An agrarian community, Becheve in Obanliku local government area of Cross River State has made a formal pronouncement to end one of its oldest custom and traditional practices which were detrimental to women and the girl-child.

The practice, known as “Money-Woman” in which a girl-child is betrothed to a man who spends his money on the child’s family. The family and the child is therefore bound and remain indebted.

Vanguard learned that the family is obliged and must ensure the child is married to the man. There are traditional and spiritual consequences upon any family and the girl-child that reneges.

With support of the EU/UN Spotlight Initiative in partnership with the Federal and State Ministry of Women Affairs as well as other stakeholders, the Paramount Ruler of Obanliku local government HRM Uchua Amos Uyumulam Itam & the clan head of Becheve community, HRH Sunday Ichile during a press conference on Thursday in Calabar made an official pronouncement to stop the “Money-Woman” custom and other identified harmful practices in their community.

HRM Uchua disclosed that what is being announced commonly was not achieved on a platter of gold.

His words:”We have taken the necessary traditional steps to eliminate the practice. We have also carried out advocacies and enlightenment in the community and beyond to arrive at where we are today.”

“The situation was so bad that even the child in the worm would be betrothed for an amount of money which the husband-man had spent on the family.”

HRM Uchua Item said that the harmful Practice has not only been brought to an end, but consequences have also been put in place for those who continue in the practice.

Speaking further on the fate of innocent girl children who were forced into the practice, he said if such a child was receiving good care as well as comfortable she would be allowed to stay.

READ ALSO: INEC distributes sensitive materials to Edo LGs, to recruit more ad hoc staff in Ondo

“If such a child or woman is receiving good care and is comfortable being there, we will allow them to be where there are, but if they are not comfortable, the child or woman will have to be rescued.

“That is why we are asking for support to sustain what we have achieved and agreed upon. One of the implications of rescuing the child or woman where she is not comfortable is that the money spent has to be repaid. There are consequences if the money is not repaid.”

Also speaking, the branch Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria CAN in Oblanliku LGA, Rev. Akasim Joseph highlighted the role which CAN has continued to play in the area by encouraging pastors and head of churches in the area to make an advocacy statement against the Money Woman and other harmful practices in every church meeting.

The Executive Director of the Center for Leadership and Strategic Development, under the EU/UN Spotlight Initiative programme, Mr. Monday Osasah in his remarks mentioned and listed the areas in which the Communities in Obanliku local government of Cross River State have agreed to end discrimination against women and the girl-child.

His words:”pronouncements made by the paramount ruler, and the clan head has changed the extant customs and traditions in Obanliku LGA to allow women in the LGA to have equal rights to inheritance of properties like the male children, irrespective of their marital status’.

“And be awarded chieftaincy titles’. ‘Be active members of the Traditional Council of Chiefs’. Others include; Melt punishment on abortion cases on both male and female perpetrators as against visiting the punishment only on the female’.

“Abolish all forms of harmful widowhood practices’. ‘Abolish female genital mutilation/cutting’. ‘Ensure every victim of rape gets justice’. ‘Abolish all forms of discrimination against the education of female children’.

Osasah urged that the actions and decision from Obanliku local government should be an example for other similar communities to learn from and amend any harmful traditional practices still being practiced within their domains.

Vanguard News Nigeria

It’s a general issue in the country — APC

By Rotimi Ojomoyela – Ado-Ekiti

The Ekiti State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party(PDP), has expressed concern over the increasing wave of murder and kidnapping in the state.

The party called on Governor Kayode Fayemi to show more interest on the issue of security in the State, alleging that Ekiti State has recorded several cases of kidnapping and murder of prominent personalities within the last three weeks without an appropriate response from the state government.

The PDP, in a statement made available to journalists, by its State Publicity Secretary, Hon. Raphael Adeyanju in Ado Ekiti, on Thursday, lamented that” the State government has neither taken any positive step nor come out forcefully to condemn the ugly development and assure the people of their safety.”

READ ALSO: Boundary dispute: Ekiti, Osun douse tension, sign peace agreement

The opposition party also called on the Federal Government and all relevant security agencies to wake up to their responsibility of securing the lives and properties of the helpless citizens of  Nigeria.

According to the party, ” It is the duty of every government, at every level to guarantee the safety of lives and properties of the citizens. In a situation where the government is incapable of performing this duty of securing its citizens’ lives, such government has completely failed and should not expect the trust and loyalty of the people ”

It alleged that both the Federal Government and  Ekiti State Government have failed in their duty of protecting the people.

Adeyanju said, ” Before the inception of the present administration, Ekiti State had enjoyed relative peace, where people went about their normal businesses without any molestation. It is however disheartening that for the past one and half years,  things have taken a radical turn for the worse.”

The PDP spokesperson also carpeted  President Mohammad Buhari for his inability to tackle the problem of insecurity in the country, saying, “It is unfortunate  that President Buhari who rode to power on the crest of a promised solution to the security challenges facing the country has become helpless  in the face of the rampaging activities of the Book Haram terrorists,  in the North-Eastern region of the country, while other criminal elements are busy terrorising innocent citizens down south.”

Adeyanju who described poverty and unemployment as the greatest forms of insecurity warned the Federal Government not to take the resilience of Nigerians for granted.

” There is a limit to which the people can endure this type of helplessness, hunger, and insecurity that are all induced by bad policies and lack of foresight by the present administration. The Federal Government and Ekiti State Government should wake up to their various responsibilities and stop testing the people’s patience “, he said.

Reacting, the All Progressive Congress, Publicity Secretary, in Ekiti State, Mr Ade Ajayi, described the cases of robbery and kidnappings being witnessed as a general issue in the country.

Ajayi said the occasional cases of abduction by bandits in Ekiti didn’t portray Fayemi’s government as a failure or doing nothing to address the situation.

READ ALSO: COVID-19: Ekiti reopens Primary, Secondary schools Sept 12, tertiary institutions Oct 2

“The APC government in Ekiti is doing well in ensuring that Ekiti is safe and that was why the government joined the southwest states to establish Amotekun Corps.

“In case the PDP is not aware, the recruitment into the Amotekun Corps is ongoing and they will work in collaboration with the police by the time they will be deployed across the state to secure our people.

“Let me remind the PDP that apart from misgovernance of the Ayodele Fayose led government, insecurity also chased away investors  from Ekiti during their time, but that is not happening under Fayemi”, he said.

Vanguard

By Dirisu Yakubu – Ibadan

The federal government will commence work on Port Harcourt-Bonny-Maiduguri railway corridor as soon as the Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge is completed, Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi has assured.

Amaechi however added that the planned commencement is subject to approval by the Federal Executive Council, FEC.

The Minister stated this in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, while on an inspection tour to ascertain the level of work done on the stations along the corridor.

“We have sent to the cabinet the request for approval of two railway contracts, Port Harcourt – Bonny to Maiduguri. If that is awarded, that will be the next assignment for the Ministry of Transportation. The Kano-Maradi line, which passes through Kano, Dutse, Kazaure, Daura, Katsina, Jibiya, Maradi is also in line for commencement.

READ ALSO: Maritime Bank will boost African economy – Amaechi

“We are also pursuing the loan for the contract which has been awarded for the Lagos to Calabar rail line. We also expect that Ibadan to Kano will commence before the end of this year,” Amaechi said.

On the Lagos-Ibadan railway project, Amaechi noted that not much has been done, adding that the building of the Apapa station has just started.

“I want them to finish all the stations at the same time. And I have insisted that a special task force be set up to make sure Apapa station is completed the same time as all the others. If you see the station at Olodo, there is an improvement. They have finished flooring, roofing, lighting, ceilings; just doors, and windows are left now. Again, what is left at Kajola is just painting. There is an improvement in Olodo and Ebute-metta too.

“The only station I am not satisfied is the last one in Ibadan. However, they have given us the following targets: End of September, three stations will be ready; end of October, all the seven minor stations will be ready; end of December, everything will be ready,” he added.

READ ALSO: Transportation minister Amaechi buries brother, says death huge responsibility

The ministers also expressed optimism in the possibility of more engineers joining their colleagues on-site to accelerate the pace of work.

“The timeline hasn’t changed, but they didn’t meet my target for this inspection.  My target was that by today, they would have finished the minor stations, but they gave an excuse that because of COVID-19, they hadn’t enough engineers on site. What you have is the same engineers supervising Agbado and Agege. So they move in between and that is slowing down the work.

“As for me, I want this job done because I want to move out of Lagos. Their submission is that by next week, all engineers will be on-site and work will commence and once work commences, they will be faster and by the end of September, they should finish the three major stations.”

Vanguard

IGP, Mr. Mohammed Adamu

By Francis Efe – Warri

Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police, IGP, Mohammed Adamu, on Thursday said the insecurity challenges in the country can be largely addressed through effective intelligence generation by the State Intelligence Bureau, SIB.

The Inspector General of Police made this statement in Warri, Delta State, during the occasion of the inauguration ceremony of the State Intelligence Investigation Bureau, SIIB, Office in Warri Area Command, Delta State,  by the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ.

The IGP who was represented by Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Hafiz Inuwa, noted that Intelligence was the bedrock of modern policing globally.

Adamu said the completion of the building project was apt in the sense that it will position the Intelligence wing of the Nigerian Police Force to be at its best.

“It will contribute immensely in keeping the police ahead of the criminal elements in the society and as such proactively nip in the bud the various activities of the men of the underworld.

ALSO READ: PDP laments growing insecurity in Ekiti

He commended the National Coordinator of CEPEJ, Sheriff Mulade, for completing the project saying that the project was the “first post-Covid-19 Corporate Social responsibility project investment in the police by an NGO CSO who’s effect objective are geared towards a safer society.”

Earlier the National Coordinator, CEPEJ, Sheriff Mulade, said the event is another landmark activity of the organization in it’s quest to promote peace, unity and environmental sustainability in the African continent.

He said the event marked the International Day of Peace, 2020, with the theme, “Shaping Peace Together.”

“With the ever-rising spate of crisis, crime and criminality around the world, especially Nigeria, new institutional arrangements are put in place to deal with the different conflicts.

“CEPEJ believed that the development of the Nation will play an important role in the stability and prosperity of the African continent as a whole,” Mulade said.

He added that CEPEJ was committed to supporting peace, justice and good governance, adding that they also look forward to working more with government and non-government actors in these endeavours.

Vanguard News Nigeria.

Dr. Chris Ngige, the Minister of Labour and Employment

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru – Abuja

The Federal Government on Thursday said it will convene meeting with its relevant agencies and Ministries over the recent threat by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, that government should revert back to old prices of fuel and electricity tariff.

Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige drop the hint when Vanguard sought the reaction of the government to the threat by the organized labour.

Recall that the Trade Union Congress, TUC, had recently issued a seven-day ultimatum to the government to reverse the increase in petroleum pump price as well as the new electricity tariff or be ready to contend with labour.

READ ALSO: Fuel, electricity: NLC draws battle line with FG

As the ultimatum was yet to expire, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, at its Central Working Committee, CWC, meeting on Wednesday at the labour house Abuja, gave the government September 28 deadline to revert to the old fuel price and electricity tariff if not they will paralyze the economy.

The Federal Government and the leadership of the organized labour had met on Tuesday at the instance of the government to look at the financial position of the country following the threat by the labour to embark on strike over the recent increases in petrol and electricity tariff.

The meeting on Tuesday which was approved by President Muhammadu Buhari did not resolve any of the contentious issues and it was adjourned sine die after talking for about 10 hours.

Speaking with Vanguard on the recent threat by the NLC, Senator Ngige said,  “We will react appropriately. I have not seen the letter. In fact, I have not seen the TUC letter which they claimed they wrote to Mr. President.

“But NLC has informed me that they are sending me a letter, so their letter is being awaited, but the government will respond through the appropriate mechanism that is allowed in labour dispute.

“But as you know, this is not a pure labour dispute even though the main actors are labour people, we will react accordingly. The affected ministries and government agencies will meet as soon as possible and after that, government position will be known.”

READ ALSO: NLC issues 14-day ultimatum on electricity tariff, fuel price hikes

Asked how soon it would take the government to meet and react to the labour threat, the Labour Minister said,” I don’t know. Like I told you earlier, their letter I have not seen it to know the content and what they are demanding. I don’t know whether it is a complete reversion back to old prices or the old rate in electricity.

“In petroleum, if you are reverting back, which one do we revert to, is it the N145 when PPPRA was fixing prices or is it N120 or N125 which was gotten by deregulation so till I see the letter I will then know what to present to government side because we will convene government side as soon as possible to deal with it.”

Also asked whether the NLC contravened any Labour law in their demands, Ngige said, “Till I see the letter we will know whether they issued us the normal mandatory notice, those on essential services 21 days, normal services 15 days, we will look at it holistically.”

Vanguard

Malami launches Central Criminal Justice Information System

As UK calls for transparency, efficient management of recovered assets

EFCC

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri – Abuja

Heads of anti-corruption agencies in the country, on Thursday, agreed to transfer all their assets recovery records to a new central database that is domiciled at the Federal Ministry of Justice.

They made the pledge during the formal launch of the central database by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN, at the Federal Ministry of Justice Headquarters in Abuja.

The AGF, maintained that the database which is under the Assets Tracing, Recovery and Management Regulations, ATRM, 2019, would guarantee transparency and accountability in the management of proceeds of crime recovered by investigative agencies in the country.

Malami equally launched a Central Criminal Justice Information System, CCJIS, which he described as a critical component of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, NACS, 2017- 2021.

He said the database would ensure uniformity of process and real-time access and information feeding.

READ ALSO: EFCC re-arraigns ‘Mama Boko Haram,’ others for fresh N97.4m fraud

According to him, “It is to deepen our transparency and accountability. We have established that committement through inclusion of civil society organizations, in our fight against corruption, enrolled as members of Open Government Partnership, Establish Legal Framework that establish Anti-Corruption Agencies and we are now committed in deploying technology to deepen our transparency; that is what the Central Database we are launching here today is all about.

“This present administration has yet, set another pace and I extend my gratitude to His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the opportunity to serve under his cabinet to achieve this milestone.

“We will working together, establish and re-enact transparency and accountability in Governance and management of our resources which we have committed to do by way of strengthening International Cooperation of our membership of Open Government Partnership”.

He said the Justice Ministry is developing legislation for the full implementation and operation of the CCJIS in order to ensure compliance.

“Accordingly, the Federal Ministry of Justice looks forward to working with the Judiciary at all levels, and Anti-Corruption Institution at both the States and Federal levels and the Nigerian Police in order to run the information center real-time.

“Let me reassure stakeholders that the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice under my watch is working on deploying the technology to every nook and corners of the Federation to enable the relevant stakeholders key into this 21st Century technology in Nigeria which guarantees transparency and ensures there is accountability on the part of public officers”, the AGF stated.

Meanwhile, in his remarks, the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Mohammed Umar, said the new Initiative of maintaining central database would not only allow the tracking of assets forfeited to the government but also ensure that they are effectively managed.

Umar said the EFCC would transmit all the records at its disposal into the new central database.

He said: “This new initiative of maintaining central database will not only allow the tracking of all assets forfeited to the government but will also ensure that seized assets from the different locations are managed in an effective manner to obtain the highest realizable impact and development.

“The director of assets forfeiture and recovery management of the EFCC already maintains a database which contains detailed information of all assets seized or gotten whether under preservative or restraining orders secured by the Commission.

“Therefore, it will be very easy for the commission to key-in into the new central database being inaugurated today. The directorate also performs these functions by collating data of all recoveries from various units and zones of the Commission, using a template for each type of asset. It also maintains records of court orders forfeiting assets seized from the legal department.

“It will be a case of migration of information already contained in the Commission’s database and continuous feeding of information on fresh forfeitures, seized or secured by the Commission, into the central database.

“Once again, I thank the honourable Attorney General of the Federation for this new initiative and wish to assure him of the Commission’s unflinching support and cooperation in ensuring that recovered assets are effectively and efficiently managed”.

Likewise, Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offenses Commission, ICPC, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, in his remarks, said there was a need for the management process of the assets recovery database to be professionalized.

He said: “It is penny wise and pound foolish to spend a lot of money to recover assets and then they waste. I think that anybody who visits typical high court premises and see vehicles that have been seized, dotting the landscape, it tells you how not to manage recovered assets.

“The problem of course is not with cash, as cash ends up with the banks. Since 2015 under this government, it has always been kept with the Central Bank. The problem is with the physical assets.

“It is therefore clinical to have information on what is available. This, of course, is without prejudice whatsoever to existing powers of anti-corruption agencies to investigate and do the recoveries, while waiting for the government to fast track the burden of management which can be very expensive.

READ ALSO: EFCC arrests two lecturers for internet fraud in Kwara, herbalist ‘on the run’

“At ICPC we have the framework already. We have the data, so we are quite happy to key into the initiative of the Attorney General towards keeping these records”.

Prof. Owasanoye said there was a need for every law enforcement agency in the country to have the infrastructure to profile and collect biometrics of suspects, with the information fed into a central server that cannot be modified

“This is so that everybody can know if you have been the customer of police or DSS.  So that with one click of the button, we can know not just those who are in prison, but those being prosecuted under the criminal justice administration”.

Meanwhile, in his goodwill message, representative of the British High Commission, Mr. Andrew Clowes, urged the federal government to ensure transparency in the management of the central database and ensure that information in the server could be assessed in real-time.

“It has to be accessible to all agencies and the process very transparent. It cannot be modified, it cannot be changed” he added.

He stressed that FG should be able to demonstrate how recovered assets are utilized to enable the citizens to understand how such stolen assets could better their lives.

Vanguard

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru – Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari has signed into law the Nigeria Police Bill, 2020.

President Buhari in a memo dated September 16, 2020, communicated his assent to the Bill to the National Assembly, through the Clerk of the legislature.

A statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Chief Femi Adesina explained that the Act repealed the Police Act Cap. P19. Laws of the Federation, 2004, and provides for a more effective and well organized Police Force, driven by the principles of transparency and accountability in its operations and management of its resources.

READ ALSO: We’re the most prosperous black nation in the world ― Buhari boasts

According to the statement, “Among others, the Act establishes an appropriate funding framework for the Police in line with what is obtainable in other Federal Government key institutions, enhances professionalism in the Force through increased training opportunities, and creates enduring cooperation and partnership between the Police Force and communities in maintaining peace and combating crimes nationwide.”

Vanguard

Kayode Fayemi

By Rotimi Ojomoyela – Ado-Ekiti

As part of steps taken by the Ekiti State government to gradually defray the backlog of gratuity owed the retirees, no fewer than 52 pensioners were given cheques worth several millions of naira as gratuities on Thursday.

The State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi who handed out the cheques in Ado- Ekiti, restated the commitment of his administration to bringing succour to the State workforce and pensioners by prioritizing their welfare in spite of the dwindling resources accrued to the State.

The Governor who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Biodun Omoleye said the commitment of his administration to the welfare of pensioners is evident in the increase in the fund earmarked monthly for the defraying gratuity from #10 million to #100 million in order to accommodate more beneficiaries.

The 52 beneficiaries of the cheques were retirees from local government and primary schools.

READ ALSO: Buhari’s minister denies eyeing Fayemi’s job

Governor Fayemi explained that the exercise would have come earlier if not for the advent of the global Covid-19 pandemic that affected the socio-economic activities.

While reiterating that his administration would not renege on the promises made to Ekiti people, Fayemi assured the pensioners that the exercise would be a continuous process, as the government is concerned about the general well being of its citizens.

The Governor said: “It is common knowledge that we inherited backlog arrears of unpaid entitlements from the past administration. However, we are conscious of the fact that government is a continuum. Therefore, we are facing the challenge of offsetting the arrears headlong against all odds.

” The present administration is not oblivious of the hardship, pains, and challenges being faced by our senior citizens, as a result of the backlog of unpaid benefits in the past. We have therefore resolved to face the challenge and make our people happier. By the grace of God, despite the little resources available to the State, our administration will continue to bring relief to the entire workforce and the retirees”, he said.

While allaying the fears of those who are yet to get their entitlements, the Governor assured that the monthly payment of gratuities would be based on “first to retire, first to be paid” as the government would not give room for favoritism in order to preserve the sanctity and sanity of the exercise.

READ ALSO: Ekiti Assembly suspends LG boss over Fayemi’s presidential campaign poster

Dr Fayemi who expressed the possibility of increasing the monthly funds for the payment of gratuities when the financial capacity of the State increases, urged those who have not got their gratuities to keep faith with his administration.

He urged the beneficiaries of the distributed cheques to make judicious use of the money.

“For the umpteenth time, I want to allay the fear of those pensioners that are yet to collect their own gratuities not to be disturbed. By God’s grace, you will use your hands to collect yours very soon. I promised that our payment on first to retire, first to be paid would be maintained. This method would be sustained for the sanctity and sanity of the exercise devoid of favoritism. I urge the beneficiaries of this exercise to plan with the money and prudently utilize it for a blissful retirement”, Fayemi said.

Vanguard

Niger State governor, Abubakar Sani

By Wole Mosadomi – Minna

Three hundred and thirty-three certified “dead civil servants” have been uncovered to be on the payroll of  Niger state government for the past two years.

Besides the unbelievable revelation of the dead, N207M has also been uncovered as being stolen and paid as salaries to fake civil servants in the state amounting to about N5billion in the past two years.

Chairman of the Screening Committee set up by the state government to fish out the ghost workers from the state civil service who is also Commissioner for works, Engineer Ibrahim Mohammed Panti who disclosed this in an interview said the screening still continues and that more revelations are still likely to unfold.

He said those mostly involved are Account Officers and other staff from the state Ministry of Health adding that they are among the eighty civil servants sacked last week.

“Out of the purported 27,000 civil servants on the payroll of the state government, only 15,907 of them have been discovered to be our genuine workers so far.

ALSO READ: Benue uncovers 443 ghost workers on Secondary School teachers’ payroll

“There are 3,923 workers from different Ministries still having pending issues and are still being investigated. These set of people had entered the state civil service with fictitious certificates and their names found on the payroll of the state.

“Within the last two years, 333 dead civil servants who had been certified dead are still drawing  salaries from the state


government and all these frauds must stop, “the Chairman declared.

Engineer Panti said 1029 Civil Servants whose names are on the payroll are yet to appear for screening adding that by today which is the end of the screening, they will be officially declared as ghost workers if they refuse to appear before the screening committee.

The Commissioner disclosed that all Civil Service rules were duly followed before they were dismissed.

“All those involved have given confessional statements on their involvement in the fraud and officials of Labour in the state are aware of this development,” Panti remarked.

He said besides being dismissed, all those found guilty will also be prosecuted pointing out that unlike before, “the present revelations are too weighty to be swept under the carpet.”

Vanguard News Nigeria.

By Tordue Salem – Abuja

A member of the House of Representatives, Rep. Dagogo Farah, has accused governors of the Niger Delta of prodigal expenditure of the thirteen per cent derivation allocated to them from oil sales.

The lawmaker from Rivers State said this in an interview with VANGUARD on Thursday.

“This is a very sad commentary as it relates to the oil-producing communities of the Niger Delta. The 13 per cent Derivation is the fund set aside to assist oil-producing communities to tackle infrastructural decay and degradation, emphasis on the oil-producing communities.

“What it means basically is that in sharing the federation account revenue, 13 per cent should be set aside to assist the development of these oil-producing communities.

“About two decades down the line what is there to show for the humongous monies that have come in? The Governors, past and present, view it as free monies”, he said.

The federal legislator, also accused the Governor’s, of wasting N10 trillion from the derivation fund in 8 years.

“Between 2000 and 2018, over N10trillion from the 13 per cent derivation principle, have been shared to the Niger Delta Governors, on behalf of the oil-producing communities, yet the deplorable living conditions of the people from these oil-producing communities have remained nauseating and deplorable with the people battling and still reeking with the worst and highest form of poverty.

ALSO READ: Niger Delta in danger of abandonment after oil era, NNRC warns

“For instance in Rivers State where I come from, oil-producing communities that are in the riverine areas, have been begging for the Trans-Kalabari ring road to connect the riverine communities, where the oil-producing communities are located, with the uplands areas and fasten development”, he claimed.

According to him, “This ring road alone will connect the oil-producing communities with other areas of the state and ease that problem of mobility.

“If you are very versed with the Niger Delta region or with Rivers State, you understand the economic value that comes with this road.

“Regrettably, it has become fashionable to use it as campaign promises and abandon it on assumption of power”.

According to him, “This project will cost less than N30billion and could signify proof that the 13 per cent Derivation fund is actually being utilized for the oil-producing communities as it was spelt out.

“Unfortunately, the Governors are rather more interested in superfluous and white elephant projects that could be used to embezzle funds.

“Conduct an investigation to these areas, these oil-producing communities and you will weep when you gauge their abject living conditions with what had been allocated for them. No electricity, no drinking water, no roads, total lack of basic amenities”.

He further explained that “For instance, oil-producing communities, through their state governors, received N602.37 billion as their 13 per cent derivation fund from the Federal Government between January 2017 and April 2018.

READ ALSO: Ita Enang slams Niger Delta govs for wasting 13% derivation funds

“Imagine the positive effects a whopping N602.37 billion would have on the lives of the people and its communities if a fraction of these monies were channelled towards the development of these communities?”.

The legislator also accused the Federal government of encouraging the waste of resources in the oil-producing states.

“And there is this grand conspiracy of silence from the Federal Government. Why are the right questions not being asked?

“What is the true state of the suspicious financial hanky panky in the actual production and cost as it relates to the figures the International Oil Companies reel out?

“Why are the IOCs allowed to do their costing in dollars with appaling disregard for the currency of the country they operate in especially when the 13 per cent are derived through them?

“How could the people from these communities be left in such sorry state and the Federal Government is not doing anything about it, especially as the Governors, who receive these fund on behalf of them, have been indifferent to their plight and have established a line that they would rather fill their pockets with the funds and continue to live large than commit such to the development of the communities.

“I challenge any Governor from the Niger Delta oil-producing communities to explain, with irrefutable facts, how they have actually used the derivation funds to better the lives of the people and their oil-producing communities.

“Their explanations could only be imagined as It would only amount to looking for a needle in a haystack, it will not produce anything concrete.

“However, I strongly believe it is never too late to correct the wrongs of the past. I have a positive conviction that this set of governors will side on the right side of history and do justice to the revenues they are getting on behalf of the oil-producing communities”.

On the alleged rot in the NDDC, he urged the President  “to overhaul the NDDC in such a manner that will eradicate to the barest minimum some of the notable problems militating against the ability of the NDDC to deliver on its mandate.

“Rejig the NDDC and ensure it religiously adhere to the core mandate for setting it up, especially in the areas of meaningful intervention”.

According to him, “The monies credited to the NDDC in the last decade is not near commensurate with what is on ground in the Niger Delta.

“It bears similarity to how the Governors have mismanaged the 13%derivation funds. I would like to see reputable recruitment agencies contracted to administer a recruitment drive open to qualified and competent local and Diaspora Nigerian indigenes from the NDDC member states for recruitment into the board and Management cadre.

“These recruited personnel are to run the NDDC in a very professional semi corporate manner, a complete departure from the unnecessarily bureaucratic manner being presently operated.

“This pattern of recruitment substantially curtails political interference and pandering to the whines and caprices of politicians and influential Nigerians who are in the habit of planting Board and Management staff in proxy for themselves”.

Vanguard News Nigeria.

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has expressed the immense gratitude of his administration to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Mohammed Adamu Abubakar, for approving the permanent site of the Police Area Command Headquarters, Orba, in Udenu Local Government Area of the state, to enhance the security of the area and its jurisdiction.

Speaking when he inaugurated the Police Area Command Headquarters, Orba, on Thursday, Gov. Ugwuanyi, who disclosed that his administration diligently funded the permanent site project, to its present state, acknowledged the former Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, now Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 13, AIG Danmallam Mohammed, “for the traction he gave to this project”.

The governor also appreciated the present State Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmad Abdurrahman, “for all his support and encouragement for the project”.

Gov. Ugwuanyi explained that the Police Area Command, Orba was created out of Nsukka Police Area Command on December 5, 2017, by the then Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim Idris, to cater for the policing needs of Igbo-Eze North, Udenu, Isi-Uzo, Igbo-Etiti Local Government Areas, as well as Nsukka East Development Centre, which is part of Nsukka LGA.

He stated that the increasing number of Police Officers and Men of the Command made it imperative for the provision of adequate permanent site for the Police Area Command, Orba, adding that, consequently, the great people of Ohom Orba donated about three hectares of land, hitherto given to the former Police Mounted Troops Command in the immediate post-civil war period, for the all-important project.

Gov. Ugwuanyi, who expressed delight at the actualization of the permanent site of the Police Area Command Headquarters in Orba, expressed optimism that the feat will change the security narrative within its area of jurisdiction.

While also commending the Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP Edwin Ogbeghagha, for his pioneering role as the first Area Commander, the governor also appreciated “the great visionary people of Ohom Orba for willingly donating their valued land for the development of Police Area Command Headquarters, Orba, without seeking compensation”.

READ ALSO: Man sodomises daughters, son for 4yrs, blames it on devil

According to the governor, “My gratitude also goes to the President General, Orba-Udu General Assembly, Mr. Charles Mba, Permanent Secretary, Enugu State Local Government Service Commission and his entire Executive Committee members for coordinating and mobilizing local support for this project”.

In his brief remark, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Abdurrahman, who described Gov. Ugwuanyi as “a pillar of all pillars, an exceptional leader and a security-friendly governor”, applauded his sound vision for Enugu State and his firm commitment to security of lives and property.

The CP therefore prayed for Gov. Ugwuanyi’s success in his responsibilities, disclosing that the governor has accepted to bring more infrastructures in the new Police Area Command, for enhanced efficient service delivery.

Other speakers at the event, such as the Chairman of Udenu LGA, Hon. Solomon Onah, the Area Commander, ACP Ogbeghagha, and the President General, Orba-Udu General Assembly, Mr. Mba, thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for providing the needed support to all security agencies in the state, stressing that his administration’s contributions towards the successful realization of the new Police Area Command, Orba, aimed at enhancing the security architecture of its area of jurisdiction and beyond, were commendable.

Vanguard

CEO of Accolade Jewellers, Kolade Taiwo.

The  CEO of Accolade Jewellers, Kolade Taiwo, has lamented that the high exchange rate between the American dollars and Nigerian naira has negatively impacted the price of gold in the local market.

Speaking in an interview with reporters in Lagos, Kolade Taiwo said the prevailing harsh economic conditions have made the price of gold to shoot up,  beyond the reach of customers.

According to the jewellery producer and seller, “business has not been rosy as the price of gold has gone up and when you put into consideration the challenges in the economy and the low purchasing power,  you can better appreciate what I am talking about.

ALSO READ: Forex rationing pressures parallel market rate

“Besides, the dollar rate has also added pressure on jewellery business in the country as what goes on with the American dollars,  will always impact our business.

“If the exchange rate between the American dollars and Nigerian naira is low or normal, business will be fine.

“But what is going on now is seriously taking a toll on this sector of the economy,” added Taiwo, who was born in Surulere,  Lagos, and attended the University of Lagos.

On what prompted him into the business of jewellery,  the CEO of Accolade Jewellers said the business has been a family business.

He added that “my grandfather and uncle were also in the business  but I was the one who hustled  my way up.”

VANGUARD

Urges Parties, security, candidates to behave responsibly

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru – Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday said that the do-or-die mentality to politics was a threat to free and fair elections because the actors are more focused on winning than caring about a fair outcome that reflects the will of the people.

President Buhari in a message to voters, political parties, election officials, and security personnel, advised political parties, candidates, and security agents to behave responsibly in the Saturday Edo State gubernatorial elections.

He reiterated his stance  that, “I am passionately committed to free and fair elections, but my own commitment is not enough if other actors at ground zero refuse to abide by the rules.”

In a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu last night, the President said, “I want to see democratic standards in the country raised higher at every level, but these cannot be achieved when politicians resort to do or die methods to gain power by any means or machination.”

READ ALSO: Edo election: ADC raises alarm over deployment of 31,000 security operatives

He said that “the do-or-die mentality to politics is a threat to free and fair elections because the actors are more focused on winning than caring about a fair outcome that reflects the Will of the people.”

The President appealed to all political parties and their candidates to behave peacefully and respect law and order.

He also advised election officials and security agents “to remain neutral to ensure free and fair elections and avoid any action(s) capable of compromising the integrity of the elections.”

President Buhari stressed that “conducting free and fair elections is one of my main concerns for our democracy, and I want this commitment to be one of the legacies I will leave behind when I depart office.”

Vanguard

President Muhammadu Buhari

The Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, OAGF, has commenced a comprehensive review of treasury forms and other accounting source documents in use in all ministries, departments and agencies, MDAs, of the Federal Government.

A statement by Henshaw Ogubike, Director, Information, Press and Public Relations, noted that the review was in exercise of the mandate of the Accountant General of the Federation under FR.107 (n) to issue officially-approved forms bearing treasury numbers for use in all Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies to ensure uniformity.

It added that already, the Accountant-General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, has inaugurated an inter-ministerial committee to handle the review of the documents.

ALSO READ: Federal Character Commission to audit MDAs nominal rolls

Speaking at the inauguration of the committee, Ahmed said the committee was expected to identify all treasury forms and accounting source documents presently in use; come up with new formats in line with the public financial reforms; recommend additions or deletions of the contents; assign relevant number systems to the treasury forms and review the documents in line with GIFMIS (Government Integrated Financial Management Information System) operations.

The statement added: “He stressed that in carrying out the assignment, the committee should be guided by the Federal Governments quest for adoption of e-governance at all levels and the fact that all the public finance reforms initiatives being driven by the Treasury are predicated on full deployment of ICT solutions.

“On the rationale for the review of the documents, Ahmed noted that the contents of the treasury forms and other accounting source documents in use were no longer relevant and useful to drive the various public finance management reforms of the Federal Government, which are mostly ICT-driven.

“He explained that a comprehensive review and update of these accounting source documents was thus imperative for an efficient and successful implementation of government’s financial management reforms.

“He reiterated the government’s resolve to ensure a successful review of the documents and charged the committee to give the assignment all amount of seriousness it deserves and deliver on time.”

VANGUARD

Ahead of the Edo State gubernatorial election slated for this Saturday, a non-governmental organization, Coalition of Democrats for Electoral Reforms (CODER) has mobilized over 50 observers to monitor the electoral processes and the political developments in the state.

CODER, in a statement on Thursday by its national coordinator, Mr. Temitope Shaba and spokesman, Comrade Ayodele Adewale, said the 50 observers who have been trained and duly accredited by the National Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) for the election will in turn oversee the activities of citizen observers across the 18 local government areas of the state who have also been trained by the group.

“With this structure in place, CODER will provide real-time updates on activities during the election and will stay in touch with INEC, security agencies and other CSOs on online platforms for timely interventions where necessary.

“The pre-election analysis undertaken by YIAGA Africa, NOI polls and other CSO groups paint a bleak picture of the election should indicators of violence surveyed remain unaddressed.

READ ALSO: FRSC deploys 1,500 personnel, 35 vehicles for Edo elections

Physical violence at campaign rallies, vandalism or destruction of property associated with candidates, stockpiling of small arms and light weapons and recruitment of armed thugs or militia groups are some of the indicators identified in the pre-election survey.

The statement further urged officials of security agencies  on election duty to maintain  neutrality and be ready to arrest anyone who commits  electoral offence.

“INEC on the other hand must be seen to play its role as an unbiased umpire in the entire process to increase people’s confidence and trust in both the electoral process and the electoral management body.

“We note that Edo gubernatorial off-cycle election and that of Ondo state coming up on October 10 are litmus tests for the general elections in 2023 as such; all electoral stakeholders must ensure these elections are better and fairer than previous ones.”

The group also acknowledged the timely peace intervention of the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, that the peace accord signing by candidates of political parties on Tuesday, September 14 and the position of the international community especially the United States and United Kingdom’s Embassies are efforts to checkmate the trend of violence.

CODER appeals to all political actors in Edo State, especially the two dominant political parties to sue for peace and allow Edo people to speak through the ballot.

Vanguard

By Omeiza Ajayi – Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC on Thursday said it has commenced the distribution of sensitive electoral materials to local government areas in Edo State ahead of Saturday’s Governorship Election in the state.

This was as it said it has opened a dedicated link to allow for further recruitment of members of the National Youth Service Corps NYSC Scheme as ad hoc staff in Ondo state.

The Commission in a statement by its National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Barr. Festus Okoye said it met on Thursday and further reviewed preparations for the Edo and Ondo States Governorship elections as well as all outstanding bye-elections.

READ ALSO: Edo, Ondo guber: PDP storms INEC headquarters, demands assurance of credible polls

For Edo, the Commission said it has made adequate preparations for the Edo State Governorship election scheduled for Saturday 19th September 2020.

“All sensitive materials for the said election have left the custody of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Benin City for the various Local Government Areas in the State. Agents of the political parties involved in the election as well as those of the accredited Observer Groups observed the distribution of the sensitive materials. The Commission implores all the relevant stakeholders to continue to observe the distribution of the sensitive materials as they are moved further down the chain to the Registration Area Centres (RACs)”, INEC said

On the October 10 Governorship election in Ondo state, INEC recalled how as a result of the disruption of normal processes in the electoral process occasioned by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, it could not get the full complement of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members required as ad hoc staff for the exercise and so had to broaden its net to recruit the required ad hoc staff from tertiary institutions.

“However, the NYSC authorities recently informed the Commission that they are now in a position to mobilize more corps members for the Ondo State Governorship Election. Meanwhile, the portal for the recruitment of ad hoc staff for the said election had closed since 21st August 2020.

“After due consideration and to restore the corps members to their role in the electoral process, the Commission has decided to allow the recruitment of these additional NYSC members only. A special link to the registration form has therefore been provided to NYSC authorities to be used for this purpose. The Commission notes with appreciation the commitment of the NYSC leadership in sustaining the patriotic and crucial roles being played by corps members in the conduct of elections”, the electoral umpire stated.

READ ALSO: Edo 2020: Tight security as INEC commences distribution of sensitive materials

On the outstanding bye-elections holding in 14 Constituencies spread across 11 states and slated for October 31, INEC said; “Of all these bye-elections, six are to fill vacancies in Senatorial Seats and right are to fill vacancies in State Constituencies. All the 18 existing political parties gave notices of participation. However, one political party, the Boot Party, conducted primaries but did not collect the Access Code for submission of the list of nominated candidates.

“Another political party, Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), conducted primaries, collected the Access Code for the nomination of candidates but made no submission.

“Two political parties, the All Progressives Congress APC and the Peoples Democratic Party PDP submitted nominations for all the constituencies being contested.

“The remaining 14 political parties nominated candidates in some Senatorial Districts and some State Constituencies”.

Vanguard

Dr. Wale Babalakin

Dr. Wale Babalakin(SAN) has stated the reasons he resigned, on Thursday, as the Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Lagos, UNILAG.

His resignation came few hours after the Special Visitation Panel set up by the Federal Government to look into the affairs of the university submitted its report to the Education Minister, Malam Adamu Adamu, in Abuja.

In the letter of resignation dated September 15, and addressed to the Minister of Education, Babalakin read (excerpts):

Recent events have made my position in these two offices untenable. I led the Governing Council of the University to remove the Vice-Chancellor of the University from office for amongst other reasons:

3. *Corruption and financial recklessness;
4. *Forgery;
5. *Complicity in the collapse of the University library and planned cover up;
6. *Deliberate policy of wrongfully concealing information;
7. *Depriving the Faculties in the University of funds;
8. *Concealing and distorting finances of the Internally Generating Units of the University;
9. *Undermining the academic process and seeking to appoint a Professor by fiat;
10. *Siphoning of the University’s funds through dubious contract awards;
11. *Undermining the office of the Registrar;
12. *Failure to follow due process in organizing the University’s convocation ceremony; and
13. *Sponsoring or acquiescing in the unconstitutional actions of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Lagos chapter.
15. ALSO READ: UPDATED: Babalakin resigns as UNILAG’s council chairman
17. Sir, it is noteworthy that all the Federal Government Representatives who are the independent members on the Governing Council voted for the removal of the Vice-Chancellor.
19. After calm had been restored in the University, the Visitor acting within his powers, set up a Presidential Visitation Panel to review the actions taken by Governing Council. The Vice-Chancellor (who had been removed from office) and myself were told to recuse ourselves for the duration of the Visitation Panel. I find it difficult to understand how a non-executive Chairman of a Governing Council could be requested to recuse himself during the visitation.
21. The Vice-Chancellor could only recuse himself if he were still in office. Implicit in this position is that the Vice-Chancellor was acknowledged as still being in office despite his removal.
23. The terms of reference of the Visitation Panel clearly indicated to any discerning person that the Visitation Panel was empanelled to exonerate the Vice-Chancellor and implicate the Pro-Chancellor. For easy reference, the terms of reference of the Visitation Panel are:
25. To review the report of the Council sub-committee on review of expenditure of the University of Lagos since May 2017 and make appropriate recommendations after affording all those indicted an opportunity to defend themselves;
27. To examine the steps taken by the Council leading to the removal of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, and ascertain whether due process was followed as stipulated in the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act, 2003, and the principle of fair hearing adhered to;
29. To determine whether the process (if any) leading to the appointment of the acting Vice Chancellor for the University was consistent with the provisions of the enabling Act;
31. To make appropriate recommendations including sanctions for all those found culpable by the special visitation team on the allegations contained in the report as well as other subsequent actions arising therefrom; and
33. To make any other recommendations that will assist the government to take decisions that will ensure peaceful, stable and effective administration of the University.
35. As stated earlier, the Vice-Chancellor was removed for various reasons and not just as a result of the findings contained in the Dagari Report. Items (b) and (c) were directed at the Pro-Chancellor and Governing Council.
37. Unfortunately, those items deal with the interpretation of the laws of the land. The appropriate forum to determine the laws of the land is a court of law or a judicial tribunal. It cannot be determined by academics of a different discipline no matter how distinguished. These terms of reference are ultra-vires the Visitation Panel as constituted.
39. The membership of the Visitation Panel is simply inappropriate in the circumstance. How can a committee of Vice-Chancellors determine the culpability or otherwise of the actions of a Pro-Chancellor and a Governing Council? On the face of it, it is simply wrong!
41. Furthermore, the Vice-Chancellors on the Panel were drawn from relatively smaller universities who are not likely to have a comprehensive understanding of the procedure contained in the University of Lagos Act (as amended). Even Vice-Chancellors of state universities were included. As Chairman of the Federal Government Negotiation Team, I know the challenges faced with the administration of state universities.
43. I only appeared before the Panel out of my very great respect for you, Sir. My training as a lawyer revealed to me very clearly, that the Panel was inappropriate for the assignment. During my appearance, I made it very clear that I was appearing in protest and the Panel, as constituted, could not determine the issues before it
45. The active participation of the staff of the Ministry of Education in the Panel and their contributions throughout the sittings especially the hounding of witnesses who came to testify against the Vice-Chancellor was enough to show very clearly that the technocrats in the Ministry had a defined agenda.
47. Their obvious agenda was to humiliate the Governing Council. Sir, fortunately there is a verbatim recording of the proceedings of the Visitation Panel, and you may wish to direct objective persons to listen to the recording.
49. I am particularly relieved by the comment of the Chancellor of the University, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr) Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al Amin El-Kanemi CFR on the situation in the University. In a letter dated 15th September 2020 and addressed to your good self (which I was copied), His Royal Highness stated thus:
51. “I have discovered that there are too many vested interests in this matter, who are not approaching the issues objectively. For this reason, I strongly advise that the Visitation Panel should not submit any formal report to the Minister that may hinder my ability to deal with the issues comprehensively.
53. I have served the university system in Nigeria with my heart and intellect. Amongst other offices, I was:
55. *Pro-Chancellor, University of Maiduguri (2009 – 2013);

1. *Chairman, Council of Pro-Chancellors of all Federal Universities (2009 – 2013);
2. *Chairman, Federal Government Implementation Team of the 2009 Agreement (2009 – 2013);
3. *Chairman, Federal Government Negotiation Team of the 2009 Agreement (2017 till date);
4. *Pro-Chancellor, University of Lagos (2017 till date).
6. These were made possible by a system that provided resources and also ensured proper monitoring of the resources. The educational system in Nigeria requires more funding but most importantly, it requires prudent management of the limited resources.
8. It was my determination to ensure that the limited resources of the University of Lagos were properly utilized that motivated me to lead the Governing Council to take the decisions which the Governing Council took.
10. In all these positions that I have held, I did not receive any remuneration. Specifically:
12. *I did not receive any sitting allowance.

1. *I did not receive any tickets or travel allowance.
2. *I did not receive or use any official car.
3. *In the University of Maiduguri and University of Lagos, I did not allow the institutions to provide me with food or drinks. I paid for every right or privilege that was conferred on me.
4. *Even when I travelled to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, I paid for my ticket and my expenses.
5. *I did not obtain any contract from the education sector in my relative long sojourn in the sector.
7. My motivation for my actions is that I had the best education that an intellect could provide in Nigeria and abroad. It is my fervent desire that every Nigerian should have the sort of opportunities I had.
9. I remain very grateful to all the members of the Federal Government team on the Governing Council of the University of Lagos, namely: Alhaji Ali Hussein; Rev. Yomi Kasai; Dr. Bayo Adaralegbe; and Dr. Saminu Dagari.
11. It would be very difficult to find a group of more selfless persons than these individuals. It is acutely hurtful that I am leaving before achieving our goal of sanitizing the University of Lagos, and turning it to a reference point in Africa and the world, rather than the unenviable poor position it now occupies.
13. Unfortunately, I must stand by principle. In a situation where my employers believe that the actions I took may not be right, the appropriate thing to do is bow out in honour.

VANGUARD

By Omolola Afolabi

Six shops at Ogudu Police Barracks in Ogudu axis of Lagos have been razed in a pre dawn fire incident,the Lagos State Emergency Management LASEMA has announced.

It said six from the 17 shops were razed in the incident while 11 were salvaged and the fire totally extinguished by combined efforts of the Agency’s Response Team and the Lagos Fire Service.

“The cause of fire is however yet to be ascertained and no life was lost.

“Activities conducted in the razed shops by the fire outbreak at dawn involved two fashion design services, a pawn shop, event planning wares shop, a sport betting outlet and a Barber’s shop.

“The fire outbreak has been totally put out by combined efforts of the Agency’s response team and the Lagos State Fire Service,” spokesman of the agency, Okunbor pointed out.