TheNewsGuru

Tag: Minister

  • Ex-minister jailed for stealing, hiding $9m in Convent

    Ex-minister jailed for stealing, hiding $9m in Convent

    Former Argentine minister Jose Lopez will spend the next six years in jail after he was caught by police trying to hide bags stuffed with $9 million in cash at a Buenos Aires convent, a Buenos Aires court ruled Wednesday.

    The case became emblematic of the country’s corruption and first emerged when Lopez, 58, was caught red-handed tossing 160 suitcases and duffel bags over a wall into the garden of the convent.

    An 80-year-old Catholic nun, Sister Celia Ines Aparicio, who was charged with complicity in the case, was acquitted.

    Lopez was part of a group of officials who were close to late president Nestor Kirchner and his successor and wife Cristina Kirchner.

    Lopez and his former boss, ex-planning minister Julio de Vido — who has also been jailed for corruption — managed the federal government’s public works projects under the Kirchners (2003-2015).

    His wife, Maria Diaz, was given a two-year suspended sentence for complicity in the case.

    A former deputy minister for public works, Lopez is also suspected of embezzlement in two other corruption cases.

    He has been held in preventive detention at Ezeiza prison outside Buenos Aires.

    Kirchner, now a senator who is running for vice-president in October’s elections, is currently on trial for corruption dating from her two terms as Argentina’s president from 2007-2015.

  • Lai Mohammed’s constituents kick against his ministerial re-appointment

    The Youth Wing of the Kwara South Forum has kicked against ministerial re-appointment of the immediate past minister for Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

    The group in a statement in Ilorin on Thursday challenged Mohammed to name his achievements for the area since his four years in the office.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the statement was signed by representatives of the six local government councils that made up the senatorial district.

    They are Kayode Adesina from Oyun local government area; Deji Aina, Ekiti; AbdulRahman Oyinloye, Ifelodun; Rasheed Shogo, Offa; Sunday Adekeye, Isin and AbdulRahim Lawal, Oke-Ero.

    The group noted that the call became necessary due to lack of responsibility to the people of the State he represented in the Federal Executive Council in the first tenure of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

    NAN recalls that the statement was released less than a month after a similar one by the Kwara South Elders Forum.

    They, however, insisted that the former minister should come out boldly and mention his achievements in the state.

    They explained that they were in support of the position of Kwara South Elders Forum, saying that the forum consisted of eminent persons from the district.

    According to the group “for clarity sake, Kwara South elders forum precedes APC as it had been in existence over the years.

    “It is on record that all the governorship candidates including His Excellency, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Senatorial and House Of Representative candidates from Kwara South all consulted the forum for endorsement and support in the last election.

    “That shows the recognition we all have for the forum,”the group said.

    They claimed that whoever that was working for the re-appointment of the ex-minister is promoting anti-people interest.

    “They should let us unite and promote someone who will care about the welfare, interest and aspiration of Kwarans as a minister and not a greedy, self-centered person who is not interested in the development and progress of our dear state,” the group stated.

  • Kajuru Resort attack is set back on tourism promotion – Minister

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has described the Friday attack on the Kajuru Castle Resort, a popular resort in Kaduna State, as “a setback to efforts to promote tourism in the country.”

    In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, the minister, on behalf of the Federal Government, condoled with the families of the two persons, a Nigerian and a Briton killed in the attack.

    He assured that the government would do everything possible to apprehend the killers and bring them to justice.

    Mohammed said the security agencies were doing everything possible to ensure that the three persons kidnapped in the attack were released unharmed.

    “The dastardly attack that led to the death of Ms Faye Mooney, a British aid worker, and Mr Matthew Oguche, a Nigerian, while visiting the popular resort is a setback to efforts to promote tourism in the country.

    ”We commiserate with the families and friends of Ms Mooney and Mr Oguche.

    “We assure that the security agencies will leave no stone unturned in their efforts to apprehend the killers and bring them to justice,” he said.

    The minister said the Federal Government had stepped up efforts to stem the wave of violence and banditry in some parts of the country.

    He said this was through better intelligence gathering and increased collaboration by the security agencies.

    Mohammed said the efforts had started paying off, adding that the level of violent attacks, banditry and kidnappings was being reduced nationwide.

    ”The government will not relent until all parts of the country are made safe for all, whether they are tourists, business people or ordinary Nigerians who just want to live under atmosphere of peace and security,” he said.

  • Minister allays fears over 2019 budget oil price benchmark

    The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Sen. Udoma Udo Udoma, on Wednesday in Abuja allayed fears over the oil price benchmark for the 2019 budget.

    There have been concerns by stakeholders that the 60-dollars-per-barrel projection was too ambitious considering the volatility of the international crude market.

    But Udoma told a National Assembly joint committee hearing on the 2019 Appropriation Bill that there was no cause of alarm.

    “I know that when the budget was submitted, and we had an assumption of oil price of 60 dollars, there were concerns raised as to whether that projection was not too ambitious.

    “Indeed, at that time oil prices were trending down to even below 60 dollars.

    “However, our own analysis from extensive consultations working with the NNPC shows that it was just a short-term thing, and that it was going to pick up to an average of 69 to 70 US dollars in the course of 2019.

    “So far, it looks as if we are correct. Because oil prices now hover between 65 and 66 dollars, so it looks like the 60 dollars is a fair projection”, he said.

    The minister, however, said the government was monitoring the oil prices as directed by President Muhammadu Buhari, and would work with the National Assembly for adjustment if the need arose.

    Udoma also addressed doubts in some quarters over the oil production benchmark of 2.3 million barrels per day seen as unrealistic.

    He said the NNPC was already working in line with a presidential directive to take all necessary measures to achieve target.

    “We actually have the capacity for about 2.5 million barrels, and our projected production includes condensates which are not subject to limitations of OPEC.

    “So, it is important we maximise our oil production now that it has good value, and we are on course,” Udoma said.

    The minister explained that the increase in recurrent expenditure from N3.52 trillion in 2018 to the N4.72 trillion proposed for 2019 was due to increases in pension and provision for the New National Minimum Wage.

    The Minister of Finance, Mrs Zainab Ahmed, said her ministry had been preoccupied with putting strategies in place to drive revenue generation in the 2019 fiscal year.

    In this regard, Ahmed explained that the ministry had evolved a new revenue growth agenda tagged Strategic Revenue Growth Initiative with three thematic areas.

    She listed the areas as achieving sustainability in revenue generation, identifying enhancing enforcement of existing revenue sources, and achieving cohesion in the revenue ecosystem.

  • APC suspends Buhari’s minister, VON DG Osita Okechukwu

    The National Working Committee (NWC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has suspended the Minister of Nigeria Delta Affairs, Pastor Usani Uguru Usani from the party.

    The NWC also suspended the Director General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Osita Okechukwu.

    Recall that TNG had earlier reported the suspension of two sitting governors, Rochas Okorocha of Imo and Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun.

    All the four people suspended are diehard supporters of President Muhammadu Buhari but have worked at cross purposes with their party in state elections.

    The NWC announced the suspension on Friday after its meeting in Abuja.

    “The NWC has also taken a decision to recommend the expulsion of the suspended individuals to the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party,” the party’s spokesperson, Lanre Isa-Onilu said in a statement.

    BELOW IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE STATEMENT

    Anti-Party: APC NWC Suspends Amosun, Okorocha, Usani, Okechukwu

    The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has suspended the Governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun and the Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha for anti-party activities.

    Also suspended by the APC NWC over anti-party activities are the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Pastor Usani Uguru Usani and the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mr. Osita Okechukwu.

    This decision was reached on Friday at a meeting of the Party’s NWC, presided by the National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole at the APC National Secretariat.

    The NWC has also taken a decision to recommend the expulsion of the suspended individuals to the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party.

    The NWC would also issue a query to the Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu over his glaring anti-party activities, which greatly affected the fortunes of our candidates in the recently-conducted Presidential and National Assembly elections in the state.

    Recall that the NWC had earlier written to the suspended governors on their anti-party activities, and several other steps were taken to ensure they desist from taking actions that are inimical to the interests of our party and candidates. Notably, these individuals have not shown any remorse and have actually stepped up their actions.

    The party reviewed the serial anti-party activities of the concerned individuals before and during the last Presidential and National Assembly elections in their respective states and resolved to enforce party discipline in line with our constitution.

    The NWC noted how the suspended members have continued to campaign openly for other parties and candidates that are unknown to our great party, even while they have constituted themselves as opposition to APC candidates in their respective states.

    Importantly, the NWC is closely monitoring the activities of our members across the country, and particularly, in the states these suspended members belong to. We wish to reiterate that any member of our party who takes any action solely or in line with the directives of the suspended members to undermine our party’s candidates in the coming governorship and House of Assembly elections would face disciplinary actions.

    We wish to congratulate our members nationwide for the victories we recorded across the country in the last elections and particularly, the renewal of our party’s mandate for President Muhammadu to continue to pilot the affairs of this country for another four years. This could not have happened if not for the hardwork and commitment of our members. We therefore urge all our members to unite and work ever harder to ensure victory for our candidates across the states in the coming governorship and House of Assembly elections.

    Consequently, the NWC calls on our members to disregard directives and actions of the suspended individuals as APC would continue to live by the dictate of our constitution.

    SIGNED:

    Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu

    National Publicity Secretary

    All Progressives Congress (APC

  • Oyo 2019: APC reacts to Buhari’s minister’s ’empty’ threats

    Oyo 2019: APC reacts to Buhari’s minister’s ’empty’ threats

    The Oyo state chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC), has said that instead of joining words, it has decided to ignore the utterances attributed to the Minister of Communication, Adebayo Shittu, over his decision not to support the party’s governorship candidate at the 2019 general elections.

    While addressing the press recently, Shittu said he was short-changed by the state governor, Abiola Ajimobi, and denied the party’s governorship ticket despite paying a huge amount to purchase the expression of interest form.

    Consequently, he said he would not campaign for the party’s flag bearer or work for his success in the election.

    Reacting to Shittu’s threat, the state chapter of the APC, in a release issued by the Director of Media, Research and Strategies and Publicity Secretary, AbdulAzeez Olatunde, on Friday, described it as lacking substance and ‘an empty threat.’

    The release entitled, “Rejoinder to Barr. Adebayo Shittu’s gaffe,” challenged the minister to list his results in both 2007 and 2011 in his polling unit, ward and local government against his opponents for the public to know whether he is an asset or liability to the party.

    The statement reads in part, “All Progressive Congress, Oyo State Chapter has been watching the mouth Crossfire being emitted by our honourable Minister of Communication, Barr Adebayo Shittu, in recent times with dismay because of the following reasons:

    “The Party believed that, Barr Shittu’s contribution to the electoral victory of APC and the emergence of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 is not traceable beyond 30 minutes cameo appearance in the the public rally in ancient Mapo Hall, yet he is the greatest beneficiary by becoming a Minister.

    “The party challenges Barr Adebayo Shittu to list his poll results in both 2007 and 2011 in his Polling unit, Ward and Local Government against his opponents for the public to know whether you are an asset or liability to the Party.

    “It is common knowledge that his two elections were colossal failures so this threat not to support Adelabu, lacks condiments of substance and its in fact an empty threat.

    “A translated Yoruba adage has it that: a tree which one rests upon but could not support one, if such a tree decides otherwise, it’s impact would obviously be minimally felt.

    “However, Barr Adebayo Shittu is expected to know that, Oyo state chapter of APC did not screen him as such we are aghast at his transferred aggression.

    “Honestly, as a self acclaimed Islamic cleric, we thought he would live an exemplary life and be a role model, going by Quran 3:26, where it was explicitly stated that “Allah giveth Power to whom thou pleaseth.”

  • Buhari appoints new Environment minister

    President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Alhaji Suleiman Hassan as the Minister of Environment, following the resignation of the Minister of State, Ibrahim Jibrin.

    Before his appointment, Hassan was the Minister of Water Resources.

    Hassan’s appointment was conveyed in a statement by Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity in Abuja, on Thursday.

    Jibrin had on Wednesday announced his resignation from the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to enable him to assume his new position as Emir of Nasarawa.

    Jibrin, who appeared in traditional attire during the FEC meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, thanked the president for according him the opportunity to serve in the cabinet.

    The minister said the appointment had afforded him the opportunity to serve the country in the last three years.

    “The last three years had been full of opportunities and I must thank the Almighty God for giving us the strength and the courage to serve under your wonderful leadership.

    “There is no doubt that I have personally learnt a lot from your sense of fairness to all and your commitment to the entire nation and the desire to fight corruption to a standstill.

    “We learnt a lot from these outstanding qualities,’’ the minister said.

    He also thanked members of the cabinet for their support and cooperation throughout the period he served.

    Jibrin was on Dec. 7 appointed Emir of Nasarawa in Nasarawa Local Government Area of Nasarawa State by the state governor, Alhaji Tanko Al-Makura.

  • Buhari’s minister resigns after FEC meeting

    Buhari’s minister resigns after FEC meeting

    The Minister of State for Environment, Ibrahim Usman Jibrin has resigned from the cabinet of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

    He resigned at the end of the Federal Executive Council meeting on Wednesday.

    Jibrin was selected as the new Emir of Nasarawa, in Nasarawa Local Government Area, Nasarawa State.

    The President, in a statement at the weekend had saluted the people of Nasarawa Emirate and the State Government on the hitch-free exercise which led to the emergence of Alhaji Jibrin as the 13th Emir.

    Describing the new First Class traditional ruler as a “wise choice and worthy successor,” President Buhari averred that Alhaji Jibrin’s impeccable credentials as a distinguished public servant and land expert will be deployed to impact positively on development of his emirate.

    Buhari, in the statement had said “His people will benefit immensely from his wealth of experience in the Ministry of Environment,”

    The former Minister of Environment, Amina Mohammed had resigned in 2017 to take up United Nations job.

  • Why states not hosting National Sports Festival – Minister

    Why states not hosting National Sports Festival – Minister

    The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung has identified misplacement of priorities as the reason states are unable to host the National Sports Festival, NSF.

    Dalung stated this while answering reporters, questions on the sidelines of the Opening Ceremony of the 19th National Sports Festival (NSF) at the Abuja National Stadium on Thursday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the last time the event was held was in 2012, when it was hosted by Lagos State.

    Since then, state governors have been reluctant to table a bid for the sports fiesta that was instituted by the General Yakubu Gowon administration in 1973.

    The 19th edition of the festival was last bidded for by Cross River State, but the state later pulled out citing lack of funds.

    “The foot-dragging of states in hosting the event is informed by their funding challenges. However, the funding challenges are as a result of states not getting their priorities right.

    “There is nothing as worthy of investment as the National Sports Festival.

    “Whatever we are investing in, whether infrastructure or the economy, sports is the institution that supports the unity required for those investments to flourish,” Dalung said.

    The minister also stated that the festival’s importance as a legacy project informed his ministry’s decision to fund and host it in Abuja.

    “It was our intension to ensure that we revive one of our national legacies, which the NSF is. It is symbolic of our unity, along with the NYSC and the FCT.

    “Abandoning it for that long was a disservice and we hope once it regains consistency, the private sector will come in to support us,” Dalung stated.

    NAN reports that 7227 athletes, 710 coaches and 322 other officials are participating in the 2018 NSF.

    Athletes will complete for honours in 37 sports from Dec. 6 to Dec. 16 when the 10-day tournament will end.

    NAN

  • One in three Nigerians illiterate – Education Minister

    The Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, on Wednesday in Kano said Nigeria has about 60 million illiterate youth and adults.

    With an estimated population of 180 million Nigerians, this roughly translates to about one in three Nigerians.

    Mr Adamu, who was represented by Prinzo James, Deputy Director, Basic and Secondary Education, Ministry of Education, said this at the 2018 International Literacy Day celebration.

    He said out of this figure, females accounted for nearly 60 per cent of the population, with 11 million children out of school.

    According to him, the increasing low level of literacy skills achieved by the millions of learners who completed some formal school education made the situation more complicated.

    Mr Adamu said the present state of affairs called for urgent attention as the country strives to ensure the attainment of SDGs by 2030.

    “With these unwholesome statistics in our hands, it becomes evident that concerted efforts are required in order to accelerate the processes for combating illiteracy among children, youths and adults,” he said. “Therefore, every effort aimed at bringing together multiple stakeholders should be committed to advancing literacy and lifelong learning, and will receive the support of the ministry of education.”

    He said the ministerial strategic plan for education sector has considered the importance of youth and adult literacy and given the sector a prime position in the document.

    “I would like to assure you that preparations are underway by the federal government to launch a national mass literacy campaign with a view to addressing the high rate of youth and adult illiteracy in the country,” he said.

    The minister said that the theme of the 2018 Literacy Day “Literacy and Skills Development ” was apt, as the global trend was on skill development for youths and adults.

    He said literacy must be taken beyond the cognitive domain to the critical level ”that imbues the citizen with thinking skills and functional literacy”.

    ‎‎The UNESCO representative, Stephen Onyekwelu, said UNESCO was impressed with the passion the Kano State Government has shown in the area of literacy and non-formal education.

    Mr Onyekwelu said the new international skills acquisition centre which has 22 different skills, was a practical example of literacy and skills acquisition.

    He urged various states to take a cue from what the Kano State government did in the area of skills development.

    Mr Onyekwelu said the challenge of literacy was not only in Nigeria but a global problem.
    ‎

    He called for stakeholders support in the fight against illiteracy.

    ‎Garba Abari, Director-General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), said literacy could do much more in Nigeria than any other message anyone could preach.

    Represented by Metto Edekobi, Director, State Operations, he said that “to counter insurgency, literacy must strive and ignorance must die.”

    Mr Abari said NOA was available to support programmes aimed at increasing literacy.

    He advocated the introduction of civic education in literacy centres, and called for support for the government.

    ‎The International Literacy Day is celebrated on September 8 every year as declared by UNESCO.

    This year marks the 52nd anniversary of Literacy Day.