TheNewsGuru

Tag: newsletter

  • PSG hammer Dijon to reach French Cup semi-finals

    PSG hammer Dijon to reach French Cup semi-finals

    Paris St Germain’s Pablo Sarabia scored twice as they swept past Dijon and into the semi-finals of the French Cup with a 6-1 win on Wednesday.

    Lying in 17th position in Ligue 1, hosts Dijon were facing an uphill struggle when Wesley Lautoa turned the ball into his own net in the first minute.

    But Mounir Chouiar got his side back on level terms 12 minutes later.

    League leaders PSG illustrated the gulf in class towards the end of the first half as Kylian Mbappe restored their advantage.

    Defender Thiago Silva struck a third five minutes into the second half.

    Spaniard Sarabia increased PSG’s lead in the 56th minute as the home side’s challenge fell apart.

    Dijon defender Senou Coulibaly scored another own goal in the 86th minute before a stoppage-time Sarabia effort completed the rout.

    Olympique Lyonnais hosted Olympique Marseille in their quarter-final later on Wednesday.

  • Nigeria Ex-football player, Pele is dead

    Nigeria Ex-football player, Pele is dead

    Former Nigeria Professional Football League champions, Plateau United Football Club of Jos has been thrown into mourning mood following the dead of its Head Coach, Audu Isah Pele.

    Pele, who died Wednesday afternoon at his residence along Ali Kazaure, was hospitalized at the Bingham University Teaching Hospital Jos, before he was discharged Monday this week.

    His death was confirmed by the Media of the Club, Albert Dakup, in Jos the Plateau State Capital.

    Dakup said, “Pele joined the services of Plateau United FC as a coach of the feeder team in 2014.

    “However, following a string of poor results shortly after the Club’s return to the Nigeria Professional Football League in 2016, the management of the team headed by Pius Henwan elevated coach him alongside other coaches from the feeder team to the first team.

    “He contributed immensely to the team’s escape from relegation that season as he served as acting head coach in the absence of Zakary Baraje.”

    He added that the deceased coach also played a prominent role in the road to winning the team’s first NPFL title in 2017 when he assisted coach Kennedy Boboye achieved that feat .

    “Last season, he was the team’s stabilizing force when he stood in for Head Coach Abdu Maikaba, while he was away on national duty with the Flying Eagles.”

    Late Pele played for the defunct Nigerian standard and JIB Rocks Strikers, he also coached Mighty Jets of Jos, defunct JUTH FC, among other clubs.

    He has since been buried according to Islamic rites to where family, friends, colleagues as well as players, coaches and management staff of Plateau United headed by the General Manager, Pius Henwan paid their last respect to him.

    The deceased is survived by a wife, five children and many relations.

  • One billion barrel of crude oil discovered in North-East – Sylva

    Timipre Sylva, minister of state for petroleum resources, says about one billion barrels of crude oil have been discovered in the north-east.

    Sylva said this on Wednesday at a press conference to mark the end of the 2020 Nigeria International Petroleum Summit in Abuja.

    The minister said large quantities of oil deposits are yet to be found in the country, adding there is need for more exploration to be undertaken.

    “The figure we are getting, the jury is not totally out yet but from the evaluation results, we are getting the reserve that has been discovered in the north-east is about a billion barrels,” he said.

    “Those are the kind of figures we are seeing and we are beginning to understand the geological structure of the region.”

    The minister said he is confident that the petroleum industry bill (PIB) would be passed before the end of June, going by “cordial” relationship between the legislature and the executive.

    In October, Samson Makoji, acting group general manager, group public affairs division of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, announced the discovery of oil in the north-eastern part of the country.

    He had said the discovery of oil and gas in commercial quantity in the Gongola Basin will “attract foreign investment, generate employment for people to earn income and increase government revenues”.

  • South East Leaders tells Buhari: ‘Declare herdsmen terrorists’

    South East Leaders tells Buhari: ‘Declare herdsmen terrorists’

    – To unveil own regional security outfit ‘Operation Ogbunigwe’

    South-East leaders, comprising members of apex Igbo body, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, traditional and religious leaders, yesterday, called on the Federal Government to declare killer herdsmen terrorists and tinker with the constitution to allow Ndigbo to establish a regional security outfit to be known as “Operation Ogbunigwe.”

    The Igbo leaders made the call during a security summit, with the theme: “Strategic partnership for defective community policing in the South-East,” organised by the Nigeria Police in partnership with governors of the five states of the zone.

    The event was attended by police hierarchy led by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu; Governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), David Umahi (Ebonyi), Willie Obiano (Anambra), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) and the deputy governor of Imo State, Prof. Placid Njoku, who represented Governor Hope Uzodinma.

    Also in attendance were a cross section of Igbo leaders, including Ohanaeze President General, Chief Nnia Nwodo; religious leaders and prominent traditional rulers.

    Nwodo, who decried rising insecurity across the country, called on the Federal Government to allow the South-East to establish a security outfit to be named “Operation Ogbunigwe” to tackle the menace.

    “Section 14 of the Constitution gives the governors as chief security officers, the power to provide security for their people. If the governors are not fully integrated in the processes of community policing, including recruitment of the special constables among other things, then it is dead on arrival. What our people want is to own our domestic security. There must be a way our law will allow us to have our own Ogbunigwe,” he said.

    Also decrying a situation where no police commissioner of Igbo speaking state was posted to any state of the region and posting of one State Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) of Igbo extraction to one state in the zone, the Ohanaeze President General wondered how people with a different language, religion and culture can effectively police other people with opposing features.

    He consequently called for dismantling of excessive and oppressive security check points within the region, saying that he personally counted 17 of such roadblocks along the Enugu-Onitsha expressway and they all serve as toll gates for financial extortion.

    The Archbishop of Enugu Anglican Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. Emmanuel Chukwuma, who spoke on behalf of other religious leaders, called on the Federal Government to declare killer herdsmen as terrorists.

    “The Federal Government should declare Fulani herdsmen as terrorists. Our men and women don’t go to their farms any longer. Government should reduce the number of roadblocks in the South-East and reduce the number of policemen attached to politicians. Some politicians have 20 policemen, while we don’t have enough,” he said.

    However, governors of the South-East in their submission resolved to adopt the Community Policing Programme of the Nigerian Police Force to solve security challenges in the zone.

    Chairman of the South-East Governors Forum and governor of Ebonyi State, Umahi, who stated the position of the governors at the summit, said they were satisfied with the Inspector-General of Police strategies for the implementation of the community policing programme in the zone.

    Umahi, who noted that the governors had earlier had a closed door meeting with the police boss at Enugu Government House before coming to the Base Event Center, Enugu, venue of the summit, stated: “We reached satisfactory and acceptable decisions and agreement. We can assure you that all the concerns of security challenges we have here in the South-East as presented here by the President of Ohanaeze, our religious leaders and of course our traditional fathers was not different from what was handed to us and we went through that with the IGP without letting you know the details. We assure you that all the challenges are being addressed.”

    The governors noted that explanation and details provided to them by the IGP gave them the confidence to assure the people of the zone that community policing is not different from the neighbourhood watch, vigilante operation and forests guards as well as the herdsmen and farmers peace committees.

    Umahi further said that the governors resolved as follows: “We decided as your governors to embrace the initiative of community policing, which is an official endorsement in line with the Police Act as part of what we are doing to safeguard the lives and property of our people. We commend the IGP so much, he is a man that is committed to professionalism. Even the roadblocks, we have discussed it and you will begin to see a lot of changes from today.

    “Taking into cognisance the existing security initiative instituted by governors of the states in the South-East geo-political zone at the various local level such as vigilante group, the neighbourhood watch, forest guards among others which are in conformity with the community policing strategy, the state governors have accepted and adopted community policing as an effective tool in bringing policing to the grassroots.

    “Community policing committees made up of traditional rulers, community leaders, town union leaders, religious leaders etc., within the locality will be charged with the responsibility of selecting and recruiting community policing officers that will work within the communities.

    “The governors of states within the South-East geo-political zone are to reinforce and provide improved capacity for the police and other security agencies in their respective states in support of the community policing programme. This is as the states within the South-East zone will individually and periodically undertake operation against crimes and criminality in synergy with the police and other security agencies.

    The Chairman of Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Amb. Lawrence Agubuzu, who spoke on behalf of traditional rulers in the zone, said the royal fathers stand with the position of the governors.

    The IGP had earlier stated that the community policing model being envisioned for Nigeria under the current dispensation is one that will draw on the legal opportunities provided by the Police Act for the engagement of special constables, who in this instance, will be engaged as community policing officers under the coordination of the Nigeria Police towards evolving a community-focused policing architecture.

    His words: “Provisions for the establishment and utilization of Special Constables is provided for under Section 49 of the Police Act and they are appointed in accordance with the provisions of Section 50(1) of the Police Act.

    “In view of these provisions which approve them to serve particular purposes and which also confer upon them, the powers, privileges and immunities of police officer within their localities, special constables will be trained and used as Voluntary Community Police Officers to drive the Community Policing initiative at the grassroots level.

    “This event is convened within the framework of our community policing initiative and as part of the strategies of the Nigeria Police to employ an all-inclusive strategy toward aiding us in the achievement of our internal security mandate, particularly in the South-East states.

    The IGP said the summit was the sixth in the series and that all ended with very successful outcomes and the strategies jointly developed as well as partnerships built have so far been effective in addressing the security threats that are peculiar to each zone.

  • Breaking: Boko Haram insurgents attack Kaduna market; many feared dead

    Breaking: Boko Haram insurgents attack Kaduna market; many feared dead

    There is palpable tension in both Borno and Kaduna States as some armed men, suspected to be Boko Haram terrorists have struck again, sources confirmed after President Muhammadu Buhari visited Maiduguri, capital city of Borno.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the suspected Boko Haram terrorists in a golf car attacked junction market around Maro in Adara land, Kaduna state, killing a lot of people.

    According to several sources who spoke with TNG, the armed men came in military uniform. While casualty figures are yet to be ascertained, at the time of filing this report, at least 5 persons have been confirmed dead in the attack.

    “The corpses are still being counted,” a source revealed to TNG, saying the attack took place around 7:30pm on Wednesday.

    Similarly, shortly after President Buhari’s sympathy visit to Borno, at about 6:30 pm on Wednesday, hundreds of residents of Jiddari Polo general area of Maiduguri metropolis were seen in a video that has since gone viral fleeing their homes into the city.

    This is following sporadic shootings suspected to have been masterminded by Boko Haram in the Jiddari Polo General Area, an outskirt of the metropolis with densely population and not far away from the 21 Giwa armoured Barracks.

    “Our community is currently under Boko Haram attack, there are deafening sounds if gunshots and explosions, but I was lucky to have mobilized my family and fled into the heart if the city to reunite with one if my relatives,” one resident that goes by the name Mallam Yusuf Unman said.

    Although the sounds of the gunshots have subsided as at 7:12 pm, many residents who fled into the city are still stranded at press time.

    One of the fleeing residents, Adamu Garba told Vanguard at about 7:30pm that they sighted large number of armed policemen, members of the civilian JTF with military troops heading towards the area of the attack as he struggled to enter the town with his family in his private car.

    Meanwhile, Borno Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum has said there was need for change of strategies in the ongoing fight against Boko haram.

    The Governor who however acknowledged successes recorded by the same military in the state spoke in presence of President Muhammadu Buhari at the Shehu of Borno’s palace in Maiduguri.

    “Your Excellency sir, between the period of March 2019 to date we have started witnessing horrific and spontaneous attacks by the insurgents which has resulted into the loss of lives and properties of our people.

    “We are calling upon the Nigerian military to change strategies and we can borrow a leaf from the success our military was able to hugely record in the years 2016 and 2017 with a view to ending the insurgency. We need to keep taking the war to enclaves of the insurgents in the fringes of the Lake Chad, in Sambisa forest and some notable areas” Zulum said.

    Governor Zulum, however, commended the President for his commitment to ending the insurgency. He recalled the gains recorded in the years 2016 and 2017 and also thanked him for being consistent in showing empathy to the people of Borno.

    “Let me appreciate Mr President for associating with us at this our very trying moment. I am so surprised that we have forgotten the past” Zulum said.

    The Governor although he could not ignore the current unfortunate situation, the people of Borno state still remember the days before Buhari’s emergence, when 20 out of the 27 local government areas in the state were in the hands of Boko haram while all the five routes into Borno state were largely inaccessible with exception of Maiduguri-Kano road. In addition, he cited sporadic bombings and killings even within the capital, Maiduguri.

    “Close to about 20 Local Government areas were resettled under Buhari. In fact, in the year 2016/2017, we celebrated the demise of the Boko Haram insurgency that has unfortunately returned” Zulum said.

    Also, Buhari had said more proactive and decisive measures are to be taken by the Federal Government to put an end to the Boko Haram menace in the country once and for all.

    The President who gave the assurance in Maiduguri during the sympathy visit however maintained that intelligence sharing and synergy between law enforcement agencies and the civil populace are critical towards achieving the objectives.

    “I assure you that improvement in security will be pursued vigorously. The military will work harder and strategise with tactics to deal with the insurgents. This is however not possible without good intelligence and cooperation with local community leaders.

    “Boko Haram cannot come up to Maiduguri or environs without the local leadership knowing because traditionally, the local leadership is in charge of security in their own respective areas.

    “I want to call on the leadership at various levels to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and let us deny Boko Haram access to our loyal citizens,” the President said.

    “We will do our best and I hope history will be kind to us; to recall what was on the ground when we came and what will be on the ground when we leave,” he added.

    President Buhari, who was at the palace of the Shehu of Borno, His Royal Highness Abubakar Ibn Umar Gabai, accompanied by the state Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, sympathised with him and other victims of the attack, prayed for the repose of the soul of the victims.

    In his remarks, Governor Zulum thanked the President for identifying with the state in these trying times. He praised the efforts of the military so far, wondering why some people would be comparing the security situation now with what obtained before the Buhari administration came on board:

    “Roads were closed, there were sporadic bombings everywhere even within the metropolis. Close to 20 local government areas were under Boko Haram. We are surprised that there seems to be resurgence in 2019.”

    He tasked the military to borrow from their successes especially between 2015 and 2017, take the battle to the insurgents and push them to the fringes of Lake Chad.

    He also urged the security agencies to be patient with the civilian populace and give opportunities to the Internally Displaced Persons to access their communities in order to return to their occupations.

  • Maiduguri attacks: Declare state of emergency on insecurity in Nigeria, Reps tell FG

    Maiduguri attacks: Declare state of emergency on insecurity in Nigeria, Reps tell FG

    …How military abandoned 30 commuters to their fate at Auno

    …Reps direct army to stop keeping commuters on vigil at Auno village checkpoint

    Peeved by the unnecessary human Carnage caused by insecurity across Nigeria, members of the House of Representatives on Wednesday asked the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on insecurity in the country.

    This is just as more facts emerged on Wednesday on how 30 commuters including an infant were killed at Auno village army checkpoint along Damaturu Maiduguri road Borno as Reps probe deeper.

    The House in plenary based on a motion entitled: Recent attacks by Boko Haram insurgents in Auno village’ promoted by Hon Tahir Monguno, APC Borno.

    While debating the motion the minority leader, Ndudi Elumelu, had moved for an amendment on the motion requesting that the state of emergency should be declared by the FG to checkmate insecurity in Nigeria.

    When put to vote the House unanimously adopted it.

    Earlier, in his motion, Monguno had given a first hand account on how soldiers abandoned their Auno security check point which was attacked by insurgents killing 30 commuters including an infant.

    He said” the commuters were expected to wait till the following day at Auno check point but the army abandoned them.

    “Worried that there’s no super military camp at Auno to protect such computers Incase of an attack.

    He pleaded with the House to support his motion and ensure that a super military camp is erected at Auno and commuters allowed to pass through the check point once it’s 6pm.

    His prayers was put to vote and the ays carried the day.

    The various security committees were mandated to ensure compliance.

  • Tony Elumelu championing women empowerment and gender equality in Nigeria

    Tony Elumelu championing women empowerment and gender equality in Nigeria

    …appoints 4 women as top executives of Transcorp Plc

    Business mogul, Tony Elumelu has again broken all barriers as he ensures four women out of a board of five emerge top executives of Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc (Transcorp), leading listed industrial holding company.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Transcorp Group made public the significant new executive and non-executive board appointments in a statement published on its website on Wednesday.

    Elumelu, a father of five beautiful girls, is recognised and adjudged as one of Nigeria’s astute business men. On Tuesday, Transcorp Plc made 5 major appointments, with new CEOs for the group and Transcorp Hotels, and among others.

    But out of 5 appointees, 4 are women and most importantly, 2 women are CEOs of the Group and Hotel.

    A cursory look at the Group, women occupy most executive positions. 5 women are on board of United Bank for Africa (UBA). While women are CEOs of Avon Medical Practice and Afriland Properties Plc.

    This development underscores the importance Elumelu attaches to women and gender equality, and being a father of 5 girls, he prioritises and positions women for empowerment.

    Owen Omogiafo has been appointed as President/GCEO of Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc, with effect from March 25, 2020. She succeeds Valentine Ozigbo, who is retiring to pursue a career in public service, having served Transcorp for close to a decade.

    Owen is currently the MD/CEO of Transcorp Hotels Plc and has over two decades of corporate experience in organisational development, human capital management, banking, change management and hospitality.

    She holds a B.Sc. in Sociology & Anthropology from the University of Benin, an M.Sc. in Human Resource Management from the London School of Economics and Political Science and is an alumnus of the Lagos Business School and IESE Business School, Spain.

    She is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, UK and a Certified Change Manager with the Prosci Institute, USA.

    She has received multiple awards and been named as one of Africa’s top 100 Female CEOs.

    Dupe Olusola has been appointed as the MD/CEO of Transcorp Hotels Plc, effective from March 25, 2020. She is currently the Group Head, Marketing at United Bank for Africa Plc.

    She has over 21 years of corporate experience spanning, including MD/CEO of Teragro Juice Concentrate Plant. She holds a BA in Economics from the University of Leicester and a Masters in Development Economics from the University of Kent.

    She is a certified Project Manager, with qualifications in PMP and Prince 2. She has received numerous awards and was named by the Ventures Africa’s as one of the 10 Most Influential Nigerian CEOs of 2015.

    The Board of Transcorp Hotels Plc has also approved the appointment of Helen Iwuchukwu as an Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer of the company.

    She is currently the Group Company Secretary of Transcorp Plc. She holds an LL. B. (Hons) degree in Law and was enrolled as a Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 1993 (BL Hons) and holds a Master of Laws degree (LL. M.) from Middlesex University Business School, London.

    Helen is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, with over 25 years in legal advisory, corporate law, corporate governance, administration, human capital management and government relationship management.

    Christopher Ezeafulukwe has been appointed as the MD/CEO of Transcorp Power Ltd and was the Executive Director, Business Development & Legal, Transcorp Plc as well as a Non-Executive Director of Transcorp Power Limited.

    He has over 21 years’ experience in business development, legal advisory and company secretarial roles. An alumnus of Lagos Business School and IESE Business School, Spain.

    Chris also holds an LL.B from the University of Lagos, a B.L from the Nigerian Law School, an LL.M from the University of Lagos and further LL.M in Energy, Environmental & Natural Resources Law from the University of Houston, Texas.

    He is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, the Institute of Chartered Secretaries & Administrators of Nigeria, the Association of International Petroleum Negotiators and was a member of the Executive Council of Association of Power Generation Companies of Nigeria.

    The Board of Transcorp Power Ltd has also approved the appointment of Okaima Ohizua as Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer of Transcorp Power Ltd.

    She is currently Executive Director, Customer Services at Transcorp Hotels Plc. She has over 25 years working experience, and has been key to the continued service transformation at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, since joining the Board and Management in 2013.

    A graduate of law from the University of Benin and the Nigerian Law School, Okaima also holds an Advanced Management Program certificate from the Pan-African University – Lagos Business School.

    The Board of Transcorp Plc also announced the appointment of Valentine Ozigbo as a Non-Executive Director, following his resignation as President/GCEO of Transcorp Plc.

    Speaking on these appointments, the Chairman, Transcorp Group and Heirs Holdings, Elumelu expressed his confidence that the newly appointed chief executives and non-executive directors will further strengthen Transcorp’s mission of improving lives across Nigeria.

    “These appointments demonstrate our commitment to nurturing talent and rewarding success. We have a deep pool of highly qualified and dedicated employees, who can be challenged with more responsibility in attaining our corporate vision.

    “We remain committed to diversity and inclusion; and are delighted by the depth and quality of experience that these leadership team brings to our group. These appointments further indicate our internal succession capacity and strong corporate governance practices,” he said.

    Mr. Elumelu thanked Valentine Ozigbo for his achievements as CEO. He highlighted that the Board of Transcorp will continue to implement its defined strategy, which has led its investee companies being leaders in their chosen sectors and has seen significant transformation, since Mr Elumelu’s holding company, Heirs Holdings invested in 2011.

  • BREAKING: Senate Committee on Constitution Review inaugurated; Omo-Agege rolls out agenda

    BREAKING: Senate Committee on Constitution Review inaugurated; Omo-Agege rolls out agenda

    The Senate Committee on Constitution Review, chaired by Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, who has mapped out his vision for the Committee, has been inaugurated.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Committee was inaugurated on Wednesday at the conference room 022, Senate wing of the National Assembly (NASS)

    In his remarks, Senator Omo-Agege said the Committee will embark on far reaching consultations with Nigerians across the six geo-political zones to aggregate their positions on current issues that require legislative action by way of Constitutional Reforms.

    Read below remarks made by Senator Omo-Agege during inauguration of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review:

    Protocol

    It is my pleasure to welcome you all to the inauguration of the Constitution Review Committee of the 9th Senate which was constituted on Thursday, 6th February, 2020 by the President of the Senate, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator (Dr.) Ahmad Lawan, CON.

    Accept my congratulations, Distinguished Colleagues for appointments well deserved as members of this very important Committee saddled with the responsibility of amending the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in this 9th Senate. This calls for dedication, patriotism and selfless sacrifice to our fatherland.

    The need for Constitutional amendment lies at the heart of Constitutional theory and practice. Constitutionalism implies that the fundamental rules for effective exercise of state power and protection of individual rights should be stable and predictable and not subject to easy change or the whims of individuals. This is most central in our noble and continual pursuit of the General Will. It is for this reason that the drafters of our Constitution deliberately made the process of Constitutional Amendment very pains-taking. Yet, the greater need to improve democratic governance or adjust to the ever changing political, economic and social realities has made it necessary for our Nation to embark on this journey again.

    These changing times have brought new challenges and today in our country, we are faced with increased insecurity, slow economic growth, rising poverty, and a poor political culture, amongst others. These challenges that will define the way Nigerians will live in the 21st century have continued to agitate the minds of our people. It is against this background that the need for constitutional reforms has once again become necessary.

    It is worthy of note that because of the need to incorporate the interests, wishes and aspirations of the people from various ethno-social and ethno-religious backgrounds, we shall embark on far reaching consultations with Nigerians across the six geo-political zones to, aggregate their positions on current issues that require legislative action by way of Constitutional Reforms.

    Over the years our people appear to have been polarised along different fault lines which often make it impossible to reach the much-needed consensus in some critical areas where fundamental changes are required. We must guide against this if we are to succeed. There is thus the need for constitutional amendment that will be consistent with the agitations and aspirations of our people. This again, is the whole essence of the General Will.

    Our task would be to find a consensus through compromise in order to meet the ever-changing needs of our people. We must understand that the fact that behind our diversity are people united by common challenges of insecurity, unemployment, and a good hope for a better future, provides us with the opportunity to focus on those issues that unite us. It is only by so doing that we can guarantee success and leave for our children a better, fairer and more just Nigeria than the one we met.

    As we set out to perform this all-important role that we are called upon to play at this critical stage of our nation’s development, let me appreciate the effort of the President of the Senate in putting together the membership of this Committee. The diligence, hard-work and foresight that were brought to bear are commendable. Mr. President, we appreciate the importance and level of responsibility you attached to the work of this Committee. We will not disappoint you. I also have no doubt in my mind that this Committee will meet the desires and expectations of the Nigerian people. This is because at the end, what unites us is far greater than what divides us.

    In carrying out this national assignment, this Committee will no doubt, consider the alteration of the Sixth schedule to make provision for new items, the establishment of National and State Houses of Assembly, Pre-election Matters Tribunal, Governorship Pre-election Matters Tribunals and Presidential Pre-election Matters Tribunal, including time limits for the disposal of all pre-election matters before the conduct of the general elections.

    We will also consider the need for devolution of power, full Local Government fiscal autonomy, full autonomy of the judiciary in the area of administration of justice, youth inclusiveness in governance, gender parity or affirmative action. This is by no means an exhaustive list. The Committee will also consider inputs from stakeholders and different interest groups across the country.

    In addition, this committee will consider the recommendations of the 2014 Constitutional Conference and the Governor Nasir el-Rufai-led Committee on restructuring. We would also liaise with our counterparts in the House of Representatives, the State Houses of Assembly and collaborate and build consensus with all stakeholders to ensure synergy. Development Partners will also play pivotal roles through counsel, workshops, conferences and interactions. The partnership roles of the Executive and Judiciary and their invaluable contributions cannot be over looked as it will enhance efficient and successful outcomes.

    Finally, it will suffice to say that an assignment of this magnitude demands diligence and commitment. So, as we embark on this very important legislative assignment, let us use this opportunity to build consensus on constitutional issues that will impact the lives of the people of our great country Nigeria. We must get it right for the good of our people and the unity of our great country. The Nigerian people deserve no less.

  • BREAKING: Ogun takes lead, approves Amotekun bill

    BREAKING: Ogun takes lead, approves Amotekun bill

    The Ogun State Government has approved the proposal for the creation of the Western Nigeria Security Network, Amotekun, in the state.

    The approval for the region’s security outfit codenamed ‘Operation Amotekun’ was given at the State Executive Council meeting held at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s office, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta.

    The state governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, who stated this in a statement on Wednesday, said the approval was given during the Exco meeting held on Tuesday which lasted for 10 hours.

    The statement read that the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of the State, Mr Adegbolahan Adeniran, said the presentation of the bill before the state council followed the earlier approval by the Attorney Generals and Commissioners of Justice of the six Southwest states.

    READ ALSO: Buhari visits Maiduguri over killings

    He said, “We presented the bill for the creation of the Ogun State Security Network Agency or what many call the Amotekun Corp Bill of 2020.

    “Today, the Executive Council of Ogun State met and adopted a draft as amended of a bill for a law to establish the Ogun State Security Network Agency. This agency will comprise of the Amotekun Corp and this bill will be transmitted to the House of Assembly before the end of this week.

    “It made all the Attorney Generals of the Southwest zone including Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, and Lagos States to come together with the intervention of the DAWN commission that has been piloting the process, and we are able to have a draft model bill to be adopted by each of the states in accordance with their local circumstances and situations as the need arises.”

    The Western Nigeria Security Network was launched by the governors of the Southwestern states in January but there was a need for legal backing for the outfit to be fully operational.

  • Two coronavirus patients in Russia discharged after full recovery

    Two coronavirus patients in Russia discharged after full recovery

    Russian Health Authorities on Wednesday discharged the country’s only two reported patients with the new coronavirus, two Chinese nationals in Siberia, saying they have fully recovered.

    The Health Ministry’s branch in the Zabaikalsky region, which borders China, announced on Wednesday that their patient had been released but his wife and daughter were still under observation.

    The ministry said that the man, who began treatment two weeks ago, is completely healthy and does not pose any danger to the public.

    According to the ministry, a female student in the Tyumen region, which borders Kazakhstan, was reported earlier as having been discharged after about two weeks of treatment.

    However, the woman was to continue her studies at Tyumen Industrial University.