Encomium
- FASHOLA ANNOUNCES MASSIVE N39 BILLION LOAN FOR SUPPLY OF METERS
In an attempt to end the numerous complaints from consumers about the inability of Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs) to provide meters, Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola has announced the approval of a N39 billion loan to the DISCOs for the supply of meters.
At the 18th Monthly Power Sector Stakeholders Meeting which was held in Kano, the minister stated that the federal government is now generating electricity beyond the capacity of the distribution companies.
- APC NATIONAL ADVISER, MUIZ BANIRE SHUNS PANEL
National Legal Adviser of All Progressives Congress, Muiz Banire on Monday failed to appear before the Disciplinary Committee set up to checkmate allegations of anti-party activities and misappropriation of campaign materials and logistics levelled against him.
It was reported that the Committee had summoned Banire to appear before its sitting by 10 am on Monday at Bishop Aggrey Memorial School, Ilasamaja, Mushin to defend allegations contained in a petition written against him by two members of the party in the area but he was unavoidably absent.
In his introductory remarks, Chairman of the Committee, Bolaji Abass said the function of the Committee was simply to examine the allegations levelled against Banire by concerned members of the party.
- INEC TO BEGIN RECALL PROCESS OF KANO LAWMAKER, KUKI
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said it had received a petition for the recall of Mr Abubakar Kuki, a member of Kano State House of Assembly. Mr Adedeji Soyebi, National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee of the commission, made this known in a statement on Monday in Abuja.
Soyebi said that the petition emanated from the lawmaker’s constituents in Bebeji area, which he represented, adding that the document was received on Friday. He stated that in accordance with INEC guidelines for recall, the commission had formally acknowledged receipt of the petition to the petitioners’ representatives.
- WE WERE STILL NEGOTIATING BEFORE ASUU SUDDENLY WENT ON STRIKE
The Federal Government on Monday has reacted to the indefinite strike declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). According to Federal Government, it was still negotiating with ASUU before it declared a nationwide strike on Monday.
This is according to the Director of Information, Ministry of Education, Mrs. Chinyere Ihuoma.
“The FGN/ASUU renegotiation of 2009 agreement is ongoing with the government team under the leadership of Dr Babalakin, SAN,” she said.
Ihuoma did not respond to questions on the slow pace of the negotiation.
- OSINBAJO IS FULLY IN-CHARGE, SAYS BUHARI’S CABINET MEMBERS
Members of the Buhari Administration have expressed satisfaction over how the Acting President has handled the affairs of the country. They praised President Muhammadu Buhari for his selflessness in handing over power to his Deputy and ensuring there is no vacuum. This is coming a day after the Opposition cast doubts on how much can be achieved by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in acting capacity.
Osinbajo’s Media Aide, Laolu Akande in an exclusive interview spoke about the close relationship between president Muhammadu Buhari and his Deputy, and assures Nigerians that the Acting president is in charge, contrary to what the opposition is saying.
It was recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari who left Nigeria on May 7th for London on medical vacation said his return will be determined by his doctors. He also assures Nigerians that there is no cause for worry because there is no vacuum at the Villa.
- EDO ASSEMBLY ELECTS NEW SPEAKER, KABIRU AJOTO
The Edo State House of Assembly, on Monday, impeached its Speaker, Hon Justin Okonoboh. Okonoboh was impeached by lawmakers during Monday’s plenary in Benin City, the Edo State capital. The Speaker of the House, Dr. Justin Okonoboh, was impeached, following an impeachment notice signed by 16, out of the 24-member Assembly.
Following his impeachment, the former principal officer of the House representing Akoko Edo, Mr. Kabiru Adjoto, was elected as the new Speaker.
Three other members were said to have appended their signatures to increase the number to 19.
The Assembly workers were locked out while the impeachment lasted.
- 6 POLICEMEN ARRESTED FOR RAPE, EXTORTION, ATTEMPTED MURDER
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, on Monday said that six police officers were arrested for extortion, rape and attempted murder in the last two weeks.
According to Owoseni, two of the suspects were arrested for ‘defilement’, two for misconduct and two others for extortion at gun point.
According to him, the police officers arrested for extortion have been dismissed.
The police commissioner said that the dismissed police officers were fond of raiding unsuspecting members of the public in the metropolis whom they falsely brand as internet fraudsters.
“These policemen are tarnishing the image of the police by using weapons bought with taxpayers’ money to threaten, intimidate and extort the people,” Mr. Owoseni said.
- PRESIDENCY HINTS AT BUHARI’S RETURN
The Presidency has disclosed that Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari will soon be back home.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu on Tuesday morning, assured that the President is due to return soon although he is not sure of the exact date.
The SSA, who was part of the media team led by the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, to London, at the wake of Resume or resign protest by Charly Boy and his group members in Abuja.
He explained that the President took every lawful action before embarking on the medical vacation which should not arouse any uproar as it’s being demonstrated by the Concerned Nigerians group.
“Of course, Nigerians have the rights to protest but Nigerians cannot be dictated to by a dozen of people or less, whom we know their antecedents.”
“Nigerians are praying for the President over his health and their prayers will be answered soon”, Shehu ended.
- NLC DECLARES SUPPORT FOR ASUU NATIONWIDE STRIKE
The Nigeria Labour Congress has declared support for ASUU’s nationwide indefinite strike. According to the General Secretary of the NLC, Dr. Peter Ozo-Eson, government has a responsibility to honour agreements reached with workers. Ozo-Eson who is a former Chief Economist of the NLC was part of the team that negotiated the 2009 agreement on the side of ASUU.
According to him, government refused to implement the agreement because children of the political class school abroad.
He said the organs of the NLC would take a decision on what support to render to ASUU if the ongoing strike became prolonged.
- WE ARE MONITORING USE OF NAIRA-DENOMINATED CARDS – CBN
The Central Bank of Nigeria says it is closely monitoring the use of naira-denominated cards for international transactions by bank customers.
This is coming as some banks adjusted the spending limits for their customers.
According to the CBN, monitoring such transactions was to ensure that gains recorded in the foreign exchange market were not lost. Some banks have restricted the monthly spending on naira cards to only high net worth customers. However, it was recalled that last year, many Nigerian banks suspended forex transactions on their naira debit and credit cards.
