Encomium
SOYINKA SLAMS BUHARI
Prof. Wole Soyinka has lamented bitterly over the acts of the Fulani herdsmen in the attacks and killings across the country. He warned president Muhammadu Buhari over whis refusal to move against the marauding herdsmen. Although Buhari had said that the circle of violence will be a thing of the past, Soyinka says it failed to provide any reassurance for Nigerians.
Wole Soyinka who spoke at the National Conference on culture and tourism, expressed fears that if nothing is done to stop this act by the Fulani herdsmen, it would be among other things causing damage to tourism in the country. He therefore advised the government to give an order that any cattle herders with firearms be immediately disarmed, arrested, placed on trial and his cattle confiscated.
APGA CHAIRMAN IN SUPPORT OF FG ON NIGERIA AND CHINA RELATIONS
Dr. Victor Oye, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) , stated in an interview on Thursday April 28, that the relationship with China is in Nigeria’s best interest and as a result, many countries are now showing interest in China because of its opportunities and economic growth.
He stated that, although no man is an island but we need to work hard together to make this country move forward. He expressed his full support to the FG, adding that the president’s decision cannot mar the nation. He therefore called on the Federal Government to end the clashes between farmers and herdsmen to stop further loss of lives and property.
PDP NEC MEETING SHUNNED BY BOT MEMBERS, OTHERS
Angered by the decision of the National leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party to hold NEC meeting without following due process, on Thursday, April 28, members of its board of trustees, national caucus, BoT members were not in attendance at the National Executive meeting held in Abuja.
Although, the NEC meeting was to hold after both the BoT and the National caucus of the party must have met to review issues slated, Ali Modu Sheriff, the National Chairman skipped the two organs of the party, adding that the exclusion is not deliberate and that the BoT should not take offence. The party therefore, took the decision at its poorly attended NEC meeting.
OSHIOMHOLE ACCUSES FORMER PRESIDENT OF DOLING OUT N2BN TO PDP GOVERNORS
Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the Edo State Governor yesterday, after a meeting governors had with the President Muhammadu Buhari at presidential villa Abuja , lamented that former President Goodluck Jonathan favoured the PDP elected governors during his regime without doing same to governors of the All Progressives Congress. He accused the former president of doling out N2bn from the ecological fund to each of the PDP governor.
Oshiomhole said they were lucky to have at this time a president they could approach, as the state governors met with Buhari on the need for the Federal Government to assist state governments to absorb effects of economic downturn. Adding that, Buhari was showing the difference the APC promised by embracing all the governors no matter their party affiliation.
DRIVER RECOUNTS HOW ANISULOWO WAS KIDNAPPED
The driver of kidnapped former minister of State for education, Senator Iyabo Anisulowo, Wasiu Afonja, on Thursday, April 28, recounted how the politician was taken away at gun point by hoodlums. But governor Ibikunle Amosun had led heads of various security agencies in the state in search of the former minister in the bushes of Yewa North local government area which includes, Igbogila, Sawanjo, Igan Okota and Imasai.
Afonja said, the abductors attacked their vehicle, pulled them out, beat all the occupants of the vehicle and seized their phones before they drove away with Anisulowo still in the sport utility vehicle (SUV). He disclosed that the abductors later abandoned Anisulowo’s SUV at Iganokoto. The governor told newsmen that efforts were being made to ensure a speedy rescue of the victim.
SOUTHEAST DO NOT REPRESENT NDIGBO WELL IN NASS – APUGO
Prince Benedict Apugo, a chieftain from Abia state, of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused members of the National Assembly from the southeast of not representing the interest of the Ndigbo well. He explained that the Lagos/Calabar rail would not have a line with the southeast but will run through the coastal state.
Apugo who was surprised at the senators behavior urged them to wake up from their slumber. He, however, pleaded with the president to take a second thought at the rail line project and bring the southeast in the ongoing development, stressing that it would give the people a mild sense of belonging.
BUHARI PRESENTS N6.08 TRILLION 2016 BUDGET TO NASS
Abdulrazak Namdas, the spokesperson of the House of Representatives, has said that the sum of N60 million has been approved by the President for constituency projects. He explained that, the approved funds in the budget is expected to be signed by next week and that they are initiated by the legislature and not the executive.
Briefing newsmen yesterday at the plenary, it was noted that Muhammadu Farouk,was asked to withdraw a statement he made in an interview to a foreign radio station, that lawmakers had been given N100 million each for constituency project, with several members saying that the report had led to their being threatened by their constituent. Farouk, however, pleaded that he was misunderstood.
BUHARI TASKED OVER UNPAID PROMOTION ARREARS
Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) yesterday, appreciated president Muhammadu Buhari for the payment of salaries of federal public servants by April 25,encouraging him to ensure that other benefits such as promotion areas, among others, are not left out.
Alade Bashir Lawal, ASCSN secretary general expressed joy that the OAGF carried out the instructions of the President as regards April 2016 salaries. The group urge Buhari to enable that other salaries like allowances and promotion arrears captured in the 2016 budget are paid as soon as it is signed into law.
STAKEHOLDERS ACKNOWLEDGE AMBODE’S DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE
The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, on Thursday gave account of his stewardship to the people of the state. He introduced this measure to direct the people on views about government and the effects. The governor let the people know the numerous projects embarked upon in the last ten years.
As early as 9.am, the Ikorodu town hall venue of the first quarter 2016 town hall meeting was filled up with all and sundry in attendance. He gave account on the fourth mainland bridge, restriction on Okada and security as a priority. He also announced that he wished to transform and boost sporting activities in Lagos East zone and promised that the stadium in Igbogbo would be upgraded as soon as possible. He was therefore, applauded for his good work in Lagos State.
REPS ORDER DSS TO RELEASE UGOCHINYERE
Following the claims that the Department of State Services, DSS, is keeping the president of Nigerian youth Council, Mr. Ugochinyere Micheal in its custody without any charges filed against him, the House of Representatives yesterday, directed the DSS to either charge him to court or release him immediately.
The House requested the DSS to make public the offenses committed by the troubled youth leader, by a motion under matters of urgent public importance brought before it by Goodluck Opiah. The lawmaker lamented that the arrest was prior to a view Ugochinyere expressed in a television interview on the trial of the Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki, stressing out that the DSS are violating the fundamental rights of Ugochinyere .
