SA Foreign Minister, Maite Nkoana- Mashabane

South Africa’s Minister for International Relations and Co-operation, Maite Nkoana- Mashabane says there will be no place to hide for people who engage in terrorism to hide in Africa.

She spoke on Monday at a media briefing at the Pan African Parliament (PAP) headquarters in Midrand, Johannesburg on Monday as the third ordinary session of the second Pan African Parliament (PAP) kicked off in the city.

Mashabane spoke against the backdrop of the bombings on Nigeria’s independence day for whichMEND leader, Henry Okah, who is based in South Africa is being held.

“I want to reiterate that there will be no place to hide for people who throw bombs in one country and run to the next because in doing that they will be undermining our efforts to keep Africa secure and stable,” she said.

The Minister, however, said application for political asylum would continue to follow the due processes of law in South Africa.

“When there are people who apply for political asylum in South Africa, the due processes of the law will take its due course and we will keep in touch and liaise with the countries who will be seeking the return of the said individuals,” she explained.

Mashabane said terrorist acts were condemnable, charging all African countries to fight against it.

The South African government on Monday arraigned Okah before a court in Johannesburg in connection with the explosions which rocked Abuja on Oct. 1.

He was slammed with a two count charge of engaging in terrorist activities and conspiring to deliver, placement and detonation of explosives which claimed lives and injured many in Abuja.

The Southern Africa correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Wole Sogunle, reports that the session of the pan African Parliament is expected to hold a special session to commemorate the 50th independence anniversary of Nigeria and 16 other African countries on Tuesday.

South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma and former Tanzanian President, Mr Hassan Mwinyi are among dignitaries scheduled attend the special session.

(NAN)

From right, Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Martin Okonta and the Co-ordinator, NAPEP, Dr. Magnus Kpakol

Dr Magnus Kpakol, the National Coordinator of NAPEP, on Friday solicited the cooperation of the organised private sector in the effort by the Federal Government to eradicate poverty.

Kpakol made the appeal in Abuja at a meeting of the management of the National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP) and the chief executives of financial institutions on the implementation of Meso-Credit Scheme, an initiative of NAPEP.

Stressing that micro credit had proved to be an effective tool for poverty alleviation, he said there was the need to evolve a more pragmatic measure.

According to him, the measure is geared toward bringing speedy recovery of communities in the country.

Kpakol noted that micro credit had not been able to transform communities to engines of growth through the establishment of small and viable enterprises.

“Micro credit has not been able to transform communities into engines of growth through the establishment of small and viable enterprises that would sustainably create jobs and raise the incomes of rural communities.”

The meeting, he said, was convened to brainstorm on how best the programme could be administered to achieve the desired goal and also find a way forward for the scheme.

The coordinator said the role of NAPEP was to ensure that the interest rate on loan was drastically reduced for Nigerians to access it easily, adding that Meso-Credit ranged from N500,000 to N50 million.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that though NAPEP is not a financial institution, it is mandated to coordinate and monitor poverty eradication activities, and from time to time come up with ideas and demonstration activities.

One of the participants at the meeting, Mr Olusoji Ogunkoya, the Chairman of Imodi Imosan Micro Finance Bank, advised NAPEP to deal directly with micro finance banks.

“Taking us through commercial banks is taking us through hurdles; they are our competitors. A lot of them have their micro finance banks also.

“If the objective of NAPEP is to reach the downtrodden, it is better they deal with micro finance banks than the commercial institutions which do not have offices in the rural areas,” he said. (NAN)

Nigeria's Minister of Information and Communications, Prof. Dora Akunyili

The Nigerian Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday approved a draft Bill for an Act to provide for the establishment of the Nigeria Police Reform Trust Fund.

The Minister of Information and Communications, Prof. Dora Akunyili, told State House correspondents after the weekly FEC meeting presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan that the Bill was to be submitted to the National Assembly.

The Bill, when passed, will become a permanent structure for financing the police.

Akunyili said the fund would be used for training and retraining needs of the police personnel and auxiliary staff, purchase of equipment and operational vehicles and construction of police stations and barracks.

She said the Bill would create the Police Fund Management Board to manage the fund.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls the National Council of State last week approved the establishment of the fund with a proposed N1.5 trillion to be contributed by the three tiers of government.

In a related development, FEC has received a progress report on the South East security operation against the rising spate of kidnapping and armed robbery in the region.

Akunyili said the report presented to the council by the Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Adamu Maina, recorded progress in the operations and reduction in crime rates, eight days after it was launched.

(NAN)

Sen. Sahabi Ya’u, representing Zamfara North Senatorial District, told newsmen on Wednesday in Kaura-namoda, headquarters of the local government area that the work was expected to commence next week.

Ya`u said that the project would enhance the availability of potable water to the people of the town and nearby communities.

He said the project was in line with the government’s effort toward curtailing the outbreak of water-borne diseases.

The Senator said he had constructed a number of boreholes in his constituency to complement government’s effort.

He said that the construction of the Gusau-Kaura-namoda-Jibiya road would be completed in 2011.

Ya’u commended the Federal Government for executing numerous projects that have direct impact on poor people nationwide.

He also urged state governments to initiate programmes aimed at reducing poverty and providing employment to the youths.

(NAN)

An NGO, Nigeria Leadership Initiative (NLI), on Wednesday in Lagos presented an animated video that hailed the values of the nation’s heroes.

An executive member of the NGO, Mrs Hauwa Magoro, said that the 12-minute video, entitled “Notes2Note” was aimed at using the content of the local currency to impact national ideals on the youth.

She said that the video also highlighted Nigeria’s rich history, through the images of the past heroes.

She said that the project was one of three programmes of the NLI targeted at developing the youth in the areas of character, leadership, education, values, Efforts and Results (CLEVER).

“ We believe that one step to attaining Nigeria’s fullest potential is to reach out to the youth to reinforce values necessary to rebuild the society,” she argued.

An associate of NLI, Mrs Subomi Plumpter, said that the video would be viewed online, as well as on radio and television stations.

She said that it would also be distributed to schools, where motivational sessions would be held for students.

“ The duration of the video is short, while the history of the founding fathers is also brief in order to attract the attention of viewers,” Plumpter said.

She added that the choice of popular actors, actresses, musicians and comedians as characters in the video was to attract the interest of the youths.

The Project Coordinator, Mr Yinka Odeleye, added that the video would be made available to other segments of the society, especially traders and transporters who, he noted, most frequently handled naira notes.

This, he argued, would be in line with the ongoing campaign, by the Central Bank of Nigeria, to discourage the abuse of the national currency.

(NAN)

Acting President Goodluck Jonathan has barred all ministers of the just dissolved executive council of the federation from travelling out of the country in the next one month.

The restriction is to ensure that the ex-ministers would be available to provide answers to possible questions concerning their ministries as the nation awaits appointment of new ministers. Consequently, the ex-ministers have been told to make their movements within the country known to appropriate authorities and no ex-minister must travel outside the country within the period.

Presidency sources said the decision to bar the ministers from travelling out of the country was not unconnected with petitions that had started flooding the Presidential villa over the sins committed by many of the ministers while in office, particularly as it concerned contract inflation, money laundering, misappropriation of funds and other unimaginable deeds.

As a result, the source said that the federal government panel inaugurated by Acting President Jonathan last month, has been given the go-ahead to move into the ministries now that there are no stumbling blocks to examine the petitions so far received, adding that from all indications, some of the ministers may be made to face anti-corruption charges if found wanting.

It was gathered that some ministers, particularly those said to have been directly in charge of Power, Agriculture, Aviation and Water and Petroleum Resources, are said to be on the front list because of the volume of petitions regarding their conduct while at the helm of affairs of the ministries.

It was further gathered that security agencies, especially those saddled with security at the various exit outlets of the nation, have been intimated of the federal government directive and urged them to ‘politely turn back’ any of such minister that may claim ignorance and wanted to travel.

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission

The House of Representatives on Wednesday rejected a bill for a law for the forfeiture of property purchased through unlawful means.

The bill, which was slated for second reading, was rejected through a voice vote as some members argued that the country was not ripe for such a law.

The bill titled:  ”A bill for an Act to make provisions for the Restraint and Civil Forfeiture of property derived from unlawful activity”  seeks to checkmate activities intended to be used in the commission of unlawful acts.

It also seeks “to make provision for the investigation of benefit derived from corruption, money laundering and instrumentalities to make provision to give effect to request to and from foreign states for the restraint and confiscation of property used.”

In addition, the law seeks “to extend powers of the law enforcement agencies and make provision for the use of recovered property”.

Members, who opposed the bill said that it was not timely and that necessary precautionary steps must be put in place before the passage of such bill.

They argued further that such forfeiture presumed that the affected individuals were guilty of the offence without trial or conclusion of prosecution by EFCC.

Meanwhile, some other lawmakers said the bill would go a long way in curtailing corruption in the country and serve as a deterrent to intending corrupt persons.

When Speaker, Dimeji Bankole put the question to vote, majority, through a voice vote, rejected the bill.

In another development, the Rep Baba Sheu Agaie-led delegation to Saudi Arabia on a goodwill visit to President Umaru Yar’Adua on Wednesday submitted its report before the plenary session.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a six-member delegation of the legislators two weeks ago visited Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on a good will visit to the president but was unable to see him.

(NAN)

Acting President Goodluck Jonathan

Acting President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday asked Nigerians to stop placing congratulatory adverts in the media over his assumption of office.

The directive was contained in a State House statement issued by Mr Ima Niboro, Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity) to the Acting President.

“The Acting President has similarly placed a ban on solidarity visits.

“He said that the nation was at a critical juncture where we must begin to focus on solutions to the daunting challenges that confront us,’’ the statement said.

It described as invaluable, the wise counsel and suggestions of Nigerians from all walks of life on how to move the nation forward.

“Dr Jonathan restated the commitment of the administration to secure Nigeria’s path to greatness and guarantee our place among the great nations of the world in the shortest possible time,” it added.

(NAN)

Gov. Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State

Gov. Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State on Wednesday signed the 2010 Appropriation Bill of N101.96 billion.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Edo State House of Assembly passed the Appropriation Bill last week.

The assembly had increased the budget by N2 billion above the executive proposal of N99.24 billion.

The budget passed by the assembly comprises  a capital budget of N63.174.305.354 and a recurrent expenditure of N38.790.953.99 billion.

The executive had presented a capital expenditure of  N60.538.857.663 billion and a recurrent expenditure of N38.707.676.037 billion.

The budget is also about N18.66 billion more than the  2009 budget.

Assenting to the bill, Oshiomhole thanked the speaker of the house and his colleagues for giving the budget proposal an accelerated passage.

He noted that the 2010 budget was better than that of last year, adding that it would address some critical projects that would impact positively on the lives of the citizenry.

The governor said that last year’s budget recorded about 73 per cent  performance,  adding  that road construction had been launched in the three senatorial districts.

He added that reconstruction of schools was also ongoing  across the state.

Oshiomhole said that the state government would soon commence the construction of about 120 ultra- modern bedrooms at the Central Hospital in Benin.

He commended the people especially the Benin residents for voluntarily removing perimeter fences and other structures likely to obstruct ongoing construction work in the state.

(NAN)

Gov. Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State

Gov. Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State on Wednesday signed the 2010 Appropriation Bill of N101.96 billion.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Edo State House of Assembly passed the Appropriation Bill last week.

The assembly had increased the budget by N2 billion above the executive proposal of N99.24 billion.

The budget passed by the assembly comprises  a capital budget of N63.174.305.354 and a recurrent expenditure of N38.790.953.99 billion.

The executive had presented a capital expenditure of  N60.538.857.663 billion and a recurrent expenditure of N38.707.676.037 billion.

The budget is also about N18.66 billion more than the  2009 budget.

Assenting to the bill, Oshiomhole thanked the speaker of the house and his colleagues for giving the budget proposal an accelerated passage.

He noted that the 2010 budget was better than that of last year, adding that it would address some critical projects that would impact positively on the lives of the citizenry.

The governor said that last year’s budget recorded about 73 per cent  performance,  adding  that road construction had been launched in the three senatorial districts.

He added that reconstruction of schools was also ongoing  across the state.

Oshiomhole said that the state government would soon commence the construction of about 120 ultra- modern bedrooms at the Central Hospital in Benin.

He commended the people especially the Benin residents for voluntarily removing perimeter fences and other structures likely to obstruct ongoing construction work in the state.

(NAN)

Gov. Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State

Gov. Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State on Wednesday signed the 2010 Appropriation Bill of N101.96 billion.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Edo State House of Assembly passed the Appropriation Bill last week.

The assembly had increased the budget by N2 billion above the executive proposal of N99.24 billion.

The budget passed by the assembly comprises  a capital budget of N63.174.305.354 and a recurrent expenditure of N38.790.953.99 billion.

The executive had presented a capital expenditure of  N60.538.857.663 billion and a recurrent expenditure of N38.707.676.037 billion.

The budget is also about N18.66 billion more than the  2009 budget.

Assenting to the bill, Oshiomhole thanked the speaker of the house and his colleagues for giving the budget proposal an accelerated passage.

He noted that the 2010 budget was better than that of last year, adding that it would address some critical projects that would impact positively on the lives of the citizenry.

The governor said that last year’s budget recorded about 73 per cent  performance,  adding  that road construction had been launched in the three senatorial districts.

He added that reconstruction of schools was also ongoing  across the state.

Oshiomhole said that the state government would soon commence the construction of about 120 ultra- modern bedrooms at the Central Hospital in Benin.

He commended the people especially the Benin residents for voluntarily removing perimeter fences and other structures likely to obstruct ongoing construction work in the state.

(NAN)

Former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Mr Michael Aondoakaa

The office of the erstwhile Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Mr Michael Aondoakaa, was raided by about 50 armed mobile policemen on Wednesday in Abuja.

A source close to the minister told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that about 10 plain-clothed security operatives forcefully gained entry into the minister’s office and three other offices presumably in search of documents.

The source said that he could not tell what exactly the operatives went into the offices to do, adding: “they did not leave with any documents, but I cannot tell whether they took computer discs.

“One of them told me that the order to raid the ministry was given by the Police hierarchy a moment ago,” the source added.

Mr Ambrose Momoh, the Chief Press Secretary to the minister, however, said that the invasion of the premises of the Ministry of Justice by some security operatives was “a fact”.

He explained that the security agents invaded the premises at about 12.30 p.m. while the minister was attending the weekly meeting of the Executive Council of the Federation at the State House.

“Nobody can tell what exactly they came to do, but all I can say now is that they did not gain entry into any offices to conduct searches.

“The much we saw was that a substantial number of armed mobile policemen suddenly came and surrounded the premises for about 30 minutes and then left,” Momoh said.

When contacted, Mr Yemi Ajayi, Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, declined comments on the incident, saying he was out of the capital city at the time.

“I am afraid, you may have to speak to the Inspector-General of Police for information on the true position of things since the substantive Force PRO is also out of station attending a course,” he said.

NAN reports that the incident took place shortly before the announcement of a minor cabinet reshuffle in which Aondoakaa was named Minister of Special Duties.

Prince Adetokunbo Kayode is the new AGF and Minister of Justice, while the erstwhile Minister of Special Duties, Amb. Ibrahim Kazaure, replaces Kayode as Minister of Labour and Productivity.

(NAN)

Some of the placard-carrying workers at the rally. Photo: NEXT

Workers in the public service have threatened to go on an indefinite nation-wide strike over poor remuneration.

The warning was contained in a statement signed on Sunday in Abuja by eight unions in the public service, under the umbrella of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC).

The unions are the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), the Nigerian Civil Service Union (NCSU) and the Nigerian Union of Civil Service Secretariat and Stenographic Workers (NUCSSSW).

They also include the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations (AUPC), Civil Service Technical and Recreation Services Employees (CSTRSE) and Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN).

Others are Agricultural and Allied Workers Union of Nigeria (AAWUN), National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) and the National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Product (NUPPPP).

The unions directed all its members to brace for an indefinite strike, as a result of Federal Government’s failure to accede to their request for salary increase after more than two years.

“We resolved to embark on strike after our negotiation with government was deadlocked on Feb. 4. We have all been directed to sensitise our members to the planned strike.

“We have done everything within our power to ensure that the Federal Government addresses the issues in question without success.

“The negotiation was deadlocked. Strike is the next option. The National Public Service Negotiating Council will meet next week to mobilise its members,”  it added.

The unions complained about the “serious disparity in the salary of the civil service, especially the huge gap between the salary of the permanent secretary and directors, who are next to them in the civil service cadre”.

The statement noted with regret that the last increment in the salary of certain political, public and judicial public office holders affected only the salary and emolument of permanent secretaries.

It said other categories of workers from the director downward, were left with their previous ‘meagre’ salary.

“The increment has left a wide gap between the salary of permanent secretaries and the directors who are next to them in rank as outlined in the civil service structure.

“While a permanent secretary receives N1.34 million per month, a director next to the permanent secretary receives N145,150 per month, which is against the rules and consolidated structure in the civil service,” it said.

The statement emphasised that the recent salary relativity which affected all the ranks in the civil service, could not be justified and was causing serious disaffection within the service.

The unions said the development had adversely affected their members, and gone against the consolidated salary structure, based on the existing relativity in the public service.

The statement demanded that based on the public/civil service system and the consolidated salary structure, a director should earn 50.86 per cent of a permanent secretary’s salary.

The unions said they would meet this week to take a final decision on when the strike should commence.

(NAN)

The Chairman of the council, Alhaji Saleh Amshi, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Jakusko on Monday that the law was aimed at checking the rising cost of bride price.

He said that high bride price had stopped many young men from getting married, stressing that the measure was to encourage marriage and check illicit relationships.

He directed traditional rulers to ensure adherence to the law, saying “this will assist people at the grassroots.

“It is in the interest of parents to get their children married with ease than looking for treasure and risk your daughters and sons getting involved in vices.”

Meanwhile, the Yobe State Ministry of Religious Affairs had embarked on sensitisation campaign on HIV/AIDS test as a prerequisite for marriage.

(NAN)