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FMOT Set to Implement a National Maritime Policy |The Source

By
The Source
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Gbemisola Saraki

By Sandra Ukele

The Federal Ministry of Transportation (FMOT) is committed to providing the necessary framework to implement a maritime transport policy.

This, it assured, would be done through the approval of the Federal Executive Council.

The Minister of State for Transportation, Gbemisola Saraki, revealed this at a stakeholders validation forum to draft a national maritime transport policy.

Saraki admitted that the absence of a maritime national policy is responsible for the poor performance of the industry.

The Minister of State represented by the Permanent Secretary, FMOT, Magdalene Ajani, explained that whereas boundless economic opportunities in the industry exist, poor regulation and underutilized resources call for a workable maritime transport policy.

Saraki Asserts:

“In the maritime industry in Nigeria we do not have a national policy document on which our activities are regulated so we need to have this document that we can use to operationalize our activities and regulate the activities in the maritime industry is something that is quite important to us.

” It is instructive to note that the performance of the sector is further constrained by the challenges posed by insecurity, inadequate infrastructure, bureaucracy, weak laws, corrupt practices, inadequate capital for investment and maintenance of ships, poor incentives for investors, lack of indigenous carrier vessels, sea unworthiness of indigenous vessels where they are available, poor integrated water transport systems; among others.

” While aknowledging the existence of a number of strategies and associate policies relevant to the governance of the nation’s maritime environment, there is no all-encompassing policy at the national level to holistically address the afore-mentioned challenges in the maritime sector.

“This informed the need for this current administration and the leadership of the Federal Ministry of Transportation to embark on developing an all encompassing and all-inclusive national maritime transport policy that will stand the test of time and foster a robust maritime industry that will guarantee sustainable socio-economic development of the country.”

Saraki continued that:

“This has been under work for seven years but now it has become a huge priority for both the Ministry and government of President Muhammad Buhari.

“We hope that with the buy-in of stakeholders in the Western Zone and with a similar stakeholders meeting in the Eastern Zone by the end of February, we should be coming up with a clean document between the end of first quarter of 2021,” she explains.

Oyo crisis: Wike Meets Makinde, Supports Him

By
Bayo Bernard
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Nyesom Wike

By Tosin Olatokunbo

Oyo state governor Seyi Makinde has received commendation from his counterpart in Rivers state, Nyesom Wike, for providing good leadership in the state. Wike was on a visit to the Pacesetters state, and his admonition came on the crest of the clashes between Fulani herdsmen and some indigenes of the state.

Mixed reactions have trailed Governor Makinde’s handling of the issue after Sunday Adeyemi aka Igboho issued a 7 day ultimatum to Fulani herdsmen to leave the Ibarapa area of the state, and further went to ensure the enforcement of the eviction order, despite the state’s government warned him not to tale law into his hands.

Governor Makinde said the ability of state governors to tackle insecurity has been hampered because they are not in control of the police.

In spite of this, Wike said the Oyo helmsman has shown, through his actions that he meant well for his people judging from the developmental projects he has embarked on since he came to office in 2019, adding that the state and the south west remains crucial to the political development of Nigeria.

This was contained in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Taiwo Adisa who said the Rivers helmsman was in Ibadan for a South-West Peoples Democratic Party, PDP unity meeting. He urged political leaders in the state to cooperate with the governor for development to take place.

He said: “Well, let me say clearly, there was no stakeholders’ meeting that was held here today. Yes, there ought to have been a stakeholders’ meeting but there are two things that made me come today; Governor Makinde is not only a good friend but also an in-law and I told him I would come to Oyo State.

Seyi Makinde
Makinde

“Yesterday night, we realized that because of some specific reasons, some persons were not around and we didn’t want to have a half meeting whereby we would need to reconvene. But we had the understanding that it would be necessary to also say hello to those who would come here. It is our culture to respect leaders and that is why we have come to greet them and move on to inspect some of the projects.

“As per the meeting, we had already decided that it would not hold today. We should not be in a hurry. Peace needs a lot of talking to people and you know in politics, you need to talk to people for people to understand. It is not something you think that because you met today and you are meeting tomorrow, everything must be resolved that particular day.

“Politics is about interest and you need to make sure everybody is fully involved. So, let us not be in a hurry. What is important is that South-West PDP, it is our belief and hope that the way they have been is how they will continue to be. The other time, we met with Imo stakeholders and, today, they are almost concluding. So, there is nothing like giving you an ultimatum. No. What is important is that, whether it is one week or one month, it is the peace that is important.”

As part of the visit Governor Wike inspected some projects in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, where he commended the state governor for embarking on the construction of the Iwo Road Bus Terminal and other life changing projects across the state.

According to him: “On the performance of Makinde as the only PDP governor in the South-West, you may say I am biased but I can tell you I am not. Coming from the airport, I can see the cleanliness of the environment. For somebody like him who came when things were down in terms of security and other things that are being grappled with, he is up to the task. As a private businessman who is in politics, it may take time. And people should be patient, because it is just one and a half years.

“I can say he is doing well. Look at the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether you like it or not, if you remove the whole of last year, how many months will you say he has used in the office? But that is not really an excuse. If the Federal Government is saying that is a problem to them, it should not be a problem for the state government?

“He means well for the people of Oyo State; they should just try and be patient with him and give him more time. You know in Nigeria, everything is politics. The opposition will always want to find something to say even when you mean well for the security of the people. If somebody dies on the road, they will raise the alarm. There is nowhere in the world where you will say insecurity has been totally been subdued.

FIFA Clears Adarabioyo, Ademola Lookman, Sheyi Ojo, Five Others For super Eagles |The Source

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

There is a sigh of relief for the Amaju Pinnick- led Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, following clearance from the Federation International of Football Association, FIFA, the international governing body of association football, for eight new players to dorn the green-white- green jersey of the Super Eagles.

The NFF had, for years, written FIFA for the clearance of Manchester City Football Club of England youngster, who is presently on loan to Fulham Football Club in the Barclays English Premier League and Ademola Lookman, also of Fulham Football Club.

Both players have represented the England National Team at Junior Levels, with Lookman winning the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in 2017.

Others on the list include: Jordan Torunarigha of Hertha Berlin SC Football Club in the German Bundesliga, and has also played for Germany at Youth level.

Southampton Football Club of England  prodigy, Nathan Tella has also been cleared to play for the Nigeria National team, alongside English Championship Ovie Ejaria, who plays Reading Football Club.

Liverpool Football Club of England loanee, Sheyi Ojo, who currently plays for Cardiff City Football Club in the second tier of England League after joining the Welsh Club from Rangers Football Club in Scotland is also eligible to play for the most populous Black nation in the world.

PSV Eindhoven Football Club of Holland sensation, Noni Madueke has also been cleared with Ike Ugbo of  Cercle Brugge Football Club in the Belgian League.

With the newly cleared players to play for the Nigeria Super Eagles, Coach Gernot Rohr now has a number of options at his disposal as the National team begins preparation for the Cameroon 2022 African Cup of Nations Qualifiers and the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

All hands are, however, on deck to see how the Franco-German tactician will use the new cleared players to his advantage as he begins the qualification series in a few weeks time.

Covid-19: UK Imposes Travel Ban On 30 Countries, Excludes Nigeria |The Source

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Boris Johnson

By Akinwale Kasali

Nigeria is excluded from the list of Countries banned by the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, from travelling to the country due to the Covid-19 Pandemic.

30 countries were banned from entering the United Kingdom, following the rise in Covid-19 cases. 13 out of the 30 were African countries.

According to a statement on the UK Government’s website, people who have been in, or transited through the countries listed in the last 10 days will not be granted access to the UK.

British and Irish nationals or others who possess resident visas are, however, exempted from the restriction.

Those who hold valid UK credentials and have visited the banned countries are expected to self-Isolate for 10 days upon arrival with their household.

The 30 countries banned by the UK include: Angola, Argentina, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Cape Verde, Chile, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ecuador, Eswatini, French Guiana, Guyana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Panama, Paraguay, Peru.

Others are Portugal (including Madeira and the Azores), Seychelles, South Africa, Suriname, Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

With close to four  million cases and over 100,000 deaths, the UK is one of the top five nations with the highest number of confirmed Covid-19 cases.

It stated what needs to be done before travelling to the UK.as stipulated in the government’s website.

One must have valid proof of a negative coronavirus test to travel to England. You must take the test in the 3 days before you start your journey.

You will need to present proof of your negative test before you board to travel to England.

If you don’t present proof of a negative test result certificate, you may not be able to board your transport to England.

You could be fined £500 when you arrive at the border if you cannot provide proof that you have had a negative coronavirus test.

Lagos Places Ban on Truckers |The Source

By
The Source
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Trucks

By Sandra Ukele

The Lagos State Government has banned trucks and trailers from playing its roads during the day time.

Speaking with truck owners, the State Commissioner for Transport Frederic Oladeinde said,

“Trucks and trailers are henceforth restricted to night operation on dedicated routes.”

The time stipulated are between 9pm and 6am daily.

This, he says, is to minimize further mishaps on the roads.

Oladeinde cited the constant gridlock encountered on the Apapa axis blaming it to the economical loss of investors.

Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to the State Governor on Transportation, Oluwatoyin Fayinka, informed truck drivers that non-compliance by them would mean stiff penalties for offenders.

The Special Adviser advised operators to utilize the parks provided outside the Apapa axis and work in harmony with the State Vehicle Inspection Services (VIS) and the Federal Road Safety Corps to ensure the road worthiness of their vehicles.

According to the trucks restricted routes analysis, vehicles above 6ft with 3 sets of number plates are viewed as trailers and articulated vehicles. The analysis mentioned that Funsho Williams avenue, Costain, Maryland and Ikorodu roads are restricted.

The various Transport Associations jointly appealed to the Government  to provide necessary infrastructure to further review the directive with emphasis on the restriction to night movement.

Nsofor Was An Outstanding Justice, Says Buhari, Uzodimma |The Source

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The Source
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Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma consoling with the wife of Late Amb. Justice Nsofor, Mrs Jean Nsofor

The Hon. Justice Slyvanus Adiewere Nsofor, the late Nigeria Ambassador to the United States of America, was on Thursday laid to rest at his home town, Umudei Village in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria.

At the funeral,  both President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State described the late Ambassador and Jurist,  as outstanding.

 Addressing the congregation at the end of the funeral Mass in his honour, President Buhari in his condolence message read by the Governor Uzodimma, described late Justice Nsofor as “an outstanding Judge of a rare breed who was well known for his courage, dedication, transparency, honesty, trustworthy and sense of justice and fairness.”

Buhari said  the late Ambassador to the United States “served the country diligently and positively, projected the image of the country.”

In his address at the valedictory court session held at Court of Appeal Owerri Division earlier in the day, Uzodimma described late Justice Nsofor as an “outstanding judge of exemplary courage who stood firmly for the truth like the Rock of Gibraltar, always ready to dispense justice no matter whose ox is gored.”

He said he was  a shining light in the Judiciary whose judgments at the Court of Appeal “clearly demonstrated that Justice Nsofor was not afraid to voice out his conviction based on point of law hence his consistency as a judge for 28 years endeared him to many Nigerians and the world in general.”

In his funeral oration, a son of late Justice Nsofor, Mr. Cross Nsofor, said that their father prepared their mind before his death not to “expect so that they will not be disappointed or ask so that they will not be denied”. 

He informed that the late Jurist was self contented with what he had, was never moved by worldly things nor primitive acquisition of wealth and properties, hence as a Judge spoke and defended the truth. 

Nsofor, a retired Judge of the Court of Appeal, died recently in the United States of America, just before his replacement was announced by President Buhari who, surprisingly,  appointed him Ambassador in 2015, given his age. He was in his early 80s when he was appointed the Ambassador to the United States.

Buratai: “Obasanjo Nearly Retired Me 21 Years Ago” |The Source

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By  Akinwale Kasali

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, Rtd, has revealed that former President Olusegun Obasanjo almost retired him from the Army 21 Years ago when he was President.

Buratai said he was nearly retired by  Obasanjo  describing his attainment of the rank of Lieutenant General and Chief of Army Staff as historic.

He made this disclosure during his official handover to Major General Ibrahim Attahiru at the Army Headquarters, boasting that the Army will never remain the same after his exit.

The former Chief of Army Staff did not, however, disclose the offence he committed which nearly led to his premature retirement, or why he was spared.

“Former President Olusegun Obasanjo almost retired me 21 years ago when I was a Major. My retirement after 40 years of Service is historic, hence, calls for gratitude”. Buratai said.

Buratai thanked troops serving home and abroad, insisting the Army will not remain the same owing to his transformational leadership and landmark achievements.

He added that the Nigerian Army has been better positioned with intelligence gathering techniques and equipment.

Buratai said the security situation across the country is largely stabilised under his watch.

He noted that his tenure will be remembered for improved professionalism, improved responsiveness to personnel welfare and responsiveness to Nigeria’s Democratic system.

Attahiru, however, solicited the support of soldiers and officers to reposition the Nigerian Army.

He thanked President Muhamamadu Buhari for finding him worthy, adding that  he counts himself lucky to have been chosen.

Jonathan Commiserates With Okowa Over Father’s Death |The Source

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The Source
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Former President Goodluck Jonathan
Former President Goodluck Jonathan

Former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan has commiserated with Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, over the death of his father, Chief Arthur Okorie Uzoma Okowa.

The former President described the exit of the patriarch as a great loss to the family and Delta State, adding that the wisdom and experience of elders like him remain valuable to the nation’s development experience.

In a condolence message to the Governor and the people of Delta State, Dr. Jonathan prayed for the repose of the soul of the late Okowa and urged the Governor and other family members to take solace in the fact that their father led a fulfilled and exemplary life.

The former President said: “I am saddened by the news of the passing on of your dear father, Chief Arthur Okorie Uzoma Okowa, to eternal glory.

“Elder Okowa was a dedicated patriot who gave his best to the nation. His legacies and ideals will be sustained in the lives of all those he mentored, including Governor Okowa and other respectable members of the society.”

Service Chiefs : NUJ Says Change of Guards Belated |The Source

By
Ayodele Oni
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Mr Chris Isiguzo

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ) has said the change of guards at the Defence headquarters and the various service arms is belated.

In a statement on Thursday, its  President, Chris Isiguzo,  noted that “after months of intense calls by the National Assembly, Media, Socio-Cultural Organisations, Pressure Groups including the NUJ the change is belated but however welcomed.

“NUJ hopes that the new service chiefs would put in their  best to end the rising cases of insecurity threatening the existence of the country by understanding that their  appointments  are not for merriment, but  for hard work and total commitment to the Fatherland.

“It is our hope, that the new Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Leo Irabor, will properly coordinate the other Service Chiefs to immediately confront Boko Haram insurgents, banditry and kidnappings appropriately in the best interest of the country.

“The new Service Chiefs must not see their assignments as opportunities to amass wealth for themselves, families or friends, but rather as a challenge  to re-engineer the country’s security architecture that has suffered serious setbacks.

“It will be foolhardy for the Service Chiefs to ignore the welfare of their Officers and Soldiers in the onerous task ahead of them because success can only be achieved  through boosting the morale of troops at various areas of operations.

“NUJ urges the Service Chiefs to stay away from politics if they must succeed where their predecessors did not do well. What Nigerians need now, is  the security of their lives and property to enable them live decent lives.”

The Union appealed to the Federal Government to provide adequate arms and  equipment, to ensure the welfare and well being of the fighting men and women.

It also solicited the continuous support of Nigerians for the Armed Forces.

PDP Insists Buhari’s Administration Most Corrupt, Demands Refund Of Missing Fund |The Source

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has observed that the abysmal 2020 corruption index report on Nigeria by Transparency International (TI), has further confirmed that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC Government  is not only  a citadel of corruption, but the most corrupt administration in the history of Nigeria.

The PDP pointed out that the TI report, which shows Nigeria  plunging to a putrid 149th on the corruption perception index in 2020; dropping 13 places since 2015, under the watch of ‘Mr Integrity’, is an incontrovertible confirmation that Nigeria is more corrupt under President Buhari and the APC, than it was in 2015 when they took office.

In a statement on Thursday in Abuja, the spokesman of the opposition PDP, Kola Okogbodiyan stated that “this descent into the abyss of corruption only goes to show that President Buhari’s anti-corruption stance is a mere swindle used to delude Nigerians, while the vaults were laid open for APC leaders and officials of the Buhari administration to plunder.

“Indeed, the record of unbroken decline from 136th in 2016 to 144th in 2018, 146th in 2019 and now 149th in 2020, under President Buhari, the African Union (AU) Anti-Corruption Champion’, settles the now notorious fact that the Buhari administration and the APC are title holders in corruption.

“Nigerians can now see that what the APC and the Buhari Presidency did, upon assumption of office, was to simulate a holier than thou attitude, deploy the instrument of propaganda to deliberately castigate the PDP with false corruption allegations just to divert public attention and create a safe atmosphere for APC leaders to loot our nation.

“From the oil and inland revenue sectors to security, health, agriculture, food security, healthcare, transportation, road infrastructure, power, education, environment, among other critical sectors, none was spared from the kleptomaniac fingers of corrupt APC leaders and the cabal in the Presidency.

“Nigerians can now see that our alert on the allegation of the stealing of over N15 trillion by APC leaders and political cronies in the Presidency, was not just an opposition propaganda, but a patriotic stance, which the APC and its administration has not been able to counter.

“The Buhari administration has failed to go after APC leaders and cronies allegedly involved in the stealing of over N9.6 trillion as detailed in the leaked NNPC memo, the over N3trillion in fraudulent oil subsidy regime, as well as trillions stolen from agencies including, the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the National Health Insurance Scheme, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the Social Investment Programme as revealed by First Lady, Aisha Buhari, the COVID-19 funds among a litany of frauds.

“The financial rot in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) under the Buhari administration, including stealing of recovered funds, underscores the level of corruption under the APC.

“It is equally appalling that the decay has reached a frightening situation where, under Mr. President’s watch, employment opportunities are sold to young boys and girls at alarming costs ranging between N1.5m and N5m.

“Now that the Buhari-led APC administration has been further exposed, our party charges Nigerians to join in the demand for the APC, as a party, to commence the processes of refunding the N15 trillion stolen by its leaders before exiting our political firmament in 2023.”

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