Dangote Is Major Cause Of Problems in Lagos Says Lagos Assembly

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December 31, 2019

By Akinwale Kasali

Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote has been indicted by the Lagos State House of Assembly as the major cause of damaged roads in the State.

During Monday’s Plenary, the Mudashiru-Obasa led Assembly said that Trucks belonging to Dangote are the cause of damages on Lagos roads.

A motion moved by Hon. Abiodun Tobun, Representing Epe 1 Constituency, prayed that the House resolve to call on Dangote Group of Companies to perform its corporate social responsibility role by supporting the state government in the construction and repairing of roads in the state.

It also observed that most of the roads in the state were being damaged by trucks belonging to the Dangote Group.

The State Assembly, however, called on the State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu to direct the State Treasury Office (STO) to ensure that contractors are not paid contractual money without meeting the necessary conditions.

As regards the right of way given to contractors, the Assembly says that the state government must ensure that the necessary right of way is given to the contractors before the commencement of construction works.

It was added in the resolution that the Special Adviser on Works and Infrastructure should ensure quality supervision of the road projects.

Tobun, the Chairman, House Committee on Works and Infrastructure stated that there was need to ensure good quality of roads in the state, stressing that inspite of the quantum of the tax payers money being spent on road construction in the state, most of the roads in the state were in bad and deplorable condition either because they were done in a shoddy manner or not done at all, adding that the money released for the projects were not properly spent.

“The House is further concerned that after most of the roads are repaired, heavy duty vehicles ply the road without regard for the damage done to the roads.

“We should urge Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to ensure that contractors are not paid mobilisation fee unless they are ready for the work.

“The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure should also ensure that only contractors with requisite experience are given the job to do,” he said.

The lawmaker added that innocent lives have been lost due to the condition of roads in the State.

“The rate at which people are being killed on the roads in the state is alarming, some people on the entourage of the Oba of Epe were killed by an articulated vehicle on Epe road on Sunday”, he revealed.

Speaker of the House, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa observed that there were three major items in the motion, stating that one of the motion made it clear that the government agency in-charge of road construction should be alive to their responsibility.

Also, the contractors should do their jobs, while corporate organisations should play their Corporate Social Responsibility roles.

In the same vein, Hon. Bisi Yusuff, representing Alimosho Constituency 1 said that there must be quality and value for money on the roads being constructed in the state.

He gave example of Kudirat Abiola Road in Oregun, Ikeja, which he said was commissioned 14 years ago and, which he said is still in good condition.

Lending his voice to the discussion, Hon. Rotimi Olowo, representing Shomolu Constituency 1, stated that many of the contractors that do not love the state, bolting away after collecting mobilization fee.

Olowo stressed that Lagos State is losing a lot of money because of insurance bond, and that at every stage of the project, the APG must be alive, which he said should not only be for mobilisation fee, but other subsequent payment in the life of the project.

Hon. Olayiwola Sobur Olawale from Mushin Constituency 2 urged the House to pay attention to the issue of block drains.

“Some of the potholes on our highways are due to the carelessness of our people.

“Incessant dropping of wastes on our roads block the drains. The contractors should be made to sign agreements that they would be brought to book over any road they construct that fails.

“The neighbourhood watch should call our attention to any vehicle that spoils the road so that we can sanction the owners,” he said.

Eco: Nigeria’s Dithering Puts Her In A Disadvantaged Position

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Uche Mbah

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December 31, 2019

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By Uche Mbah

Nigeria’s conflicting reaction to the economic issues of the ECOWAS sub-region may have given diplomatic loopholes for France to hijack the establishment of the sub-region’s common currency, the ECO, leaving Nigeria and Ghana to struggle under the Francophone coup on the Ecowas Diplomatic Economy.

The establishment of an ECOWAS common currency for the 15 west African countries has been on the table for years, with Nigeria, with the largest West African Economy, at the driving seat of the new deal which will ultimately replace the Naira as it’s national Currency.

Last week, the sub-region met to finalize the establishment of the common currency, which is expected to be launched in the year 2020.

But while the meeting was underway, Emmanuel Macron, the French Prime minister, and Alasane Ouatarra, the president of Cote Ivoire, held a joint press conference to announce that the 8 Francophone countries have decided to adopt the Eco as their common currency, thereby jeopardizing the 30 years of negotiations that could have maintained Nigeria as the big brother of the sub-region.

With this, France plots to control the printing and establishment of the new currency, presenting non Francophone members with subsumed economic personalities, in a coup that drags other non Francophone countries into France’s clandestine neocolonialism.

France has been living off the economy of the Francophone countries through economic control of the CFA, the currency of the Francophone countries. The implications are that Nigeria and other West African countries will have to enter the Eco on french terms. Nigeria has been sending conflicting signals in West Africa by closing the borders while pledging allegiance to the ECOWAS free trade, a situation that has pitched it against her neighbors. Ghana, for instance, has been reeling under the impact of the Nigerian border closure.

But the greatest victims of the border closure are the three Francophone countries, a situation analysts believe informed France’s plan of Nigeria’s economic isolation from the rest of Africa. Paris has not been comfortable with the Nigerian economic influence within the sub-region, and the border closure appears to be hurting the economy of France more than expected.

Unfortunately, Nigeria is being perceived as having no clear economic direction besides constant borrowing. After thirty years of being at the forefront of the negotiations, Nigeria came out with a statement that they are “Studying the situation”. Ghana, however, has taken a firm stand.

The delay in the establishment of the Eco over the last 30 years have been pegged on the inability of member nations to meet certain conditionalities. Part of these were that the inflation rate must be maintained below 5 percent by member nations, and that the budget deficit do not exceed 3 percent of GDP. Each member country must have enough enough foreign reserves to cover upwards of 3 months of imports.

Foreign reserves of Francophone countries are tied to the French currency, with each country having a minimum of 50% of their foreign reserves in the French currency. No international transactions can be done by Francophone countries without passing through France.

Lagos: Quilux Owner Gets Respite, Begs Sanwo Olu

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Bayo Bernard

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December 30, 2019

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By Fola James

Quiilux, a night club owned by a member of the house of reps from Oyo State has been reopened by the Lagos State government, more that a week after it was shut for obstructing traffic and breaching the state’s environmental law.

Recall that Peller was arrested alongside some clubers few days ago by the state’s environmental officials.

The magazine however, learnt that some well meaning Nigerians intervened before the state government agreed to reopen the club and aftera securing Quilux management’s commitment to comply with the State’s Environmental Laws, Regulations, Guidelines and Standards.

The Club has agreed to conduct activities without obstructing the flow of traffic on Ozumba Mbadiwe and other adjoining streets, just as it committed to ensuring that sound emanating from its facility does not exceed the recommended limits set by the State.

After a meeting with the management of the Club, the General Manager of LASEPA, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, disclosed that “We are reopening the club for operation as it has fulfilled our conditions and complied with the extant law guiding its operations. The club was sanctioned and fined for environmental nuisance and we ensured total compliance before reopening,” she said.

Speaking further, the General Manager maintained that the closure would serve as a warning to other entertainment and event centres to ensure their operations are within the ambits of the law.

Fasawe advised entertainment and event centres to work with relevant government agencies to put effective traffic management systems in place when hosting events.

She emphasised that the government would not allow any business concern constitute a nuisance to other members of the public by ensuring strict compliance with the State’s environmental laws and regulations.

Meanwhile, the magazine learnt that Peller has been planning to divest from.the club business and handover to a new management, to give him enough time to concentrate on his new job at the lower legislative chamber.

2023: Tinubu’s Campaign Posters Flood The Internet.

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Uche Mbah

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December 30, 2019

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The National leader of the All progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, has flooded internet with his campaign posters, describing his expected incoming presidency as Extra Level, a slight modification of the current APC slogan, Next Level.

Speculations on Tinubu’s presidential ambition has been topics for discussion both online and offline, with many concluding that he is denuding himself by thinking the Presidency cabal will allow him to rule.

Presidential spokesperson Garba Shehu recently insisted that there exists a presidency cabal, who are respectable Nigerians.

The Biafran separatist leader, Nnamdi Kanu has in a recent statement said that Tinubu will be rubbished by the Aso Rock cabals, who, according to him, are already propping up Kaduna state governor, Nasir el Rufai, as Buhari replacement, in case Buhari does not contest again. President Buhari, through his spokes men, have repeatedly said he has no third term agenda.

Critics have referred to the recent retirement of the taxman, Babatunde Fowler, whose tenure was not renewed despite his lobbying for it, as targeted at Tinubu. He has since been under probe by his successor.

Fowler is one of the those believed to have been a Tinubu boy.

But Tinubu, despite skepticism about his chances at the presidency, seems upbeat about it. Some believe he may have been relying on “the magic of MC Oluomo to win the elections, since his template seemed to have worked in Kano, Kogi, Osun and Lagos”, a PDP stalwart told this Magazine. “But it will not work for him.”

Together with the posters of Tinubu, there has been a pilgrimage of homage payers to Musliu Adesanya, popularly called MC Oluomo, from heads of transport workers to traditional rulers, fueling speculations that he is the future governor of Lagos state, “the price he may have been promised if he helps his principal to win the presidency”.

Public perception of Tinubu is that of a very corrupt politician who can do anything to buy power and who is being shielded by the anti graft agencies because he is a national leader of the All progressives Congress, APC. Sometime ago, his house played host to Bullion vans carrying money close to election period. The incidence has never been investigated by the government.

Customs: Compt. Mohammed Takes Over In Ilorin

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Bayo Bernard

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December 30, 2019

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Promises Smugglers Hell

By Fola James

Comptroller Mohammed Uba Garba has already mapped out a strategy on how to give itinerant smugglers hell at his new post in Ilorin, where he has been redeployed as the acting Commander Sector 3 of the Border Drill Operation.
The controller has spent the last 15 months enforcing the border closure policy of the federal government in Seme, one of Africa’s most busiest borders.

The former Comptroller of Seme Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS was last week redeployed by the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, Col. Hamid Ali rtd.) in a routine redeployment that affected two controllers and two deputy controllers.
Those also affected in the shake up are Comptroller Muhammed Aliyu, formerly of FOU, Zone A, Ikeja who has now been moved to Sector 4 of the National Border Drill operation: Comptroller Yahaya Usman, formerly Coordinator of Strike Force took over from him while Comptroller A.G Kakudi takes over from Usman.

Comproller Mohammed will now oversee the borders covering six states and FCT.

They are Kwara, Kogi and Niger states.

His jurisdiction also includes Benue, Plateau and Nassarawa states.

The task before him is enormous, according to those farmiliar with the difficult terrains around the very large border areas, but watchers of the NCS informed the magazine that Comproller Mohammed has a tract record of excellent performance considering where he was coming from, sources in the NCS said.

The controller is not also unaware of what the Service expect from him at this very moment when the President Muhamadu Buhari’s adminstration has ordered that the noose be further tightened around the borders to prevent the importation of goods from land borders.
Sources close to him told the magazine that he preffered not to disclose his strategy for now even though he has vast knowledge in border policing.
But barely few hours to resumption in Ilorin, from where he will coordinate the command, palpable fears have gripped smugllers in the area.
‘Serious’ smugglers, the magazine learnt have sent their men to Federal Operations Unit, FOU, Zone A, Ikeja and Seme to interrogate some officers who worked with him in the two commands, to find out “how to understand Comptroller Mohammed“ a source told the magazine in the Kwara state’s capital.

Meanwhile, the controller told the magazine that he has been instructed by the CG to seal the borders and cut off smugglers.
But Comptroller Mohammed cannot work alone in seing to it that this policy of the federal government is achieved.
He will require the cooperation of officers and men on ground to get work done, security analysts say.

World Bank Says Nigeria In Trouble; Laments Country’s Descent To Very Deep Poverty

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The Source

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December 30, 2019

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By Akinwale Kasali

The World Bank has confirmed Nigeria’s poverty status. And, it fears, inspite of the Federal Government’s claims to the contrary, that the country is in trouble.

The World’s apex banks says Nigeria’s high rate of Poverty is very worrisome, prompting the World Bank to lament the precarious state of the nation.

The World bank’s verdict came at the time Fitch gave the policies of the Central Bank of Nigeria in its management of the economy a thumb’s down. Fitch dismissed the CBN’s management of the country’s economy as costly and unconventional. It is also came when former President Olusgun Obasanjo raised an alarm over the state of the economy, saying Nigeria ” is slipping into bankruptcy.

In the instant case, the World Bank stated that Up to 30 million more Nigerians would fall into the extreme poverty trap in the next 10 years, unless there a drastic step is taken through the Federal Government policy reforms, which would, in turn, bring about a robust productivity and inclusive growth.

The Bank made this disclosure in its latest update on Nigeria Economic Update, displayed on its website.

It stressed that Nigeria’s population is expected to grow by as much as 35 million in the next decade and, unless the pace of growth and job creation accelerate, the country will account for a quarter of all people living in extreme poverty worldwide.

“Creating new opportunities for this rapidly increasing labour force will require a new economic model based on productivity growth,” warned Marco Hernandez, World Bank’s Lead Economist for Nigeria, and co-author of the latest Nigeria Economic Update.

“Without robust productivity growth, the report warns that living standards will continue to deteriorate, and the number of people living in poverty will continue to rise, increasing by more than 30 million by 2030,” the report said.

The report also stated that the policies of the Federal Government of Nigeria could enable millions of citizens escape poverty over the next decade through enacting bold reforms designed to boost economic productivity, according to the latest economic analysis.

According to Vulnerable growth outlook, “The country’s growth outlook is vulnerable to domestic and global risks. It is facing a sharper than expected slowdown in the global economy, as well as geopolitical and trade tensions.

“Domestically, the predictability of macroeconomic policies, the pace of structural reforms, and the country’s security situation are the main risks.” Key to boosting the country’s productivity, it said “How successfully the economy transforms land, labour, capital and other inputs into goods and services–was low compared to peer countries, hindering economic growth, job creation, and living standards.”

The update proffer an economic expansion and creation of new job opportunities through evolution of productivity in the country.

Four priority areas that would lay the foundation for Nigeria’s transition to a new economic model were outlined, in which its large, young, population and abundant natural resources to support sustainable growth and poverty reduction can be effectively used.

It also recommended a policy on transparency and predictability, which would be critical to reduce investment risk and promote growth outside the extractive industry.

Others include massive investments in infrastructure, strengthening land tenure security; reduction in regulatory discretion to attract domestic and foreign investment into the non-oil sector, as well as improve access to finance which could enable new firms compete with incumbents, and allow more productive firms to scale up their operations.

The report also recommended building momentum for reforms, which are essential to mitigate risks and promote, faster, more inclusive and sustainable growth that improves living standards and reduces poverty. Reform areas which the bank identified as critical to Nigeria rapid growth include leveraging trade integration to harness the benefits of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area; Improved basic education financing to improve human capital outcomes; Monitoring the impact of conflict on the welfare of households to protect poor and vulnerable people; and leveraging digital technologies to diversify the economy and create jobs for young workers.

Osimhen Tells Barcelona, Arsenal: You Cannot Guarantee Me Starting Shirts

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The Source

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December 30, 2019

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By Akinwale Kasali

To many footballers, especially, young Nigerian footballers, offers to play for big clubs like Barcelona and Arsenal Football Clubs are chances of a lifetime. The clubs have name-recognition. And they pay well.

But to Super Eagles and Lille Metropole Football Club of France forward, Victor Osimhen, it is no big deal. He prefers action, and a gradual build of his career to big names and big money. Osimhen has, therefore, turned down tempting offers from Barcelona Football Club and Arsenal Football Club, to play for them. He says none of the clubs can guarantee him a starting shirt.

The 2015 FIFA Under-17 World Cup highest goal scorer in Chile has been instrumental to the good performance of his French club side. He has scored a total of 13 goals this season, prompting top European club sides to jostle for his signature.

Osimhen stressed that he may return to German Bundesliga side, Wolfsburg Football Club, where he made only 14 appearances in two seasons before joining Royal Charleroi Football Club in Belgium.

Since bursting onto the scene last season, the 20-year-old has been linked with top clubs in Europe, vying for his signature.

In a chat with Nigeria Info FM, a radio station, Osimhen disclosed how he spoke with Arsene Wenger, but later opted for playing time by joining Wolfsburg.

“I also declined Barcelona move because I will not get a shirt (starting XI) and, this would weaken my future chances, that was why I reconsidered twice,” Osimhen said.

The only player in the history of FIFA Under-17 World Cup to have scored in all matches at the competition revealed that he decided to join Wolfsburg following advice from his brother.

“I spoke to my brother, and he gave me some candid advice. He said I should pick Wolfsburg because the coach wanted me so much than the rest.

“Sometimes, what you imagine is not what you get. So it didn’t work out well and I was really sad it couldn’t work out well because I really had a point to prove but sometimes life is like this so you have to accept it,” the Lille striker said.

Osimhen scored three goals in his last two matches for the Super Eagles in the 2021 African Cup of Nations qualifiers against the Squirrels of Benin Republic and the Crocodiles of Lesotho.

He is the present replacement for Odion Jude Ighalo, the Nigeria Striker that retired after the 2019 AFCON championship in Egypt.

Pellegrini Sacked By West Ham United

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The Source

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December 29, 2019

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By Akinwale Kasali

The wind of sack blowing over coaches in the English Premiership has blown away another high profile coach.

After losing four matches out of five, London Club Side, West Ham United Football Club, has sacked its Chilean Coach, Manuel Pellegrini.

Club owner, David Sullivan, announced Pellegrini’s sack after the Club’s 2-1 loss to Leicester City at the London Stadium courtesy of goals from Kelechi Iheanacho and Demerai Gray. Pablo Fornals scored the Club’s only goal in the match, just 48 hours after losing to Crystal Palace Football Club 2-1 at Selhurst Park on Boxing day.

The Hammers, as West Ham United Football Club is called, sits on the 17th position in the Premier League, just one point shy of the relegation zone after 19 games.

Pellegrini joined West Ham in May 2018 with the former Manchester City manager guiding the club to a 10th-placed finish in his first season in charge.

His second campaign at the helm failed to get going, however, with the club losing its first league game 5-0 and winning only five of their first 19 matches in the Premier League.

Confirming the sack of Pellegrini, Sullivan said the decision to part ways with Pellegrini on Saturday night was important to get the club “back on track”.

“It is with great disappointment that we’ve had to make this decision,” Sullivan said, via a club statement.

“Manuel is a gentleman and it has been a real pleasure to work with someone of his calibre.

“However, it has become clear that a change is required to get the club back on track in line with our ambitions this season. We felt it was necessary to act now in order to give the new manager as much time as possible to try and achieve that goal.”

Pellegrini is the eighth coach in the English Premier League this season to be Sacked after Mauricio Pochettino, Javi Gracia, Quique Sanchez Flores, Unai Emery, Freddie Ljungberg and Marco Silva.

Brigadier General Nengite Arrested

By

The Source

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December 29, 2019

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By Gideon Njoku

One of Nigerian Army’s finest, Brigadier General Charles Nengite, has been arrested by security personnel. Presently, he is allegedly in detention.

His arrest, according to reports, may not be unconnected with the ongoing financial probe at the NDDC.

President Muhammadu Buhari had approved the setting up of an Interim Management Committee at the NDDC, and ordered a forensic probe into the affairs of the Commission.

The NDDC was set up to massively develop the poverty-stricken, infrastructure-starved oil rich Niger Delta.

Sadly, the Commission turned into a cash cow for politicians and their cronies, and made billionaires out of thousands of them while the region suffered criminal neglect.

General Nengite’s arrest was triggered by the United States which, allegedly, discovered millions of dollars in his wife’s bank account. Asked to explain how she accumulated so much, she was unable to do so, the report stated.

Based on that, it is reported, US anti-graft agencies tipped off its Nigerian counterpart.

Her husband, Brig. Nengite, was, therefore, invited for questioning. He was subsequently, allegedly, arrested and detained.

Nengite’s troubles is suspected to have started when he was seconded to the NDDC between 2016 and the outgoing 2019. He was there under the administration of Nsima Ekere and Nelson Brambaifa. Nsima, a former Akwa Ibom Deputy Governor held sway at the Commission until he quit to fly APC’s governorship flag during the 2019 General election.

If Nengite is indicted, it will be a huge loss to the Nigerian Army and an end to a brilliant career.

Nengite was the best overall graduating officer at the Nigerian War College in his set at the elite College.

Rivers Budget : Governor Wike Fails To Meet Deadline

By

Bayo Bernard

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December 28, 2019

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By Fola James

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers’ state is one of the state governors in the country to present the 2020 appropriation bill to the state house of assembly late and this will likely delay the passage before the end of the year.

The federal and state governments had promised to pass their budget to meet the December deadline..

The N530bn monetary expenditure is higher compared to last year’s budget of N480bn.

The members of the assembly are currently on holiday and are unlikely to work on the bill until next year, notwithstanding good relationship enjoyed between the executive and legislature, sources in the assembly said.

President Muhamadu Buhari few days ago signed the national budget into law after passage by National Assembly, making it the first time a federal budget will come to effect since the return to democracy in 1999.

Only a few states among the 36 states across the country have passed their budget into law.

But inspite of the seeming delay Governor Wike has assured the people of the state that the budget has been designed with their needs in mind.

The budget when eventually passed will further turn around the fortunes of the state, the governor stated.

According to the governor, the budget tagged Budget of “Reassurance, profound impact for inclusive growth and shared prosperity,” will consolidate on the achiements of his government in the last five years.

Presenting the 2020 budget proposal to the Rivers State House of Assembly, Wike stated that the budget has total recurrent expenditure of N156,659,436569.00, while capital expenditure is N374,153,920,743.00.
The governor said: “The capital expenditure for 2020 is estimated to be N374,153,920,743.00, which constitutes nearly 70% ofthe total budget. The summary of sectoral allocations of the capital expenditure are as follows:
“Administrative sector -15, 061, 008, 000 .00; Economic sector – 136, 444, 523, 766.60; Law and Justice – 2, 400, 000, 000.00; Social sector -138, 558, 553, 322 .35; Special Head – 57, 367,124,462.0 and Loan repayments – 24,322,731,192.00
“The substantial increase in capital over recurrent expenditure, once again reflects and underscores our commitment to direct more resources to the growth and productive sectors of our economy.
“This Administration is poised to fulfill every promise it made to our people. Consequently, various expenditure portfolios have been allocated to all the relevant MDAs to fund capital expenditures and deliver physical and socio-economic infrastructure and development for our people.”
The highpoint of the recurrent expenditure is the allocation of funds for the new minimum wage and the recruitment of new employees.
“The sum of N70,227,748,472.32 is earmarked for salaries and wages; N8,000,000,000.00 for the new minimum wage, while N18,429,375,634.45 is for overheads.
“Also, N5,000,000,000.00 is set aside for new recruitments, N3,000,000,000.00 as counterpart fund for pensions, N900,000,000.00 for death benefits and N33,176,728,931.33 as monthly pensions and gratuities. Government has also provided over N400,000,000.00 as counterpart contributions for donor programmes.”
A closer look at the budget indicates that close to 20 per cent will be exepended on infrastructure, because over N90 bn has been provided for the Ministry of Works to continue to fund the strategic road development programme for 2020, the governor said.