Peace Corps bill awaiting PMB assent - ITREALMS

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The long awaiting Peace Corps bill is now waiting for President Muhammadu Buhari's assent, reports ITREALMS.

This following the recent harmonisation of bill by the National Assembly.

ITREALMS gathered, it has been forwarded to Buhari who is expected to assent to it before leaving office on May 29, 2023.

PMB denies directing AG, CBN to defy Supreme Court order - ITREALMS

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Nigerian president, General Muhammadu Buhari, retired, has denied directing the Attorney General, Mr. Abubakar Malami and Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele to defy Supreme Court order, reports ITREALMS.

A press statement from the state house, Abuja, endorsed by Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media & Publicity), Garba Shehu, quoted the presidency as wishing to react to some public concerns that President Buhari did not react to the Supreme Court judgement on the issue of the N500 and N1,000 old currency notes, and states here plainly and clearly that at no time did he instruct the Attorney General and the CBN Governor to disobey any court orders involving the government and other parties.

PMB assents to NAP III, Nigeria gears up for implementation - ITREALMS

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The Nigerian president, General Muhammadu Buhari, retired, has assented to the National Action Plan III sent to his office in last quarter of 2022, reports ITREALMS.

The assented copy of the 77-page NAP III, ITREALMS gathered, has since been received by the Open Government Partnership (OGP) global secretariat.

PMB accepts victory, promises to strengthen unity, inclusiveness - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

President Muhammadu Buhari has accepted victory of the Presidential election held on February 23, 2019, promising to strengthen the unity of the country and inclusiveness, reports ITREALMS.

Buhari in a statement made available to ITREALMS, urged his supporters to be maginamus in victory and avoid any atom of violence.

Excerpts from his statement read:

"My Dear Nigerians,

First and foremost, I give thanks to Almighty God Who has spared our lives to witness another victory for Nigerian democracy and victory for our party APC.

2. I thank the millions of Nigerians who voted to re-elect me as your president for the next four years. I am deeply humbled and profoundly grateful to you for judging me worthy of continuing to serve you and for your peaceful conduct.

3. In particular, I would like to thank Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for his masterful leadership as Co-chair of the Campaign Council. I would like to also thank the party chairman Adams Oshiomhole, the Director General of the Campaign Council Rotimi Amaechi, all members of the Presidential Campaign Council and other various Support Groups.

4. My grateful thanks to all those who contributed to the logistical expenses of the campaign in such a vast country like Nigeria.

5. I also thank the millions of volunteers, self-appointed overseers, canvassers, agents, escorts and sentries who sacrificed so much of their time and resources to ensure the success of these elections. I do not have the words adequate to thank them.

6. Although Saturday’s elections were relatively peaceful, troublemakers in a handful of states attempted to disrupt an otherwise orderly process. Security agencies will bring to justice all those arrested in the process.

7. I am very sad at the grievous loss of lives during these elections. Security agencies will step up their efforts to protect voters in the forthcoming State elections.

8. I would like to commend our security agencies, as severely overstretched as they are, for handling the difficult task of securing the country during the election period.

9. I will like to make a special appeal to my supporters not to gloat or humiliate the opposition. Victory is enough reward for your efforts.

10. We give thanks also to our domestic and international observers for contributing to the success of our elections and for their interest in our country and our developing democracy.

11. The new Administration will intensify its efforts in Security, Restructuring the Economy and Fighting Corruption. We have laid down the foundation and we are committed to seeing matters to the end. We will strive to strengthen our unity and inclusiveness so that no section or group will feel left behind or left out.

12. I thank you for your support and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria"
Uboshe Uboshe/Editor

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Pix: VP Osibanjo congratulating President Buhari.

2019 Presidential Election: Charly Boy congratulates PMB, Nigerians - ITREALMS

Commentary@ITREALMS:

"Oga Presido,
"Like King Saul was to the Israelites, so you are to Nigeria. I dey take style hail you, kai!! "Congratulations.

"I am not a fan but I dey give you accolades because you and your cabal brothers understand the Jungle politics of Nigeria. Over shap worry una because una know tey tey sey the people who cast the votes decides nothing but the people who count the votes decides everything. Una Well done.

"Over to us Mumu Naija’s. I know it’s beginning to dawn on fellow frustrated Nigerians that we are about to port to the “Next Level” of original suffer head. It was obvious to me that since you clinched this power in 2015 there was going to be, no looking back, after all see how many times you tried.

"People shouting all over the place sey you rig election, hummmm, can you imagine? Na today politrickcians begin rig? If PDP and APC Na d same of the same why didn’t dey outrig you. Na today wey free and fair elections die for dis country? Abegi make we hear word. Mumu people, no be una been dey shout lesser evil, lesser evil. How can lesser defeat Bigger. Sai Baba, chop knuckles

"Mumu Nigerians never know how far. Na now we go take suffer sow uniform. Welcome to second slavery.

"Nonsense!!!!!!

*Contributed by Charles Oputa aka Charly Boy

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Nigeria suffering from mind-boggling mismanagement says PMB - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The President, Muhammadu Buhari has declared that Nigeria is suffering from mind-boggling mismanagement, reports ITREALMS.

"We are trying to organize the country. The extent of mismanagement we met when we came was mind-boggling," he said.

Receiving a group from the South-east part of the county under the aegis of One on One Nigeria, Tuesday night, the President added:

"Many times, I have spoken about the tremendous resources available to us between 1999 and 2014, and how it was frittered. If only they had used just 25% of it on infrastructure; road, rail, power, Nigerians would mind their own businesses, and not bother about whoever was in power. The casualty figure on our roads daily is simply scandalous. No wonder they are in opposition now, despite all the power they thought they had."

The group, led by Chief Chido Obidiegwu, said it had keenly observed the strides of the Buhari administration nationwide, particularly in the South-east, "and it is now payback time."

According to Obidiegwu, "We have seen the work being done on the long-abandoned Second Niger Bridge, roads are being constructed in many parts of the region, and we believe there is every reason to support you for a second term."

Describing President Buhari as the "grandfather of war against indiscipline and corruption, nightmare of insurgents, Mr Food Security, consolation to pensioners, and Mr Frugality," the group said it was going to mobilize South-easterners to massively vote for him, believing that one good turn would then deserve another in 2023.

The One on One Nigeria promised to mobilize youth groups, women, artisans, traders, religious groups to massively vote for President Buhari, adding that it had all it takes – “courage, drive, verve and vitality."

Seven men and two women represented One on One Nigeria during the visit.

Uboshe Uboshe/GEE

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PMB @ICC: Proud to be Nigerian - ITREALMS Online

Commentary@ITREALMS:

I've seen him address the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Seen him speak at AU (African Union) summits. Seen him address the European Parliament at Salzburg, France. Watched him speak to the world a number of times at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). And on Tuesday, July 17, 2018, he stood ramrod straight to address the International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague, Netherlands. It was a time one felt tremendously proud to be Nigerian.

I have been on the entourage of President Muhammadu Buhari to scores of countries round the world, I have seen how he is well respected by global leaders, and how that reverence rubs off on Nigeria. I tell you, despite all the challenges our country currently faces, we have a leader the world adulates. His honesty, integrity, transparency, love for his country, personal discipline, and many others, are stuff that fairy tales are made of.

At 9.35 a.m Tuesday, President Buhari was ushered into into the main hall of the ICC at The Hague. He stood ramrod straight, in a way that belies his age of 75. Before taking his seat, he bowed reverently to the 17 judges, resplendent in their blue robes and white mufflers. The judges were picked from all regions of the world, and four of them were Blacks. Out of those four, the President, Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji, is Nigerian. All hail our own dear native land!

Judge Eboe-Osuji gave the opening remarks, which dwelt on the history of ICC, its successes, and how it could do a lot better in the immediate future. Turning 20 was a landmark, he stressed, and that was why the Nigerian leader had been invited to present a Keynote Address.

President Buhari was invited to the podium. Another bow, and those brisk strides again! A man they said had died, and been secretly buried this time last year. God is awesome.

That familiar voice came, and one never felt prouder to be Nigerian. The Fulani man, whom some people have tried (and still keep trying) to demonize, demean, and de-market, was addressing the world again. He was addressing a global audience, and people who mattered on this terra firma, were all ears, catching his every word. Again, really proud to be Nigerian.

What did the keynote speaker say? He first commended Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji, saying Nigeria was proud of him. He then delved into the history of the ICC, saying it was inspired by the Nuremberg trials after World War 2, which held people accountable for crimes against humanity, war crimes, crimes of genocide, and aggression. Such court, President Buhari noted, signposts hope for justice to many, and the world surely needs it.

A strong ICC, the keynote speaker added, is a catalyst for other justice efforts, expanding the reach of accountability. And then his prescriptions, going forward:

Let the court make room for hearing serious cases of corruption by state actors that severely compromise the development efforts of countries and throw citizens into greater poverty.

Also, the court could include cases of illicit financial flows where countries are complicit and obstruct repatriation of stolen assets.

"As AU Champion of Anti-corruption, these are issues dear to my heart," President Buhari stressed.
Before concluding his address, the Nigerian President urged the ICC to avoid bias or political motivations in its dealings, and also challenged more states to accede to the Rome Statute, the 20th Anniversary of which was being marked.

He ended on a bright and cheery note. As Nigeria prepares for general elections next year, the process would be free and fair. There would be no repeat of the 2011 post-election riots and loss of lives, which led the ICC to commence preliminary investigations against Nigeria.

The applause was thunderous, as a man of integrity, Mai Gaskiya (the honest man) concluded his address. It was a day of glory for Nigeria, and all Nigerians of goodwill. Truly, a prophet often has more honour outside, than in his own country. But then, this prophet undoubtedly has honour everywhere.

*Femi.Adesina is Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity

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PMB: Why I signed 2018 budget despite NASS padding - ITREALM Online

ForTheRecords@ITREALMS: 

• ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, AT THE SIGNING INTO LAW, THE 2018 APPROPRIATION BILL, PRESIDENTIAL VILLA, ABUJA, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20^TH 2018.

I would like to thank the leadership of the National Assembly, particularly the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, as well as all the Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members, for passing the 2018 Appropriation Bill, after seven months.

2. When I submitted the 2018 Budget proposals to the National Assembly on 7^th November 2017, I had hoped that the usual legislative review process would be quick, so as to move Nigeria towards a predictable January-December financial year.  The importance of this predictability cannot be overemphasized.  

3. While the Federal Government’s budget represents less than 10% of aggregate yearly expenditures in the economy, it has a very significant accelerator effect on the financial plans of other tiers of government, and even more importantly, the private sector, which mostly operates on a January-December financial year.  

4. Notwithstanding the delay this year, I am determined to continue to work with the National Assembly towards improving the budgeting process and restoring our country to the January-December fiscal cycle.

5. I note, with pleasure, that the National Assembly is working on the enactment of an Organic Budget Law, so as to improve the efficiency of the nation’s budgetary process.

6. As I mentioned during the presentation of the 2018 Appropriation Bill, we intend to use the 2018 Budget to consolidate the achievements of previous budgets and deliver on Nigeria’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) 2017-2020.  

7. It is in this regard that I am concerned about some of the changes that the National Assembly has made to the budget proposals that I presented.  The logic behind the Constitutional direction that budgets should be proposed by the Executive is that, it is the Executive that knows and defines its policies and projects.  

8. Unfortunately, that has not been given much regard in what has been sent to me.  The National Assembly made cuts amounting to 347 billion Naira in the allocations to 4,700 projects submitted to them for consideration and introduced 6,403 projects of their own amounting to 578 billion Naira.

9. Many of the projects cut are critical and may be difficult, if not impossible, to implement with the reduced allocation.  Some of the new projects inserted by the National Assembly have not been properly conceptualized, designed and costed and will therefore be difficult to execute.  

10. Furthermore, many of these new projects introduced by the National Assembly have been added to the budgets of most MDAs with no consideration for institutional capacity to execute them or the incremental recurrent expenditure that may be required.  

11. As it is, some of these projects relate to matters that are the responsibility of the States and Local Governments, and for which the Federal Government should therefore not be unduly burdened.

12. Such examples of projects from which cuts were made are as follows:

·  a. The provisions for some nationally/regionally strategic infrastructure projects such as Counter-part funding for the Mambilla Power Plant, Second Niger Bridge/ancillary roads, the East-West Road, Bonny-Bodo Road, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and Itakpe-Ajaokuta Rail Project were cut by an aggregate of 11.5 billion Naira.

·  b. Similarly, provisions for some ongoing critical infrastructure projects in the FCT, Abuja especially major arterial roads and the mass transit rail project, were cut by a total of 7.5 billion Naira.

·  c. The provision for Rehabilitation and Additional Security Measures for the United Nations Building by the FCT, Abuja was cut by 3.9 billion Naira from 4 billion Naira to 100 million Naira; this will make it impossible for the Federal Government of Nigeria to fulfill its commitment to the United Nations on this project.

·  d. The provisions for various Strategic Interventions in the health sector such as the upgrade of some tertiary health institutions, transport and storage of vaccines through the cold chain supply system, provision of anti-retroviral drugs for persons on treatment, establishment of chemotherapy centres and procurement of dialysis consumables were cut by an aggregate amount of 7.45 billion Naira.

·  e. The provision for security infrastructure in the 104 Unity Schools across the country were cut by 3 billion Naira at a time when securing our students against acts of terrorism ought to be a major concern of government.

·  f. The provision for the Federal Government’s National Housing Programme was cut by 8.7 billion Naira.

·  g. At a time when we are working with Labour to address compensation-related issues, a total of 5 billion Naira was cut from the provisions for Pension Redemption Fund and Public Service Wage Adjustment.

·  h. The provisions for Export Expansion Grant (EEG) and Special Economic Zones/Industrial Parks, which are key industrialization initiatives of this Administration, were cut by a total of 14.5 billion Naira.

·  i. The provision for Construction of the Terminal Building at Enugu Airport was cut from 2 billion Naira to 500 million Naira which will further delay the completion of this critical project.

·  j. The Take-off Grant for the Maritime University in Delta State, a key strategic initiative of the Federal Government, was cut from 5 billion Naira to 3.4 billion Naira.

·  k. About seventy (70) new road projects have been inserted into the budget of the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing.  In doing so, the National Assembly applied some of the additional funds expected from the upward review of the oil price benchmark to the Ministry’s vote.  Regrettably, however, in order to make provision for some of the new roads, the amounts allocated to some strategic major roads have been cut by the National Assembly.

13. Another area of concern is the increase by the National Assembly of the provisions for Statutory Transfers by an aggregate of 73.96 billion Naira.  Most of these increases are for recurrent expenditure at a time we are trying to keep down the cost of governance.  

14. An example of this increase is the budget of the National Assembly itself which has increased by 14.5 billion Naira, from 125 billion Naira to 139.5 billion Naira without any discussion with the Executive.

15. Notwithstanding the above stated observations, I have decided to sign the 2018 Budget in order not to further slowdown the pace of recovery of our economy, which has doubtlessly been affected by the delay in passing the budget.

 16. However, it is my intention to seek to remedy some of the most critical of these issues through a supplementary and/or amendment budget which I hope the National Assembly will be able to expeditiously consider.

17. I am pleased with the success recorded in the implementation of the 2017 Budget.  A total sum of 1.5 trillion Naira has been released for the implementation of capital projects during the 2017 fiscal year.  In response to this and other policy measures implemented, we have observed significant improvement in the performance of the Nigerian economy.

18. To achieve the laudable objectives of the 2018 Budget, we will work very hard to generate the revenues required to finance our projects and programmes.  The positive global oil market outlook, as well as continuing improvement in non-oil revenues, make us optimistic about our ability to finance the budget.

19. However, being a deficit budget, the Borrowing Plan will be forwarded to the National Assembly shortly.  I crave the indulgence of the National Assembly for a speedy consideration and approval of the Plan.

20. The 2018 Budget I have just signed into law provides for aggregate expenditures of 9.12 trillion Naira, which is 22.6% higher than the 2017 Appropriation.  Further details of the approved budget will be provided by the Minister of Budget and National Planning.

21. I thank the Ministers of Budget and National Planning, the Budget Office of the Federation, and everyone who worked tirelessly and sacrificed so much to bring us to this day.  However, the job is only partly done.  

22. I am sure you will remain committed to advancing our Change Agenda, not only in the preparation of the national budget, but also in ensuring its effective implementation.

I thank you and may God bless Nigeria.

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*PMB during the signing of 2018 Appropriation bill into law

Minister showcases PMB achievements, slams opposition

ITREALMS:

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has slammed the country's political opposition for downplaying the unprecedented achievements of the Buhari Administration, saying they are being deliberately and perpetually blind to the achievements, reports ITRealms.

The Minister made the assertion while inaugurating the 22-member newly-elected Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), under the chairmanship of Mallam Mukhtar Sirajo, in Abuja on Thursday.

He described the opposition as unserious, very disdainful of the truth, lacks ideas and believes that being in opposition means crying wolf where there is none and spewing out fake information at the speed of light!

''Where is the seriousness in an opposition party throwing out a spurious figure of N10 trillion as the amount of money that has been looted under the present administration? What is Nigeria's annual national budget? How do you react to an opposition that is deliberately and perpetually blind to the monumental achievements of this Administration?'' Alhaji Mohammed queried.

He said while naysayers might pretend not to have seen all these achievements, ''Nigerians who are benefitting directly from them have testified to the reality of the successes.''

 Listing some of the achievements of the Administration, the Minister said it had taken power generation from 2,690MW to 7,000MW, moved Nigeria closer to self-sufficiency in rice than any Administration before it, increased the number of rice farmers from 5 million to an all-time high over 11 million and cut Nigeria's rice import bill of $1.65 billion annually by 90%.

''We are feeding 8.2 million pupils in 45,394 schools in 24 states, employing 87,261 cooks in the process; we are paying conditional cash transfer of N5,000 monthly to 297,973 poorest and most vulnerable households, never before done in Nigeria; we are building roads, rail and power, spending an unprecedented 2.7 trillion Naira on infrastructure alone in just two years; we have raised capital expenditure in the yearly national budget to an unprecedented 30% on the average, our Social Investment Programmes have benefitted 9 million people.

''The school children who are being fed, the unemployed graduate who has now been employed under N-Power; the small business owner who has benefitted from the GEEP loans and the thousands of people who have been rescued from the clutches of Boko Haram know that these achievements are real,'' he said.

Alhaji Mohammed said the economy is also back on the path of growth, after the recession of 2016-17, ''and we have the figures to support this assertion''.

He said the economy grew 1.95 percent in Q1 2018; Inflation has fallen for 15 consecutive months, from 18.7 percent to12.5 percent as of April 2018; External Reserves of $48 billion are the highest in 5 years; Total exports in 2017 were 59.47% higher than for 2016; Agriculture exports grew 180.7% above the value in 2016; Raw material exports grew 154.2% above the value in 2016; Solid minerals exports grew 154.2% above the value in 2016; Exports of manufactured goods grew 26.8% above the value in 2016, And the first quarter of 2018 saw the fourth consecutive quarterly increase in capital importation since Q2 2017.

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'What Archbishop Welby told PMB'

SundaySermon@ITREALMS: 

“It was an honour to meet President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria in London today. We discussed the complex security situation in Nigeria and their government’s efforts to address it, and I offered support in seeking a sustainable solution to the herder-farmer conflict.

“I expressed deep concern about the suffering resulting from raids on Christian communities and villages as far south as Delta State. We discussed the causes of such depredations, which have led to very many deaths and threaten an escalation of violence. I urged measures to restore confidence in the neutrality of the state, and spoke of the suffering of the poor in such tragedies.

“I also raised the urgent situation of Leah Sharibu – the 14-year old Dapchi Christian school girl still held captive by Boko Haram for refusing to convert to Islam – and urged the President to do everything possible to secure her release.

“I briefed President Buhari about my pastoral visit to Nigeria in 2014 following the abduction of the Chibok girls, and assured him of my continued prayers for the release of all those still in captivity. The President promised that the Government would do all in its power to secure their release.

“No country or society can flourish without excellent education – so it was good to speak with the President about how education helps tackle poverty. I highlighted the vital role that churches in England play not just in educating a million children, but in providing them with values, identity and purpose.

“Please join me in standing prayerfully with those suffering from the herder-farmer conflict, the Boko Haram insurgency, and all those mourning the loss of loved ones. It’s so important that we pray for the peace and progress of Nigeria – and particularly for the liberating peace of Jesus to be with all those held in captivity.”

*Contributed by Archbishop Justin Welby wrote in from United Kingdom

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Lagos declares Thursday work free day, diverts traffic for PMB

ITREALMS:

The Lagos State Government has declared Thursday, March 29 as a work free day in the State and diverted traffic across the city, urging Lagosians to seek out alternative route, reports ITRealms.

According to the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan, who disclosed this in a press statement made available to ITRealms, said this would enable Lagosians come out enmasse to welcome President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB) who is on a historic two-day visit to Lagos State.

He also urged residents to adhere to the security guidance earlier announced to make the visit as peaceful and orderly.

Meanwhile, on the traffic diversions and alternative routes ahead of a two-day visit by Buhari to the State between March 29 and 30, the State’s Commissioner of Police, CP Imohimi Edgal, said at the Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja, that adequate preparations have been made to mitigate the impact of the road diversions on residents, while access would be given to any emergency situation.

Edgal, accompanied by heads of security and emergency agencies in the State, said while in Lagos, the President would commission the new Ikeja Bus Terminal, attend a colloquium in honour of national leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and as well as embark on tour of the Eko Atlantic City, among others.

“To ensure smooth, security-free visit of the President, we would need to do some diversions. Some certain roads will be closed at certain times; some diversions will be made but I want to use this opportunity to appeal for the support and understanding of Lagosians that this temporary road closures and diversions might cause a little inconvenience.

“We want the people to bear with us to ensure that we all join hands together to make the visit of Mr. President not only hitch-free but also very memorable. The road closures and diversions will be very temporary and immediately the President leaves a certain location, that area will be opened very quickly for the general public. We have also made adequate arrangements to mitigate the impact of the closures on residents,” Edgal said.

He listed the areas to be affected to include Bank Anthony Way in Ikeja, Agege Motor Road, a section of Eko Hotel Road in Victoria Island and Old Marina in Ikoyi axis.

Besides, Edgal said security arrangement was already in top gear and that people would see a lot of deployment of personal of both military and civil logistics adding that it is nothing to worry about.

“We have done the necessary threat assessments; we have reached out to all stakeholders in areas that we believe we should reach out to them to ensure their full cooperation. We are using this opportunity to call again on the Okada Unions and the National Union of Road Transport Workers that they must abide with the terms of agreement we reached during meetings with them regarding the visit.

“We will not want to see commercial motorcycles plying the prohibited routes of Agege Motor Road, Bank Anthony Way and anywhere on the Island. Should that order be disobeyed, we would be constrained to ensure that you are arrested with your motorcycles impounded. Whoever is also found as a passenger will also be arrested and prosecuted so do not patronize these Okadas on these prohibited routes not only for the purpose of the visit but also to ensure that Lagos State Laws on the regulation of commercial motorbikes are obeyed at all times,” Edgal said.  

Further, he said three locations have been designated for all first emergency responders to station their equipment and officials including the Police, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), LASAMBUS, Civil Defence, Fire Brigade, among others at Ikeja, Victoria Island and Free Trade Zone at Lekki-Akodo axis.

On the Apapa gridlock which has spilled over to other parts of the State, Edgal said while the Joint Task Force set up by the State Government was already working to ensure free-flow of traffic, the government nonetheless has commenced the construction of a new Trailer Park in Ijora axis that could conveniently accommodate 2,800 trucks and tanker at a time.

 As noted by the Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Ambode, Mr. Habib Aruna noted that the state in collaboration with stakeholders, have identified a location known as the White Sand in Ijora axis and an assessment of the place have been conducted leading to all shanties there to have been destroyed.

“Now, the State Government has given out the contract to a firm and they are now smoothening up the place. It has the capacity to take well over 2,800 trucks and tankers at the same time. Work is ongoing there at a very fast pace and I can assure Lagosians that very soon, the place will be completed and we intend to move all trucks, tankers to that location and as soon as that is done, we would have permanently take care of this trucks and tankers,” Edgal said. 

Ayo Midele/GEE

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Ibori joins Twitter, follows Tinubu, Atiku, APC, PMB

ITRealms:

The returnee, Chief James Onanefe Ibori at the weekend joined the Tweeps on Twitter as his twitter handle opens @ChiefIbori, reports ITRealms.

Chief Ibori, according to information available to ITRealms, opened his first-ever Twitter account at about 8. 00 am on Sunday morning, which a profile indicating that he is a politician, former Governor of Delta State (1999-2007), dad, philanthropist and business man.

ITRealms also gathered that as at the time of filing this report, has over 1, 610 followers within 24 hours of the handle coming up.

In addition, @ChiefIbori, has three tweets obviously dedicated to his people and kind of welcome he received at the weekend when he arrived home from United Kingdom after serving a jail term.

He equally follows 9 other Tweeps including Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar, Presidency Nigeria and APC Nigeria, Prof Yemi Osinbajo @ProfOsinbajo, Muhammadu Buhari @MBuhari, Official PDP Nigeria @OfficialPDPNig and TheCable @thecableng. 

One of the fore tweets @ChiefIbori reads, “Good morning Nigerians. #myfirstTweet.”

While the second tweet came as a video clip as he was cheered by his community at Oghara on Saturday afternoon on arrival.

Hear him, “I’m excited to unite with my people. The strength of any politician lies in hands of his followers.”

However, @ChiefIbori went on third tweet which reads “The energy yesterday was electrifying and intimidating. I’m grateful.”

Industry analysts informed ITRealms that those Chief Ibori is following on the first day shows where his interest lies. 

Although ITRealms reports it has been a mixed reaction thereafter with his core political followers eulogising him, others call him names over how he managed the Delta State during his tenure.

Nenye Dom/GEE 

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PMB names former Accenture boss, Sulaiman, chairman Financial Reporting Council

ITRealms:

President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB) has named, the former Country Managing Director of Accenture, Mr Adedotun Sulaiman, as the new Chairman of the board of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRN), while Mr. Daniel Asapokhai takes over from Mr. Jim Obazee, as the Executive Secretary, reports ITRealms.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, confirmed this to ITRealms, saying that President Buhari has approved the immediate removal and the replacement of the Executive Secretary, Mr. Jim Obazee and the reconstitution of the board of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRN). He has appointed a Chairman and a new Executive Secretary for the council.

This is coming as industry observers alleged the removal of Obazee was linked to the last weekend controversial retirement of Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), which has left the church divided since then.

Also, ITRealms gathered that the new Council as approved by the President has Mr Adedotun Sulaiman, as Chairman. Mr. Sulaiman was a former Managing Partner/Director of Arthur Anderson and later, Accenture. He is a Chartered Accountant and a product of the University of Lagos and Harvard Business School.

Equally, the President has approved the appointment of Mr. Daniel Asapokhai as the Executive Secretary of the Council. Asopokhai, ITRealms gathered is a partner and a Financial Reporting Specialist at the PricewaterHouseCoopers (PWC), Nigeria, and a graduate of the University of Lagos and the University of Pretoria.

President Muhammadu Buhari, he said, has also instructed the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment to invite the nineteen ministries, departments and agencies of the Federal Government and private sector organizations specified in the FRC Act to nominate members of the board of the council.

Until his appointment, Mr. Sulaiman has been the Group Chairman of the Board of Cornerstone Insurance Plc. He is management consultant, specializing in organizational development, enterprise transformation and business process reengineering.

In addition, Mr. Sulaiman, as reported by Reuters, is chairman of the Board of several companies, traversing several sectors of the economy with an emphasis on the emerging electronic payments industry and companies in the entrepreneurial stage.

“He began his professional as Diplomat, including a stint at the Nigerian Embassy in Washington District of Columbia (DC) as Consular Officer from late 1976 to early 1978. In late 1978, he joined the Management Information Consulting Division of Arthur Andersen & Co. which later became the Andersen Consulting, and now Accenture.

"He rose rapidly through the ranks to become Local Partner in 1984 and Partner in the Worldwide Firm in 1989; taking over from the founding Managing Partner, Dick Kramer, in 1993 and remained Country Managing Partner for both Arthur Andersen, the Audit and Tax firm as well as Andersen consulting until 1999 when with the complete separation of the consulting business from the Arthur Andersen Worldwide Organization, he became the Country Managing Director of Accenture, the new name of the independent management and technology consulting arm.

“By March 2005, he retired from his executive leadership of Accenture in Nigeria and took on the supporting role of Non-Executive Chairman and an 18-month contractual role. “

A qualified Chartered Accountant since 1981, Sulaiman attended the Program for Management Development (PMD) at the Harvard Business School in 1990, he obtained  42 years ago, a First Class Honors Degree in Business Administration from the University of Lagos.

Chuks Egbune/GEE

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Chibok girls release: Lai Mohammed outlines efforts by PMB

ITRealms:

The Federal Government has outlined efforts made by the President Mohammadu Buhari administration to secure the release of the Chibok girls, who were abducted from their school in April 2014 by Boko Haram, reports ITRealms.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, gave this outlines on Friday while briefing press on the efforts which included swap arrangements dating back to July 2015, however, failed for various reasons, including last-minute issuance of a new set of demands by Boko Haram elements.

Special Assistant to Hon Minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Segun Adeyemi quoted him as saying that in spite of the failure of the past swap agreements, the government and the security agencies have not relented in the bid to ensure that the Chibok girls are released safely, in line with the mandate given by the President who, upon the assumption of office, directed security agencies to urgently fashion out strategies to trace, locate and ensure the safe and successful release of the Chibok girls.

Giving details of the first swap agreement, which was the most promising, Alhaji Mohammed said it failed in the last minute because Boko Haram decided to make a new set of demands, even after all arrangements had been made to exchange some Boko Haram fighters for the girls.

''Precisely on 17th July, 2015, the DSS opened negotiations process with the group holding the Chibok girls. However, in return for the release of some of these girls, the group also made some demands. These included the release of some of their fighters arrested including some involved in major terrorist actions, resulting in several fatalities, and others who were experts in manufacture of locally assembled explosives. This was difficult to accept, but appropriate security agencies had to again inform Mr. President of these demands, and its viewed implications. Again Mr. President gave his assent believing that the overall release of these girls remains paramount and sacrosanct.

''Meanwhile, following the above development, Government and the security agencies had sufficient leverage to work out the modalities of the swap. These included creating the safe haven, or necessary place of swap and working out the logistic details. Based on this, the DSS availed other critical sister agencies of this new situation. Immediately, the Nigerian Army and the Air Force sent some specialists to commence a detailed arrangement for the swap. This was during the last week of July 2015 and 1st week of August 2015. The officers representing the various agencies worked out the logistic details, such as the number of persons to be swapped i.e. number of girls and detainees to be exchanged, the vehicles and aircraft, as well as safeguards, i.e. safety of the persons, including the location of the swap.

''When it was finally agreed by all parties, Mr. President was again informed that the preparations were concluded, and the  first step for the swap would commence on 1st August, 2015. Mr. President robustly gave his approval. On 4th August, 2015, the persons who were to be part of the swap arrangements and all others involved in the operation were transported to Maiduguri, Borno State. This team, with the lead facilitator, continued the contact with the group holding the Chibok girls. The Service was able to further prove to the group its sincerity, as it established communication contact between it and its detained members.

''All things were in place for the swap which was mutually agreed. Expectations were high. Unfortunately, after more than two (2) weeks of negotiation and bargains, the group, just at the dying moments, issued new set of demands, never bargained for or discussed by the group before the movement to Maiduguri. All this while, the security agencies waited patiently. This development stalled what would have been the first release process of the Chibok girls,'' he said.

The Minister also gave the details of two more swap attempts that were made following the failure of the first agreement.

''By the month of November, precisely 13th November, 2015, another fresh negotiation process with the group was initiated. This time, there was the need to discuss a fresh component in other to avoid issues that had stalled the former arrangement. There were however some problems that many may not discern, but should be expected in this kind of situation. Some critical persons within the group who played such vital role in August, 2015 were discovered to be dead during combat action or as a result of the emerging rift amongst members of the group then. These two factors delayed the process.

''By 30th November, 2015 it was becoming glaring that the division amongst the group was more profound. This affected the swap process. By 10th December, 2015, another negotiation process was in place, but this failed to achieve results because of the varying demands by the group,'' he said, assuring that in spite of the failures, negotiation continued on new modalities to secure the release of the girls.

The Minister said since the beginning of 2016, the security agencies have not only remained committed but have also taken the lead to resolve the Chibok girls’ issue, in spite of the current division among members of the terrorist group, which has seriously affected the efforts

He commended the security agencies whom, he said, have sacrificed their time and energy, with some even paying the supreme price while fighting for the safe release of the girls, disclosing that many friendly countries and organizations have equally been very forthcoming in providing their human and technological resources to assist in the process.

Addressing the parents and relatives of the Chibok girls, Alhaji Mohammed said: ''We are with you; we feel your pains and shall not relent until we succeed in bringing home our girls and every other citizen abducted by the group.''

He also appealed to ''all those who have shown concern in resolving this matter'' to continue to trust the efforts of Government to deal with the situation.

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Pix: Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, flanked by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs Ayo Adesugba, Special Assistants Segun Adeyemi and Williams Adeleye and Director in the Ministry Peter Dama, at a press conference addressed by the Minister in Abuja on Friday