Dangote Refinery debunks mass sack claim, insists over 3,000 remain employed despite ongoing re-organisation - ITREALMS

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The management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has dismissed as unfounded allegations by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) that the company carried out mass sackings in retaliation for workers joining the association.

In a statement, the refinery described the claims as misleading, clarifying that the ongoing re-organisation within its workforce is intended to strengthen operations and address repeated cases of sabotage that posed safety risks and disrupted production.

ES NCDMB visits Samsung, Africoat, insists on local facilities patronage - ITREALMS

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The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, on Monday visited the facilities of Samsung Heavy Industries Nigeria (SHIN), and Africoat Nigeria Limited, a pipe coating plant located at Takwa Bay, Lagos, reports ITREALMS.

The visit is consistent with Ogbe’s determination to assess oil and gas facilities across the country as a prelude for their participation in ongoing and upcoming major oil industry projects.

NNPC insists 'No increase in PMS prices,' assures Nigerians - ITREALMS

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The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd. has insisted that there no increase in the cost of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) also known as petrol locally, reports ITREALMS.

The Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd, Mr. Olufemi Soneye made this declaration in a press statement available to ITREALMS, assuring the public that there is no imminent increase in the cost of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol in the country.

Call masking: No lifting of ban, remain offense insists Maida – ITREALMS

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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has insisted that call masking remained a crime punishable in the nation’s telecommunications space, reports ITREALMS.

The Executive Vice Chairman, NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida disclosed this to ITREALMS on Thursday at a media parley which coincided with his 100 days in office held in Lagos.

Call masking is a telephone feature that displays a designated phone number on outbound calls; Callers could only see the caller ID that you set and not your actual phone number or extension.

Responding to ITREALMS question, EVC Maida said that as far as he knows, call masking ban has not been lifted.

This, he maintained, remained a crime and criminal offenses have some deterrent actions.

Also speaking, the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Engr. Ubale Ahmed Maska reiterated the EVC position, declaring that “it remained a criminal offense to operate call masking in the country.”

He also revealed that some measures are being put in place to ensure such perpetrators are tracked and punished.

In addition, he disclosed that NCC has recently completed installation of some equipment to aid the Commission in tracking masked calls and eventually break the perpetrators to book.

The latest installations, he said, would avail NCC more surveillance, emphasising that punishment will be meted to offenders.

Further, the EVC reeled out his strategic plans to be anchored on four pillars including, collaboration, data-centric, compliance and digitalisation of processes.

As said by Maida, the importance of collaboration cannot be over-emphasised given the fact that telecommunications binds every other sectors of the economy.

NCC under his watch, he said would ensure data-centric engagement so as to ensure that data drives and used to project the work of the commission, as such that industry data collection is paramount in its service delivery, while focus on critical stakeholders, namely the consumers, licensees and the government.

Maida, who was also accompanied by the Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, Mr. Adeleke Morounfolu Adewolu, some directors, deputy directors, heads of units as well as, Director, Public Affairs, Mr. Reuben Muoka, anticipated all the licensees of NCC to comply with the rules of the game towards making the sector the defacto engine-room of the modern economies.

Pointing out that network reliability will be encouraged to empower consumers to have a better connectivity and move away from multiple SIM usage.

Efforts, he said, would be geared towards making data more affordable, thereby advancing the general security to improve end-user experience.

He warned that there will be consequences for using SIM for frauds in the country and NCC will tighten any loose end to make sure this is achieved.

Whereas, he said that NCC will leverage digitalisation to work processes more friendly to the eco-system including subscribers and investors.

Remmy Nweke/DoP

Supreme Court reaffirms CBN directive, insists banks to issue, accept old, redesigned Naira – ITREALMS

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The Supreme Court of Nigeria on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, granted the Central Bank of Nigeria extension order on the use of the of old Naira banknotes ad infinitum, reports ITREALMS.

With this, Supreme Court has reaffirmed CBN recent directive on the use of both old and redesigned notes beyond December 31, 2023.

Dele Alake lacks knowledge of NADECO says Ralph Obioha, insists Soyinka never a member, Lloyd Ukwu legitmate - ITREALMS

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Former head of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), North America, Chief Ralph Obioha has refuted claims that Prof. Wole Soyinka was a member of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) and called out Dele Alake for lack of factual knowledge of the pro-democracy body, reports ITREALMS.

Chief Obioha was reacting to the diatribe by Dele Alake who claimed to be a special adviser to Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing him as a johnny-just come on the batter of NADECO.

Polaris Bank sales: CBN sets record straight, insists on due diligence - ITREALMS

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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has set the records straight on the recent sale of Polaris Bank Limited, reports ITREALMS.

A press statement available to ITREALMS, the apex bank noted its attention has been drawn to a spurious, malicious, and misleading online publication, which made several false claims concerning the recent sale of the Federal Government’s interest in Polaris Bank Ltd.

Ablegenius boss, Ebuka Agu, harps on sugarcraft art, insists being grand in what you do begets results - ITREALMS

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Sugarcraft prince based in Lagos, Ebuka Agu Godwin of Ablegenius Craft 'n' Events, says it requires skills and patience, learning, unlearning and relearning in sugar art. He spoke to ITREALMS' GBEMI OMOTOSO recently.

Excerpts:

What inspires you into crafting in cake design?
The love for craft has always been my childhood skill, as an artist while growing up, however, coming into the cake industry was just a plus.

Blackmail: I'll not succumb, insists Pantami - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) has declared that he will not succumb to blackmails, especially via the media by those described as unpatriotic elements in the sector, reports ITREALMS.

The Minister through his spokesperson, Uwa Suleiman alleged that Pantami’s office is aware of some clandestine attempts by unpatriotic elements at sabotaging the efforts being made by the Ministry to deliver its mandate to Nigerians.

“No acts of corruption or injustice shall be condoned. We will neither be intimidated by fifth columnists or any agents of dubious intentions, nor be blackmailed into submission,” the Minister was quoted as saying.

Suleiman also said that Pantami’s leadership has impacted hugely on the lives of ordinary Nigerians who have hitherto been helpless in the face of blatant exploitation.

“Since assumption of office, the Honourable Minister has consistently rolled out policies that strive to protect the consumer and entrench discipline and professionalism in the sector, this stand has obviously ruffled some feathers whose sole aim is to discredit Dr Pantami’s mass-friendly policies,” she said.

Suleiman noted that investigations into the suspicious activities of some disgruntled elements, has exposed attempts at a malicious smear campaign, bankrolled by unscrupulous elements who are uncomfortable with the Minister’s people-oriented policies because, “they can no longer conduct business as usual.”

ALSO READ: Telecom infrastructure: Pantami writes state governors over lack of protection - ITREALMS

She alleged that “The strategy is to compromise the media, using financial inducements and they have raised a considerable amount of money for this campaign.”

Suleiman commended the resilience of some media persons who resisted the lure of evil, and “refused to be compromised and reached out to us.”

“We are proud of the level of professionalism and patriotism demonstrated by the press which resulted in the woeful failure of the despicable campaign,” she said.

Insisting that the objective of this façade, was to intimidate Pantami's office into allowing the continued exploitation of Nigerians by compromising regulators.

As said by her, the office of the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy would pursue and uphold its mandate, in line with the Three Point Agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Chuks Egbuna/Editor

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Pix: Pantami

Deactivation order: ALTON disagrees with Pantami, insists Voicemail is opt-in only - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has disagreed with the deactivation order on voice mail by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Pantami, insisting that Voice mail is opt-in value added service (VAS) only, reports ITREALMS.

ALTON in response to the claimed order for deactivation of Voice Mail Protocol by Service Providers' Network as a ‘policy issue’ maintained that within the Section 23 and 24 of the Nigerian Communications Act, “this is not a major ‘policy issue’ which must align with consultations to be organized by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

“It is a mere operational/consumer protection issue which the Ministry can simply call NCC's attention to,” ALTON insisted amounted to unnecessary interference.

The group which is the umbrella of all licensed mobile network operators, noted that in as much that they want to believe that the Minister was misquoted.

However, ALTON posited that “Voicemail (VM) is a value-added service. Only those who opt-in should have it” stressing that the current practice on some networks is that once subscribers call and the recipient does not pick, “you get a voice prompt saying that the subscriber is not available and asking you to record a voice message *after the tone*”

They further said that for the avoidance of doubt subscribers are not billed anything, but if they delay in either exiting in the event of not wanting the voicemail, “they may be charged for a few seconds, or for the time it takes you to record the message.”

ALTON pointed out that the recipient of the voice mail does not get charged for listening, because “It is free.”

The group explained in a press statement available to ITREALMS signed by ALTON chairman, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo and Head of Operations, MR. Gbolahan Awonuga, said that VM is a value added service and should only be provisioned for those who expressly request for it, recalling that MNOs reintroduced the VM facility to discourage people who "flash" continuously.

“Flashing wastes network resources and also degrades QoS reporting. This should not however justify the practise the way it is being done by some networks” they said.

ALTON, however maintained that, VM is not a major "policy issue" within the meaning of S. 23&24 of the NCA which empowers the Minister to formulate "general policy for the communications sector..." after due consultations organised by the NCC, describing it as a mere operational cum consumer protection issue which the Ministry could simply refer to NCC's attention.

“It is a purely consumer related issues that minister refers to as a major policy issue and also amounts to unnecessary interference by the Minister contrary to Section 25 subsections 1 & 2 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003,” ALTON insisted.

Remmy Nweke/DoP

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FG insists, ‘we don’t play politics with security, welfare of citizens’ - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Federal Government (FG) has said, there is no playing of politics with the security and welfare of citizens, reports ITREALMS.

The FG made this remark through the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, in Katsina on Tuesday at a Special Town Hall Meeting on Security (Banditry, Cattle Rustling and Kidnapping).

“Today's Town Hall Meeting is very unique. Since we started in 2016, this is the first time that we are having Governors from the APC and the PDP as panelists.

''This is first a testimony to the fact that this Federal Government does not play politics with the security and welfare of citizens and secondly, a reflection of the patriotism, commitment and nationalism of the Governors, irrespective of their party affiliations,'' he said.

The event had in attendance the PDP Governors of Sokoto and Zamfara, Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and Alhaji Bello Matawalle respectively, as well as the host Governor Aminu Bello Masari of the APC.

The three Governors joined the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohamed; Minister of Defence, Maj.-Gen. Bashir Magashi (Rtd) and the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, as panelists.

Alhaji Mohammed said even though a lot of successes have been recorded in tackling the unique security challenges in the North West, such efforts have not been receiving much publicity in the media.

“Unfortunately, the progress that has been made in combating banditry, cattle rustling and kidnapping has not made the kind of headlines that the security challenges were making at their peak. It has therefore become imperative for the Federal Government, working with the affected states, to provide a platform for the Governors of the front-line states to highlight the successes they have achieved in their various states in tackling these cases of insecurity, as well as for relevant Federal Government Ministers to highlight the efforts that have helped to drastically reduce the level of insecurity in the North West,” he said.

The Minister expressed delight that the unrelenting efforts of the Federal Government as well as the determination and innovative efforts of the governments of the affected states have yielded positive results.

He said the Federal Government will continue to use the Town Hall Meetings to regularly give account of its stewardship to the people, in addition to getting a feedback as well as input from them, thus enhancing citizens’ participation in governance.

In his remarks, Maj.-Gen. Magashi (Rtd) said three of the nine special military operations in the country are concentrated in the North West, in order to most effectively tackle the security challenges in the region.

For his part, the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Aregbesola, said 6,000 personnel of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps are currently operating in the North West, with six hundred of them deployed as Agro Rangers to tackle farmers-herders clashes.

There was consensus among the participants at the event that there has been a tremendous improvement in the security situation in the North West.

A number of suggestions were made to further enhance security in the region.

Uboshe Uboshe/Editor

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Pix: From left: The Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Katsina State Governor, Alhaji Bello Masari; Governor of Zamfara State, Alhaji Bello Matawalle; Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and the Minister of Defence, Maj.-Gen. Bashir Salihi Magashi (Rtd) at a Special Town Hall Meeting on Security in Katsina on Tuesday.

2019 elections: Internet shutdown looms, FG imports equipment from Israel says Fayose - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The immediate past governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Peter Ayodele Fayose has alleged that the Federal Government of the All Progressive Congress (APC) has concluded plans to shut the telecommunications networks including the Internet for the purposes of manipulating the forthcoming general elections, reports ITREALMS.

Fayose made this allegation through his Twitter handle, @GovAyoFayose, on Tuesday evening.

As said by him, he has it from high authorities that the Federal Government imported jamming equipment from Israel for this purpose.

The telecom infrastructure shutdown, he said, would commence from 5am on Saturday till 5pm on Sunday.

This, ITREALMS gathered, he said, would make it impossible for Nigerians to use the Internet and make phone calls during the elections.

Also, he alleged that the imported equipment from Israel has been installed already and was on trial last Thursday and Friday, when calls were purportedly not going through across networks.

The tweet which has since attracted 1,300 comments and 3,800 retweets had some 5,600 likes as at the time of filing this report.

Chuks Egbune/DoP

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1st year: Aare Adams insists on restructuring, plans 21-man Aare-in-council - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief Gani Adams, on Wednesday reechoed the call for restructuring as a way out of the challenges confronting Nigeria, accusing those opposing it as misunderstanding the true meaning, reports ITREALMS.

Adams spoke in Ikeja at the launch of two books in his honour by the Lagos Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists to mark the first year of his installation.

Adams, who highlighted other events to mark the anniversary, said: “I cannot end this speech without touching on a topic that is dear to us in Yorubaland.

“I said this before at various fora and I will still repeat it today that the only way out of the various crises Nigeria is facing is restructuring. Whether it is done today, tomorrow or next year, restructuring is a must if Nigeria must move forward.

“Many people, who are against restructuring, don't even know what it means. To me, restructuring simply means reorganisation, not disintegration. When we insist on restructuring, we are not after the balkanisation, disintegration or collapse of the country. What we are simply saying is that we need to reorganise this country.

“All over the world, development is always through Bottom-Up approach, not the other way round.

“Simply put, development can only come from ward to council, to state and then federal.
What the federal must do is to ensure effective compliance with laid down rules. 

“It is not possible to sit in Abuja and control what happens in the remotest part of Zamfara, Osun, Enugu or Rivers States.

“There is no need postponing this because the present system just won't work. The earlier restructuring is done, the better for all Nigerians. I pray that God will give our leaders the will to do the right thing.”

Adams, at the event, also reiterated the need to preserve the rich culture of the Yoruba people, recalling that his predecessors, the 14 Aares who reigned over a period of 589 years, did so in periods of war.

Adams, however, said his own period was important as the 15th Aare to promote Yoruba cultural heritage in a peaceful environment.

He said that 21 traditional council chiefs would be installed as members of the Aare-In-Council on Saturday.

“History will be made on Saturday as these eminent people are installed” he asserted.

Delivering his lecture, the guest speaker, Chief Gboyega Adejumo, said the current Aare was one with a purpose.

“All traditional rulers should please support the Aare, because he is an Aare with purpose. Respect him, don’t look at his young age,” he said

Adejumo, who also represented the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, said the office of the Aare was recognised as far back as 1622.

He explained that democracy started with the Aare because the roles and powers of the executive, legislature and judiciary were clearly separated.

The Chairman of the Lagos Council of the NUJ, Dr. Quasim Akinreti, lamented the effect of technology on culture in the nation.

He said the two books were written to preserve the cultural heritage of the Yoruba race.
“We want the next generation to have respect for their culture and respect for elders,” Akinreti said.

He implored all to patronise the books and also partake in the line up of the events for the installation of the Aare chiefs.

Prof. Siyan Oyeweso of the Department of History, Osun State University, who reviewed the first book, titled: “Gani Adams: The 15th Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land,” said it has 200 pages.
According to Oyeweso, Adams is a worthy Aare, a man of integrity who rose from humble background to greatness.
“The Aare is a role model, exemplar and one of the ambassadors of the Yoruba race,” he said and recommended the book for Ministries of Information, Culture and Tourism.

He also requested the NUJ to make an online version available for wider audience.
Reviewer of the second book, Dr. Tunde Akanni, a lecturer in the Lagos State University, said the book: “Voice of Media, Voice of People,” was a good one, but pointed out the need for consistency in the spelling of nomenclature of the Oodua People’s Congress, which has Aare Adams as National Coordinator.

The “Voice of Media, Voice of People” has 129 pages and contains various media publications and comments about Adams.

Other activities lined up for the anniversary include the final match of the Aare Ona Kakanfo Under-13 football competition at the National Stadium in Lagos on January 10 at 3pm.
On Friday, another book: “1,000 Yoruba proverbs,” will be launched.

On Saturday at the 10 Degrees Event Centre in Oregun, Lagos, 21 Yoruba sons and daughters will be installed as members of the Aare-in-Council, while the launching of a documentary on the Aare and a lunch will conclude the events on Sunday.

Ayo Midele/Editor

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Minister @St Andrews centenary, insists on religious tolerance - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has stressed the need for peaceful co-existence between Christian and Muslim faithful in order to engender peace and unity in the country, reports ITREALMS.

The Minister made the remarks in Oro, Kwara State, on Thursday at the centenary celebration of the Saint Andrew’s Catholic Church Oro, saying that the massive socio economic development that has been witnessed in Oro over the years is largely due to the religious harmony in the town.

He said the lessons learnt from the 100 years of the existence of the Saint Andrew’s Catholic Church in his hometown of Oro is that of tolerance and peaceful co-existence between Christians and Muslims.

Alhaji Mohammed, who attended the centenary Mass in the church, recalled that the premises of the Church was the venue, for three consecutive years of his Annual Ramadan Lecture.

“Not only are we witnessing 100 years of Catholicism in Oro but actually we also witnessed 100 years of peaceful co-existence between Christianity and Islam and I think to me this is the most significant mark of this particular event.

“I think the lesson to learn is that no religion preaches violence, no religion preaches hatred, every religion preaches peace and we should all borrow a leaf from what is happening in this small town so that all Nigerians can live together in peace,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Minister has reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government to ensuring the safe release of Leah Sharibu, the remaining hostage from the Dapchi kidnap.

“As for Leah Sharibu, our message to Nigerians is that they should appreciate that as far as we are concerned, any of our citizens, whether boy or girl, whether Muslim or Christian, is dear to us. We do not look at Leah Sharibu from the prism of religion, we look at her as a daughter of this country. We are doing our best to ensure the safe release of Leah Sharibu,” he said.

Ayo Midele/GEE

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Pix: Front row: Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed (middle); Coadjutor Bishop of Ilorin Diocese, Most Reverend Paul Adegboyega (second from left); the Catholic Bishop of Ilorin, Most Reverend Ayo-Maria Atoyebi (second right); the APC Governorship Candidate in Kwara State, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq (extreme right) and the Parish Priest of Saint Andrew’s Catholic Church, Oro, Reverend Father Joseph Awoyale (back row second to the right) at the centenary celebration of the Catholic Church in Oro, Kwara State on Thursday.

Sallah bomb blast: Osuntokun insists Presidency lied — ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

Renowned newspaper columnist and political activist, Akin Osuntokun, has reacted on allegation by the Presidency, on Thursday accusing him of spreading lies about a false Sallah day bomb blast due to his purported hatred for President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, insisting that Presidency lied to Nigerians, reports ITREALMS.

A press statement sighted by ITREALMS on Friday, Mr. Osuntokun, denied any complacency over the report on bomb blast, but attributed an international news agency Reuters as the source, maintaining that the Presidency lied to Nigeria while describing Presidential Spokesman Femi Adesina, as “purveyors of lies.”

Part of the statement read: “The irony of the statement from the presidency calling me a liar started with a lie against me: ‘Akin Osuntokun made the false claim that a bomb blast had gone off earlier in the day’.

“I had called the Channels Television to confirm the veracity of this scandalous attribution. Of course, it was an outright fiction conjured by the Presidential Spokesman to embellish his narrative of a fundamental slander of the Buhari government. There was nowhere in the television discussion I spoke of a bomb blast.

“Wedded to this lie, Mr Adesina went on to crow that Sallah day had passed quietly and peacefully without even a firecracker going off, let alone bomb blast’. Yet according to Reuters report, 63 people were reportedly killed and villages burnt in terrorist attack in Maimalari village in Borno State the previous day. This is the idea of a peaceful Sallah day the President of Nigeria is boasting about.”

“This reaction from the Presidency is a perfect illustration of how the incumbent Nigerian Government has trivialised and made mockery of governance. It is consistent with the fraudulent trademark assertion two years ago of the Minister of Information that Boko Haram has been technically defeated.

“You will imagine that a government with so much disastrous scorecard on security will be more modest in advertising itself on security governance competence. You will think that it is not the same government whom a former Army Chief of Staff accused of complicity in the genocidal Fulani militia crisis,” he said.

Further, he said, “A couple of weeks ago, Professor Wole Soyinka went to the extent of seeking international intervention in the face of the abject failure of the Buhari administration to stem the tide of the genocidal bloodletting that has enveloped the country. Billions of dollars down the drain on supposed containment of the security crisis, you will recall that this government has gone ahead to recently requesting for another billion dollars to address the same security situation it claimed to have brought under control. Domiciled in Nigeria is the escalating Fulani militia terror that the United Nations has rated the deadliest terrorist group in the whole world.”

Ayo Midele/GEE

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NITDA reacts to NCS, insists on registering IT contractors, clarifies position

ITREALMS:

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reacted to the call by the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) to stop the registration and licensing of Information Technology (IT) contractors and service providers in the country, insisting on carrying on the process claiming it would weed out quacks, reports ITRealms.

Already, ITRealms gathered that several indigenous IT Contractors and Service Providers have commenced the process of registration with NITDA as at the time of filing this report.

NITDA in its clarifications on why the agency embarked on the process ab ni tio, the Director-General of the agency, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, said the registration process will ensure professionalism in IT service delivery, value for national investments in IT and weed out quacks who may seek to take advantage of public procurements for selfish interests.

Although, Pantami acknowledged the position and mandate of the ComputerProfessionals (Registration Council) of Nigeria as a Council is mandated to have control and supervision of the (Computing) profession as provided by Section 1(2) of the Computer Professionals (Registration council of Nigeria) Act., as well as concerns of the Nigeria Computer Society, he insisted that the registration by NITDA is in line with agency’s mandate as specifically stated in Section 6 (a, f) NITDA Act 2007.

This, he said, mandated NITDA to create a framework for the planning, research, development, standardization, application, coordination, monitoring, evaluation and regulation of information technology practices, activities and systems in Nigeria; and to render advisory services on all information technology matters to the public and private sectors.

Pantami maintained that “it is within the regulatory and developmental role of NITDA to ensure that IT contractual practises and project delivery in the public sector are done in accordance with best practices, within acceptable standards and in the interest of the development of IT in Nigeria.”

Furthermore, he said, NITDA as the clearance house for IT projects of the Federal Government, has the responsibility to ensure that IT projects are executed by professional firms.

“NITDA as a regulator will not relent in its quest to improve IT practises and expose projects that are ill-conceived or poorly executed,” he said, assuring all Nigerians that it will not allow sub-standard projects in MDAs being executed by companies that have limited or no capacities. 

Chuks Egbune/GEE

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Chukwuma: Innoson faults EFCC claims, insists Commission misleading public

ITREALMS:

The management of Innoson Group Motors has faulted the claims by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) on the reasons for arresting the company chairman, Dr Innocent Chukwuma in Enugu, Tuesday morning, reports ITRealms.

Reacting to the reasons given by gestapo kind of arrest of Dr. Chukwuma by EFCC, the Head Corporate Communications at Innoson Group, Cornel Osigwe, told ITRealms that at no time was Chukwuma invited by the Commission.

Innoson said that this claim by the commission is not factual and tends to mislead the public and bring the personality and character of Dr Innocent Chukwuma to disrepute, insisting that they want to state the true position so as to inform the general public the truth about this matter.

The company in a press statement noted that “EFCC never at any time invited Dr Innocent Chukwuma either in writing or through any other means. We are aware that EFCC investigated GTB complaint against Innoson in 2012.

“During the investigation he was invited and he honoured the invitation. After the investigation EFCC filed a charge against him at Lagos State High Court.

“The charge was subsequently struck out. However Dr Innocent Chukwuma and Innoson Nigeria Ltd appealed against the order striking out the case on the basis that it ought to be dismissed and not struck out.

“The appeal - appeal no. Ca/l/1330cm/2017 is till date still pending at the Court of Appeal Lagos division. Till date, EFCC never invited Dr Innocent Chukwuma again,” he said.

Osigwe, maintained that at the time of going to the press, they do not know formally, on what offence Dr. Chukwuma was arrested or being detained for.

“On this recent arrest, Dr Innocent Chukwuma has not been told officially the purpose of his arrest and he demands to know why,” he asked.

Chuks Egbune/GEE

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2019 ticket: Asiwaju insists, APC should not mimic PDP

ITREALMS:

The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has reiterated his earlier call that the party should not mimic the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in nomination and choice of presidential flagbearer come 2019, reports ITRealms.

Making this clarification on the reported misrepresentation attributed to him by Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha, Asiwaju said he never underrated the importance of governors in the party’s nomination process and explained that what he said in that encounter with journalists in Akure “and still canvasses is that the APC should not mimic the PDP’s penchant for short-circuiting internal democracy by promoting the idea of an automatic ticket.”

Governor Okorocha had said that all the APC Governors had endorsed President Buhari for re-election, thus implying the governors had given the president an automatic ticket for 2019.

Responding to the issue after a meeting with Afenifere Leader, Pa Fasoranti in Akure, Asiwaju Tinubu said such was strange to the party and that President Buhari is a man who believes in due process.

The Imo State Governor, however, interpreted that to mean a slight on the party’s governors. Speaking with journalists in the same Akure after he received an honourary doctorate degree at the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State on Saturday, he said his own statement referred to the party’s governors and that Asiwaju was crying more than the bereaved.

Clarifying Asiwaju’s statement in a press statement last night in Lagos, his Media Adviser, Mr. Tunde Rahman, said: “We note Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha’s statement. It is important that the record of what Asiwaju Tinubu said when approached by journalists during his last visit to Akure is accurate. Thus, I make this statement in the hope of clarifying a misinterpretation that seems to have taken hold in some quarters.

“I was at the interview session.  Asiwaju never said anything that could be interpreted as meaning or even implying the governors are irrelevant or insignificant to the party’s nomination process. As a former governor and a leading statesman within the party, such words would never come from him.

Moreover, Asiwaju is a democrat who believes that the open and democratic processes of the APC, which led to the nomination of President Buhari in the first instance, have served the party well and has helped distinguish APC from PDP and other parties where fairness and internal democracy are rare commodities.

“Every individual has a right to endorse or support a candidate of his choosing. What Asiwaju said at that encounter and still canvasses is that the APCshould not mimic the PDP’s penchant for short-circuiting internal democracy by promoting the idea of an automatic ticket. The exercise of internal democracy and honoring the letter and spirit of party rules can only strengthen the party and enthuse its members. 

“APC’s all-inclusive philosophy was not devised today. It had been with the party since its creation.

It was this spirit, which we believe, attracted fellow progressives and those who genuinely believe in democracy in all of its aspects to the party. Asiwaju includes Governor Okorocha in this group.

“The APC Governors are essential and important voices in the party. Asiwaju values and respects each one of them and gives their individual and collective opinions much weight. Yet, in the exercise of our opinions and support for candidates, we all must be guided and never lose clear sight to the democratic ideals that separate the APC from the other parties. We must maintain the integrity of the processes no matter how clear-cut a decision or an outcome may seem to be. With regard to democracy, the process is of equal import as the outcome itself.

“This is the essence of what Asiwaju said that day in Akure. He merely asked APC members to adhere to the democratic path that thus far has served the party so well. There can be no true dispute with such a sentiment”.

Ayo Midele/GEE

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Anambra Nov. 18 election: IPOB insists on lockdown

ITRealms:

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has insisted to lockdown Anambra State on November 18 to ensure that Ndi Anambra do not participate actively in the forthcoming governorship election, reports ITRealms.

This is coming as a group of Anambra Progressives have warned IPOB to stay away from the state and its territory, noting that what is required at this moment is restructuring of the entire country to enthrone good governance for all and in alignment with the last wishes of the Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, the former Biafran leader.

Also, this is on the wake of a video making a round that IPOB members were never directed to be killed by Gov. Willie Obiano.

However, IPOD Media in a press statement twist made available to ITRealms maintained that Anambra would be locked down on 18th November, claiming that their leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has not endorsed Obiano's second term.

“We don't believe in verbal fight with any individual or group but waiting for the appointed day for action. IPOB under Nnamdi Kanu cannot participate in any other Nigeria elections throughout Biafraland not only Anambra State,” said Comrade Emma who claimed to be IPOB spokesman.

According to him, “It is dangerous and appalling on the side of Obiano, but the spirit of those massacred in cold blood in Nkpor will continue to haunt anybody who did not condemn the barbaric acts.”

Comrade Emma said on Anambra election, that IPOB realized that Governor Obiano's internet bloggers and those he described as e-Rats, are twisting what Mazi Kanu said during his visit to Eze Eri kingdom, and precisely about the killing of IPOB members at Nkpor on 29th and 30th of May 2016, during the remembrance of heroes and heroines who were massacred between 1967 and 1970.

Further, IPOB alleged that Arewa elders had mandated the so-called Igbo elders and some politicians to disown Nnamdi Kanu and IPOB openly for selfish aggrandizement, insisting they cannot intimidate IPOB under Mazi Nnamdi Kanu leadership.

Ozo Nweke Ozo/GEE

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NIMC insists stolen 4,555 national ID cards no longer in use

ITRealms :

The Nigeria Police in Cross River State has recovered some 4,555 stolen old national ID cards with the arrest of four suspects, insisting they are not new ID cards, ITRealms reports.

ITRealms  correspondent recalls that a store house used by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in Calabar, Cross River State was recently burgled, and some items, including 4,555 old National Identity Cards carted away.

The store, ITRealms gathered was where some materials and items inherited by NIMC from the defunct Department of National Civic Registration (DNCR) were kept.

According to the spokesperson of the Commission, Mr. Loveday Chika Ogbonna, who told ITRealms  that the story was broken into and items, including about 4,555 pieces of the old National ID Cards leftover after distribution years ago were stolen.

“The DNCR and all its assets and liabilities were taken over by NIMC in 2007,” he said.

Ogbonna pointed out that the 4,555 stolen old ID cards have been recovered, and four suspected found in possession of the cards arrested by the Police in Cross River state at Eyo-Edem Street, Calabar.

“The suspects have also been charged to court by the police in line with the theft,” he said.

Ogbonna also assured the public that the recovered cards were not part of the new National e-ID Card currently being issued by NIMC.

The new National e-ID Card, he explained to ITRealms  were launched late 2014 with higher technology, thus making it extremely difficult to be faked or used by anyone who is not the registered owner.

Uboshe Uboshe/GEE

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