Senate summons NCC, MTN, Glo, others over unsolicited adverts

ABUJA- THE Senate has summoned four leading Global System for Mobile Communications, GSM operators; the MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and 9Mobile to appear before its Committee on Communications to explain, among others, why the frequent unsolicited calls, product and Programme promos.

According to the Senate, these companies also trick Nigerians to subscribe to riddles bad jokes, indiscriminate religious contents and caller tunes, adding that the summon was part of moves to check intrusive and unsolicited adverts from them to their numerous customers.

Also to appear before the Senator Gilbert Nnaji, PDP, Enugu East led Senate Committee on Communications are the Nigerian Communications Commissions, NCC; the Consumer Protection Council, CPC; and the Association of Advertising Practitioners of Nigeria, AAPN.

According to the Senate, their appearance would enable the Committee seek ways of addressing what the upper chamber described as worrisome situation.

The upper legislative chamber particularly urged the NCC to ensure that any person, or entity found to have abused regulatory guidelines, is sanctioned, in accordance with the extant rules and regulations.

Resolutions of the Senate yesterday were sequel to a motion by Senator Yahaya Abdullahi, APC, Kebbi and titled, “Need to check Intrusive and Unsolicited Adverts by Telecom Companies and Service Providers”

Presenting the motion, Senator Abdullahi who recalled with sense of nostalgia, the euphoria that attended the commencement of the GSM, 17 years ago in Nigeria, said that he was really worried about the continued deterioration of GSM services in the country.

He regretted that “though the service providers have been reaping huge revenues from their investments, Nigerians have not enjoyed commensurate quality of services”.

According to him, he was worried about increased incidence of dropped calls, unaccounted “disappearance” of airtime from devices, weak signals across networks and false report of unavailable call destinations.”

Senator Abdullahi further expressed concern about the issue of frequent unsolicited calls, product and programme promos, as well as instances of tricking Nigerians to subscribe to riddles and jokes, indiscriminate religious contents and caller tunes that sometimes offend subscribers’ sensibilities.

He also noted that “even with the setting up of the ‘Do-Not-Disturb’, DND opt-out application, as demanded by the NCC, the GSM operators have not done enough to educate the public on its availability and workings.

“With high tariffs and an estimated 150 million subscribers in the country, the four leading operators within the industry, namely MTN, (53.4million, or 39%), Airtel, (38.3 million, or 26%), Globacom, (38.2 million, or 26%) and 9Mobile, (16.8%, or 12%), the companies are yet to fully integrate themselves into the larger Nigerian economy, in ways that could provide opportunities for Nigerians to benefit from their operations”, he observed.

In his contribution, the Senate Deputy Leader, Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah (APC Kebbi South) however urged the National Assembly to rise to the occasion by halting the trend in the interest of Nigerian subscribers.

In his remarks, Senate President Bukola Saraki called on the NCC, CPC, AAPN, and other stakeholders to ensure that they address the situation without allowing it to affect the nation’s economy.

Lagos begins payment of N11.8bn compensation to property owners

The Lagos State Government on Tuesday said it has began payment of over N11.8billion as compensation to owners of properties that had to give way for construction of roads, flyovers, ramps and other critical infrastructural projects across the State.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Lands Bureau, Mrs. Yetunde Onabule who disclosed this at the annual Ministerial Press Briefing to mark the third year anniversary of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa, said the payment was for properties demolished for projects including the Abule Egba road expansion, Epe Road expansion, Lekki International Airport, Pen Cinema flyover, ultra modern bus terminal in Oyingbo and upgrading of Muritala Mohammed International Airport Road.

She listed other projects to include Mechanic Village, Gbagada Phase1, Ojokoro Specialist Hospital, construction of Freedom Road/Drainage channel, reconstruction of Agri-Ishawo Konu-Arepo Road, among others.

Onabule said that following the approval of the projects, the State’s Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development moved to these areas to determine the Right of Way (ROW) for the proposed projects, while the Lands Bureau carried out a reconnaissance survey and detailed enumeration of about 1,880 properties and claimants affected by the development including residential, commercial, petrol filling stations and religious centres.

“I can confirm to you that in line with the provisions of the Land Use Act 1978, which is the enabling law for the revocation of Right of Occupancy (C of O)and payment of compensation thereof in the country, interest in the affected properties have been promptly revoked and enumeration of these properties completed and payment of over N11,814,844billion approved as compensation for property owners on the Alignment/Right of Way for construction, re-construction/ dualization of roads, flyovers and ramps aimed at alleviating traffic gridlock and other forms of infrastructural development of Lagos is ongoing,” she said.

The Special Adviser added that the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode-led administration has so far lived up to expectation in prompt payment of compensation on acquired land and titles revoked for over-riding public interest, however adding that payment is done after due presentation of all necessary documents by a claimant proving true ownership of the property.

She, however, urged affected residents to speed up their verification processes and forward their documents evidencing ownership of properties, valid means of identification, four passport photographs and other details to facilitate prompt payment.

Giving its financial report for the year under review, Onabule said the Bureau generated over N10.5billion from land transactions last year, representing over 50 percent short of the N20.7billion it generated in 2016, a development she said would improve when the sale of the new land schemes begin.

“A major total of revenue we were expecting was from our scheme, however based on the policy of the government that the infrastructure within that scheme must be completed, we had to slow down, that would bring a lot of revenue to the government. Right now the sand filling is ongoing and I can assure you that once that scheme takes off, we would surpass our revenue target for 2018 including other payments as well,” she explained.

Onabule said that the quest by the present administration to ensure that Lagosians obtain title documents with ease, the Governor signed a total of 727 Electronic Certificate of Occupancy (E-C of O) in the year under review, thus bringing the number to 5, 172 of such certificates in the last three years.

She said the implementation of the Land Administration and Automation System known as Thompson Reuters Automation Solution, when up and running, would go a long way to reducing problems associated with redundant data, increase accuracy by reducing manual entry errors and ensure a one-stop shop to facilitate unhindered, secured access to land application and title documents in the State.

Besides, Onabule expressed concern on the issue of encroachment on government schemes, warning land speculators, popularly known as Omo-Onile to desist from selling land that falls under government acquisition.

“It is most disheartening to say that a very large number of Government schemes in the State are being confronted with the problem of encroachment. We as a government ave persistently advised members of the public to ensure they do proper charting and verification on properties before consummating transactions on land.

2019: PDP inaugurates contact committee

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday inaugurated its Contact Committee as part of efforts to regain power at the center in 2019.

PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, inaugurating the committee at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, said the committee was necessary considering the present situation of the party and Nigeria.

He added that the committee was in line with the commitment of PDP leadership to continue to implement vital reform processes that would take the party to the desired level.

““The mission of this committee is specific in a trying period like this in the history of our country and our party.

“”You will agree that this country is in crisis and eminent persons whether in our party or outside our party must be concerned with what is going on in this country.

“”One of the greatest reasons why PDP National Executive Committee took the decision to set up this high power committee is to look into ways and means to bring in everybody.

““Every stakeholder whether within or outside PDP, or other political groups, and stakeholders so that we can form a united front to be able to rescue our country from eminent collapse,’’ he said.

Secondus advised the committee members to put in their best and mobilise for the party.

“”Your committee and your nomination is therefore a well-articulated decision of the party leadership to bring our open door policy to fruition.

“”Just as your name connotes- Contact, you are to deploy your well versed network to help open the space and allow into our party, all those whose union with us can help in rescuing this country.

“”Like we always say in this party, this umbrella is big enough to accommodate all people of patriotic ideals.’’

Secondus called on all Nigerians to join hands with PDP in desirous of taking the country to the next level, saying it is now clear that the All Progressives Congress cannot lead Nigeria.

Secondus condemned the prevailing situation in Nigeria where citizens were being killed on daily basis.

““It is amazing the blame is now being placed on the shoulders of late President Maummar Ghadaffi who passed on six years ago.

“”While so far, not a single arrest has been made of any of the perpetrators said to be from Libya.

“”The current situation is without a doubt a confirmation of the lack of coordination of our own Security System.’’

He said that in the face of all these, PDP had resolved to do whatever was necessary to save the hard earned democracy which the party nurtured for 16 years.

The Chairman of the committee and former governor of Cross River, Sen. Liyel Imoke responding, commended efforts by Secondus-led PDP leadership in ensuring that the party was vibrant.

Imoke pledged that the committee would swing into action to achieve its mandates within the two weeks’ time frame it was given.

“”We will put in our best effort within the time constraint that we face. We will reach out and of course comply with the terms of reference given to us.

“”I want to assure you that we will deliver in expectations of our party members and Nigerians.’’

FG will not relent in ensuring peace, Osinbajo says

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Saturday said the Federal Government would not relent in its efforts at ensuring peace in crisis prone areas of the country.

Osinbajo, who was represented by the Administrator, Aso Villa Chapel, Rev. Peter Ambi, said this during the National Peace and Leadership Summit organised by the Youth For Peace and Good Leadership Initiative International in Abuja.

The theme of the Summit is `The Role of the Youth in Nation building’.

He said peace was important for any peaceful development in the country, saying the killings in parts of the country must stop.

“Nobody is happy about the killings in parts of the country, this administration is working to ensure that peace is restored to those communities.

“The killings in mosques, churches and other public areas for one reason or the other must be stopped,’’ Osinbanjo said.

He called on the youths across the country not to allow themselves to be used to cause havoc in the country, saying the youths should be peace ambassadors.

The Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), 19 Northern states and FCT, Rev. Yakubu Pam, said the religious leaders are tired of conducting mass burials in affected areas in the country, saying there should be quick intervention.

“ We need people with different and positive thinking and not people who think of vengeance,’’ he said.

The National Chairperson of the Women Wing of CAN, Mrs Oyin Sowoolu, advised the youths to use their talents positively to move the nation forward, adding that the role of youths in the country should not be undermined.

The Founder of the Youth For Peace and Good Leadership Initiative International, Mr Simon Dolly, said the purpose of the summit was to educate the youths as they were mostly the key actors of social vices in the country.

Dolly said the youths should be able to complement the role of government in ensuring peace and contribute their quota in nation building.

He said the summit would be replicated in the six geo-political zones in the country, saying that the youths would be given certificate as peace ambassadors of Nigeria in order to encourage peace in the various areas.

One of the youths at the summit, Stella Francis-Utah, said the youths needed to contribute to peaceful coexistence, adding that they should stop thuggery and any form of violence.

The Youth For Peace and Good Leadership Initiative International is an NGO with the aim to promote peaceful co-existence and religious harmony in the society.

OAU authorities will resolve tax debt soonest — V. C

The Vice-Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, Prof Eyitope Ogunnbodede, has assured the university community that the issue of tax debt will be resolved with the state government without delay.

Ogunnbodede said this in a statement he signed on Friday in Ile-Ife, Osun, adding that the vexed issue would not be allowed to damage the harmonious relationship between the university and the Government of Osun State.

“Members of the university and other stakeholders no doubt are embarrassed by the event of Wednesday, 2nd May, 2018, when the Osun State Government sealed off the main Gate of the University and the University Secretariat due to an alleged tax default by the University.

” It has become necessary to react to the claims of the state government and misinformation/total falsehoods making the rounds in the community in the aftermath of that unfortunate incident.

“In particular, the university authorities note the claim that the university was owing N1.84 billion of tax and has refused to negotiate with the government as false, malicious and total misrepresentation of the truth on this matter.”

The vice-chancellor debunked the claims made by the state Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

He said that the past tax liability, which represented the sum the IRS claimed that the university under-deducted from staff salaries for the period 2015 and 2016 for Pay As You Earn (PAYE), had been a subject of negotiations between the university and the IRS.

He further said that the university administration “vehemently” disputed the figure of N1.844 billion submitted by the IRS and insisted that if there had been under-deduction at all, only the sum of N287 million was the amount by which PAYE was under-deducted from staff salaries.

He said that the matter had been referred to the Presidential Initiative on Continuous Audit (PICA) in the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, following a letter personally signed by the Governor to the President of the Federation.

“Both the Osun State Government tax authorities and the university officers had attended the PICA session where the matter was resolved.”

According to him, the Accountant General of the Federation, after examining the claim of the Osun IRS and that of the university, by a letter reference number INV/0089/844/II dated Jan. 19, 2018, concluded that university’s outstanding tax liabilities was N384 million only, being the under-deducted PAYE from staff salaries.

“Parties agreed to this conclusion, and the recommendation that this sum could be paid in monthly instalment of N5 million.

“It is, therefore, with total shock that the university community woke up on Wednesday, 2nd May, 2018 to find the university main gate as well the university secretariat sealed up by the Osun State Government.”

Ogunbodede urged members of the public to note that the past tax liabilities of 2015 and 2016 in dispute was never deducted from staff salaries as being erroneously claimed.

He further explained that the university had never failed at any point in time to remit PAYE deducted from staff salaries to the tax authorities.

He added that it was a case of under-deduction and not of non-remittance of tax.

According to him, the anomaly has since been corrected and the university employees have been paying correct tax rates since January 2017.

Offa robbery: Police declare four suspects wanted

The Nigerian Police have declared four of the gangsters who participated in the bloody bank robbery incidents in Offa on April 4, this year, wanted, just as the Force simultaneously released their photographs while in action.

The images provided were the clearest since the bloody incident happened exactly a month ago.The Police said the Kwara State Government has also promised a N5 million bounty for information about the suspects, listing the hotlines to be contacted as 08062080913, 08126285268, 08032365122, 07056792065, and 08088450152.

It was the latest update provided by the Police, following the arrest of 20 principal suspects earlier and the recovery of two Beretta Pistols, bullets, phones and SIM cards of some of the victims.

“All the suspects are cooperating with the Police in the investigation into the incident.“Currently, some of the other gang leaders and principal suspects at large are being identified and their pictures obtained for further investigation,” said Force spokesman, Moshood Jimoh, an Assistant Commissioner of Police.

The Police, while soliciting public assistance to apprehend the gangsters still at large, added that the suspects have also been placed on INTERPOL Watch List and Red Alert.

“Other sister security and safety agencies are equally implored to arrest and hand them over to the nearest Police station or formation across the country or avail the Police with any information they may have or come across about these suspects,” Moshood said.

Nigeria Police recruitment 2018: All you need to know, requirements

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) will start recruiting Constables on Monday, May 7.

The authorities are planning to absorb 6,000 Nigerians in the 36 State Police Command Headquarters and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Invitation letters for testing at the screening centers, have already been sent out to the candidates.

The dates were printed in their invitation letters.

At the venues, the candidates’ physical data and their authorization will be checked.

If you register for a job in NPF, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Each applicant must have Nigerian citizenship.

2. Each candidate should own a valid ID card (driving license, voter card, international passport).

3. Applicants for the position of Constable are expected to have credits in English and Math.

4. Candidates for Cadet Inspectors must have Advanced Level, Ordinary National Diploma, National Certificate in Education.

5. For other positions, applicants should own a University degree or a Higher National Diploma.

You can learn more details by visiting Nigeria Police recruitment portal:https://www.recruitmentformportal.com/nigeria-police-recruitment/.

Atletico Madrid manager, Simeone banned from Europa League final

Atletico Madrid manager, Diego Simeone, will be forced to watch the Europa League final against Marseille from the stands, after receiving a four-match European ban for insulting a referee, UEFA said on Friday.

Simeone was dismissed during last week’s 1-1 draw in the first leg of their semi-final with Arsenal, after confronting French referee Clement Turpin.

He watched Thursday’s 1-0 home win in the return leg, from the directors’ box at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Simeone will now also miss the May 16 final in Lyon and his side’s first two European matches of next season.

The Argentine has also been hit with a fine of 10,000 euros ($12,000).

FIFA name Amuneke on 2018 World Cup technical study group

FIFA have named former international Emmanuel Amuneke as a member of their technical study group for the Russia 2018 World Cup.

The former FC Barcelona winger and AFCON winner with Super Eagles in 1994 confirmed this to Thursday.

“I’ve been notified. We’re filing the papers and I must commend FIFA for recognising me with such responsibility”, Amuneke said.

The 1996 Olympic Games soccer gold winner in Atlanta assisted Manu Garba in 2013 to win the FIFA U17 World Cup in Dubai.

In 2015, the former Zamalek of Egypt star headed the U17 Golden Eaglets coaching crew to retain the global silverware in Chile, drawing the attention of FIFA with Eaglets extraordinary scintillating play.

The 1995 African Player of the Year buried his father Friday. His father, Pa Nze Michael Amuneke was 86 and was buried at their family compound, Eziokele, Eziobodo in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo having lunch with students of a public school in Ondo

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo who is currently on a two-day working visit in Ondo state, is pictured above with the state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, having lunch with pupils of the Alagbaka Estate Primary School in Akure, Ondo state.

“Teaching has always been one of my favourite things to do. It was even more spectacular teaching the pupils this morning at the Alagbaka Estate Primary School in Akure, Ondo State.

I read the English/Comprehension passage from one of the many resources on the @npower_ng device. After teaching, naturally it is lunch time. The kids and I are eating lunch prepared by the NHGSFP cooks in Ondo. I must confess the meal is tasty” the Vice President wrote on his twitter handle.

Photos below:

Breaking: Police arrest 20 principal suspects of Offa Robbery

The Nigeria Police Force said it had so far arrested more than 20 principal suspects in connection with the recent bank robbery in Offa, Kwara.

Newsmen report that armed robbers had attacked five commercial banks in Offa on April 5, during which 17 persons, including policemen and a pregnant woman were killed.

The Force spokesman, ACP Jimoh Moshood, in a statement in Abuja on Friday, said that details of the suspects were released to the public including the following exhibits that were recovered from them.

The exhibits are: two Beretta Pistols, 20 Rounds of Live Ammunition, four cell phones and SIM cards belonging to victims, some of whom were killed during the attack.

The spokesman said that the suspects were cooperating with the police in the investigation into the incident.

“Currently, some of the other gang leaders and principal suspects at large are being identified and their pictures obtained for further investigation,” he said.

He said that the photographs of the wanted suspects have being released to the public for assistance to arrest them.

Moshood said that the suspects were also being placed on INTERPOL Watch list and Red.

He said that other sister security and safety agencies were equally implored to arrest them and hand over to the nearest Police Station or Formations across the country.

Moshood assured informants whose information would lead to the arrest the suspects of their protection, in addition to the pledge of N5 million by the Kwara State Government.

He said the Force would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that all the perpetrators of the Offa Banks Robbery were arrest.

7 killed, others injured in Maiduguri fresh bomb blasts

At least, seven people have been killed while seven others were injured when suspected bombers attacked an outskirts of Maiduguri on Thursday night.

It was gathered that four female bombers attacked two communities – Mainari Shuwa and Kanuri in Jere local government area of the state, killing 3 civilians.

A resident from the community, Modu Kaomi told Daily Trust that the first bomber stormed Mainari exactly 11pm and the others followed.

According to Kaomi, the fourth bombers died on failed missions.

He said, “We had three suicide attacks in Mainari Shuwa, We lost 3 persons in the multiple blasts, there was pandemonium everywhere, also 7 other were seriously injured,” Kaomi said.

The Zonal Coordinator National Emergency Management Agency, Bashir Garga also confirmed the attacked.

Garga said, “We have taken the injured ones to the State Specialist Hospital where they are currently receiving treatment, but 3 innocent persons lost their lives.”

FG urges state IGR boards to adhere to financial procedures

The Federal Government has urged states Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) boards to strictly adhere to all financial procedures that promotes transparency.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Alhaji Mohammed Isa- Dutse, gave the advice on Friday at the ongoing three-day State and Local Governance Reform (SLOGOR) Annual Retreat on “Public Financial Management (PFM) Reforms’’ in Enugu.

Isa-Dutse, represented by Mrs Uzor Okoye, said that IGR boards must encourage orderly and systematic documentation of financial transaction and guidelines for procurement.

He said that the Federal Government in its determination to ensure transparency, accountability and value for money in the execution of donor assisted programmes in the country, established the Project Financial Management Units (PFMUs).

“The ministry has the responsibility to ensure that the implementing agencies of the PFM reforms not only effectively utilise the resources, but that the country derives the maximum benefits from them,’’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the SLOGOR project is funded by the European Union and managed by the World Bank.

The project which commenced in 2014 is expected to wind up on Sept. 30, 2019.

The six participating states in SLOGOR project are: Anambra, Cross River, Jigawa, Kano, Osun and Yobe.

The retreat is organised by the Ministry of Budget and National Planning in collaboration with the World Bank and European Union.

The theme of the retreat is: `Assessing the Implementation of the PFM Reforms at the Sub-National Levels of Government’’.

The retreat which started on May 2, would end on May 4.

Troops neutralise four high profile militants in N-Delta

YENAGOA—THE Nigerian Army yesterday said its operatives in the Niger Delta region had in the last four months neutralised four high profile militants that resisted arrest and engaged troops in violent confrontation during security operations.

It said several militant camps were also destroyed with large cache of arms recovered by the special security forces in the region.

According to the Nigerian Army, the neutralised militants include, Ossy Ibori (Ondo), Augustine Gbangbanran (Delta), Oyawerikumor aka Kariowei and leader of the Bakassi Strike Force also known as GI.

Acting Director of Defence Information, Defence Headquarters, Abuja,  Brig-General John  Agim and the Deputy Force Commander, Operation Delta Safe, OPDS, Brig- General  Kelvin Aligbe, at media briefing in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on the operational activities of the OPDS said the troops also recovered 1,389 heavy arms and 20,352 ammunition from militants and other hostile elements.

He said: “Some of the achievements made include enhanced safety of lives, rise in crude oil production, recovery of arms and ammunition, seizure and impoundment, destruction of illegal refineries and its ancillaries and arrest of suspects.”

On efforts to degrade capacity of criminals involved in crude oil theft and its associated crimes,  he said, “Troops in the region had seized and impounded 24 vessels, 191 barges, 234 outboard engines and 476 other types of passenger boats.

“Additionally, the force seized 105 tanker trucks, 228 other vehicles and 610 pumping machines.”

as well as 76 generator sets and 5,842 other items used in facilitating illegalities.

“Suffice to state that part of the force efforts to deny criminals any freedom of action involves the destruction of their safe havens and the items used in perpetrating illegalities. The force has in this process destroyed 1,437 illegal refineries, 795 wooden cargo boats, 3,872 metal surface thanks and 1,019 plastic tanks, 13,129 drums and 13,343 Jerry cans.

“It is instructive to add that the introduction of the use of swamp buggy in the JTF’s anti-illegal refining operations has significantly degraded the capacity of illegal refinery operators to revamp destroyed illegal refineries.

“However, individuals are discouraged from indulging in illegal refining and bickering of crude oil products as this has huge implication in under in mind and destroying the ecosystem.”

He added that perpetrators of criminal acts within the Joint Operation Area are being tracked and apprehended for interrogation and possible prosecution.

World Bank backs IMF on poverty rate in Nigeria

The World Bank says unemployment and poverty rates increased in Nigeria despite an exit from recession in 2017.

The apex global financial institution made these remarks in a report made available to newsmen Thursday.

According to the report titled, “Nigeria Bi-annual Economic Update: Fragile Recovery,” policymakers at the federal and the state levels need to identify interventions that are best suited to realise development potential of sub-national regions and integrate domestic markets.

It said: “The decline in the non-oil and non-agriculture sectors, however, continued as aggregate demand remained weak and private sector credit low.

“The rates of unemployment and underemployment increased in 2017 and poverty is estimated to have increased slightly. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in 2018 is expected to hover just over 2 per cent, largely oil sector-driven.

“Nigeria has a big home market, which is constrained by limited connective infrastructure, thereby reducing producers and firms’ ability to reach wider markets.

“Policymakers may want to focus on investments that reinforce clusters and economies of scale and optimise the connectivity between rural areas and the major urban markets.

“Policy makers must also address structural and land management issues in major urban nodes and along major growth corridors to remove or alleviate barriers that undermine the growth potential.”

DAILY POST reports that in March, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said the country needed urgent and coherent policies because Nigerians were getting poorer. 

Kano University shut down after protest by students

KANO—The authority of Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil has closed down the institution following a violent students protest, Wednesday.

In a circular signed byA cting Registrar of the school, Aminu Muhammad Bello, it said: “The university Senate declared Thursday 3 and Friday 4 of May, 2018 as lecture free days in respect of Faruq Abubak who drowned in River Wudil, yesterday.

According to the circular, “furthermore, the mid-semester break begins on Monday, May 7 to Friday, May 18, 2018. Students are expected to quietly vacate the campus before closing hours of today  Thursday, May 3, 2018.”

Vanguard learned that the unfortunate incident was triggered by failure of local divers and the school authority to rescue their   colleagues either dead or alive in good time.

An eyewitness, Idi Ali, told Vanguard that “local divers withdrew after about two hours search in the River at night because of their safety,  but the students failed to see reasons and the next thing, they went violent, destroying property.”

In the ensuing melee, the angry students vandalised property in the university clinic and Central Research Laboratory, as no fewer than eight vehicles, including oxygen compacted ambulance, staff cars, computer sets were destroyed.

Commenting on the incident at a press briefing, the Vice Chancellor Professor Shehu Alhaji Musa said “the body of one of the victims, Faruq Abubak, a 300 level Biology Education student is still missing, after two of the victims were rescued alive.“

Professor Shehu disclosed that the three victims ignored early warning by security agents and scaled the perimeter fence along the River bank.

According to the VC, “ it was on Wednesday evening when three of our students went for swimming to have fun at the Wudil River after ignoring early warning. They lost control midway into the River and drowned. We were able to rescue two of them alive and the third person is still missing.”

We won’t allow Christians to be massacred in Nigeria – Trump

we won’t allow Christians to be massacred in Nigeria——Trump

——We’re working hard to stop insecurity—Buhari

——Says Gaddafi’s militia responsible for terrorism

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

WASHINGTON – PRESIDENT Donald Trump of the United States of America has tasked President Muhammadu Buhari to do everything within his powers to stop the killings of Christians in Nigeria and also ensure the release of the abducted Dapchi School girl Leah Sharibu

But President Buhari has assured the American President that efforts were being made to ensure that killings in the country which he said was caused by militia trained by the late former Libayan President, Mamman Gadaffi were put to a stop.

The two leaders met on Monday at the White House, where they also discussed issues on security and the need to have better working relationship by the two countries.

Speaking during the visit, President Trump said, “We have met before, we have a great relationship. I look forward to our discussion today again especially as it relates to terrorism. Terrorism here, terrorism all over the world is a hotbed and we are going to be stopping them.

“Also we have had very serious problems with Christians who are being murdered in Nigeria, we are going to be working on that problem very, very hard because we cannot allow that to happen.”

President Buhari while responding said it was a privilege and honour to be invited by the American President and also showed appreciation to the government of the United States especially, the military assistance.

He said that people should not underate what happens in Libya especially in the wake of the herdsmen rampage, but that he was doing his best to stop the killing although it was taking time, adding that there were efforts to stabilize the security in the country.

He said, “We appreciate the commitment of the United States to get rid of terrorism, we are very grateful for it. Idon’t think we should underrate terrorists from Libya. With the death of Gaddafi, people were being recruited from the Sahel… because this is the only training they have.

“We are doing our best to make ensure we stop the cross border movement and so on. It will take time. We are happy with the United States trying to see the end of ISIS.

You know the Boko Haram in Nigeria had one time made a statement that they belong to ISIS. Now that ISIS has been virtually ruined we are happy with that.We are Stabilizing the situation in Nigeria.”

President Trump while commenting on the activities of the ISIS said, “We are very much dealing with ISIS in the last one month.”

He then inquired from President Buhari the efforts his government was making to tackle Boko Haram and and the release of the adbducted young women kidnapped by the Boko Haram insurgents.

This President Buhari replied, “Chibok girls kidnap was before we came. We rescue some of them. The Dapchi girls were 106, we rescued 100 back, four died, one is still in captivity. We are very grateful to the United Nations For helping out. We have not given up on the Dapchi girl.”

After a closed-door meeting, president trump said efforts are being made to remove trade barriers between the two countries and called the country to support the US in the bid to host the 2026 world cup.

My administration is committed in stopping kidnapping of young girls and trafficking.

Killing of Christians and burning of Churches in Nigeria is a horrible story.

Meanwhile, both the Indegenous People of Biafra, IPOB and the pro Buhari group were at the white House.

The two leaders entered into closed-door session.