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Centre hails NEMA DG, says transparency and accountability should be emulated

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The Centre for Human Rights Advancement in Africa (CHRAA) has applauded the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Ahmed Mustapha Habib, for transforming the interventionist agency.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Tolulope Adebayo, the Centre said Habib has instilled accountability and transparency in the operations of NEMA.

According to Adebayo, the DG has displayed an uncommon zeal and courage in ensuring that relief materials to victims of disasters across the country are conducted most transparently.

He noted that Habib’s example at NEMA is worthy of commendation for calculated leadership with sincerity and purpose..

The group, therefore, saluted President Buhari’s choice of a well-rounded individual who shares the same passion with him in developing critical sectors of the Nigerian economy as director-general of NEMA.

Adebayo, however, called on all well-meaning Nigerians to extend support to the new NEMA boss towards achieving the overall mandate of coordinating resources towards efficient and effective disaster prevention, preparedness, mitigation and response in Nigeria.

Read full statement below:

The Centre for Human Rights Advancement in Africa, a non-governmental organization dedicated to the promotion of the ideals of democracy and good governance, is issuing this press statement given the recent transformation at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)

The operations of NEMA under the new management led by Ahmed Mustapha Habib have displayed an unalloyed commitment to repositioning the interventionist agency in a record few months since he assumed leadership.

It is instructive to note that the Centre for Human Rights Advancement in Africa sees the genuine efforts by Ahmed Mustapha Habib in the entrenchment of transparency and accountability in the operations of NEMA.

The reforms introduced so far are also noteworthy and indicative of an administration committed to fulfilling the critical mandate of the agency, which remains in the country’s best interest.

The Centre for Human Rights Advancement in Africa salutes the courage and leadership acumen of Ahmed Mustapha Habib in his few months as the director-general of NEMA. He has displayed an uncommon zeal and courage in ensuring that relief materials to victims of disasters across the country are conducted most transparently.

This is indeed a deviation from times past where the distribution of relief materials are marred with controversies and, in most instances, diverted to private warehouses at the detriment of those victims of disasters across the country.

This is indeed a commendable drive at NEMA. The Centre for Human Rights Advancement in Africa states that the likes of Ahmed Mustapha Habib are what the country needs at this critical point of our existence.

This is indeed a lesson in leadership that should be imbibed by all holding positions of authority in Nigeria. The task of making Nigeria great goes beyond rhetoric. Words should be matched with actions, and political office holders should see themselves as servants of the people whose survival depends on their actions and inactions in the conduct of government business.

The Ahmed Mustapha Habib example at NEMA is worthy of commendation for purposeful leadership with sincerity and purpose. A good example is the continuous tour of the various zones in the country and the efforts at constantly engaging stakeholders across the board towards making NEMA a responsive interventionist agency.

We also commend President Muhammadu Buhari in his choice of a well-rounded individual who shares the same passion with him in developing critical sectors of the Nigerian economy as director-general of NEMA.

The Centre for Human Rights Advancement in Africa is convinced beyond reasonable doubt that the operations of NEMA would experience tangible improvements in service delivery with the reforms introduced in the past few months.

We call on all well-meaning Nigerians to extend support to the new NEMA under Ahmed Mustapha Habib towards achieving the overall mandate of coordinating resources towards efficient and effective disaster prevention, preparedness, mitigation and response in Nigeria.

NYSC Trust Fund bill passes first reading in House of Reps

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The National Youth Service Corps Trust Fund Bill (Establishment, etc.) today scaled the first reading at the House of Representatives.

Sponsored by Hon. Akinfolarin Mayowa representing Ileoluji Okeigbo/Odigbo constituency in Ondo State, the Bill, 2021 (HB.1795) was one of eight fresh bills introduced to the lower house today.

Among others things, the Trust Fund will provide sustainable source of funds for NYSC, Skill Acquisition training and provision of startup capital to Corps Members, train and retrain the personnel of the NYSC.

It will also develop Camps and NYSC formations, provide facilities therein, improve the general welfare of Corps Members and personnel of the Scheme and enhance their preparedness to effectively discharge their statutory duties of promoting National unity, integration, self-reliance and accelerated development of the national economy.

The Trust Fund will deal with graduate unemployment and strengthen the operations of the scheme in the same manner the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, the Police Equipment Trust Fund and the Petroleum Technology Development Fund aid the operations of tertiary educational institutions.

Recall that recently, the Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim, called on relevant stakeholders to support the actualisation of the Trust Fund as it will reinvigorate and deepen the impact of the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme.

He said, “I am confident that the gains of the SAED programme will be enhanced if the proposed National Youth Service Corps Trust Fund becomes a reality.

“Apart from providing adequate facilities for more impactful vocational and entrepreneurship training, it will also be a sustainable source of business financing for the corps members. That way, we will be achieving greater feats in empowering our graduate youths for self-employment and wealth creation. I, therefore, appeal to the relevant authorities to support thebecausest Fund.”

The chairman, House Committee, on Youth and Sport, Adaramodu Yemi, had assured in October that the House will give the bill speedy attention when submitted for passage.

Hon. Adaramodu said when established, the NYSC Trust Fund shall handle issues of infrastructural decay and funding which have hampered smooth operations of the scheme.

The Committee Chairman also said the proposed Trust Fund will provide ‘seed money’ for graduate youth entrepreneurs after the service year conbecauseny of they are committed to the SAED programme of the scheme.

Adaramodu, however, assured that the House will continue to fight constitutionally to ensure that the scheme is sustained.

“On the fund, I want to assure that the House will expedite work to pass the bill when it gets to us,” he said.

Nigerians incredibly proud of you, Gbajabiamila greets Buhar at 79 years old

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Femi Gbajabiamila, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, has congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) on his 79th birthday.

He praised President Buhari for the things he has done for Nigeria since taking office in 2015, saying that such a man should be honored on his birthday by all well-meaning Nigerians.

Gbajabiamila praised Buhari for prioritizing Nigeria above all else, saying that Nigerians are proud of him.

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He stated that, at the age of 79, the President has accomplished a great deal as an individual and as a leader of exceptional character and integrity.

Gbajabiamila stated that he believes the President will do a lot more for the country during his remaining term in office.

He remarked with delight on how the President adheres to the APC’s manifesto.
“Nigeria and Nigerians are proud of you, Mr. President.” It is commendable how you have been steering the Nigerian state’s ship.

“As a result, I join millions of our fellow citizens in wishing you a happy birthday and many more years of good health,” the Speaker said.

In Benue, father, two sons killed

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On Thursday, a father and his two sons were murdered in Ore community at Ore Egbeba road of Apa-Agila council ward in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State by unidentified assailants on their way back from the farm.

According to our correspondent, killings have occurred on a regular basis in some areas of Ado bordering Ebonyi State, where boundary disputes have continued to unsettle the locals, and there have also been reports of herder invasions.
Locals say the latest murders of three family members, identified as Mr. Enogu, Chigbo Enogu, and Sunday Enogu, were one too many, because people in the area can no longer move freely to do their own things.

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The deceased were attacked and murdered while returning home after a day’s work, according to the villagers.

James Oche, the Chairman of Ado LGA, confirmed the incident to newsmen in Makurdi, saying he was shocked to learn of the three family members’ murders.

Oche stated that the incident was immediately reported to security agencies, whose personnel are already on the lookout for the perpetrators, while also revealing that a few arrests had been made and that the suspects would cooperate with the investigation.

The chairman, on the other hand, urged residents of the area to remain calm and law abiding, assuring them that his administration was committed to safeguarding the lives and property of Ado residents.

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When contacted, DSP Catherine Anene, a spokesperson for the Benue Police Command, confirmed the incident.

Eagles coach, I took 20% pay cut – Rohr

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Gernot Rohr, the former coach of the Super Eagles, claims he took a 20% pay cut to help the Nigeria Football Federation manage costs following the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Franco-contract German’s with the three-time African champions was terminated by the NFF on Sunday, just weeks before the AFCON in Cameroon, after five years and four months with the team.

The team’s abysmal performances under Rohr were cited as the reason for his dismissal by NFF president Amaju Pinnick, who also stated that the 68-year-old failed to enforce discipline in the team.

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Rohr, for one, claimed that some officials tried to sway his selection of players.

The former Bordeaux manager claimed in an interview with ESPN that he was never in Nigeria for the money.

When asked if he had ever been offered money to invite a player, Rohr replied, “No, never.”

“They’ve known for a long time in Africa and Europe that I’m one of those people who can never be corrupted.” My reputation precedes me. We did take one player to assist him in some clubs, but only in the interest of Nigerian football, and only to assist the players, and never for financial gain.

“I could have left a long time ago if I was in Nigeria for money.” Instead, I proposed a 20% salary cut as a result of the pandemic. But even then, the salary isn’t always — and isn’t always — forthcoming.

“I’m surprised by Nigeria’s treatment of their coach.” It’s not just for me; it’s for other coaches as well. We haven’t been paid, and we’ve been fired.”

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Rohr went on to say that he was proud of his time as the Eagles’ head coach.
“Opinions differ, but the facts will be seen by everyone,” he added.

“The facts are that we went from 67th to 36th in the world, and from 13th to 5th in Africa.” We’ll also be in the top five (in Africa) for the World Cup draw, which will be crucial for the playoffs.

“We had a great professional relationship, and our human relationships will last a lifetime.”

“We did everything we could for Nigeria’s sake, and we are proud of it.” We found young goalkeepers who will be with us for at least the next ten years. We found new defenders and young wingers.

“We assisted our captain [Ahmed Musa] in breaking his country’s record of more than 103 games.” In the most recent AFCON, as well as the qualifiers, we produced the top goal scorers.

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“So, it’s been five wonderful years and four months, and I’m grateful to [NFF president] Amaju Pinnick for giving me the opportunity to work in this country.” I’m not going to remember what happened at the end. What happened in the last year was difficult, but now I hope that everyone will be right and that we can live together as friends.”

I’ve seen your tape, you have impotent husband – Doris Ogala drags Jane Mena

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Doris Ogala, a Nigerian actress, has taken to social media to shame Instagram dancer Jane Mena.

The drama began when Tonto Dikeh, Doris’ colleague and friend, was targeted by the professional twerker.

Jane posted on her Instagram stories that a woman who claimed she was ready to go to court is now avoiding signing court papers.
Tonto Dikeh retaliated by calling Janemna out and referring her to her lawyer, despite her claim that she did not want to sign court papers.

Doris Ogala, meanwhile, has taken to social media to express her support for Tonto Dikeh. Jane Mena was dragged to filth in her friend’s defense.
“You say who de fear you, Bia Jane!” Your lord’s huncle brother didn’t tell you that fear isn’t in our dictionary! Please send my address to me!

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I’d like to double-check something! Ooh, look at this rat!! This time, no one should try to stop me. Prepare yourself! People never see the real sex tape, do they? She wrote, “Ahhhh the real blue film… ok na.”

2023: Senate Chief Whip writes to Buhari, expressing concern about APC’s collapse

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Orji Uzor Kalu, former Governor of Abia State and Senate Chief Whip, has called for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) national convention in February 2022 to be rescheduled.

If the APC’s National Chairman of the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, Governor Mai Mala Buni, goes ahead with the convention in February, he allayed fears of a collapse and irreversible damage to the party.

Kalu identified three challenges that must be addressed urgently before the convention in a letter he wrote on Thursday in Abuja to President Muhammadu Buhari and the APC’s national leadership: “National Working Committee (NWC) election; Party crisis at state levels; and presidential zoning in 2023.”

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In response, he proposed holding the APC presidential primary and the election of the National Working Committee (NWC) at the same time as the presidential primary election in 2023.

In a letter titled “Urgent appeal for postponement of APC National Convention,” Kalu warned that holding the convention in February without resolving pockets of disagreements arising from the party’s Congresses could lead to the party’s implosion.

“I write to you, the content of this letter regarding our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), with a sense of commitment and unflinching loyalty to our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC),” the letter begins.

He praised Mai Mala Buni’s accomplishments in leading the party up to this point, but warned that a crisis in some State chapters of the party remained a threat if it was not addressed immediately.

“It is important to note, however, that some states are engulfed in a crisis involving multiple factions.

“These factions are not new to our politics, particularly since democracy was restored in 1999.

“However, the consequences of these factions during and after elections must be taken into account.”

Kalu recalled how the opposition party benefited in the Rivers and Zamfara governorship elections in 2019, despite the fact that the party was unable to field senatorial candidates in Cross River State, giving the Peoples Democratic Party a field day.

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He went on to say that the party cannot claim to have made a decision on presidential zoning yet, a situation he believes could lead to the party’s implosion, and that the issue must be resolved before the national convention in order to save the party.

Police in Rivers ban use of sirens, monitoring license plate numbers

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Unauthorized and unauthorized persons in the state are prohibited from using sirens, revolving lights, spy and covered plate numbers, according to the Rivers State Police Command.

Friday Eboka, the Commissioner of Police, said the ban was imposed after it was discovered that criminals and other unauthorized individuals were using them to commit crimes in the state.

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The ban, according to CP Eboka, was enacted in response to an earlier directive by the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali, prohibiting the abuse and indiscriminate use of sirens, revolving lights, spy and covered plate numbers without proper authorization.

Suprintendant of Police SP Nnamdi Omoni, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, stated that a taskforce led by ACP Jepthan Nengi had been formed to ensure full compliance with the ban.

The statement stated that no effort will be spared in enforcing the ban, and that violators will be given one week to dismantle the prohibited facilities from their vehicles.

 Filmmaker from Abuja arrested for alleged impersonating Nollywood actress

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Richard Slyvanus, a filmmaker, was arrested for alleged impersonation by the Federal Capital Territory Police Command.

The suspect is said to have created YouTube and Gmail accounts in the name of Regina Daniels, a Nollywood actress.

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Sylvanus was accused of defrauding people to the tune of N1 million.

According to a source familiar with the case, Daniels’ lawyer reported the incident to the police, who then arrested the suspect.

DSP Josephine Adeh, a spokesperson for the FCT police, confirmed the arrest and said the matter was being investigated.

“Sylvanus is in our custody,” she said. After receiving a tip, the police swung into action. With an email address of reginadanielsblasterjnr@gmail.com and a Youtube account he created to impersonate Regina Daniels, he defrauded unsuspecting members of the public. There is no link between the movie star and the Gmail and YouTube accounts that were used to commit these crimes.

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“Members of the public are urged to take notice and avoid falling prey to such snares as many other criminal enterprises similar to this may exist.” The matter is being thoroughly investigated.”

South Africa’s mandatory quarantine is no longer enforced by UK

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Many in South Africa breathed a sigh of relief when the mandatory hotel quarantine for travelers entering the UK from 11 African countries was lifted.

Tour operators are hoping that the last-minute change will entice some tourists to return to the country.

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“We are so late in December that we believe things will not change much, if at all, because many people have made plans for Christmas and New Years, and few people will want to travel at such a late date in light of the travel ban.” So we’re obviously just hoping things change and people start traveling again because we obviously rely on international guests for our work, and it’s obviously really important because we haven’t had work in almost two years,” said tour guide Nabeel Sayed.

The reintroduction of mandatory hotel quarantine for visitors from South Africa into the UK in late November was a blow to the tourism industry, which was already suffering from a lack of customers.

For some, the UK government’s latest decision provides a ray of hope.

“I can’t think of a better place for people who are worried about Covid right now.” “I think we should be seen as the perfect destination to escape to, and our low numbers relative to the rest of the world means this is a destination of choice right now,” defends Rashid Toefy, Deputy Director-General at Western Cape Economic Development and Tourism.

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South Africa’s largest overseas market for tourism is the United Kingdom.