Mr Afolabi Akanni, a member of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, recently arrested and released by the Department of State Service (DSS) has been hospitalized in a private hospital in Abuja.
Mr Akanni’s who was freed after 18 days in detention became very weak and could barely speak when visited at the hospital even as he kept repeating “I am not well. I am sick. I am sick”.
He said his release may not be unconnected with his deteriorating health situation, adding that he was not told by the DSS operatives why he held. Afolabi was picked up on March 4 when DSS operatives stormed the premises of the State House of Assembly in Ado-Ekiti.
According to the Chairman Committee on Information, Ekiti Assembly, Hon Gboyega Aribisogan, Fayose ordered that Hon Afolabi be taken to the Hospital immediately he was released.
He said: “We are very happy about the development. The entire state is agog with jubilation. His incarceration really bothered us. I can confirm that every other person detained with him has also been released. Immediately he was released, Governor Ayodele Fayose ordered that he be taken into a hospital, which is where he is now” Thanks for reading.
God Is Angry With Buhari, Fayose Claims
Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose has told President Muhammdu Buhari that God was angry with him following Saturday’s bloody legislative re-run in Rivers State.
He made this assertion while addressing Journalists in Abuja on Tuesday. He recalled other violent elections that have occurred under the Buhari administration, pinning the blood shed on the President.
Fayose said: “I am telling you the truth. Power doesn’t come from anywhere. God rules in the affairs of men. Oppressing, bringing and cutting people down, taking their blood, God is angry. The way this government is taking people down, God is angry. God isn’t happy. Go to Rivers, they kill people”. Thanks for reading.
YABATECH Expels Six Final Year Students
The Academic Board of the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), has expelled six final year students for presenting fake or altered National Diploma (ND) and National Certificate of Education (NCE) results for admission.
The expulsion notice is contained in a circular signed by Mrs Taiwo Obadimu, the Deputy Registrar of YABATECH, which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos on Wednesday.
According to the circular, the authorities of the institution considered the report on verification of the affected students’ results and found them culpable.
It stated: “Their expulsion was approved, having found the students guilty of presenting fake/altered ND/NCE results, as their conduct violated the college’s rules and regulations.
“The students are advised to hand over all college property, including student identity cards in their possession, to the heads of their department, the Polytechnic Librarian and the Dean of Students’ Affairs, with immediate effect,” the circular stated.
The affected students were in the departments of Food Technology, Mathematics and Integrated Science, Physics Education, Estate Management and Valuation, Industrial Technical Education and Industrial Maintenance Engineering. Thanks for reading.
Federal, States, Local Governments Share N345Bn For February As Revenue Drops
The Federal Government, State Governments and Local Government Councils have shared a total of N345.095 billion as Federal allocation for the month of February, 2016.
A communiqué issued by the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) and signed by the Accountant General of the Federation Ahmed Idris indicated that the Gross Revenue of N270.499 billion received for the month of February is lower than the =N=290.961 billion received the previous month by =N=20.462 billion.
The communique further indicated that Oil Production increased slightly between December, 2015 and January, 2016 despite explosions at Escravos Terminal, Force Majeure declared at Brass Terminal, Shut-in and Shut-down of pipelines at other Terminals for repairs and maintenance.
There was also revenue loss of $45.90million as a result of drop in average price of Crude Oil from $39.04 in December, 2015 to $29.02 in January, 2016. Also, a substantial drop in income was recorded from Oil and Gas Royalty, Companies Income Tax and import Duty.
Consequently, the distributable Statutory Revenue for the month is N=270.499billion. The sum of =N=6.330 billion was refunded by NNPC to FGN. There is exchange gain of =N=3.485 billion which was included in the amount for distribution. The value added tax VAT realized N64.781 billion was also included for distribution.
Based on the foregoing, the total revenue distributable for the current month inclusive of VAT is =N=345. 095 billion.
The details of the Statutory revenue distributed for the month of February is as follows: Federal Government received N127.200 billion (52.68%); States received N64. 518 billion (26.72%); Local Government Councils received N49.740 billion (20.60%); while the Oil Producing States received N22.780 billion as 13% derivation revenue.
Furthermore, for the month of February, 2016, the gross revenue available from the Value Added Tax (VAT) was =N=64.781 billion as against =N=69.719 billion distributed in the preceding month, resulting in a decrease of =N=4.938 billion.
The breakdown of the Value Added Tax (VAT) distribution for the month is as follows: Federal Government received N9.329 billion (15%); States secured N31.095 billion (50%) while the Local Government Councils got N21.767 billion (35%). Thanks for reading.
FG Set To Celebrate Young Nigerian Scientists – Onu
The Federal Ministry of Science and Technology (FMST) on Monday said it was ready to organise a science competition that would identify and celebrate the best young Nigerian scientists. The FMST Minister, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, made this known during the official commissioning of the Abuja Office of the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (NISLT). “The ministry will play an important role in helping to promote science and technology culture among our young people. By organising scientific competitions, our young people will benefit tremendously from a new scientific thinking that is needed to increase the awareness of our people for the role of science and technology in nation-building. “FMST will organise a science competition that will identify and celebration the best among young scientists from all the 774 Local Government Areas in the country,” he said. According to him, the NISLT building will serve as a reference centre for scientific equipment needs assessment as well as certification of laboratories for analysis and training. Onu said that he was deeply concerned about the need to diversify national economy, pointing out that the problems facing the nation since independence had been essentially a mono-product economy. “The fragility of our economy had been exposed with attendant consequences of the high rate of high unemployment and undue pressure on our economy. “Nigeria must rise up and employ science and technology as the suitable instrument to help us diversify and strengthen our economy. “I am happy that President Muhammadu Buhari is committed to using Science and Technology to diversify our economy,“ he said. Earlier, the FMST Permanent Secretary, Mrs Habiba Lawal stressed that the NISLT would be used by Nigeria scientists and technologies for further greatness of the nation. “Today’s event started in 2003 when the Act formally establishing the institute was enacted by the National Assembly. This was after a period of about 30 years of struggle to have an indigenous regulatory professional body of science laboratory technologies,’’ she added. The NISLT Director-General, Mr Ighodalo Ijagbone, commended the entire management team of the ministry on commissioning of the first office building on the premises. “The next major stage is to put in place appropriate infrastructure to provide the enabling space in carrying out the statutory duties and function as assigned to the institute by the Act,“ he said. Thanks for reading.
Brussels Attack: Buhari Calls For Greater International Cooperation Against Terrorism
President Muhammadu Buhari joins leaders across Europe and the rest of the world in condemning the atrocious terrorist attacks on the Zaventem Airport and Maalbeek Metro Station in Brussels earlier today.
President commiserates with Prime Minister Charles Michel and Belgians over the loss of over 30 lives in the attacks.
The President assures Prime Minister Michel and the people of Belgium that having suffered the horror and anguish of incessant terrorist attacks over several years, Nigeria stands in full solidarity with them on this day of national pain and trauma.
President Buhari believes that the appalling attack on Brussels reinforces the need for greater international cooperation to effectively confront and destroy global terrorism and its perpetrators.
The President assures the global community that under his leadership, Nigeria will continue to work with other countries of the world to ensure that terrorism never triumphs over free, peaceful and law-abiding nations and people of the world.
He wishes the more than 100 persons injured in the attacks a speedy recovery.
Cuba Obama calls for lifting of Cuba embargo and embrace of free market economy
Barack Obama urged Cuba to embrace the free market in a landmark speech in Havana that championed economic liberty rather than political reform as the key to unleashing the potential of its people.
Ignoring calls to echo Ronald Reagan’s famous “tear down this wall” speech in Berlin, President Obama drew another leaf from the cold war playbook and focused instead on the role of capitalism in transforming society from within.
“Many suggested that I came here to Cuba to tear something down, but I am appealing to the young people to lift something up,” Obama told a handpicked audience of 1,000 in the Havana theatre that hosted the last US president to speak in the country, 88 years ago.
Live Obama in Cuba: 'I have come to bury the last remnant of the cold war' – live
The US president delivers historic address in Cuba, opening speech with comments on Brussels attack
Although calling for free elections and an end to the detention of dissidents, Obama’s trip has focused heavily on the growth of small business in Cuba as a sign of internal momentum for change that can circumvent political stalemate.
“We have a clear example of what the Cuban people can build, it’s called Miami,” he said in Tuesday’s televised speech. “Being self-employed is not about becoming more like America, it’s about being more like yourself.
“What changes come will depend on the Cuban people, we will not impose our political or economic system upon you … But having removed the shadow from our relationship, I must speak honestly about the things we believe,” added Obama.
The speech, watched by Cuban president Raúl Castro and many government officials as well as US-invited guests, was received politely, with most applause reserved for Obama’s call on Congress to fully end the trade embargo.
“It is time to lift the embargo, but even if we lifted it tomorrow, Cubans would not realise their potential without more freedom to open a business.”
That was a speech that will perpetuate the dictatorship ...[Obama] didn’t mention the word ‘opposition’ even once
Alier González, democracy activist
A smiling Castro left the theatre to chants of “Cuba! Cuba!” from many in the audience, who gave him a longer and more coordinated ovation when he entered the theatre.
The message will be seen as more palatable to the Cuban leadership than the full-throated attack on political repressions that some activists had hoped for.
Cuban president Raúl Castro gestures after US president Barack Obama delivered a speech at the Gran Teatro de la Havana on Tuesday.
Cuban president Raúl Castro gestures after US president Barack Obama delivered a speech at the Gran Teatro de la Havana on Tuesday. Photograph: Nicholas Kamm/AFP/Getty Images
Watching the speech on a vintage television set at her home in Havana, pro-democracy activist Alier González scoffed at the president’s description of a “new era” for Cuba.
“So we are in a new era with the same old dictator? That’s a total contradiction!
“That was a speech that will perpetuate the dictatorship. He didn’t challenge them. He didn’t mention the word ‘opposition’ even once,” she said.
González, whose husband, the dissident Antonio Rodiles, was detained at a peaceful protest on Sunday, said the tone of Obama’s visit had been “naive”. “We need stronger action, not weak words,” she said.
But Obama stuck to the upbeat tone he has adopted throughout this controversial trip, insisting that long-term, irreversible changes are afoot that few politicians can get in the way of.
“I have come here to bury the last remnant of the cold war in the Americas,” said Obama. “To extend a hand of friendship.
“Our grandchildren will look back on this period of isolation as an aberration.”
Obama appealed to the shared bonds of history and culture between the two countries, describing the US and Cuba as “two brothers that have been estranged for many years”.
“We both live in a new world, colonized by Europeans. Cuba was in part built by slaves who were brought from Africa,” he said. “Like the United States, Cuba can trace her heritage to both slaves and slave owners.”
Reflecting his attempts to reset relations with Latin America, he said called for a new sense of unity, breaking into Spanish to say: “Todos somos americanos” – we are all Americans.
He even accepted the validity of some of Castro’s attacks on America’s own civil rights problems and lack of guaranteed healthcare, also acknowledging local fears of a US corporate invasion once trade restrictions are finally lifted.
“Before 1959, some Americans saw Cuba as something to be exploited. I know the history but I refuse to be trapped by it,” said Obama.
Though desperately poor, many ordinary Cubans remain suspicious of US economic intent, especially in a country where there is no McDonald’s, no Starbucks and no Coca-Cola.
American credit cards do not work, and tourists hoping the US dollar is the preferred currency get a rude awakening when they are charged high fees to change them into pesos.
Our grandchildren will look back on this period of isolation as an aberration
Barack Obama
“There is one word that identifies our country since 1868 and that is independence,” said the concierge at one of the luxury hotels frequented by Americans in old Havana.
“It is as simple as that. Maybe it will be a good thing that McDonald’s doesn’t open. It will be the first step towards our death,” he said.
The president seems well aware of such sentiment, calibrating his speech to avoid causing offence and trying instead to inspire.
“Part of Cuba’s identity is in being a small island nation that can stand up for its rights and stand out in the world. [But] Cuba doesn’t have to be defined as being against the United States.”
After the speech, Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry met a group of dissidents, including Rodiles, at the US embassy, where he said that there are still “deep differences” with the Cuban government on issues of freedom and democracy.
Praising the activists for their “extraordinary courage”, Obama said: “My hope is that by listening and hearing from them that we can continue to refine our policy in such a way that ultimately the Cuban people are able to live freely and prosperously.”
Outside Obama’s speech however, the US visit is, as far as the Cuban public is concerned, a virtually private affair, witnessed by the world’s media and the Cuban elite but not ordinary citizens of the capital.
Because there is no internet in the city outside the luxury hotels and special “Wi-Fi parks”, few in Havana seem to know much of Obama’s schedule this morning other than that their city centre is in complete lockdown.
An army of volunteers was operating a human barrier at a six-block radius from Parque Central, site of another symbolic speech on this three-day trip.
It means nobody, apart from those who live in the old city, will get to see anything other than Obama’s lengthy convoy speeding down the ocean-hugging boulevard, the Malecon.Thanks for reading.
