2017 AFCON: Nigeria fail again to qualify, slumps 1-0 to Egypt

Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Tuesday in Alexandria failed to qualify for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a 0-1 loss to the Pharaohs of Egypt.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the loss in their Group G Match Day Three fixture ensured a second consecutive absence for the three-time African champions.

With just one game remaining and only the group winners to qualify, Nigeria cannot make up their five-point deficit to group leaders Egypt who now have seven points.

Ramadan Sobhy's 65th-minute goal put Egypt in shape for qualification, and added to the misery of Nigeria whose campaign had been fraught with many mishaps from the beginning.

Egypt with only one match to play now visit Tanzania in June and need to do virtually nothing, such as avoiding a 0-4 defeat, to qualify for Gabon.

The East Africans are presently on one point from two matches, and can only upstage the Egyptians if they massively beat the North Africans and Nigeria.

To have any chance of qualification, Tanzania would need to beat Egypt by a better scoreline than the 3-0 defeat they suffered in Egypt last June.

This is because head-to-head records will come into effect, if Tanzania beat Nigeria and they and Egypt finished level on points.

Nigeria will host Tanzania in September, but it is just a fixture for the Eagles, with the full points not going to take them anywhere near Egypt.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tuesday's match in Alexandria became an all-or-nothing tie after Chad withdrew from the group on Sunday, citing financial difficulties.

All results from their matches were then erased, putting Nigeria in a more difficult position as that left only three teams in Group G.

In accordance with the rules of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), only the winners would qualify for the finals.(NAN)

Kachikwu apologises to Nigerians, says fuel scarcity ends April 7

The Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu has apologised to Nigerians for his comments over the lingering fuel scarcity that has caused hardship to many commuters and which even affected the Easter celebration.

The Minister while appearing before the Senate Committee on Petroleum on Tuesday however promised that contrary to the earlier statement credited to him said that the fuel scarcity and queues  will end by April 7, 2016.

Culled From Newsreel.

Delta civil servants angry over SDA cut

·         Assembly staffs protest SDA removal

·         House Committee chairman on Establishment meets with HOS, PASAN executives

·         Information Commissioner says SDA only suspended, not stopped

There is apparent displeasure, nay visible anger among civil servants in Delta State over the removal of Special Duty Allowance (SDA) from the pay of workers.

Since the workers received their February pay slips which confirmed earlier speculations that there is a move by the state government to tamper with the SDA, which the workers say meant so much to them, the workers have since become irritated and are on the offensive. About three weeks ago, staffs of the Delta State House of Assembly greatly outraged by the SDA deduction took to a peaceful demonstration in the assembly complex.

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta state.

But the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah told Banner Media Network this morning that the SDA was only suspended and not stopped. He said it was suspended to enable government time to ascertain properly those who are genuinely entitled to such allowance, and expunge those who are receiving it but are not entitled.

The Commissioner explained, for instance, that there are staffs that have been posted from offices where approval for SDA is given to other places that are not to receive such allowance. Such staffs by virtue of their new posting are no longer entitled to such payment. He said cases abound of many staffs that are not entitled to SDA but who are being paid in error. “Government is trying to plug holes against  leakages, and expunge those people who are not entitled to SDA from the list of those who are entitled.

Rt. Hon Monday Igbuya, Speaker, DTHA

Also, workers’ annoyance over the deduction became quite noticeable in the other arms of government as they discussed the matter in hush and loud tones, sometimes with a tinge of rage, asking why Governor Ifeanyi Okowa should want to use them as fodder to seek funds to manage the battered finances of the state.

For instance, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), Delta state chapter, Mr. Egalase Afure told Banner Media Network that cutting workers SDA is not the right way to get funds to manage government affairs.

Afure explained that the SDA, which in the House of Assembly is called Legislative duty Allowance is an allowance negotiated at the federal level, and implemented among the states that have state houses of assembly. His colleague, Mr. Pere Botu, who is chairman of the DBS, Asaba chapter of Radio, Television Theatre and Art Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU) said the SDA is what is helping a lot of workers that have mortgaged their salaries, taken co-operative and other loans. It is the SDA that augments for them against the mortgage deductions. “Removing the SDA now will be too hard on workers,” Botu said, adding: “I want to appeal to the state government led by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to please take a second look at the SDA, and allow it to stay so that workers can be happy. It is only when one is happy that he or she can work very well. The SDA is kind of motivational allowance for worksers. So, government should not discard it.”

Comrade Afure of PASAN who picked hole in the removal of SDA as one of the ways the state government wants to improve the financial standing of the state said: “It is not the right thing for the state governor to start cutting civil servants’ salaries. It is wrong. We are doing a study right now. In the House of Assembly Service Commission, we have seven members as commissioners. The chairman, first member, second member, like that. There are about seven of them. We’ve done a study and we’ve seen that their take home pay a month as about four point something million naira for the seven of them. And we have 102 staffs in the Delta State House of Assembly Service Commission, and their take home pay is seven point something million naira. You check it. Seven members in the Assembly service commission and 102 staffs. Look at the difference. Seven point something million naira for 102 staffs and four point something million for seven members who are commissioners. Does it reflect that this state does not have money?”

Afure continued: “And we saw in the newspapers appointments here and there. SAs on this, SSAs on that. We are not saying that politicians should not be appointed. But the size of the executive should be cut down a little. If you are saying that there is no money, then reduce the number of SAs and SSAs. There are a lot of them that don’t have portfolios, but they have positions as SAs. Are you telling me that the governor is not paying them?

“Just like he is dealing with civil servants by cutting their allowance, is that how he is cutting down the allowances of politicians? If we know that executive is cutting down on its own expenses then we will know that there is no money,” Comrade Afure argued.  

Afure however, disclosed that PASAN executives met with the House Committee Chairman on Establishment, Hon. Erijo, and the Head of Service. He said the HOS denied any knowledge of the removal of SDA, but on being shown the pay slips, he expressed surprise and promised that it was going to be restored by March 2016. He said the HOS explained that what was being done was revalidation, to know those who are supposed to be paid and those who are not. “ Hon. Erijo, leader of the House Committee on Establishment made the HOS to promise that the arrears of the deducted SDA will be paid. So, the HOS promised that this March, it is going to be restored to staff salary. And we are waiting,” Comrade Afure said.

Meanwhile, Comrade Pere Botu called on the union leadership to look into the issue of SDA payments so as not to have a labour crisis in the state, even as Mr. Ukah, information commissioner pleaded with civil servants to be patient with government as it sifts those genuinely entitled to payment of SDA, reiterating that SDA was only suspended and not stopped.

DTHA not after anyone, says Majority Leader

The Delta State House of Assembly has again refuted allegation that it is witch-hunting anyone as a result of the Assembly’s oversight function on the Independent Power Project (IPP).

A statement issued on Sunday in Asaba by the House Leader, Hon. Tim Owhefere, the House expressed strict reliance on the Rule of Law and, most importantly, the Right to Fair Hearing.

Owhefere explained that what the House did was merely an oversight function in line with constitutional provision.

“It was never intended as a probe initiative against any individual,” Owhefere, who doubles as the Chairman, House Committee on Information said.

The statement reaffirms the commitment and resolve of the House to be fair and just in all matters of concern to Deltans.

Be renewed by Jesus’ love, Igbuya tells Deltans at Easter

The Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Monday Igbuya on Friday reflected on the brutal pain that our savior, Jesus Christ suffered and the extraordinary gift of salvation that He gave to the people, calling on Nigerians, particularly Deltans at home and abroad to love more deeply.

Monday Igbuya, Delta Assembly Speaker

 “Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth,” he advised.

In a special message to Nigerians on the occasion of Easter, Igbuya not only reminded the people of hope, passion and joy in the midst of despair but called on them to continue to develop the spirit of brotherliness and love.

“Easter calls us to courageously follow Jesus Christ, the risen one, and to boldly proclaim that out of darkness and suffering come new life,” he said.

He also thanked Deltans at home and abroad for their prayers and support.

“The Delta State House of Assembly will continue to partner with other arms of government in the delivery of good governance. It will continue to serve the best interests of all” he promised.

“Let us embrace the grace of Christ’s Resurrection and be renewed by His love. Let us live up to His example. I wish you all very happy and peaceful Easter celebrations” he added.

 

Tinubu blasts Kachikwu over comments on fuel scarcity, says minister insulted Nigerians

By Kayode Ogundele -

The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has condemned comments by the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu “that he (Kachikwu) was not trained as a magician and that basically Nigerians should count themselves fortunate that the NNPC under his stewardship has been able to bring in the amount of petrol fuel it is currently doing. In a statement titled, ‘Kachikwu Needs To Know That Respect And Good Performance Will Do What Magic Cannot’, the former Lagos State Governor insisted he is “an avid and partisan supporter” of the President Buhari-led government and of the progressive policies of the APC.

Bola Tinubu

Tinubu said he reserves “the right and the duty as a Nigerian to voice my opinion when I believe a member of this government has strayed from the progressive calling required of this administration. I do this because my greater devotion and love are for this nation and its people. Party and politics fall secondary.”

He said that “Perhaps the statement by Kachikwu was made in a moment of unguarded frustration or was an awkward attempt at a joke. Whatever the motive, it was untimely and off-putting. The remark did not sit well with the Nigerian people; they were as right to feel insulted, as the Minister was wrong to have said such a thing.

“The fuel shortage is severely biting for the average person. They are forced to remain in lines far too long, for too much time, to pay too much money for too little fuel. This is no joking matter. Livelihoods and people’s welfare are at stake.

“With so much on the line, Kachikwu’s flippancy was out-of-line. He was basically telling Nigerians that they should be lucky that they are getting the inadequate supply they now suffer and that they should just be quiet and endure the shortage for several weeks more.

“Kachikwu’s intervention was unhelpful. It panicked and disappointed the public as to the duration of the crisis. It insulted the people by its tonality. He spoke with the imperious nature of a member of the elitist government the people voted out last year and not the progressive one they voted in.

“Kachikwu must be reminded that he was not coerced to take this job. He accepted the job and its responsibilities knowingly. He also must remember that he does not own NNPC. This also is not a private company that owes nothing to the public except the duty of fair dealing.

“He is a public servant. The seat he sits upon is owned by Nigerians, not by him. The company he runs is owned by Nigerians, not by him. They are his boss. He is not theirs. Power is vested in the people. He is a mere custodian or agent of their will.

“In talking to us in such a manner, he committed an act of insubordination. If he had talked so cavalierly to his boss in the private sector, he would have been reprimanded or worse. If wise, the man should refrain from such interjections in the future.

“As his ultimate bosses, the people have a right to demand the requisite performance and respect from him. He should apologise for treating them so lightly in this instance.

“His portfolio being a strategically important one, he needs to reestablish the correct relationship with the public. They no longer feel he is working for their optimal benefit as their servant. Instead, he seems to be standing above them, telling them to take it or leave it. For his policies and stint in office to be successful and a help to this government, he must have the support and belief of the people at this tough time.

“He must talk to them in a way that they believe he seeks their best interest and understands the hardship weighing upon them. He must ask them to work with him and perhaps to endure a bit longer but with the knowledge that he is working to resolve this matter as fast as he can and as permanently as possible. That he is dedicated to the position that once these current lines are gone that never again shall they reappear, as long as he has any influence in the matter.

“To do this, requires no magic or training in that strange craft. It requires empathy, compassion and the willpower to forge a better Nigeria. These must be the common trademarks of those serving in a progressive government, for these attributes are integral parts of the spirit and ideals upon which the APC was founded.

“Upon such notions was this administration voted into office by the Nigerian people in the operation of their sovereign will to seek a national leadership that would pursue their interests to the utmost and give them every fair chance to live in a better Nigeria.

“Even though times are hard, we must all realise that they would be even harder and much darker had we allowed the venal, kleptocracy of the PDP to continue to lord over the land solely for their selfish benefit and not for the common good.

“I am confident that President Buhari and this government can resolve the issues that press us. From establishing full security and safety to staking a claim to true economic prosperity and fairness, this government shall salvage our national pride and purpose.

“Let all of us, in and out, of government never forget this. If we adhere to this remembrance, we shall see that magic will not be needed to bring the progress we seek,” Tinubu.

Culled from New Mail

    

Pope urges the World to use 'weapons of love' to fight evil of terrorism

Pope Francis has urged the World to use the "weapons of love" to combat the evil of "blind and brutal violence", following the attacks in Brussels.

This was contained in his Easter message on Sunday at St Peter’s Basilica, after a week of sombre religious events commemorating Jesus' death.

Pope Francis

Francis, while speaking under tight security for tens of thousands of people, spoke of violence, injustice and threats to peace in many parts of the world.

"May he (the risen Jesus) draw us closer on this Easter feast to the victims of terrorism, that blind and brutal form of violence which continues to shed blood in different parts of the world.

He mentioned recent attacks in Belgium, where at least 31 people were killed by Islamist militants, as well as those in Turkey, Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, and Iraq.

"With the weapons of love, God has defeated selfishness and death.

The 79-year-old Argentine pontiff urged people to channel the hope of Easter in order to defeat "the evil that seems to have the upper hand in the life of so many people".

The pope condemned the Brussels attacks several times during the past week, including at a Good Friday service where he said followers of religions who carried out acts of fundamentalism or terrorism were profaning God's name.

Francis expressed the hope that recent talks could resolve the conflict in Syria in order to end the "sad wake of destruction, death, contempt for humanitarian law and the breakdown of civil concord".

He urged Europe not to forget those men and women seeking a better future, including many children fleeing from war, hunger, poverty and social injustice.

The European Union and Turkey have agreed to stop the flow of migrants to Europe in return for political and financial concessions for Ankara.

Turkey and The Aegean islands have been the main route for migrants and refugees pouring into Europe in the past year.

Francis called for dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians, and resolutions to conflicts and political tensions in Yemen, Iraq, Libya, Burundi, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, and Ukraine. (Reuters/NAN)

Cattle breeders' association calls for reconciliation between Fulanis, other ethnic groups

Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, has called for reconciliatory meeting between the Fulanis, Jukuns and Tiv people to ensure peaceful co-existence in Taraba.

The National President of the association, Alhaji Mohammadu Zuru, made the call on Saturday in Jalingo at the swearing-in of the state and zonal executives of the association.

He said that dialogue was critical in resolving the perennial crises between the three ethnic groups in the state.

``The only short-term solution to these incessant crises is an extended dialogue between all the ethnic groups concerned.

``The truth is that there is no crisis between the Fulanis’ Jukuns and Tiv; but there is crisis between the criminal elements in all these ethnic groups.

``Our position is that when all of us are engaged in dialogue under the supervision of the state government, the crises will end,” he said.

Zuru appealed to government at all levels to demarcate cattle routes and grazing reserves across the country to forestall the incessant conflict between farmers and cattle breeders.

``A grazer who lives in the bush hardly benefits from infrastructure which is mostly found in urban centres.

`` We are appealing to government at all levels to provide cattle routes and grazing reserves to herdsmen as compensation for their inability to access to infrastructure and social amenities,” he said.

Earlier, the Chief of Old Muri, Alhaji Abdullahi Ciroma, had expressed concern over the drought in his domain resulting in the death of some cows.

He appealed to the state government to construct a dam in the area to provide water for animal husbandry and irrigation.

In his remark, the state governor, Darius Ishaku, urged the association to counsel its members on the need to embrace peace being a necessary requirement for rapid socio-economic development.

He urged the association to support and cooperate with his government to enable it execute its policies and programmes for the benefit of the citizens. (NAN)

Delta Assembly Account frozen?

·         Hard fighting, irrepressible ex-law maker, Jenkins Gwede seeks payment of unpaid entitlements

·         Demands N450 million, 2 SUV cars

The account of the Delta State House of Assembly (DTHA) has reportedly been frozen on the orders of the Supreme Court, Banner Media Network has learnt.

The apex court is said to have wielded the axe to compel the Assembly to obey its ruling that the then imposter legislator, Edoja Rufus Akpodiete, who was ordered to vacate the seat of Ughelli North constituency II, which he falsely occupied in the House, and pay the rightfully elected legislator, Hon. Jenkins Gwede all his entitlements that were wrongfully paid to Edoja Rufus Akpodiete. It would appear that the Assembly has not yet complied with the apex court’s directive.

Hon. Jenkins Gwede

Efforts to get the leadership of the Assembly’s side of the story proved abortive, but the press secretary to the Speaker, Mr. Henry Ebireri pleaded with Banner Media Network for time to enable the Assembly react. However, Hon. Jenkins Gwede in a telephone conversation Tuesday confirmed that the Supreme Court recently ordered the DTHA account be frozen until all his entitlements are paid. He told Banner Media Network that he is demanding that the sum of N450million be paid to him and two SUV cars given to him.

Although details of the Supreme Court’s recent ruling are scanty, It would be recalled however, that the Supreme Court had in October 2014 sacked Edoja Rufus Akpodiete from the Assembly, and in a unanimous judgment ordered him to within 90 days refund to the state coffers all the salaries and allowances he had collected since he had been occupying the seat since 2011.

Akpodiete made it to the Assembly on the platform of the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) but decamped thereafter to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The apex court ordered Mr. Jenkins Gwede to assume the seat, ruling that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) wrongfully issued Akpodiete a certificate of return even when it was aware that the DPP had presented Gwede as its new candidate more than 45 days before the House of Assembly election conducted on April 26, 2011.

It was also observed that it was the first time the Supreme Court would order any person to refund the money earned from office that he or she illegally occupied.

In the lead judgment delivered by Justice Walther Onnoghen, the Supreme Court ordered Mr. Jenkins Gwede of the Democratic Peoples Party to take over the seat from Akpodiete.

The court held that the Independent National Electoral Commission had wrongfully issued the certificate of return to Akpodiete even when it was aware that he had ceased to be the sponsored candidate of the DPP more than 45 days before the state House of Assembly election held on April 26, 2011.

The apex court described INEC’s action in the case as “worrisome” and therefore awarded a total cost of N650,000 each against the commission and Edoja.

The court affirmed the documents tendered by Gwede’s lawyer, Mr. Ikhide Ehighelua, showing that the DPP had notified INEC of its choice of Gwede as its candidate after Akpodiete formally withdrew from the election and the party returned the N2million he paid for nomination form back to him.

Justice Onnoghen held that INEC had by its action “foisted on the electorate of Ughelli North Constituency II of Delta State House of Assembly a pretender to the seat, who, not only withdrew from the election in writing but collected the deposit he paid to the fourth respondent for the said election.”

It therefore ordered that, “The 1st respondent is hereby ordered to issue the said appellant with a certificate of return in respect of the said House of Assembly election held on April 26, 2011.

“The 2nd respondent, Edoja Rufus Akpodiete, is hereby ordered to vacate the seat of Ugelli North Constituency II in the Delta State House of Assembly forthwith.

“It is further ordered that the said 2nd respondent, Edoja Rufus Akpodiete, refunds to the coffers of the Delta State House of Assembly all monies/sums of money he collected by way of salary, allowances whatsoever and however described since he took his seat in the said House of Assembly under the pretext of being the duly elected candidate of the 4th respondent representing Ugelli North Constituency II, within 90 days of this order.”

A Federal High Court in Asaba had dismissed Gwede’s case in a judgment delivered on June 27, 2012 for lack of jurisdiction to entertain the matter because it was election related.

Gwede, Through his lawyer, Mr. Ikhide Ehighelua, had appealed to the Court of Appeal in Benin which in its judgment delivered on May 22, 2013 had resolved the issues raised in his favour but refused to make any consequential order.

He also cross-appealed the judgment of the Court of Appeal urging the Supreme Court to make an order returning him as the duly elected candidate to represent the Ughelli North Constituency II.

Gwede who stayed in the Assembly for just eight months instead of four years on account of his mandate that was stolen by Akpodiete had a tale of woes to tell of the sufferings he was made to pass through while in the House.

Sources recalled that while making his valedictory speech, Gwede lamented that he was denied his entitlements as a member of the DTHA. That he was denied accommodation, denied official vehicles for the period he stayed in office as he had to come to work at the Assembly riding the Keke tricycle.

Again, Nigeria’s reserves rise for 4 days in a row

By Mayowa Tijani

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has recorded fresh rise of foreign reserves for four days consecutively – for only the second time since President Muhammadu Buhari took office.

As at March 22, 2016, the foreign reserves had experienced a rise of $34.7 million in four days, rising from $27,853,597,008 on March 16 to $27,888,285,805 by March 21.

By February 22, the reserves had a rise of $13 million while finding its way out of 11-year low positions.

The first consecutive rise started on Thursday February 24, from $27.804 billion to $27.823 billion as at February 29, surging gradually through the days in-between.

The rise has been attributed to a gradual recovery in oil prices and strict restrictions of capital flow.

After rising by $350 million in August 2015, the foreign reserves have not experienced any of such huge leaps in 6 months, with a meagre rise of $32 million in February 2016.

Major restrictions have been put in place to curb excessive outflow of Nigeria’s foreign exchange, following fears that the reserves may be down to zero in 10 months.

Speaking at TheCable devaluation debate, Adams Oshiomhole, governor of Edo state, had said the nation’s forex outflows vastly outweighed inflow.

“As we speak, I understand that our forex inflow is under $1 billion,” he had said.

“If you’re earning less than one billion, and your outflow remains at more than $4 billion, obviously, all other things being equal, I imagine that in one year, our foreign reserves would be zero.”

The position of the CBN and the federal government on forex has been fiercely criticized by many, who consider capital control as counter-productive.

However, the recent rise of reserves and the passage of the 2016 budget may well vindicate the CBN and the Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government.

Culled from thecableng

NUJ plans Bill to purge journalism profession of impostors, says Odusile

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) says it plans to submit to the National Assembly a Bill on the elimination of impostors in the journalism profession.

The President of the union, Mr Waheed Odusile, who said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday, in Abuja, added that the Bill would be submitted after due consultation with all stakeholders in the profession.

According to Odusile, all members of the Nigeria Press Organisation need to make their inputs before a comprehensive Bill is sent to the National Assembly by April.

``We are making progress on the Bill we want to take to the National Assembly.

``We have been trying to get all stakeholders on board, because like they say, `a bird does not fly with one wing’.

``All stakeholders in the industry, especially the newspaper proprietors, the Guild of Editors and NUJ, together we constitute the Nigeria Press Organisation.

``So we have met and we have a draft of the bill that has been there for some time now; everybody has gone through it, everybody is satisfied.

``So, we are just waiting for a final meeting of the Nigeria Press Organisation to take a final decision on it so that we will have a very comprehensive bill, which we will take to the National Assembly.

``We have been in constant touch with the Senate and they are waiting for us. I expect that before the end of April it should be there.

``The last time we were at the Senate, the Senate President promised that the chamber would have to take the issue up this legislative year.

``So we want this Bill to pass in this 8th senate and we are working towards it.’’

Odusile also said the union would clamp down on people, who paraded themselves as journalists but were not working for established media organisations in the country.

``There is a committee in each council, mandated to monitor press conferences or where journalists gather in large numbers for events, to actually fish out - I won’t even call them quacks, I will call them undesirable elements - in our profession.

``At the national level, we are about going into partnership with an ICT firm that would help us to do a comprehensive and elaborate verification of our members.

``We want to do biometrics of our members and put all the necessary information in their ID cards, such that if you are a journalist, let’s say you are from Gombe and you find yourself in Lagos and somebody has the cause to doubt whether you are a journalist or not, once you have the ID card, they will take you to the NUJ council.

``There will be a computer there and if truly you are a journalist, it will be there, they will see your details.

``There are laws for setting up a newspaper or any media organisation.

``Once the law is followed most of these fake mushroom papers will not come into the market.’’

Odusile said plans were underway to invite online publishers to a dialogue on how to check the excesses of the social media.

``We don’t want to be agents that would restrict access to information or even information dissemination. No! it is not what we intend to do, but we also want to regularise activities.

``What we want to do with the social media is first, we want to engage with them, we will be meeting with the leadership of the online publishers, then, we will meet with bloggers.

``We will sit down and see how best to enhance their practice of journalism, quote and unquote because it is a problem all over the world; there is no strait-jacket way of dealing with it.

``And we are hoping that by the time our Bill gets to the National Assembly and probably it gets to the public hearing stage, we will get contributions even from the social media people.

``Maybe at that level the law can incorporate them, so to speak.

``But we don’t want to bother about them for now; we have a lot on our hands over regulation of the orthodox media, so to speak.’’

He said bloggers and individuals, who subscribed to online platforms were the culprits in the dissemination of falsehood and inciting messages.

He added that online newspapers do not cause problems as much as blogs and other social media platforms, because newspaper publishers are journalists, who have chosen to publish online. (NAN)

Court Directs NGOs to put National Assembly ‘On Notice’ Over Anti-Social Media Bill

By Media Rights Agenda

 A Federal High Court in Lagos has directed that the National Assembly be “put on notice” before the court would consider an application seeking to restrain both the Senate and House of Representatives from passing the Frivolous Petitions (Prohibition, Etc) Bill, otherwise known as the Anti-Social Media Bill.

Justice Mojisola Olatoregun-Ishola gave the directive while declining to grant a motion exparte brought by three non-governmental organizations (NGOs), Enough is Enough Nigeria (EIE); Media Rights Agenda (MRA) and Paradigm Initiative Nigeria (PIN), in a suit challenging the constitutionality of the proposed Law.

Mr. Olumide Babalola, lawyer to the NGOs, had brought the motion on March 23,  asking the court to issue an interim injunction to restrain the National Assembly from taking further steps at deliberating on and/or reading the Frivolous Petitions (Prohibition etc.) Bill 2015 for the purpose of passing it into law pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit pending before the court.

The organizations also sought an interim order of the court directing the parties in the suit to maintain the status quo pending the hearing and determination of the suit and to refrain from all acts that would undermine the adjudicatory powers of the court over the subject matter of the suit pending the hearing and resolution of the suit.

Observing that the suit is a very crucial one, Justice Olatoregun-Ishola  said the Senate and House of Representatives ought to be in the know.  She, however, advised Mr. Babalola not to hesitate to approach the Court if there is any adverse act by the National Assembly on the matter during the Easter vacation.

The respondents in the suit filed on March 21 by Mr. Babalola on behalf of the NGO are the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the National Assembly, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information, Communications Technology and Cybercrime; Senator David Umaru, Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary; Senator Samuel Anyanwu,Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges;  Senator Bala Na’Allah, the Deputy Majority Leader of the Senate and sponsor of the Bill; and the Attorney-General of the Federation.

In the substantive suit, the NGOs are seeking:

·         A declaration that the first seven Respondents’ legislative reading and attempt to pass the Frivolous Petitions Bill into Law is illegal and unconstitutional as it violates their fundamental rights to freedom of expression and the press, and the right to privacy of citizens, their homes, their correspondence, telephone conversations and telegraphic communications as guaranteed by Sections 37 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap A9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004;

·         A declaration that the first seven Respondents’ legislative reading and attempt to pass the Bill into Law is illegal and unconstitutional as it is likely to violate their rights to freedom of expression and the press and the right to privacy of citizens, their homes, their correspondences, telephone conversations guaranteed by sections 37, 39 and 46 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and Article 9 of the African Charter;

·         A declaration that the first seven Respondents’ deliberations, committee meetings, public hearings of the Bill with the aim of passing it into Law is illegal and unconstitutional as it is likely to violate their fundamental rights to freedom of expression and the press;

·         A perpetual injunction restraining all the respondents, their agents, officers and/or   representatives from further considerations giving effect to and/or passing the Bill into Law as it violates extant provisions of Sections 37 and 39 of the Constitution and Article 9 of the African Charter; and

·         A perpetual injunction restraining the first seven Respondents , their agents, officers and/or representatives from further  deliberating, meeting and/or reading the Bill with the aim of passing it into Law.

The NGOs are contending that the provisions of the Bill are not justifiable in a democratic setting and would further deepen corruption in Nigeria as it seeks to gag the press and whistleblowers who report untoward practices within private and public circles.

They are also claiming that the Bill would hamper the investigation and prosecution of crimes in Nigeria as informants and witnesses  would now be disqualified for failure to first depose to affidavits, adding that their rights as journalists and organizations promoting freedom of expression, freedom of the press and good governance would also be violated.

Justice Olatoregun-Ishola has adjourned further proceedings to April 13, 2016.

FG Rejects Proposals to Merge Govt Media, Regulatory Bodies

By Media Rights Agenda UPDATED

The Federal Government has rejected proposals by the Oronsaye Committee for the merger of the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) with the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) as well as mergers of Federal Government (FG) owned media organizations. The rejection was contained in the FGs White Paper on the Oronsaye Committee Report on the rationalization and restructuring of Federal Parastatals, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

Lai Mohammed, Information Minister

The Oronsaye Committee was created to advice on the restructuring and rationalization of the FGs public institutions with overlapping functions in some cases without regard to their efficacy in the attainment of the socio-economic Agenda of the FG leading to escalation in cost of governance. The White paper from the FG accepted, rejected and noted some of the recommendations of the committees report.

The FG rejected all recommendations made for the NCC which are:

·         The NCC, NBC and the regulatory functions of NIPOST be brought together under a unified management structure to be known as the Communications Regulatory Authority of Nigerian (CRAN);

·         At least three directorates be created under the proposed CRAN to perform the  functions of broadcast, tele­communications and regulatory functions of postal services ;

·         The enabling laws of NCC and NBC be repealed and another enacted for the proposed Communications Regulatory Authority of Nigeria (CRAN); and

·         The enabling law of NIPOST be amended to reflect, among others, the transfer of its regulatory functions to the proposed CRAN.

The FG rejected most of the recommendations made by the committee for the restructuring of the Federal Ministry of Information.  The committee proposed that the Federal Radio Corporation Nigeria (FRCN) and Voice of Nigeria (VON) be merged; the enabling law of the FRCN be amended to accommodate the merger with VON; and the enabling law of VON be repealed. It also proposed that the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), FRCN/VON be merged into one body to be known as the Federal Broadcasting Corporation of Nigeria (FBCN);  a single governing board be established for the merged FRCN/VON and NTA; and the new entity have, among others, two departments, one each for Radio and Television, each to be headed by an Executive Director one of whom should be appointed Chief Executive of the proposed FBCN. The proposed FBCN should have a Managing Director and Executive Directors for each of the broadcasting departments; the selection process for the positions of the Managing Director and Executive Directors be transparent and competitive; and the enabling laws of the NTA and FRCN/VON be repealed and a new one enacted to accommodate the proposed consolidation of the agencies. It also suggested that the proposed FBCN be partially commercialized which was rejected by the FG though it  directed that NTA be fully commercialized by 2013.

The FG also rejected the recommendations made on National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). The committee recommended the functions of NITDA be transferred to the Ministry of Technology as a Department and the enabling law of NITDA be amended. The FG rejected the recommendation to amend the NITDA Act and directs that NITDA continues to remain as an Agency under the Ministry of Communication Technology.

Under the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) the FG accepted the committee recommendation that the commission should serve as the repository of all biometric data capture for the management of identity in the country for proper coordination and harmonization: and that all relevant agencies that perform biometric data capture mandatorily interface with NIMC for the purpose of identity management and administration. The FG rejected the recommendation that the NIMC be appropriately located in the Ministry of Interior with a view to preserving institutional legacy and ensuring effective synergy among all the data collecting and collation agencies or alternatively, in the proposed Ministry of Special Duties. The committee recommended that the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) continues to be funded by the government to enable it carry out its assigned functions of developing, administering and enforcing transparency and accountability in the extractive industry in Nigeria, under the supervision of the Ministry of Special Duties. This recommendation was accepted by the FG.

The committee also recommended changes for Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) and Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBL). The Committee recommends that NITEL be liquidated without further delay which was agreed by the FG stating that the liquidation process was ongoing.  It was recommended for GDL to be appropriately restructured to meet its set objectives and the FG should issue a directive that all MDAs consult with GBL on all ICT related issues. The FG noted this restructuring recommendation and further directed that the supervisory Ministry should clearly define and delineate the status and functions of GBL.

The Committee recommended and the FGH accepted that it should sell off its shares in Nigerian Communications Satellite (NigComSat) Limited and the functions of NigComSat that relate to space development be reverted to the National Space Research Development Agency (NASRDA). It was also suggested that the budgetary allocations to the NigComSat cease from the 2013 Fiscal Year.

It was recommended that the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) be commercialized with effect from the 2013 Fiscal Year, but with Government seed funding; and the Corporation should continue to be domiciled, in the Federal Ministry of Information. The FG accepts this recommendation but directed the Minister of Information to reorganize the NFC for full commercialization by 2016. The FG accepted that the Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board be transferred to a department in the Federal Ministry of Information but rejected that that the enabling law of the National Film and Video Censors Board be amended to reflect the new status.

The FG agreed that it will not continue to fund professional associations such as Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) and Nigeria Press Council. It said they are all professional associations and are encouraged to register with the CAC. However, Government said it will continue to support regulatory bodies. The report also suggested that the Nigeria Copyright Commission and the Commercial Law Department of the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment be brought together as an agency and their mandate streamlined to ensure greater efficiency. The Committee proposed that the enabling laws of the Nigeria Copyright Commission and the Commercial Law Department be repealed and a new law enacted to reflect the proposed merger of the two bodies. This recommendation was noted and accepted by the government. Government also accepted the recommendation that the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) continues to be funded by the Government and remains in the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology.

It recommended that the functions of National Orientation Agency (NOA) be transferred to the Department of Public Communications in the Federal Ministry of Information and its 774 offices be closed and its staff redeployed within the Federal Civil Service after a staff audit and assessment has been carried out. The Committee proposed that budgetary allocations to NOA ceases with effect from the 2013 Fiscal Year and the enabling law of the NOA be amended. The report also proposed similar recommendations for the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) on its budgetary allocations which it said should stop with effect from the 2013 Fiscal Year. It added that the Act establishing NICO be repealed and the Institute abolished. The FG rejected the recommendation.