Senate: Buhari Has No Plan To End Recession

Senate said, yesterday, that President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has no no economic blueprint to pull Nigeria out of recession.

The country’s upper legislative chamber gave the verdict during reconsideration of Buhari’s Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP), yesterday.

The lawmakers also added that the president’s economic team is in disarray.

The legislators described the MTEF/FSP as shallow and empty and warned that if the documents are passed, as presented, they would have created room for the executive to present a faulty 2017 national budget.

Last month, Senate returned the MTEF/FSP to Buhari and in an October 19 letter, signed by Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, the chamber said it expected Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma to brief its leadership on some key issues contained in the documents.

Udoma did not turn up for the proposed meeting. The two documents, alongside the rejected borrowing plan, were returned to president Buhari.

Speaking on the new documents yesterday, Chairman of the Commitee on Defence, Senator Ahmad Lawan noted that “the benchmark is realistic. But, I have my reservation about the production level.

“We need to bring in more efforts to reconcile the government and people of the Niger Delta.

“This, in my opinion, will be the only way through which the government can achieve the 2.2 barrels per day.

Senator Dino Melaye, who was more critical, urged his colleagues to reject the proposals.

He said the documents were riddled with falsehood and that there was no significant difference between what was passed last year and what was presented to the National Assembly this year.

Senator Gbenga Ashafa said the documents were unrealistic.

He said: “We either accept or make necessary amendments to what has been presented.

“We can criticise, but we need to work with what we have. We have looked at the unrealistic projections made. One critical issue I want to raise is the estimated projected earnings of the government. It has significant shortfall.”

Senator Emmanuel Paulker aligned himself with Lawan and Melaye.

He said: “Looking at some of the parameters, it is glaring that you cannot comprehend the truth behind these assumptions.

“The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor said unemployment is high.

“The current inflation rate is 18.3 per cent, but, this document is misleading us by saying that the inflation rate is 4.6 per cent.

“I will not suggest that this document be returned, but, we must admit it was poorly prepared.”

Senator Sani Yerima opposed his colleagues and insisted that the documents were not empty.

“He said those uncomfortable with them should make their inputs.

“To say that this document is empty means that those saying it have not read it.

“What we need to do is to look at what is projected. These things were not done from the blues.

“You cannot just sit here and say that this document is empty.

“As an economist, I suggest that we pass this MTEF/FSP. Whoever has any issues can then make inputs.”

At the end of the heated debate, the two documents were approved and referred to the Committees of Appropriation, Finance and National Planning.

Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Godswill Akpabio said president Buhari will submit estimates of the 2017 budget to a joint session of the National Assembly.

Lagos Is The Best Security Conscious State In Africa - Security Watch Africa

The Lagos State Government has bagged an award as the best security and most safety conscious State in Africa.

At the award ceremony held in Johannesburg, South Africa and put together by the Security Watch Africa (SWA), the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of Lagos State Police Command also emerged as the best anti-crime police squad in West Africa, while the RRS Commander, ACP Olatunji Disu took home the award of the most outstanding police operational officer in West Africa.

The awards were presented to officials of the State Government at the 2016 lecture series of SWA organized in partnership with Security Institute for Governance and Leadership in Africa (SIGLA) and the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa.

The lecture, which had the theme: "Tackling Security Challenges In Africa's Land and Maritime Domains," was well attended by security experts and officials from across Africa.

Lagos State and its officials, according to organizers of the awards, were honoured in recognition of the outstanding efforts and achievements in securing residents, especially the massive improvement on security architecture of the State.

While receiving the award for the State on behalf of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello, thanked the organizers for recognizing Lagos State, saying that it was gratifying to note that the efforts of government on security were appreciated.

He said ever since emerging as Governor of Lagos State, Mr Ambode has made safety and security one of the focal objectives of his administration as he believes that there cannot be any development in the absence of security.

"I want to assure this gathering that Governor Ambode is very much committed to the security of lives and property of the people of the State and he is not tired of daily improving on the security situation in the State. The Governor believes that businesses cannot thrive in an environment devoid of safety and security, hence the massive efforts and initiatives geared toward security," Bello said.

On his part, RRS Commander, who took time to lecture the gathering on the duties of the RRS, said being a unit of the Lagos State Police Command, the Squad is responsible for robberies and emergencies like collapsed building and other related situations.

He said the RRS is usually the first responders in emergency situation, adding that the Unit was also blessed with highly dedicated officials who carry out 24-hour job on a daily basis.

Speaking on the awards to RRS and to him, Disu said: "We like to appreciate the awards given to us and this will surely go a long way in motivating our men back home to know that everything they do is appreciated because the belief of an average police man in Nigeria is that police job is a thankless job and nobody appreciates what they do, but the awards will also spur us to better serve the people," the RRS Commander said.




SIGNED

HABIB ARUNA

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

NOVEMBER 24, 2016

FFK: Jimoh Ibrahim A Ritualist, Sleeps In Coffin, Anus Overstretched From Sodomy

Tell Jimoh the pig that unlike him I do not have a covenant with the devil, I am not a ritualist and I do not sleep in coffins for money.

Pl tell Jimoh Ibrahim that his over stretched anus from his sodomy activities needs to be stiched up and his schizophenia must be trreated.

I was glad to have grounded and banned Jimoh the pigs shitty airline EAS in 2006 when I was Min. of Aviation.His planes were flying coffins.

Tell Jimoh Ibrahim that I do not owe banks money, I do not buy companies and destroy them, I do not owe my workers salary and I do not brag.

Pl tell Jimoh that my father was not a bricklayer, my mother was not a fish seller,I do not owe banks and salaries and I never marrird a dog.

Thankfully OBJ has now seen the light and joined the fray. His counsel to the Buhari administration is timely. He has shown immense courage.

Whether Jimoh the pig likes it or not he will NOT be our candidate on saturday and Eyiyayo Jegede will proudly carry our flag. We shall win!

Pl tell Jimoh Ibrahim that unlike him I am not a fraudster,I am not a political spoiler,I am not an agent of destruction and I am not a spy

The implication of Seun Egbegbe's embarrassing theft and arrest on Toyin career

Over the past five years, we’ve watched Toyin Aimakhu rise to the peak of her career in the Yoruba movie scene that presently boasts some of the biggest stars in Nollywood. BUT, the last 365 days have not been inspiring.

First was the time she left her matrimonial home of two years, then she fell in love with the wrong man, Seun Egbegbe, and now, she’s in the news for the wrong reasons.


Toyin Aimakhu was on Monday July 8 2013 joined with her fiancé, Tinsel actor, Adeniji Johnson at the Ikoyi Marriage Registry, Ikoyi, Lagos.
Toyin separated from her ex-hubby, Adeniyi Johnson over allegations of infidelity a few months to their second wedding anniversary in 2015.

Then, Adeniyi took to Instagram to confess that his wife truly caught him flirting and he urged fans and friends to support him in begging his wife to forgive and forget so they can carry on with their marriage.
‘God will lead me, let him lead us please, I don’t want to make any mistake trying to please you fans I really do appreciate the Love and I’m sure he does too,’ was what the actress said in response to the apology.


Less than three months after their marriage failed, the Yoruba actress’ romance with film-maker and marketer Seun Egbegbe was exposed, and since then, her persona has suffered a hit.

They both went on a secret romantic trip to Dubai in September 2015 under the guise of a working relationship, and he also gifted the actress a grey Range Rover SUV.
In November 2015, Seun was alleged to have stormed a movie location and requested to get his car back, and it was taken to him with the actress’ permission. At the time, it was reported that the jealous film-maker beat her up at home, but she denied the accusations.

‘I have said it times without number that I’m not dating Seun and I have never been beaten to a pulp by any man. Seun is my friend. You can only marry someone you are dating. And I don’t think I have time for any relationship now,’ she said in an interview. At the time it was also rumoured that the pair may walk down the aisle.

And in February 2016, Egbegbe was alleged to have kidnapped the Alakada actress after she made several emotional pleas on social media to a comedian, Twyse, not to commit suicide.
Her relationship with Seun turned sour after her friends confirmed that the movie producer indeed kidnapped her following a fight at a movie location. Seun had to sign an undertaking with the Nigerian police not to disturb Toyin Aimakhu any more after the actress reported his threats to ruin her career.

Toyin, who reportedly went to the station in company of her lawyer, Bosun Osifowora, stated that Seun Egbegbe’s threats affected her business as colleagues and producers were afraid of inviting her for movie shoots because they were aware of his violent nature.
Her relationship with Seun turned sour after her friends confirmed that the movie producer indeed kidnapped her following a fight at a movie location.

Fast forward to March 2016, Toyin announced her TV Reality Show, Keeping Up With Toyin Aimakhu. In one of the debut episodes, she talked about why she will never go back to her estranged hubby, Adeniyi Johnson. At the time her fans were more concerned about her kidnapping and the split from Seun.

On Tuesday, November 22, Seun Egbegbe was arrested for trying to steal nine iPhones at Computer Village in Ikeja, Lagos. He tried to escape in a jeep but passers-by were quick to nab him.
We still believe Seun might have been hypnotised to steal the iPhones because it makes no sense for someone who’s acquired some wealth to steal what he can easily afford. Credit: IG
‘Yes o, na police help am, dem for kill am, he came to the guy store and collected the phones, then told the sales girl that he is coming back,’ an eyewitness said when journalists visited the robbery scene.

Well, we still believe Seun might have been hypnotised to steal the iPhones because it makes no sense for someone who’s acquired some wealth to steal what he can easily afford.
As expected, Toyin Aimakhu’s name was mentioned during the theft conversations in offices, homes and also on the Internet, after all, she previously dated the film-maker.

This is a bad reputation for Toyin Aimakhu who brought Seun Egbegbe to limelight with her fame, and the implications are now hurting her career.

Seun Egbegbe Arraigned In Court For Stealing Iphones

Yoruba film-maker Seun Egbegbe was arraigned on Wednesday before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court for stealing.

Egbegbe is standing trial for allegedly stealing nine iPhones.

Egbegbe was mobbed on Tuesday for allegedly stealing iPhones, after which he was taken to the Area F Command in Ikeja.

It was learnt that the state Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, had visited the Area F Command, where Egbegbe was being detained, and was briefed on the investigation.



Egbegbe’s problem started at the Computer Village, Ikeja, after he was accused of stealing the iPhones from a shop.

After buying the phones, he reportedly told a sales boy in the shop that he wanted to pick money from his vehicle outside. He allegedly attempted to escape with the phones in the waiting jeep when the sales boy raised the alarm.

Contrary to a report credited to Seun Egbegbe that he was neither arrested nor beaten by any mob, The PUNCH gathered that he was in police custody for two days until he was arraigned on Thursday

FG: ASUU Demanding For N284bn, Nobody Will Pay That In A Recession..

The federal government says it cannot meet the N248 billion demand of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), in light of the current economic recession.

According to Chris Ngige, minister of labour and employment, the union made the request, saying it is for earned allowances.

But speaking with state house correspondents after the federal executive council meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, the minister said the government had agreed to meet seven out of the eight demands of the union.

He added that the demand for the payment of earned allowances was the only issue that had not been resolved.

“The other aspect of it is the earned allowance. The earned allowance is the only one that has not been sorted out for now. Everybody knows and agrees that we are in a recession,” he said.

“If we are in a recession and you are asking us to pay you N284 billion, nobody will pay it because the money is not there.”

Ngige said the government offered the union an undisclosed amount of money pending the time when it audits the first tranche of money given to the union.

“So they (ASUU) agreed and the national assembly also agreed, but the government offered them some amount pending when we finish auditing of the first tranche of money that has been given to them in that same area of earned allowances,” he said.

“That tranche of money that they collected is being audited, but the auditing process is very slow because some people for some strange reasons are not allowing auditing to take place. So a time frame has been fixed of six months within which the auditing will be done.

“Within those six months, government has offered something that they will be paying on a monthly basis and ASUU has also made a counter proposal to government so both parties have gone back to their principals.

“ASUU has a principal which is the national executive body, and government has come back to look at our finances viz-a-viz with the national assembly, which will appropriate that particular fund because for 2016, there is nothing in the budget for it.”

He said the union was expected to return to the negotiating table with its counter proposal.

ASUU had embarked on a one-week warning strike to press home its demands.

Olukoya Set To Lose Mountain Of Fire Prayer City - Sahara Reporters.

Founder and General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), Daniel Kolawole Olukoya, is on the verge of losing the vast land on which MFM Prayer City sits.

A court ruling delivered on 12 May by Justice A.A Akinyemi of the Abeokuta Division of the High Court of Ogun State stated that the Adejonlu family are the bona fide owners of the land on which the famous crusade and camp ground sits in the Ogun State section along the Lagos/Ibadan Expressway.

This implies that Mr. Olukoya's church had bought the land from, and paid, the wrong people. Ownership dispute over the the land began in 2003 and took the form of litigation via two different cases (Suit Nos. AB/60/2003 and AB/61/2003) between the Adejonlu and Oduleye families.

Justice Akinyemi's ruling, exclusively obtained by SaharaReporters, declared the Adejonlu family genuine owners of the land situated in Magada, Obafemi/Owode Local Government Area, and that they are entitled to the right of occupancy over the land.

Following the ruling handing ownership and right of occupancy to the Adejonlu family, their lawyer, Mr. R. O. Sadik, told SaharaReporters that he wrote many letters to Mr. Olukoya for negotiation and settlement. Mr. Sadik said he took the steps because of the profile of the pastor and his church.

One of the letters, sighted by SaharaReporters, was dated 7 July and signed by one Miss Lateefa Sadik for Mr. Sadik's chambers. The letter recalled a meeting held between the legal firm and MFM representatives led by one Pastor Alewi.

The letter then proceeded with demands by the land owners. Notably, the landowners requested the church, assisted by their lawyers, to determine the size and portion of their land on which MFM Prayer City sits. The letter also demanded a payment of N5million per plot to cover the acreage that would be agreed on by the land owners and the church. Similarly, the letter demanded the immediate payment of 40 per cent of the total cost of the acreage agreed upon.

But these demands, Mr. Sadik told SaharaReporters, have been met with indifference. According to him, Mr. Olukoya is unwilling to negotiate with the landowners. He, however, warned that the owners are keen on enforcing the court ruling and taking full possession of the land.

"We have written to Dr. Olukoya over 10 times, and it is like he is not ready for settlement. He set up a committee, which was headed by Pastor Alewi, to look into the matter and our follow-up investigation shows that the report of the committee has got to Dr. Olukoya. But we have not heard any positive comment from him. In fact, his body language does not suggest he is ready to pay any money for the land belonging to my client," Mr. Sadik said. He explained that he met with representatives of the church on 8 October, but Mr. Olukoya was not at the meeting.

"Presently, we are the practical owners of the land, according to the judgment delivered by the Court, but the pastor is unlawfully and illegally using it and selling part of it thereby making money off us while we are not getting anything," alleged Mr. Sadik.
Another party to the matter, Chief Gbolahan Timson (Oba Jagunmolu of Shomolu/Bariga), said he was disappointed by Mr. Olukoya's conduct all through the time of litigation. He also claimed that Mr. Olukoya went back on his promise and his failure to act is affecting the family members.

"The Oduleye family were so greedy, and they were bent on taking over our land. For this reason, they went ahead sue us. We were served the court letter right in the office of Dr. Olukoya, and he said good luck to the winner and that he would settle whoever won the case. He made that statement when the case started 13 years ago. Now that we have won, he decided not to pay us. We explained to him that he paid the wrong party and he should pay our family who are the real owners of the land but he has refused," he said.

He added that Mr. Olukoya is saddened that he may have to pay more for the land. According to Chief Timson, the landowners gave a figure to the church. After receipt of the sum demanded, the General Overseer is not happy with us winning as he is going set up a committee to look into the case, but the committee came up with a much lower sum.

"From the information I got, he wanted to pay the money twice. But now, he is saying he is not paying us any money. I want to get people to talk to him so as to avoid unnecessary rancor like what is happening now. We cannot fight a battle for 13 years and still be begging for our right after winning. The court has declared us winner and the order of the court must be obeyed no matter who you are and what you do for a living," he said.