President Muhammadu Buhari has urged the End SARS protesters to put an end to their demonstrations.

President Buhari appealed while stressing that his administration has heard their complaints

                                                              President Muhammadu Buhari

He also warned hoodlums who have hijacked the peaceful protest to desist. The president spoke during his nationwide address, on Thursday.

Full details below:

My Fellow Nigerians,

It has become necessary for me to address you have heard from many concerned Nigerians and having concluded a meeting with all the Security Chiefs.

2. I must warn those who have hijacked and misdirected the initial, genuine, and well-intended protest of some of our youths in parts of the country, against the excesses of some members of the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

3. On Monday 12th October, I acknowledged the genuine concerns and agitations of members of the public regarding the excessive use of force by some members of SARS.

4. The choice to demonstrate peacefully is a fundamental right of citizens as enshrined in Section 40 of our Constitution and other enactments; but this right to protest also imposes on the demonstrators the responsibility to respect the rights of other citizens, and the necessity to operate within the law.

5. As a democratic government, we listened to, and carefully evaluated the five-point demands of the protesters. And, having accepted them, we immediately scrapped SARS and put measures in place to address the other demands of our youth.

6. On approving the termination of SARS, I already made it clear that it was in line with our commitment to the implementation of extensive Police reforms.

7. Sadly, the promptness with which we have acted seemed to have been misconstrued as a sign of weakness and twisted by some for their selfish unpatriotic interests.

8. The result of this is clear to all observers: human lives have been lost; acts of sexual violence have been reported; two major correctional facilities were attacked and convicts freed; public and private properties destroyed or vandalized; the sanctity of the Palace of a Peace Maker, the Oba of Lagos has been violated. So-called protesters have invaded an International Airport and in the process disrupted the travel plans of fellow Nigerians and our visitors.

9. All these executed in the name of the END SARS protests. I am indeed deeply pained that innocent lives have been lost. These tragedies are uncalled for and unnecessary. Certainly, there is no way whatsoever to connect these bad acts to legitimate expressions of grievance of the youth of our country.

10. The spreading of deliberate falsehood and misinformation through social media in particular, that this government is oblivious to the pains and plight of its citizens is a ploy to mislead the unwary within and outside Nigeria into unfair judgment and disruptive behavior.

11. On the contrary, both our deeds and words have shown how committed this administration has been to the wellbeing and welfare of citizens, even with the steadily dwindling revenues, and the added responsibilities and restrictions due to the Corona-virus pandemic.

12. Government has put in place measures and initiatives principally targeted at youths, women, and the most vulnerable groups in our society. These included our broad plan to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in the next 10 years; the creation of N75 billion National Youth Investment Fund to provide opportunities for the youths and the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Survival Fund, through which government is:

. Paying three months salaries of the staff of 100,000 micro, small – and medium – enterprises,

. Paying for the registration of 250,000 businesses at the Corporate Affairs Commission,

. Giving a grant of N30,000 to 100,000 artisans; and

. Guaranteeing a market for the products of traders.

 

13. These are in addition to many other initiatives such as;

a. Farmermoni,

b. Tradermoni,

c. Marketmoni,

d. N-Power,

e. N-Tech and

f. N-Agro.

14. No Nigerian Government in the past has methodically and seriously approached poverty-alleviation as we have done.

15. About the welfare of police personnel, the National Salaries, Income, and Wages Commission has been directed to expedite action on the finalization of the new salary structure of members of the Nigeria Police Force. The emoluments of other paramilitary services are also being reviewed upwards.

16. To underscore the importance of education in preparing youths for the future, this administration has come up with a new salary structure and other incentives for our teachers.

17. Let me at this point reaffirm the Federal Government’s commitment to preserving the unity of this country.

18. We will continue to improve good governance and our democratic process, including through sustained engagement.

19. We shall continue to ensure that liberty and freedom, as well as the fundamental rights of all citizens, are protected.

20. But remember that government also has the obligation to protect lives and properties, as well as the right of citizens to go about their daily businesses freely and protected from acts of violence.

21. To our neighbors in particular, and members of the international community, many of whom have expressed concern about the ongoing development in Nigeria, we thank you and urge you all to seek to know all the facts available before taking a position or rushing to judgment and making hasty pronouncements.

22. In the circumstances, I would like to appeal to protesters to note and take advantage of the various well-thought-out initiatives of this administration designed to make their lives better and more meaningful and resist the temptation of being used by some subversive elements to cause chaos to truncate our nascent democracy.

23. For you to do otherwise will amount to undermining national security and the law and order situation. Under no circumstances will this be tolerated.

24. I, therefore, call on our youths to discontinue the street protests and constructively engage the government in finding solutions. Your voice has been heard loud and clear and we are responding.

25. And I call on all Nigerians to go about their normal businesses, and enjoin security agencies to protect the lives and properties of all law-abiding citizens without harming those they are meant to protect. Let me pay tribute to officers of the Nigeria Police Force who have tragically lost their lives in the line of duty.

26. I would like to thank those state Governors, traditional and religious leaders who have appealed for calm and restraint. I also thank youth leaders who have restrained their followers from taking the law into their hands.

27. This government respects and will continue to respect all the democratic rights and civil liberties of the people, but it will not allow anybody or groups to disrupt the peace of our nation.

Thank you all. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Manchester United Window Transfer New signing to be Secured Latest.

A slow start to the season almost cost them a top-four place and any new signings need to be secured sooner instead of later this point around.

 

Manchester United

As Ole Gunnar Solskjaer walked off the pitch at Leicester's King Power Stadium on Sunday afternoon, he searched towards were Manchester United's four directors had been sitting and was given a thumbs up from group director Richard Arnold.

 

It was employment well done from the Norwegian.

 

United was written off by many before Christmas - following a disastrous start to the season - but they secured a finish, the second-highest league position since Sir Alex Ferguson left in 2013, and clinched Champions League football for following campaign with their convert Leicester.

 

Coaches Michael Carrick and Kieran McKenna had a celebratory beer pitch side to mark the top of a protracted Premier League season while Solskjaer was undertaking the various television interviews he was obligated to finish. The message to everyone - and in his post-match press conference - was the same.

 

“This isn't the end of the journey; it’s gone again to the next one and we know there are two teams far before us,” Solskjaer said in regard to Manchester City and Liverpool. And those teams aren’t just a little bit ahead of United.

 

There’s no denying that it’s been a good season in the league in terms of where they finished but that’s all relative to things, they find themselves in.

 

They have struggled to mount a title charge since Ferguson retired and despite finishing third, they were 33 points off league leaders Liverpool. There’s still a lot of work to be done.

 

The owners and board have so far backed Solskjaer in his rebuild. Even when the club was struggling at the beginning of the season they stood by the Treble winner. Within the club hierarchy, there was never any doubt that he would be given a while to mold his new-look team. Since he was given the job on a permanent basis in March 2019, he has brought in five players – Daniel James, Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Bruno Fernandes, and Odion Ighalo.

 

He’s shown why he needs backing within the window again this summer thanks to the stellar performances of those he signed. Despite the warnings about the financial climate thanks to Covid-19 there's money to be spent and the club remains hopeful that at least a few of deals can be agreed.

 

The last time United finished this high within the league they missed the chance to strengthen properly. Fred arrived from Shakhtar Donetsk for £52m ($68m), Diogo Dalot from Porto for £19m ($25m), and Lee Grant from Stoke for £1.5m ($2m).

 

Jose Mourinho didn’t get the center-back he was after in the lead-up to the 2018-19 season and his dissatisfaction set the tone for the start of the campaign which saw him sacked by Christmas.

 

There’s no risk of Solskjaer throwing his toys out of the pram in the same manner if he doesn’t get his desired additions but it’s vital he’s given the backing he needs.

The world patiently awaits the official announcement from Napoli on the signing of Victor Osimhen

The world patiently awaits the official announcement from Napoli on the signing of Victor Osimhen, the striker’s former agent, Jean-Gerard Benoit Czajka, has revealed some events that helped influence the 21-year old’s decision.

Victor Osimhen

Osimhen was reported to be unenthusiastic about playing for any club within the Italian Serie A even with Ronaldo at Juventus initially.

However, his former agent revealed that talks with Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis and Senegal defender, Kalidou Koulibaly, helped change the Lille star’s mindset about Italy.

“Victor didn't want to travel to Italy. From the beginning, he has been stuck on the thought of playing in Serie A,” Goal quoted Benoit Czajka in an interview with France Football.

“He told me that racism issues scared him which he didn’t feel it. He even told me in March-April: “I don’t want to travel and play in Italy even if it’s for Juventus at €10 million net per year.

“I told Victor that before having such strong ideas, that he had to travel to see for himself, meet people, talk with players who are confronted with racism, etc.

“Something that we finally did on July 1, 2 and three where we met the coach, the sports director, also because the president De Laurentiis who is a man with values and experience, and who seems to have convinced the player. Victor also spoke tons with Kalidou Koulibaly and this was decisive in his choice for Napoli.”

Osimhen enjoyed an incredible debut season in France, scoring 13 Ligue 1 goals for Lille who ended the campaign within the fourth spot before the league was canceled due to the coronavirus outbreak.

It is reported that Osimhen is now one step away from officially becoming a Napoli player as the club chieftains and all parties involved eagerly wait for De Laurentiis to sign his dotted.

Tuttomecartowebb reported on Wednesday afternoon that only Laurentiis signature is missing from the contract paperwork that's about 36 pages after which the previous Lille striker will officially become Napoli’s newest buy.

The announcement of the long-awaited contract is expected to be concluded soon. Garmablog

Department of State Services, DSS, on Monday arraigned a 48-year old Man.

The Department of State Services, DSS, on Monday arraigned a 48-year old man, Joshua Sayo, before an Osun State Magistrate Court for allegedly defaming Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon Timothy Owoeye.

The DSS Prosecutor, Barr B.O Nweke told the court that the defendant committed the offense on June 19, 2020, in Osogbo.

DSS

Nweke alleged that the defendant did defame Osun State House of Assembly Speaker by publishing contemptuous pictures and words on a Facebook account “Sayo Oki” against him knowing to be false.

He further said the accused committed an offense contrary to Section 374(1)b & 374 and punishable under Section 375 of the Criminal Code Cap 34, Vol. 2 Laws of Osun State of Nigeria, 2002.

But, the defendant pleaded acquitted to the defamation allegation slammed against him

The Defense Counsel, Ibraheem Imran asked the court to grant the accused bail within the most liberal term.

In her ruling Magistrate, Modupe Awodele granted bail to the accused bail within the sum of 100,000 Naira with 2 sureties in like sum.

She thereafter adjourned the case till Tuesday, July 14, 2020, for hearing.

The Founder of Victory Revival Fasting and Ministry Bishop Orhonigbe Alleged For Rape.

The founder of Victory Revival Ministry Bishop Elijah Orhonigbe Allegedly Raping a Nineteen-Year-old Girl.

Bishop Elijah Orhonigbe 

Court remands Bishop in prison over alleged rape of 19yr old girl in Delta.

The Magistrate Court II sitting in Warri, Delta State has remanded a Warri based cleric, Bishop Elijah Orhonigbe in prison custody for allegedly raping a nineteen-year-old girl.

The accused was dragged before the Court over the alleged rape of a nineteen-year-old girl (names withheld) by the Police.

Police prosecutor, SP Vincent Orawemen, leading DSP Sunny Irabor, had during motion with charge No. NW/113C/2020 prayed the Court to remand the accused in prison custody pending the legal advice of the Delta State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

The Court presided over by Mrs. Ejiro.H. Diejomaoh said it lacks the jurisdiction to listen to the matter.

Bishop Elijah Orhonigbe who has been taken to the Nigeria Correctional Service in Okere is that the Founder/General Overseer of Victory Revival Fasting and Ministry in Warri, Delta State.

The Court also adjourned the interest June 24 for mention.

China, U.S. Stand by Trade Deal as Coronavirus Cause Crisis

Chinese economic officials struck a conciliatory tone during a call Friday as they discussed the prospects of China fulfilling a "Phase 1" trade deal that President Trump has threatened to scrap within the coming days as bilateral relations fray.

Donald Trump and Vice Premier Liu 

Although the Chinese representative, Vice Premier Liu He, stopped in need of guaranteeing that China would keep its promise to buy an additional $200 billion in U.S. products, he and American officials agreed to “strengthen cooperation on the macroeconomy and public health and make favorable conditions for implementing the Phase 1 deal,” according to a Chinese statement.

Trump said Sunday that he could “terminate” the deal if China didn't meet its obligations to extend its purchases of U.S. goods this year by $76.7 billion over the 2017 level. But Chinese imports from us have declined in recent months amid the coronavirus pandemic, which has wreaked havoc on economies worldwide, raising doubts about whether Beijing could meet its targets.

The U.S. readout of the call, attended by Trade Representative Robert E. Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, was more explicit than the Chinese version and said the 2 sides “agreed” that “both countries fully expect to satisfy their obligations under the agreement during a timely manner.”

Fearing political dangers, China spent years preparing for this economic crash

The statement from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative said each side “agreed that good progress is being made on creating the governmental infrastructures necessary to form the agreement a success.”

The call was the primary dialogue between top-level trade officials since the partial agreement was signed within the White House’s East Room on Jan. 15. The coronavirus, which at that point was already sweeping across the town of Wuhan, burst into full view the subsequent week as Chinese officials finally acknowledged its infectious potential and scrambled to seal off central Hubei province.

China’s handling of the outbreak, including repeated statements in early January playing down the virus’s threat, has been heavily criticized by hawkish members of the U.S. administration who have floated the possibility of seeking financial compensation or imposing a fresh round of steep tariffs on Chinese imports that might extract many billions of dollars.

In response, Beijing has accused the U.S. administration of “shifting blame” to distract from its own failures to contain the pandemic, and it's launched a salvo of unprecedented, personal attacks in state media against Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. The U.S. death toll has passed 75,000, while China’s topped out at fewer than 5,000, according to Chinese government figures.

China’s bid to repair its coronavirus-hit image is backfiring within the West

The state-run blog Taoran Notes, which periodically offers an anonymous but authoritative view from inside the Chinese political system, said Friday that the decision was “extraordinarily significant” because the 2 sides discussed cooperation on improving the planet economy and public health. The blog maintained that hawkish members of Trump’s circle were inflaming tensions with China, rather than cooperating, to spice up the president’s reelection chances. That has jeopardized U.S. public health, the blog argued.

“Some people within the united states insist ‘the election situation is more important than the epidemic situation,’ and therefore the political interests of the minority are placed above the lives of the majority,” the blog said. “Essentially, this is a disregard for life.”

The relatively conciliatory call between the trade representatives came against the backdrop of 1 of the most acrimonious periods in U.S.-China relations.

In March, Chinese officials round the world disseminated fringe theories that the virus was carried into China by U.S. soldiers. Trump and Pompeo hit back by suggesting that the pathogen leaked from a Wuhan lab — a theory that's not substantiated by current evidence, according to most scientific researchers and U.S. intelligence and defense officials.

On Wednesday, Trump said he would check within every week on China’s progress in buying U.S. goods. the subsequent day, the China Daily newspaper lamented that “the rapport that appeared to have developed between the 2 countries during their trade talks is now just a foreign memory.”

Even if China steps up its purchases in some sectors, it’s unclear if it'll meet other commitments.

During the primary quarter, China’s economy shrank by 6.8 percent because the country pack up and exports dried up. In April, imports fell 14.2 percent, quite what economists forecast.

How is Hantavirus different from Coronavirus? Everything you Should Know about the new Virus in China

Chinese state-run Global Times reported that a person from Yunnan Province died while on his way back to Shandong Province for work on a chartered bus on Monday. Here's everything you need to know about the new virus.

The novel coronavirus which was detected in China's Wuhan city in November has become a pandemic. Slowly and steadily it has made its way into the whole world killing over thousands of people. After its outbreak, the number of diseases like swine flu and bird flu also increased in many countries. 

As if it wasn't enough, a new kind of virus called 'hantavirus' has reared its wings in China where it took the life of a man who tested positive while traveling to work on Monday and later 32 more people on the bus were tested, as tweeted by Global Times.

Hantavirus, that causes Korean hemorrhagic fever, is named for the Hantan River area in South Korea where an early outbreak was observed and was isolated in 1976 by Ho-Wang Lee.

People are now scared of not one but two viruses--both hanta and corona. If you are one amongst those, here's everything you need to know:

What is hantavirus?

As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, hantaviruses are a group of infections which are transmitted predominantly by rodents and can show different disease disorder in individuals. The name of the virus depends on the region where it is occurring. In America, it is called 'New World' hantavirus, while in Europe and Asia, it is recognized as 'Old World' hantaviruses. It can cause hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS).

How does hantavirus spread?

Hantavirus isn't airborne and can spread to individuals on the off chance that they interact with the urine, feces, and saliva of rodents (rats) and less frequently by a nibble from a contaminated host.

What are the symptoms of hantavirus?

Early symptoms include fatigue, fever and muscle aches, especially in the large muscle groups like thighs, hips, back, and sometimes shoulders. These symptoms are universal. There may also be headaches, dizziness, chills, and abdominal problems, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Four to 10 days after the initial phase of illness, the late symptoms of HPS appear. These include coughing and shortness of breath, a feeling of lungs being filled with fluid. The disease has a mortality rate of 38%.

Is hantavirus harmful like coronavirus?

Though the symptoms are somewhat similar to that of coronavirus, from the reports, it is clear that people do not need to fear the disease like the coronavirus that is on rampage affecting four lakh people worldwide with a death toll over thousands.

AC Milan Defender Maldini and his Lovely Son Infected with Coronavirus.

Football - Newcastle United Legends vs AC Milan Legends - Steve Harper 20 Years Charity Match - St James' Park Paolo Maldini - AC Milan Legends. 

Former AC Milan defender Paolo Maldini and his son Daniel, a current player for the same club, have both contracted the coronavirus, the club said in a statement on Saturday.

Paolo Maldini, 51, a one-club player and current technical director at the club, is regarded as one of the best defenders Italy has ever produced and made a joint-record 647 Serie A appearances.

Daniel, 18, made his AC Milan debut this season.

"Paolo Maldini learned that he had contact with a person who tested positive and was suffering from symptoms of the virus.

He was tested yesterday and found positive for the coronavirus," the club said during a statement. "The same goes for his son Daniel.

"Paolo and Daniel are in fitness and, having already spent more than two weeks at home without outside contact, as needed by medical and health protocols, will extend the quarantine for the time necessary for a complete clinical recovery."

the Asian Football Confederation has Decided today to Postpone all AFC Cup 2020 Matches until Further Notice

"Following the imposition of further preventive measures and travel restrictions by several national governments due to the current COVID-19 pandemic," the body said in a statement, "the Asian Football Confederation has decided today to postpone all AFC Cup 2020 matches until further notice."

Games in the west of Asia had already been suspended prior to the announcement. The decision means matches due to be played in March and April in the confederation's other four zones around Asia - south, central, south-east and east - have now also been postponed.

The AFC Cup is the continent's second-tier club competition and features teams from countries such as Jordan, Lebanon, Singapore, Bangladesh and Tajikistan.

Asian Football Confederation suspends play in AFC Cup competition

The Asian Football Confederation has postponed all matches in the AFC Cup tournament, the regional body announced on Wednesday, as the coronavirus pandemic continues to hit sporting events around the world.

"Following the imposition of further preventive measures and travel restrictions by several national governments due to the current COVID-19 pandemic," the body said in a statement, "the Asian Football Confederation has decided today to postpone all AFC Cup 2020 matches until further notice."

Games in the west of Asia had already been suspended prior to the announcement. The decision means matches due to be played in March and April in the confederation's other four zones around Asia - south, central, south-east and east - have now also been postponed.

The AFC Cup is the continent's second-tier club competition and features teams from countries such as Jordan, Lebanon, Singapore, Bangladesh, and Tajikistan.

"The AFC will closely monitor the situation before deciding when to recommence the 2020 AFC Cup season," the statement said.

"The decision, which was also made in conjunction with the competing clubs and their respective member associations, is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all participating players and teams, match officials and spectators as well as designed to protect the integrity of the competition."

The coronavirus outbreak has had a major impact on football across Asia, with the start of the Chinese Super League and the K-League in South Korea suspended indefinitely while Japan's J-League was halted after the opening round of matches.

The Asian Champions League, the region's leading club competition has also been severely affected, with the schedule of the group phase threw into disarray since the tournament kicked off in early February.

Atiku, Omovigho advises Federal Govt To Cancel All Flight From Affected Countries.

2023 top Governorship hopeful in Delta State, Engr. Omovigho Edafeghwara has thrown his the weight behind former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar & other Nigerians in calling for a drastic approach towards curtailing the spread of the dreaded Coronavirus in Nigeria.

Engr. Omovigho Edafeghwara

Reacting to the news of the first confirmed coronavirus patient in Lagos Nigeria, the renowned philanthropist called on the Federal Govt through the Ministry of Aviation to immediately cancel all flights to and fro Countries affected by this virus.

Speaking to Journalists at the Osubi Airport, Warri Delta State, the soft-spoken politician stated that his Foundation, Edafeghwara Omos Foundation will kickstart an awareness and sensitization campaign to enlighten deltas and Nigerians at large on how to relate with others to prevent the spread of this virus.

"I want to use this medium to call on President Buhari to immediately direct the Ministry of Aviation in collaboration with Foreign affairs to cancel all flights from affected countries"

"Nigerians are currently going through a lot of Economic and security challenges, we cannot afford to add the corona virus outbreak to it. Something drastic and urgent has to be done to avoid the spread of this dreaded virus" he stated.

"Government cannot do it alone, as individuals we have to come out with safety measures in our communities, neighborhoods, and environment.

My Foundation, Edafeghwara Omos Foundation will commence door to door sensitization/awareness campaign to abreast Nigerians on how to relate with others and sick persons. I can assure you that Nigeria as a Nation will come out of this like we did with Ebola and others" he stated.

FEBRUARY 26, 2020 FROM THE DELTA STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY.

* STUDENTS FROM HAVEN POINT HIGH SCHOOL,  ASABA AND NOSAKHARE MODERN EDUCATION CENTER, BENIN CITY WITNESSED WEDNESDAY'SPLENARY PRESIDED OVER BY THE SPEAKER, RT HON SHERIFF OBOREVWORI.

* THE SPEAKER ADVISED THE STUDENTS TO TAKE THEIR STUDIES SERIOUSLY AND SHUN SOCIAL VICES, SAYING THAT EDUCATION IS A KEY

DELTA SPEAKER; OBOREVWORI MEETS WITH HIS NEWLY APPOINTED POLITICAL ADVISER

DELTA SPEAKER, OBOREVWORI MEETS WITH HIS NEWLY APPOINTED POLITICAL ADVISER, ETO

Speaker, Oborevwori and Eto

IMAGES FROM THE MEETING OF THE SPEAKER,  DELTA STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, RT HON SHERIFF OBOREVWORI  WITH HIS NEWLY APPOINTED POLITICAL ADVISER, HON  ( SIR )  MATTHIAS ETO, ON TUESDAY,  FEBRUARY 25, 2O2O, IN HIS OFFICE, ASSEMBLY COMPLEX,  ASABA.

Delta Speaker Oborevwori Appoints Political Adviser

 Matthias O. C. 

The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori has appointed Hon  ( Sir ) Matthias O. C. Eto as his   Political  Adviser.

Chief  Press Secretary to the Speaker, Mr Dennis Otu said in a statement that the  Political Adviser who hails from  Oleh,  Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta, served between  2005 and  2007 as first Member of the Federal College of Education  ( Technical ), Potiskum,  Yobe State.

Hon Eto, a Consummate Politician also served between 2012 and 2018 as  Federal Commissioner of the Public Complaints Commission in Charge of Delta State.

The new Political Adviser to the Speaker is a Christian and a Knight of St Christopher of the Anglican Communion and happily married with Children. He has traveled far and wide in the course of his Political and Social Assignments.

The Stakeholder in Osun React to Buhari Sack of Service Chiefs

President Muhammadu Buhari‘s

Diverse reactions have continued to trail the decision for President Muhammadu Buhari‘s resignation by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe amid the resolution of the National Assembly suggesting a complete overhauling of Nigerian security architecture.

Members of the Senate and their counterparts at the Green Chamber had during a unanimous decision called on President Buhari to alleviate all the service chiefs of their positions and inject fresh hands to require up the statutory obligation of protecting the territorial integrity of Nigeria nation-state and curb internal uprising.

The lawmakers hinged their position on seeming unabated security breaches, especially the threatening degree of insurgency and banditry within the Northeast and Northwest of Nigeria, including rising cases of kidnappings and armed robberies within the South.

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, within the state, Chief Taiwo Ijiyode in his reactions commended Abaribe for what he termed ‘courageous position’ on problems with national importance.

He explained that the dimension and degree of insecurity in Nigeria demand urgent attention to stop things from degenerating further, as he carpeted those that are criticizing the senator for being feeble-minded.

Ijiyode alleged that the majority of those who are making comments on different social media platforms are tools within the hands of ruling All Progressing Congress, APC, adding that their comments remain personal opinions of ‘’no impact whatsoever ‘’.

‘’ Abaribe may be a distinguished Nigeria, he's one lawmaker that knows his onions with a great love for his fatherland, I commend him for speaking up despite the conspiracy of silence that has permeated the material of our body politics.

‘’I believe president Buhari will see the call for his resignation as a clarion call for him and his team to sit right and do the needful before it's too late’, Ijiyode said.

He also hailed members of the National Assembly for taking such a position on National security, saying service chiefs have overstayed in their present positions.

A constitutional lawyer and social commentator in Osogbo, the Osun capital, Mr. Abiodun Sangodele averred that both statements from Abaribe and those lawmakers shouldn't be treated on an equivalent prism.

Sangodele opined that the statement credited to Abaribe signified a private assessment of the political trend in Nigeria and thought of solution supported certain interest and background.

‘’Meanwhile, the position of the lawmakers on the efficiency and effectiveness of our service chiefs within the fight against insurgency and other criminal activities should be a thing of concern to each discerning Nigerian.

‘’In fact, for me, this is the first time I will see sincere legislators making genuine statements on important National challenges without bias. Those great men really deserve accolades from Nigerians.

‘’The position of the National Assembly on the state of insecurity which sincere suggestion should be taken seriously by the presidency and quickly act on it.

‘’In transparent terms, therefore, we cannot still do an equivalent thing an equivalent way and expect a special result. The fight against criminalities in our land should be creative and dynamic altogether ramifications, I feel it's pertinent for the president to heed the call of wisdom by the lawmakers and do the needful’, he said.

Also, a search fellow within the Department of politics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Mr. Oludare Adisa maintained that both Abaribe and the lawmakers were speaking the minds of the majority of Nigerians, with this reality within the country.

He said the safety architecture of Nigeria has become so porous and dangerous to be left within the hands of the state alone. He added that the senator features a responsibility to talk in that manner to spur the govt to action.

The social scientist noted that the president and members of his cabinet must redefine the scope of governance and alter strategies to urge optimal results, especially within the area of security and economy.

According to him,’’ President Buhari has two options, is either he changes tactics and come up with different strategies to fight insecurity in Nigeria, or quit honorably; you can't say to be winning a war when your enemy continued to neutralize your armies and killing your people without check’’.

A chieftain of APC in Ife East government, Olaide Adelowo, however, described Abaribe as a mischief-maker and political obscurantist, alleging that he had been within the corridor of power without nothing to point out for it in terms of private contributions to National issue.

He said such a call is a mere ‘’verbal exercise’’ that needs not to be taken seriously. Adelowo added that the Buhari-led administration is functioning assiduously to stem the tide of insecurity around the country.

‘’In as much as I respect the position of the lawmakers on the need to inject fresh ideas and innovations into the safety mechanism of Nigeria to ensure efficiency and better result, I totally afflict the call by Abaribe telling Mr. President to resign. On what grounds would such an efficient and listening president resign?.

‘’This may be a man who has been within the corridor of power for many years, first as Deputy Governor in Abia and as a member of the Senate, even rising to become the legislator with none significant contribution to national challenge except the political statement of no substance ‘’, Adelowo resorted.

Methanol, other manufacturing firms ready for Delta Okowa.

Delta Governor, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, on Tuesday said activities would begin soon at Kwale tract as methanol and transmission tower manufacturing companies had indicated readiness to line up their plants within the state.

The governor disclosed the South-South Export Enlightenment and Engagement Forum organized by the Nigeria Export-Import Bank (NEXIM Bank) in conjunction with Delta Government in Asaba.

He said "Our investment drives have started paying off; our state has commenced the method of a take-off of the Kwale tract located along Ughelli-Asaba Expressway.

"Expected to drive this administration’s industrialization agenda, the Park has the potential to be Nigeria’s biggest location for gas and energy-intensive manufacturing like ceramics, rubber, and methanol.

``I can confidently say that we engaged during a successful show at China which can cause the establishment of a methanol factory at the park within the next few months; pulp and paper also will be manufactured at the Park.

"As an indication of our faith within the viability of the project and as an incentive to prospective investors, my administration approved a seed fund of 10 million dollars for partnership with interested investors within the Park.

``In the same token, we've earmarked the sum of 5 million dollars as seed capital for the establishment of a transmission tower factory being promoted by ENFRASCO Limited.

"The project, which can be sited at Issele-Uku, comprises the establishment of a state-of-the-art factory for power transmission, telecommunication masts, hot-dip galvanizing plant, tower testing and certification facility and research center training school with specializing in fabrication and distribution know-how.

``This kind of commitment on the part of the government serves to de-risk investments and assures prospective investors."

Okowa involved diversification of the nation’s economy from oil and gas, saying "evidently, this distorted mono-product economy doesn't bode well for inclusive economic growth and sustainable development as oil may be a depleting resource.

``Even more importantly, the advent of electric cars may be a clear and present danger to the future of this industry, hence, the urgent need for the governments within the Niger Delta region to expeditiously diversify their economies and maximize our non-oil export potential.

"To achieve this, it's exigent that we first take full advantage of our unique location. In business, it's axiomatic that being within the right location is critical for success.

``Our natural location within the coastal region puts us during a prime position to engage in export-import

trade; take Delta, as an example, it's four seaports in Warri, Burutu, Sapele and Koko, whose combined capacity exceeds that of all the other ports in Nigeria put together.

"You can, therefore, imagine the quantum of trade and commerce also as the limitless possibilities that exist for investment and employment opportunities when just two of the ports are fully functional."

Welcoming participants earlier, director of NEXIM Bank, Mr. Abubakar Bello, had stated that efforts should be geared towards encouraging non-oil export.

He announced that N1 billion had been put aside for entrepreneurs that produced non-oil export products for every state of the country.

Edo Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori and host of others attended the opening of the Forum.