Kogi Govt worried over non adherence to development control

Kogi State Deputy Governor, Yomi Awoniyi has described as unfortunate how attempt by government at making sure development control is enforced is being thwarted by people who do not see the sense in government’s good intention.

Awoniyi expressed dismay that some people still take delight building in flood prone areas, despite government appeals and the incidence that happened in 2012 which saw houses built in flood plain submerged.

Awoniyi, lamented the situation where people blamed government for not being sensitive to the plight of the people, but lamented a situation where people are still carrying out building development in flood prone areas even after the 2012 episode, that saw houses built on flood plains destroyed.

The Deputy Governor register his displeasure on some people's conduct when he made an assessment on the impact of flood on some affected communities in Lokoja.

Awoniyi, described Adankolo, Gadumo and Ganaja areas of Lokoja as a flood basin, urged
people to stop building along the flood plains, described the routine of having to evacuate people and providing relief materials on an annual basis as a sad situation.

The Deputy Governor said while he appreciates the historical attachment people have to riverine communities, he said adequate steps have been taken to ensure that as from Monday, camps are set up for internally displaced persons that would be evacuated.

Awoniyi maintained that relief materials, food stuffs, net, medical items are on the way to ensure that the camps are better managed than it were in 2012.

Awoniyi said appeal would continue to be made for people to leave the flood plains, but said in future, clear sanctions would be put in place to ensure that people’s behavior towards insisting on building in flood prone areas is not condone.

Kogi Govt to begin the monitoring of flood prone Local Government Areas

The Kogi State Deputy Governor, and Chairman Flood Management
Committee, would from tomorrow begin the monitoring of flood prone
Local Government Areas of the State.

The disclosure to commence the visit to flood prone areas and to
ascertain the extent the flood have ravaged some communities was made
known after the meeting of the Flood Management Committee, held in
Lokoja .

According to a statement issued after the meeting Chaired by Yomi
Awoniyi, and attended by representatives of the affected area, seven
Local Government Areas in the state have so far been affected by the
flood.

WAR AGAINST CORRUPTION IS A COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY OF ALL NIGERIANS - Catholic Bishops

Catholic Bishops have described the war against corruption as a collective responsibility of all Nigerians noting that “it is not just a battle for virtue and righteousness in our land but a fight for the soul and substance of our nation. They therefore called for a conversion of heart on the part of all Nigerians.

The Bishops’ admonition was contained in the communiqué issued at the end of the second Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), held recently at the Pastoral Centre of the Diocese of Port Harcourt, Igwuruta, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The communiqué was signed by Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Jos and William Avenya of Gboko, president and secretary of the conference respectively.

The Bishops’ Conference which since inception, has consistently condemned corruption, violence and injustice in the country, has always stressed the need for all Nigerians, especially those in public offices to “embrace a life of transparency and service.

Expressing support for the decision of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration to make war against corruption and insurgency its prime programme, the Bishops called on all Nigerians to collaborate and support government in this respect pointing out that “the war against corruption is not just a battle for virtue and righteousness in our land but a fight for the soul and substance of our nation”.

They continued: “This is a collective responsibility that requires our collective efforts. All Nigerians should be part of this struggle, which ought to be carried out at all levels, in order that we may recover our wasted opportunities.

The Bishops added; “To guarantee sustainable success in fighting corruption, Nigerians must transcend ethnic, religious and regional affiliations and sentiments.

The Bishops urged that those genuinely identified to have either stolen or recklessly used the national wealth must be compelled to make comprehensive restitution; adding. “In this process, we strongly urge all to eschew personal interest, political vendetta, and bitterness. Those with the mandate to facilitate this process should be guided by a true sense of justice and act in accordance with the rule of law.”

Commenting on the efforts of the government at countering the activities of the Boko Haram insurgence in the North eastern part of the country, the Bishops commended the government and the country’s security agents for the successes achieved so far, urging that victims of the atrocities of the insurgents to be properly resettled as they return to their homes, from where they were displaced. They also reiterated their commitment to collaborate with government on the modalities for this resettlement exercise.

On the state of the economy, the Bishops’ regretted that the Nigerian economy is presently in distress with many Nigerian families unable to provide for their basic family needs. They further stated: “Unemployment is growing beyond control, leaving many of our citizens, especially the younger ones, to migrate, both locally and to other countries. This exposes them to inhuman conditions, including different forms of immorality and criminality. In many cases, young promising lives are wasted on our streets, in the deserts of some African countries and on the shores of Europe.”

While commending the government for the decision to return to agriculture and find alternative sources of revenue to the oil sector, the Bishops called on the country’s private sector and other investors to collaborate with government in this respect. They however expressed concern on the high cost of governance noting that: “ It is regrettable that this is happening in a nation where a large percentage of the population is living in dehumanizing poverty, where so many workers are not paid the recommended basic salary, and where massive decay of infrastructure has put much stress on the citizens and their lives in great danger”.

Catholic Bishops have described the war against corruption as a collective responsibility of all Nigerians noting that “it is not just a battle for virtue and righteousness in our land but a fight for the soul and substance of our nation. They therefore called for a conversion of heart on the part of all Nigerians.

The Bishops’ admonition was contained in the communiqué issued at the end of the second Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), held recently at the Pastoral Centre of the Diocese of Port Harcourt, Igwuruta, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The communiqué was signed by Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Jos and William Avenya of Gboko, president and secretary of the conference respectively.

The Bishops’ Conference which since inception, has consistently condemned corruption, violence and injustice in the country, has always stressed the need for all Nigerians, especially those in public offices to “embrace a life of transparency and service.
Expressing support for the decision of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration to make war against corruption and insurgency its prime programme, the Bishops called on all Nigerians to collaborate and support government in this respect pointing out that “the war against corruption is not just a battle for virtue and righteousness in our land but a fight for the soul and substance of our nation”.
They continued: “This is a collective responsibility that requires our collective efforts. All Nigerians should be part of this struggle, which ought to be carried out at all levels, in order that we may recover our wasted opportunities. The Bishops added; “To guarantee sustainable success in fighting corruption, Nigerians must transcend ethnic, religious and regional affiliations and sentiments.
The Bishops urged that those genuinely identified to have either stolen or recklessly used the national wealth must be compelled to make comprehensive restitution; adding. “In this process, we strongly urge all to eschew personal interest, political vendetta, and bitterness. Those with the mandate to facilitate this process should be guided by a true sense of justice and act in accordance with the rule of law.”
Commenting on the efforts of the government at countering the activities of the Boko Haram insurgence in the North eastern part of the country, the Bishops commended the government and the country’s security agents for the successes achieved so far, urging that victims of the atrocities of the insurgents to be properly resettled as they return to their homes, from where they were displaced. They also reiterated their commitment to collaborate with government on the modalities for this resettlement exercise.
On the state of the economy, the Bishops’ regretted that the Nigerian economy is presently in distress with many Nigerian families unable to provide for their basic family needs. They further stated: “Unemployment is growing beyond control, leaving many of our citizens, especially the younger ones, to migrate, both locally and to other countries. This exposes them to inhuman conditions, including different forms of immorality and criminality. In many cases, young promising lives are wasted on our streets, in the deserts of some African countries and on the shores of Europe.”
While commending the government for the decision to return to agriculture and find alternative sources of revenue to the oil sector, the Bishops called on the country’s private sector and other investors to collaborate with government in this respect. They however expressed concern on the high cost of governance noting that: “ It is regrettable that this is happening in a nation where a large percentage of the population is living in dehumanizing poverty, where so many workers are not paid the recommended basic salary, and where massive decay of infrastructure has put much stress on the citizens and their lives in great danger”. - See more at: http://www.cnsng.org/viewnews.php?tabnews=1348#sthash.AIyfhqMw.dpuf

Catholic Bishops have described the war against corruption as a collective responsibility of all Nigerians noting that “it is not just a battle for virtue and righteousness in our land but a fight for the soul and substance of our nation. They therefore called for a conversion of heart on the part of all Nigerians.

The Bishops’ admonition was contained in the communiqué issued at the end of the second Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), held recently at the Pastoral Centre of the Diocese of Port Harcourt, Igwuruta, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The communiqué was signed by Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Jos and William Avenya of Gboko, president and secretary of the conference respectively.

The Bishops’ Conference which since inception, has consistently condemned corruption, violence and injustice in the country, has always stressed the need for all Nigerians, especially those in public offices to “embrace a life of transparency and service.
Expressing support for the decision of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration to make war against corruption and insurgency its prime programme, the Bishops called on all Nigerians to collaborate and support government in this respect pointing out that “the war against corruption is not just a battle for virtue and righteousness in our land but a fight for the soul and substance of our nation”.
They continued: “This is a collective responsibility that requires our collective efforts. All Nigerians should be part of this struggle, which ought to be carried out at all levels, in order that we may recover our wasted opportunities. The Bishops added; “To guarantee sustainable success in fighting corruption, Nigerians must transcend ethnic, religious and regional affiliations and sentiments.
The Bishops urged that those genuinely identified to have either stolen or recklessly used the national wealth must be compelled to make comprehensive restitution; adding. “In this process, we strongly urge all to eschew personal interest, political vendetta, and bitterness. Those with the mandate to facilitate this process should be guided by a true sense of justice and act in accordance with the rule of law.”
Commenting on the efforts of the government at countering the activities of the Boko Haram insurgence in the North eastern part of the country, the Bishops commended the government and the country’s security agents for the successes achieved so far, urging that victims of the atrocities of the insurgents to be properly resettled as they return to their homes, from where they were displaced. They also reiterated their commitment to collaborate with government on the modalities for this resettlement exercise.
On the state of the economy, the Bishops’ regretted that the Nigerian economy is presently in distress with many Nigerian families unable to provide for their basic family needs. They further stated: “Unemployment is growing beyond control, leaving many of our citizens, especially the younger ones, to migrate, both locally and to other countries. This exposes them to inhuman conditions, including different forms of immorality and criminality. In many cases, young promising lives are wasted on our streets, in the deserts of some African countries and on the shores of Europe.”
While commending the government for the decision to return to agriculture and find alternative sources of revenue to the oil sector, the Bishops called on the country’s private sector and other investors to collaborate with government in this respect. They however expressed concern on the high cost of governance noting that: “ It is regrettable that this is happening in a nation where a large percentage of the population is living in dehumanizing poverty, where so many workers are not paid the recommended basic salary, and where massive decay of infrastructure has put much stress on the citizens and their lives in great danger”. - See more at: http://www.cnsng.org/viewnews.php?tabnews=1348#sthash.AIyfhqMw.dpuf

Catholic Bishops have described the war against corruption as a collective responsibility of all Nigerians noting that “it is not just a battle for virtue and righteousness in our land but a fight for the soul and substance of our nation. They therefore called for a conversion of heart on the part of all Nigerians.

The Bishops’ admonition was contained in the communiqué issued at the end of the second Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), held recently at the Pastoral Centre of the Diocese of Port Harcourt, Igwuruta, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The communiqué was signed by Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Jos and William Avenya of Gboko, president and secretary of the conference respectively.

The Bishops’ Conference which since inception, has consistently condemned corruption, violence and injustice in the country, has always stressed the need for all Nigerians, especially those in public offices to “embrace a life of transparency and service.
Expressing support for the decision of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration to make war against corruption and insurgency its prime programme, the Bishops called on all Nigerians to collaborate and support government in this respect pointing out that “the war against corruption is not just a battle for virtue and righteousness in our land but a fight for the soul and substance of our nation”.
They continued: “This is a collective responsibility that requires our collective efforts. All Nigerians should be part of this struggle, which ought to be carried out at all levels, in order that we may recover our wasted opportunities. The Bishops added; “To guarantee sustainable success in fighting corruption, Nigerians must transcend ethnic, religious and regional affiliations and sentiments.
The Bishops urged that those genuinely identified to have either stolen or recklessly used the national wealth must be compelled to make comprehensive restitution; adding. “In this process, we strongly urge all to eschew personal interest, political vendetta, and bitterness. Those with the mandate to facilitate this process should be guided by a true sense of justice and act in accordance with the rule of law.”
Commenting on the efforts of the government at countering the activities of the Boko Haram insurgence in the North eastern part of the country, the Bishops commended the government and the country’s security agents for the successes achieved so far, urging that victims of the atrocities of the insurgents to be properly resettled as they return to their homes, from where they were displaced. They also reiterated their commitment to collaborate with government on the modalities for this resettlement exercise.
On the state of the economy, the Bishops’ regretted that the Nigerian economy is presently in distress with many Nigerian families unable to provide for their basic family needs. They further stated: “Unemployment is growing beyond control, leaving many of our citizens, especially the younger ones, to migrate, both locally and to other countries. This exposes them to inhuman conditions, including different forms of immorality and criminality. In many cases, young promising lives are wasted on our streets, in the deserts of some African countries and on the shores of Europe.”
While commending the government for the decision to return to agriculture and find alternative sources of revenue to the oil sector, the Bishops called on the country’s private sector and other investors to collaborate with government in this respect. They however expressed concern on the high cost of governance noting that: “ It is regrettable that this is happening in a nation where a large percentage of the population is living in dehumanizing poverty, where so many workers are not paid the recommended basic salary, and where massive decay of infrastructure has put much stress on the citizens and their lives in great danger”. - See more at: http://www.cnsng.org/viewnews.php?tabnews=1348#sthash.AIyfhqMw.dpuf

NHRC Condemns Fani-Kayode’s Speech On Fulani

The Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, has condemned in strong terms, an article written by a former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, which describes Fulani herdsmen as “Tse-Tse fly and leeches” as hate speech.

In an article titled “Herdsmen from Hell”, Mr Fani-Kayode had taken to his Facebook page to condemn the abduction of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Olu Falae.

However, in several messages via his twitter handle, the NRHC Boss said although, the abduction of the prominent elder statesman is a crime to make it a campaign against a race.

Professor Odinkalu said that it is unlawful to advocate the mass removal of Nigerians from their country.

Ex-Governor Sylva wins Bayelsa APC governorship primary

A former Bayelsa Governor, Timipre Sylva, has won the All Progressives Party Congress primary election to emerge governorship candidate for the December 5 poll.

The former governor scored 981 votes to win the ticket, beating Godknows Powel, who polled 39 votes to emerge runner up while Wallman Agoriba scored 28 votes to place third.

Announcing the result at the APC secretariat in Yenagoa by Mansur Alli , Chairman, Electoral Committee, Bayelsa APC primary election, said a total of 1147 delegates were accredited.

According to Mr. Alli, a retired brigadier general, “Out of 1147 accredited delegates for the primary election, Mr Timipre Sylva scored 981 to win other 18 aspirants who participated.

Full Text: President Buhari’s Independence Day Speech

October 1st is a day for joy and celebrations for us Nigerians, whatever the circumstances we find ourselves in because it is the day, 55 years ago; we liberated ourselves from the shackles of colonialism and began our long march to nationhood and to greatness.

No temporary problems or passing challenges should stop us from honouring this day. Let us remind ourselves of the gifts God has given us. Our Creator has bequeathed to us Numbers – Nigeria is the ninth most populated country on the planet. We have in addition arable land; water; forests; oil and gas; coastline; and solid minerals

We have all the attributes of a great nation. We are not there yet because the one important commodity we have been unable to exploit to the fullest is unity of purpose. This would have enabled us to achieve not only more orderly political evolution and integration but also continuity and economic progress.

Countries far less endowed have made greater economic progress by greater coherence and unity of purpose.

Nonetheless, that we have remained together is an achievement we should all appreciate and try to consolidate. We have witnessed this year a change in our democratic development.

The fact that an opposition party replaced an entrenched government in a free and fair election is indicative of the deeper roots of our democratic system. Whatever one’s views are, Nigerians must thank former President Jonathan for not digging-in in the face of defeat and thereby saving the country untold consequences.

As I said in my inaugural speech, I bear no ill will against anyone on past events. Nobody should fear anything from me. We are not after anyone. People should only fear the consequences of their actions. I hereby invite everyone, whatever his or her political view to join me in working for the nation.

My countrymen and women, every new government inherits problems. Ours was no different. But what Nigerians want are solutions, quick solutions not a recitation of problems inherited.

Accordingly, after consultations with the Vice President, senior party leaders and other senior stakeholders, I quickly got down to work on the immediate, medium-term and long-term problems which we must solve if we are to maintain the confidence which Nigerians so generously bestowed on us in the March elections.
And since then, as you know, I toured the neighbouring countries, marshalled a coalition of armed forces of the five nations to confront and defeat Boko Haram. I met also the G-7 leaders and other friendly presidents in an effort to build an international coalition against Boko Haram.

Ministerial list: The wait is over – Buhari tells Nigerians

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday confirmed the submission of the first set of names for ministerial nominees to the Senate for final confirmation.

The president, who announced this in a broadcast in Abuja to mark Nigeria’s 55th Independence Anniversary, said subsequent list would be forwarded to the senate in due course.

He said that he was aware of the anxiety that had been generated due to the delay in forming his cabinet both at home and abroad.

``Fellow Nigerians, there have been a lot of anxiety and impatience over the apparent delay in announcement of ministers.

``There is no cause to be anxious. Our government sets out to do things methodically and properly.

``Anyway, the wait is over. The first set of names for ministerial nominees for confirmation has been sent to the senate.