Thursday, 4 July 2019

Why Buhari ordered the suspension of the Ruga Programming

President Muhammadu Buhari suspended the controversial “Ruga” programme in anger, saying that its implementation is at variance with the National Livestock Transformation Plan, NLTP, developed by the National Economic Council and approved by the Federal Government.

Within sources explained that the President, on hearing about the Ruga programme first expressed surprise that it did not allign with the terms of the NLTP.

It was learned that the President then ordered a swift review of what Ruga was about and sought clarifications on its connection with the NLTP.

It was gathered that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development who was behind the Ruga programme could not provide satisfactory explanation.

The Presidential Source said: “The President was annoyed that the plan, promoted by senior officials in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and other FG officials, surports to use gazetted lands in the states for purposes of building Ruga settlements without carrying along the states, creating a wrong impression that the FG was trying to take over land belonging to states and the people in those states.

“The Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, according to sources, had also strongly resisted the Ruga plan, arguing that it's a nuisance of  the NLTP, a very deliberate and elaborate plan developed by NEC, under his watch, and a plan which the FG had okayed.”

When the news about Ruga broke, it immediately raised widespread controversy as state governors and other interests expressed surprise about how it was developed and the fact that there were no consultations with states.

It was also gathered that there was visible panic in the Villa on Monday when senior officials in the President’s office tried to get information about Ruga and its connection with the NLTP, although some in the office had tried to suggest that Ruga and NLTP were the same.

It was learned that the President later discovered that not only was Ruga not under the VP, but that the programme was not in conformment with the NLTP.

It was this discovery that led to the presidential directive to suspend the programme, yesterday.

It was also discovered that the contract sums allocated for various aspects of the Ruga programme were heavily overpriced, and this incurred the wrath of the President.

For instance, purchases of solar panels were put at tens of millions of Naira each, while boreholes were also to be procured at an average cost of N20m each.

The Vice President had been publicly drawn into the fray last Friday when the Secretary of MACBAN, Baba Uthman Ngelzarma, claimed on a TV interview that Ruga was being supervised by the Office of the VP.

An angry VP same day issued a disclaimer, disclosing that his office was not supervising Ruga, but NLTP.

Reactions as Buhari suspends Ruga Programming.


President Muhammadu Buhari has suspended the controversial Ruga programme, the Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi announced on Wednesday.
Mr Umahi made the announcement Wednesday after a meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) committee on farmers/herders crisis. The meeting held at the State House, Abuja.
“We are aware today that Mr President has suspended the implementation of Ruga programme, initiated and being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, because it is not consistent with the NEC and Federal Government approved National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) which has programmes of rehabilitation of displaced IDPs, resulting from the crisis and also development of ranches in any willing state of the federation,” Mr Umahi said.
The NEC is headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbanjo and had developed the NLTP as a long-term solution to the perennial herdsmen and farmers crisis.
The Ruga is a programmed recently announced by the federal government to enable willing states to contribute large areas of land to the federal government for construction of animal husbandry settlements.
The presidency had said 12 states have indicated willingness to be part of the programme.
The Ruga programme has, however, been criticised by many Nigerians with many state governors opposing it.
Speaking on their meeting on Wednesday, Mr Umahi said, “We the NEC committee on farmers/ herders crisis under the chairmanship of His Excellency Mr Vice President met today to deliberate on the approved programme of National Economic Council (NEC) and Federal Government, tagged, ‘the National Livestock Transformation Programme’
“The National Livestock Transformation Plan, its beauty is that what NEC and FG approved is a voluntary programme to all the 36 states who may like to participate. So, it is not compulsory, it is for any state that is willing, will key into the programme.

“Any state that is interested in this programme is required to bring up a development plan that is keyed towards the implementation in line with our own programme here that is unique to his state based on the challenges that he has in respect of the crisis. That’s the decision of this committee,” the governor said.

Alleged Rape of Busola Dakolo by Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo

COZA: WAS THERE ACTUALLY A RAPE?

THIS LAWYER NAILED IT LEGALY.

Predictably, ever since Busola Dakolo "confessed" to having been raped by Pastor Biodun of COZA, the narrative has unabashedly flowed in her favour. Truth is, I can't hold an opinion just because it's popular. When a story is told, I simply put on my thinking cap, play it in my mind and take a personal stand based on the logicality or otherwise of the story . That's why we have individual brains which can neither be borrowed nor shared. So, the mob can't blackmail me into suspending my intellect. That's the truth.

Please, let me remind us that the accusation against the Pastor is rape not adultery.Anyone that reads Busola's version or watches her video without bias will definitely ask questions, especially if he or she is an adult like myself. You may not agree with me but Busola's account seems choreographed. It's very likely a script written to achieve a predetermined purpose. It was important she disclosed that she was just 16 when it happened. This means she was molested as a minor.

If absence of consent doesn't fly, minority would definitely nail the alleged predator. But who's going to argue on the veracity of this claim on age? Certainly not Pastor Biodun who has denied Busola's allegation. You see, it's not as straight forward as you think.

There's no doubt about the attempt to play the victim to elicit public sympathy. Of course, it's normal and natural for humans to tell contentious stories from their perspective with the intent to look good, or at least appear better than the other person. That's where unbiased investigation comes handy. Rape is a serious crime. Biodun cannot be prosecuted and convicted solely on the basis of Busola's own account. He must defend himself and Busola's testimony must be subjected to serious scrutiny. On what basis do you accept her version as an absolute truth and Pastor Biodun's as false?

This article is by no means intended to either justify rape, immorality or defend Pastor Biodun. It's objective is to plead for a little fairness, broad mindedness and objectivity. Most of us have at different times been blackmailed or misrepresented. Surprisingly, victims are always too willing to become culprits in the infamous Department of Gossip. I will never understand how a man enjoys sexual intercourse which is devoid of mutuality. That's how despicable rapists are. Consent is fundamental to sex. I hold both rapists and gays with the same amount of contempt.

I'm aware that celebrities, especially men of God are susceptible to blackmail. Some of the allegations may be true, no doubt. Some are definitely fabricated. The problem is that it's difficult for people in this class to defend themselves.

Again, Busola said she was raped. I sincerely have my doubt. Rape is rape basically owing to the absence of consent. Consensual sex can't be termed rape.

Look at the story again. Your mother traveled and left you with one of your sisters in the house- a duplex. The Pastor sneaked in surprisingly early in the morning and it turned out that his target was the one who opened the door for him. He must be very "lucky" to enjoy such precision of fate. As you opened the door for him, he pushed you to one of the chairs, removed his belt and had carnal knowledge of your virgin "womanhood". Satisfied, he made for his car and brought you krest to drink, ostensibly as a contraceptive and you obliged.

Wow! What a storyline!!. This movie is only good for the oft intellectually non stimulating and predictable Nollywood. I doubt if this heart rending story can pass the test of either legal or logical scrutiny in the face of an allegation of rape. It can ground consensual sex(adultery) or child abuse if the minority status of the victim at the time of the incidence is ascertained. Definitely not rape. If you read or listen well, you will agree that if sex occurred at all, it was consensual.

Only an insane man would go to a strange environment and take such a risky action without a detailed ascertainment and assurance of safety anchored on absolute privacy. Who assured the Pastor that the environment was safe enough for him to "eat" uninhibited? Even with the elder sister upstairs? I'm sure without such assurance, even lesser mortals won't venture, let alone a celebrity Pastor. It's noteworthy that most genuine victims of rape suffer in the hands of trusted people who share apartment or proximity with them. For the other cases, there's always an ignored or accepted red flag. No man in the Pastor's position would just wake up and attempt a rape without first testing the waters. Generally, he must be reasonably sure of the victim's cooperation based on past and present interactions.

Busola's account wants us to believe that within split seconds, the man ascended and  descended from the mountain unrestricted, went outside to his car, brought a drink, hands same to his prey, she gladly or grudgingly received and gulped as expected. Is it that easy and straight forward? What could have given him such audacity and reassurance in someone else's house? Unbelievable!

After such experience, the very  next Sunday, the prey was in Church, albeit in low spirits. The fellowship continued into the future.

The second episode sounds even more weird. He drove you into an isolated part of the town, dragged you out of the passengers' side to the bonnet and successfully "ate the food" to satisfaction. No shout, no struggles!

The length of time it took for this story to be told publicly is in itself a source of suspicion. As a Lawyer, I know crimes can't be statute barred. But it's curious that a molestation she suffered in her teens was successfully managed through school until she married and became a mother of three before letting the monstrous cat out of the bag.

Sister Busola has already presented herself as having been a serious Christian from youth, in fact before she was allegedly defiled. I think there's something unchristian about her confession after many years had elapsed. Time should have healed her. If time couldn't, she could have sought counsel aimed at healing and forgiveness. Thankfully, the molestation didn't prevent her from loving her husband and giving him three beautiful kids.

If forgiveness was impossible (as unchristian as it is), she should have sought the prosecution of her assailant. I can't fathom what the resort to media trial is intended to achieve. Is it healing, forgiveness or vengeance?

Friends, let's stop unnecessary pontification. There's definitely something about this scandal hiding very safely from us.

If you are a Christian, pray for Pastor Biodun, Sister Busola, her husband and children. It's as serious as that.

Wednesday, 3 July 2019

Presidency speaks on ‘dismissal’ of NACA DG, Sani Aliyu


“In this regard, false reporting to the effect that he was sacked for one reason or the other is unhelpful to his legitimate aspiration. He left on his own.’’

It was reported that the Permanent Secretary, General Services in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Olusegun Adekunle, on Tuesday announced the appointment of Gambo Aliyu as the new Director-General of NACA.

He said the appointment of the new head of NACA, which was approved by President Buhari, was in line with the provision of Section 8, Sub-Section (4) of National Agency for the Control of Aids (Establishment) Act, 2007.

Adekunle disclosed that Aliyu’s appointment as the Director-General of the agency was for an initial term of four years.

Tuesday, 4 June 2019

Photos: President Buhari attends Eid El Filtri prayers at the Mabilla Barracks (Photos)

Photos: President Buhari attends Eid El Filtri prayers at the Mabilla Barracks (Photos) Buhari attended the Eid El Filtri Prayers at the Mabilla Barracks Eid Praying Ground The president is pictured here with Chief Imam Captain Yusuf, Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen. TY Buratai, Leader of House Femi Gbajabiamila, Senator Kabiru Gaya and IG of Police Adamu Mohammed.

Photos: President Buhari attends Eid El Filtri prayers at the Mabilla Barracks (Photos)


Photos: President Buhari attends Eid El Filtri prayers at the Mabilla Barracks (Photos)

Photos: President Buhari attends Eid El Filtri prayers at the Mabilla Barracks (Photos)
Photos: President Buhari attends Eid El Filtri prayers at the Mabilla Barracks (Photos)


Wednesday, 8 August 2018

Kepa's €80m release clause paid as Chelsea seal deal for Courtois replacement


The Blues are on the verge of completing the signing of the Athletic Club goalkeeper, with their Belgian No.1 heading to Real Madrid
Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Kepa Arrizabalaga having activated the goalkeeper's €80 million (£71m/$92m) release clause.
The player's representatives and lawyers travelled to La Liga headquarters in Valencia to pay the fee, with Kepa now due to travel to London to undergo a medical and finalise personal terms.
Athletic confirmed that the release clause had been paid on Wednesday, issuing a statement that read: "The player Kepa Arrizabalaga has met the requirements for the valid unilateral termination of the contract that linked him to Athletic Club.
The aforementioned certification indicates that the player has expressed his desire to terminate and unilaterally resolve the relationship that had joined him with the club since the 2004-05 season and that the amount of the compensation established in the contract has been deposited.
"Athletic thanks the player for his contribution during the time he has remained with our club."
he Kepa deal will break the club's previous transfer record, set last season when the Blues signed Alvaro Morata from Real Madrid in an initial £58m ($75m) deal, potentially rising to £70m ($90m).
It will also make Kepa the world's most expensive goalkeeper, less than a month after  Alisson joined Liverpool in a £65m (€73m/$85m) move .
The move for the Spaniard will free up Thibaut Courtois to complete a switch to Real Madrid, with the Belgian having been absent from training as he looked to force through a switch to Santiago Bernabeu.
Madrid have been keen to bring in Courtois in a €35m deal (£31m/$40m) for some time now, where the funds expected from that transfer being used by the Blues to secure Athletic goalkeeper Kepa.
And the Blues' transfer business isn't likely to end with Kepa - Goal understands  Maurizio Sarri's side are in talks over a loan move for Madrid midfielder Mateo Kovacic .
Indeed, Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui has revealed that his side will attempt to find a "high level replacement" should Kovacic complete a switch to Stamford Bridge .
Time is against Sarri and Chelsea, however, with the transfer window for Premier League clubs closing at 5pm BST on August 9.
Chelsea get their Premier League campaign underway on Saturday with an away trip to David Wagner's Huddersfield Town.


See Also:  Defection: Akwa Ibom state government sack Akpabio's brother, one other

Defection: Akwa Ibom state government sack Akpabio's brother, one other

The Akwa Ibom State Government has sacked the Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Ibanga Akpabio, from the state Executive Council.

Ibanga is said to be the younger brother of the state's former governor, Senator Godswill Akpabio. The termination of his appointment was contained in a statement released by the Secretary to the State Government; Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem.

Godswill Akpabio will be defecting to APC in a few hours time.

According to the statement, Ibanga was removed from the state executive council following his reluctance to comply with good governance processes of government. 

He has been mandated to handover to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry before close of work today.






see also: To all our viewers

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