Kaduna state government has already commenced demolition of earmarked buildings in Zaria last week.
Nigeria: Governor El-Rufai Proposes Logo For Kaduna State
By Juliana Katung
Kaduna (Nigeria) – Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, northern Nigeria has proposed an official logo for his state – the state had none before. To this end, he has forwarded an executive bill seeking the State House of Assembly to approve his move.
If passed into law, all official communication, correspondences and transactions by government, government establishments, ministries, departments and parastatals shall bear the official logo.
The purpose of creating the logo according to a source is to clearly identify and encapsulate the policy thrust of the new government, by articulating the direction and focus of the key sectors constituting its fulcrum.
By its provision, non-compliance with the proposed law shall constitute a “gross misconduct” and shall be dealt with in accordance with the Civil Service Rules or other extant Laws on the subject.
The bill during the deliberation at the floor of the Assembly received support of majority members. Deputy Minority Leader, Yakubu Bityoung, has urged people of the state not to panic, saying that the bill only seeks to introduce a new logo, not to replace the national coat of arm.
Meanwhile, few lawmakers were in the opinion that the feature in the logo should be properly explained and urged relevant committees to in into the cause of its assignment.
The bill has already passed a second reading and referred to a joint committee of Youth and Sport, Commerce and Industry, Tourism and Justice to look into it, and to report back to the Assembly on Thursday.
Similar steps taken by Bayelsa and Lagos states to few years ago was criticised by many Nigerians and the federal government.
Group Seeks Support For Nigerian IDPs
By Longtong Ibrahim
Kaduna (Nigeria) – Women Peace and Security Network (WPSN) has appealed to Nigerian government and other relevant stakeholders to assist Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in various states of the country to alleviate some of their sufferings.
At a press briefing In Kaduna, northern nigeria, to commemorate the 2015 World Refugee Day, the group noted that the internally displace persons need love and support from all Nigerians in their trying moment.
Chairperson of the group, Hajiya Amina Kazaure, said WPSN in one of its pillars of ‘protection’ has identified the provision of humanitarian services including relief material to women and girls in the state, pointing out that, the group would be supporting 300 IDPs in Kaduna, with food and non-food items; saying, “With courage, let us all combine and give the best we can to the IDPs.”
She stated that, with hope, the little they are offering could go a long way in meeting some of their needs, which includes shelter, health care, accommodation, feeding, love, education of their children and psycho-social support.
Kazaure pointed out that, when those needs are not met, their minds [especially those of youth] becomes idle and they could be involved in some form of social vices which could constitute threats to the society.
She further explained that the world Refugee day is commemorated in compliance with the United Nations General Assembly resolution 55/76 adopted on 4th Dec. 2000; noting that in 2001, when it marked the 50thanniversary of the 1951 convention relating to the states of Refugees and that OAU agreed to have international Refugee Day which also coincided with the African Refugee Day on 20th June.
The chairperson added that, the group is a component of NSRP, whose aim is to reduce violent conflict in Nigeria; provide support to Nigerian stakeholders to better manage conflict resulting in wealth creation, service delivery and poverty reduction. “The program is funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and implemented by the British Council with international Alert and Social Development Direct,” she said.
Hajiya Kazaure said, the NSRP with support from the federal ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development have lunched the National Action Plan (NAP) on Women, Peace and Security drawn out of the UNSCR 1325 that seeks to address the plight of women and girls in and out of crisis situations.
“The resolution was adopted on 31 October 2000. The resolution reaffirms the important role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, peace negotiations, peace- building, peace keeping, humanitarians response and in post conflict reconstruction and stresses the importance of their equal participation and full involvement in all efforts for the maintenance and promotion of peace and security among others.”
“The NAP, if implemented, will mitigate the disproportionate impact of violent conflict on women and girls and their knowledge and experience to resolve conflict and build peace. This will transform the lives of women and girls and greatly improve the prospects for peace and security throughout the country. NAP consists of five pillars; Prevention, Protection, Participation, Promotion, and Prosecution,” she added.
While commemorating the 2015 refugee day, she said the UN secretary General, Ban Ki- moon had this to say, “On this World Refugee Day, let remember the plight of the millions of people worldwide who have been forced to flee their homes as a result of conflict and persecution. At the end of 2014, 59.5 million persons – the highest number on record were forcibly displaced around the globe. This means that one in every 122 human beings today is either a refugee, internally displaced or is seeking asylum”.
Describing the refugees as people like anyone else, ban Ki Moon added that, “They led ordinary lives by becoming displaced, and their biggest dream is to be able to live normally again. On this World Refugee Day, let us recall our common humanity, celebrate tolerance and diversity and open our hearts to refugees everywhere”.
Nigerian Army In Battle To Save Image On Respect For Human Rights
Kaduna (Nigeria) – A picture of Nigerian soldiers maltreating a suspected thief in the front page of a newspaper and widely circulated on the social media has caused a concern in the military ranks, leading the identifying the perpetrators of the act for punitive measure.
A statement by the Nigerian Army spokesperson, Colonel Sani Kukansheka Usman indicates that the Nigerian Army is worried “The attention of Nigerian Army has been drawn to a front page photograph of some soldiers maltreating a suspected robber at Mararraba, Nasarawa State, on the front page of today’s edition of Daily Trust newspaper.
“Sadly, it is also trending on the Social Media.
“There is no doubt the photograph has done incalculable damage to the image of the service.
“The act was unfortunate and at variance with military ethics and professionalism.
“The Nigerian Army wishes to inform the public that the perpetrators of the offence have been identified, summoned and would face disciplinary action.
“We wish to assure the public that the Nigerian Army would continue to protect and respect human rights and that this regrettable incidence should not be used as a yardstick to judge the entire Army.”
Nigerian Army has of recent came under serious criticism over violation of human rights, and have gone into series of engagements to save its image and human rights records
Over 5,000 Displaced Nigerians Return From Cameroun
Kaduna (Nigeria) – National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has received and camped 4,641 Nigerian returnees from Cameroon who were displaced by boko haram activities in northeast nigeria. This is in addition to the earlier 1, 121 of out of which 650 were further transported from the camps in Yola to Borno State.
A statement by NEMA Press Officer, Ezekiel Manzo says, the camp has recorded seven new births at the Mubi transit camp where the returnees are first received upon returning home from the Republic Cameroun.
“Health workers assisted in the safe delivery of seven pregnant women of four girls and three boys who are all in stable condition.” It says.
The statement quotes Director Search and Rescue of NEMA, Air Commodore Charles Otegbade who is coordinating the evacuation saying, ” we have moved the returnees from the Mubi reception centre and all of them at the Nigerian/Cameroun border post in Sahuda, after clearance by the Nigerian Immigration Service and other security agencies to the Internally Displaced Persons camps in Yola.”
He also said that more returnees were still being expected at the border post while those transported to Yola have been taken to the IDPs camps in Damare NYSC camp and Malkohi and a new location in Fufore for proper supports and care by NEMA. He assured that all returnees arriving at the border would be fully supported and taken to the IDPs camps for proper care.
“As the returnees arrived the IDPs camps, NEMA officials managing those camps immediately provided them with food to eat, beddings, clothings and other basic supports. Also, at the transit camp in Mubi, NEMA provided them with foods. Health officials of the Adamawa State Government and members of the Nigerian Red Cross Society are also supporting the IDPs at the camps.” The statement says.
Last week, Director General of NEMA, Alhaji Muhammad Sani Sidi and Deputy Governor of Borno State Alhaji Zanna Umar Mustapha had visited the Mubi camp to officially receive the returnees and assured them of the Nigerian Government support.
Nigeria: Buhari Orders Full Compliance Of Single Treasury For Government
Kaduna (Nigeria) – President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria has ordered his country’s Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) commence implementation of Treasury Single Account (TSA) by paying all government revenues, incomes and other receipts into a designated account with the Central Bank of Nigeria.
The directive indicates that the practice is specifically to promote transparency and facilitate compliance with sections 80 and 162 of the 1999 Constitution.
A statement by Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media & Publicity, Laolu Akande says,
“Henceforth, all receipts due to the Federal Government or any of its agencies must be paid into TSA or designated accounts maintained and operated in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), except otherwise expressly approved.”
“This presidential directive would end the previous public accounting situation of several fragmented accounts for government revenues, incomes and receipts, which in the recent past has meant the loss or leakages of legitimate income meant for the federation account.
President Buhari in june told state governors that all revenues prescribed for lodgement into the federation account will be treated as such under his watch and that he will ensure strict compliance with all relevant laws on accounting, allocation and disbursement.
“Since then the presidency has worked with relevant agencies of the federal government to evolve this policy directive.” The statement says.
The Treasury Single Account is a bank account or a set of linked bank accounts through which the government transacts all its receipts and payments and gets a consolidated view of its cash position at any given time.
But former President Goodluck Jonathan’s government had issued such a directive last January, and beginning of April, former Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iwella said the federal government had successfully moved all MDAs accounts to the TSA.
Over 20 Saudi-led coalition troops ‘killed in friendly fire’, govt. forces retake key city
At least 20 Saudi-coalition troops have reportedly been killed in friendly fire in Yemen, as troops loyal to the Yemeni government captured the city of Zinjibar. The fighters died in transit to the city, when they were hit by an airstrike from their own forces.
The incident took place on Saturday evening, as the troops were moving towards Zinjibar. Their convoy was struck by a coalition airstrike according to Yemeni security officials and pro-government fighters, who were cited by AP.
zinjibar,This comes after three soldiers from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were killed by landmines planted by Houthi rebel forces, as the latter retreated from Zinjibar, the capital of Abyan province, the UAE state news agency WAM said on Saturday.
Without detailing where or when they were killed, WAM said they died while taking part in “the Arab coalition led by Saudi Arabia to support the legitimate government in Yemen.”
On Saturday, the Saudi-led coalition retook Zinjibar after launching preliminary airstrikes and a series of coordinated attacks on strategic locations held by the rebels.
A ground force of several thousand troops, reinforced by tanks and armored personnel carriers started their latest advance on Monday, as the coalition airstrikes cleared their path. The force predominantly comprised Saudi-trained Yemeni fighters, as well as Saudi special operations and intelligence personnel supported by personnel and equipment from the United Arab Emirates.
While entering Zinjibar, three soldiers from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were killed by landmines planted by the Houthis, as rebel forces retreated from the city, UAE state news agency WAM said on Saturday. That brings the total death toll of UAE soldiers fighting in Yemen to five, as at least two other Emirati soldiers lost their lives since the offensive began.
Zinjibar became the fourth provincial capital to fall since the Saudi coalition captured Aden last month. Houthis also lost control of the strategic port of Mocha. Earlier this week the pro-Hadi forces seized a major Labouza military base, the last one being held by the Houthis in the south of the country.
Pro-Hadi forces are also advancing into Taizz, where Houthi militants began concentrating their forces after losing control of the Al Anad air base. The pro-Hadi forces armed to the teeth have the capital Sanaa and Saada, the Houthis’ home region, lined-up next.
The incident took place on Saturday evening, as the troops were moving towards Zinjibar. Their convoy was struck by a coalition airstrike according to Yemeni security officials and pro-government fighters, who were cited by AP.
This comes after three soldiers from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were killed by landmines planted by Houthi rebel forces, as the latter retreated from Zinjibar, the capital of Abyan province, the UAE state news agency WAM said on Saturday.
Without detailing where or when they were killed, WAM said they died while taking part in “the Arab coalition led by Saudi Arabia to support the legitimate government in Yemen.”
On Saturday, the Saudi-led coalition retook Zinjibar after launching preliminary airstrikes and a series of coordinated attacks on strategic locations held by the rebels.
A ground force of several thousand troops, reinforced by tanks and armored personnel carriers started their latest advance on Monday, as the coalition airstrikes cleared their path. The force predominantly comprised Saudi-trained Yemeni fighters, as well as Saudi special operations and intelligence personnel supported by personnel and equipment from the United Arab Emirates.
While entering Zinjibar, three soldiers from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were killed by landmines planted by the Houthis, as rebel forces retreated from the city, UAE state news agency WAM said on Saturday. That brings the total death toll of UAE soldiers fighting in Yemen to five, as at least two other Emirati soldiers lost their lives since the offensive began.
Zinjibar became the fourth provincial capital to fall since the Saudi coalition captured Aden last month. Houthis also lost control of the strategic port of Mocha. Earlier this week the pro-Hadi forces seized a major Labouza military base, the last one being held by the Houthis in the south of the country.
Pro-Hadi forces are also advancing into Taizz, where Houthi militants began concentrating their forces after losing control of the Al Anad air base. The pro-Hadi forces armed to the teeth have the capital Sanaa and Saada, the Houthis’ home region, lined-up next.
As the battle on the ground continues, the chief of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) arrived to Sanaa on Saturday on a three-day visit to assess the “dire humanitarian situation” in the country. The organization says that 1.3 million Yemenis have been displaced by the conflict.
Overall the UN estimates that at least 4,000 people have been killed since the Saudi-led coalition began its airstrikes in late March. Currently the UN says some 80 per cent of Yemen’s 21 million people are in need of aid and protection.
source: rt.com
‘Ghana’s Debt To Hit Quadrillion By December’
The Minority Leader in Parliament, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has predicted that Ghana’s debt will hit quadrillion by the end of 2015 if the government’s borrowing spree does not stop.
Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu says Ghana’s debt is now $95 billion from $9.5 billion and that it will hit $100b by the end of the year 2015.
The Minority Leader was commenting on the issue of excessive borrowing by government on Atinka FM.
He said the current debt of $95billion is not sufficient for the government and will, therefore, keep borrowing to support the economy.
The Minority leader said he would not be surprised if the country’s debt hits the quadrillion mark by the end of 2015.
Meanwhile, the Minority Leader is calling for the enactment of a Financial Intelligent Act (FIA) to tackle corruption.
“We are witnessing an unprecedented corruption in Ghana and so if actions are not taken, things would get worse’, he warned.
The Minority Leader noted the FIA empowers the bank to call people to explain huge and questionable amounts transferred into their account..
He said the law will help fight corruption and money laundering.
source: peacefmonline.com