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10 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2020 :Vanguard News 2014 confab'll solve Nigeria’s problems —Yakasai, Uranta, Anyiam-Osigwe, others By Dapo Akinrefon LAGOS—THE Justice, Peace and Unity Initiative for Nigeria, yesterday, called on the Federal Government to implement the report of the 2014 National Conference saying it will address the challenges bedevilling the country. Some notable Nigerians had met, Friday, in a move aimed at rescuing the nation from its current slide to the precipice. It expressed worry that the country is “sitting on a keg of gunpowder given the uncontrolled stockpiling of arms in our communities.” The group said it was initiated to advance and promote the relevance of Nigerians living together “as one indissoluble nation as opposed to the predominantly divergent views to pull Nigeria apart.” The group said this in a communique signed by chairman of the Dialogue, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, Mr. Tony Uranta, Nigeria National Summit Group, NNSG, and Mr. Charles Anyiam-Osigwe of the Anyiam-Osigwe Foundation Members of the group are Arewa Consultative Forum Trustee, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai; Professor Pat Utomi, Hon. Ghali Na’Abba, former Speaker of the House of Representatives; Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum Executive, Senator Bassey Ewa Henshaw; NNSG Scribe, Tony Uranta; and Charles Vandalized LGs’ properties: We'll prosecute culprits —Oyo govt By Adeola Badru IBADAN—OYO State Government, yesterday, vowed to bring the full weight of the law to bear on those it claimed vandalised local council properties and violently took over some councils. ‘’Reports from different parts of Oyo State confirmed that the sacked chairmen resorted to breaking and vandalisation of government properties, leading some imposters to seize offices of council Chairmen,’’ the the State Government said in a statement by Honourable Babatunde Oduyoye, the Special Adviser on Strategy and Political Matters to Governor Seyi Makinde. It maintained that the Anyiam-Osigwe of the Anyiam-Osigwe Foundation. Other leaders present at the meeting were Hon. Mohammed Kumali, Amb. Toyo Nkoyo, Dr. Ferdinand Ikwang, General Paul Toun, retd, Kola Akogun Onadipe, Dr. Bisi Akin-Alabi, Dr. Umar Ardo, Ms. Habiba MKO-Abiola, and Dr. Ayakeme Whisky. The forum also said there is need for the Federal Government to “restructure the country to devolve power to the component units in line with the principles of federalism, and that agitations for political and economic federalism should not be ignored.” It, however, noted that the general apprehension and distrust in the country “is precipitated by the failure of government to protect and guarantee the safety of lives and property.” The communique read in part: “That The Initiative becomes The Justice, Peace and Unity Initiative for Nigeria, going forward. “That The Initiative Meeting urgently establish and empower National Peace, Security and Reconciliation Committee which shall comprise persons of impeccable character and integrity to traverse the country mediating between aggrieved groups to nip conflagration tendencies in the bud. “That advocacy commences to ensure that all ethnic nationalities shall be seen to be equal irrespective of size." action of the sacked chairmen amounted to criminality and unwarranted provocation. According to the State Government, the imposters broke into council offices, vandalising gates, doors, windows and other properties at the respective local council secretariats. The government, however, appealed to the teeming people of the State to remain calm, lawabiding and patient, pending the decision of the Court of Appeal on the matter slated for February 19, 2020.’’ Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Command, Eleyele, Ibadan, has exonerated itself from the ongoing face-off between Governor Makinde and the sacked local government chairman over their dissolution in a bid to reconstitute the council areas. :@vanguardnews :@vanguardnews NEWS HOTLINES: 08052867023, 08052867058 SCHOOL FEEDING PROGRAMME: From left—Director, Public Private Partnership, Lagos State Min. of Education, Dr. Idowu Oyetola; Special Adviser to the Governor on Civic Engagement, Princess Aderemi Adebowale; representative of the Chairman of Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, Bayo Adefuye, and Educator Sector Lead, Sterling Bank, Ms. Eniola Obe, during the flagoff of 'Snacks4Thought', Lagos Schools Feeding programme, in Lagos. Traffic Law: Lagos goes tough, bans Okada, tricycles in 15 LGAs •Enforcement starts February 1 ....Restricts movement on 50 highways, bridges By Olasunkanmi Akoni LAGOS—LAGOS State Government, yesterday, announced plans to commence total enforcement of Reform Traffic Law of 2018 on activities of motorcyclists, popularly called “okada” and tricycles, called “keke Marwa” on restricted routes and bridges across 15 local councils of the state. The state government proscribed their operations in six local councils, and nine Local Council Development Areas, LCDAs, as well as 10 major highways across the state with effect from February 1, 2020 when it said there will be zero tolerance of Okada and Tricycles in listed local councils, highways and bridges. Besides, the Government also banned Okada and tricycles from plying 40 bridges and flyovers across the state. The ban and enforcement also affect the newly introduced “Opay ride, Gokada ride” and other similar commercial motorcycles. The government did not, however, specify if private powerbike owners are included. The state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso; Commissioners for Transportation, Frederic Oladeinde; and Attorney- General and Justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo, at a joint press briefing, held at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, announced the planned total enforcement of the ban. Omotoso explained that enforcement would be carried out in six local councils as pilot scheme before being extended to other councils. The commissioner said the measure became necessary following flagrant disregard for traffic law by operators and the need to further ensure safety of lives and property of residents and members of the public in general. Security According to him, the measures were taken by the Government in response to “scary figures” of fatal accidents recorded from operations of Okada and tricycles in the state between 2016 and 2019, causing preventable loss of lives, and “their impermissible movements on restricted highways have also contributed to traffic jams.” His words: “After a robust assessment of the debate on what has been widely referred to as the motorcycle (Okada) and tricycle (Keke) menace, the Lagos State Government and the State Security Council have decided that the security and safety of lives of Lagosians are paramount. “The figures are scary. From 2016 to 2019, there were over 10,000 accidents recorded at the General Hospitals alone. This number excludes unreported cases and those recorded by other hospitals. The total number of deaths from reported cases is over 600 as at date. Crime “The rate of crimes aided by Motorcycles (Okada) and Tricycles (Keke) keeps rising. Motorcycles (Okada) and Tricycles (Keke) are also used as getaway means by criminals. Enforcement ‘’Therefore, after consultations with stakeholders, the State Security Council, in compliance with the extant Transport Sector Reform Law 2018, has decided to commence enforcement of the law which bans the operation of Okada and Keke in six Local Government Areas and nine Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).” Omotoso said the enforcement would be total, warning that the Government would deal with violators in accordance with the Laws. He added that there would be zero tolerance for the movement of the banned vehicles on the listed highways and bridges. According to the commissioner, operations of Okada and Keke NAPEP have been banned in the following LGAs and LCDAs: Apapa LGA, Apapa Iganmu LCDA, Lagos Mainland LGA, Yaba LCDA, Surulere LGA, Itire-Ikate LCDA, and Coker-Aguda LCDA. Others are Ikeja LGA, Onigbongbo, LCDA, Ojodu LCDA, Eti-Osa LGA, Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA, and Iru-Victoria Island LCDA, Lagos Island LGA and Lagos Island East LCDA. Restrictions Their operations are restricted on the following highways and bridges: Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, Oworonshoki- Oshodi Expressway, Lagos-Ikorodu Expressway, Lagos- Abeokuta Expressway, Eti- Osa/Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos- Badagry Expressway, Funsho Williams Avenue, Agege Motor Road, Eti- Osa Lekki Coastal Road. The bridges are: Apapa- Iganmu, Apapa-Ijora Link Bridge, Liverpool Bridge, Apapa, Mile 2 Bridge-Loop, Amuwo- Odofin, Okota (cele)/ Ijesha Link Bridge,Iyana- Ipaja, Dopemu North in Agege, Airport/Ikeja, Agege Motor Road/ Oshodi Loop, Oshodi, Mushin/Isolo Link Bridge, Dorman Long Bridge, Ojuelegba Bridge, National Stadium Flyover, Apakun/Apapa- Oshodi Bridge Network, Ikorodu Road/Anthony Clover leaf Bridge, Trade Fair Flyover, Festac/ Amuwo-Odofin Link Bridge, Flyover Bridges along Alhaji Masha Road, Ojota Clover leaf Bridge,Ogudu Bridge, Third Mainland Bridge, Maryland flyover, Ikeja General Hospital Flyover Bridge, Kodesoh Bridge, Oba Akran, Ikeja, Opebi Link Bridge, Sheraton- Opebi Bridge, Jibowu/ Yaba flyover Bridge, Carter Bridge, Lagos, Bariga-Ifako Bridge, Apapa-Oshodi Expressway/Alapere Bridge, Bariga/ Oworonsoki Bridge, Apapa-Oshodi Expressway/Gbagada U- Turn, Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, Third Mainland/Oworonsoki Bridge, Eko Bridge, Apongbon flyover Bridge, Cowry Bridge (Officers Mess), Mcwen Bridge (Bonny Camp), Marina/ Ikoyi Bridge, Ikoyi/ Obalende Bridge.
Vanguard, TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2020 — 11 :Vanguard News :@vanguardnews :@vanguardnews NEWS HOTLINES: 08052867023, 08052867058 FUNERAL: From left—David Edevbie, Chief of Staff to Delta State governor; Dan Akpovwa, Publisher of The Abuja Inquirer newspaper; Dr. Iroro Akpovwa, a Consultant Pediatrician, and Chiedu Ebie, Secretary to the Delta State Government, during the funeral of late Mrs. Felicia Akpovwa, in Eku, Delta State, weekend. Ortom narrowly escapes death following herdsmen attack By Peter Duru M AKURDI— GOVERNOR Samuel Ortom of Benue State, yesterday disclosed that he narrowly escaped death when suspected armed herdsmen shot at him in his farm at Adeke on Makurdi-Naka Road in the state. Similarly, suspected armed herdsmen abducted and killed a member of the state’s Livestock Guard in Ado Local Government Area of the state. Giving insight into his close shave with death, Governor Ortom, in a live radio programme monitored in Makurdi, ...Livestock Guard member abducted, killed, as anxiety mounts in Benue said he had gone to his farm in the outskirts of Makurdi town few days ago when armed herdsmen besieged the vicinity and opened fire. According to him, “just last week I was in my farm that is situated in the outskirts of Makurdi town when armed herdsmen came there and shot at me. “They also shot at the vehicle of our Livestock Guards who came there and shattered it. We had to call the joint military security team, Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS, who came and saved the situation,” The Governor lamented that the influx of armed herdsmen into the state had become a source of concern and worry and needed to be checked urgently. He said “We are doing everything possible to arrest the situation. These people are deliberately coming into the state. I have always maintained the armed herdsmen, ISWA, ISIS and Boko Haram are the same thing and they are out to prosecute the same agenda. “There is no two ways about that. Even when we I'll make Kogi Nigeria’s most secure commercial hub —Bello L O By Boluwaji Obahopo K O J A — GOVERNOR Yahaya Bello of Kogi, State, yesterday began his second term in office after taking the oath of office, pledging to develop the state into Nigeria’s foremost and most secure emerging commercial hub. The governor spoke after his inauguration in Government House, following his Oath of Office and Allegiance, administered on him by Chief Judge of the state, Justice Nasiru Ajanah. Bello said the transformation would be done through optimization of the natural environment and human resources for a sustainable future. According to him “The “Let’s Do More” mantra of my electioneering campaign stood on three operating principles of Partnerships, Progress and Prosperity which will underpin my new term of office. We shall embark on large scale urban renewal projects to further transform Lokoja into a resilient capital city with modern utilities attractive to residents and tourists alike. Though upgrading the sights and sounds of looking will be paramount, this beautification project will extend to at least one major town in each senatorial district”. Bello hinted that his new direction government, during the second term would also sustain its focus on agriculture for improved food security, mass employment and increase in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). The governor who attributed his electoral victory to providence, pledged that agricultural revolution which started in the first tenure would be taken to the next level. He said “Specifically, Rice, Cassava, Cashew, Aquaculture and Livestock will remain the bedrock of our activities in the agricultural sector. We want to make Confluence Rice the dominant brand at least in the home market. Nigeria is the largest cassava grower. We will add 500,000 new cassava farmers from our populace into our initiatives around this amazing crop during this second term. We also plan to build the nation’s largest ethanol plant in Kogi for the production of ethanol fuel from cassava.” went for the North Central Security meeting l told them the same thing. Miyetti Allah leadership should also be arrested because majority of all the kidnappings you see around are carried out by armed herdsmen. “They are creating a lot of insecurity and hardship for the people, the federal government must ensure they are arrested and prosecuted just like we are arresting those involved in open grazing in Benue. “The situation has become a big challenge because the farmers in Benue State are not allowed to have cutlasses but herdsmen are allowed to carry AK47. It is not correct, we cannot allow them to get into Benue and continue to create problems for us. “I don’t have control of the coercive force, but the military Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS, has done well by returning relative peace but we want them to do more. “Our Livestock Guards do not have guns to confront the armed herdsmen which is a big challenge. But we have been working with the Civil Defence and the trained Agro Rangers who are armed and we will collaborate with them to also help us ensure that herdsmen occupying our communities are moved out to allow the displaced persons return home in a secured environment. “Many have asked why we still leave people in the Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, camps, but how do I send people home to go and die in this situation?” Meanwhile, the Security Adviser to the Governor Col. Paul Hember(rted.) said efforts were on to retrieve the remains of the slain Livestock Guard member, Vanguard however gathered that women and children have started fleeing Ado for fear of being attacked by the marauders. CREATION OF NEW EMIRATES: Court rules against fresh application challenging Kano elder’s suit By Bashir Bello KANO—THE Kano State High Court, yesterday ruled against fresh application by two Emirates of Bichi and Rano challenging suit filed by Kano Concern Elders led by Bashir Tofa against creation of new emirates by the State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje. The Judge, Justice Nura Sagir, however, ruled against the hearing of the joinders applications and stood same till 19th March, 2020. In their separate appearances before Justice Sagir, counsel to Bichi and Rano emirates, Aliyu Nassarawa and Yahay Abdullahi respectively told the court their willingness to join the suit as critical interested party. In a swift objection, counsel to the 21 elders, AB Mahmoud SAN, insisted the fresh application was not ripe for hearing since the court already fixed hearing on pending originating application. The senior lawyer who Ganduje seeks N15bn loan to fund free education in Kano By Abdulmumin Murtala K ANO—GOVERNOR Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, is seeking the approval of the state House of Assembly state to access N15 billion loan from the Guaranty Trust Bank, GTB, to enable the government fund its free and compulsory education programme. The state assembly, yesterday, announced the receipt of a letter, seeking approval for the 44 Local Government Areas of the state to access the loan from the bank. The Speaker of the Assembly, Abdulazeez Garba-Gafasa who cited order 39 rule one of the court, which stipulated limit and period new application could be heard in court, sought immediate rejection of the applications. Responding, counsel to Bichi emirate Aliyu Nassarawa who consented to the position of A. B. Mahmoud, however, demanded that the court should grant the hearing of the application in the interest of justice, a consideration A. B. Mahmoud immediately countered, positing that “Justice is fundamental but must be applied according to law”. Bichi and Rano communities are parts of four new emirate councils enacted by Kano state house of assembly and signed into law by Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. The duo are seeking injunction to join suit against the originating injunction already set for hearing before the court. presided over the plenary, yesterday, read the letter before the House. According to the letter signed by Ganduje, the decision to access the loan was to enable the local governments fund the free and compulsory education programme. Ganduje stated that each of the 44 local government areas would receive N340 million if approved, noting that it was aimed at ensuring the sustainability of the free and compulsory education declared by the State. The Speaker further announced the payment conditions for the loan saying it would be paid in 30 months with an interest of 15 percent only.
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