Police Reaffirm Ban on Street Carnivals And Fireworks

Police Public Relations Officer, Zone 2 Command, Onikan, Lagos, CSP Adebowale Lawal, on Wednesday reaffirmed the ban on street carnivals and the use of fireworks during the Christmas and New Year cetebrations.

Lawal added that the ban on street carnivals and the use of fireworks would also help to avoid unnecessary bloodshed during the festivities.

He said,” Following instructions from the Inspector-General of Police, any form of street carnival and the use of fireworks still remain banned.

“The idea is to prevent undesirable elements from hiding under the guise of celebrating with fireworks to unleash mayhem on innocent members of the public.

“We don’t want anyone to lose his or her life in the cause of celebrating this period.
“The rivalry fights between cult members often start from some of these street carnivals and we do not want such incidences to happen during this year’s celebration.”

In the event that street carnivals must be held by any, the Divisional Police Officer must be contacted for approval, Lawal added.

The PPRO disclosed that policemen were regularly patrolling the markets to ensure that the sale of fireworks was not ongoing.

Lawal said, “We have our men everywhere, especially in the markets to ensure that fireworks were totally removed.

“This is because fireworks have the same sound as some of the guns these criminals use and people cannot differentiate them.

“The ban will help us to secure people during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.”
He was full of praises for the media over their contributions and for partnering with the police to curb crime in Ogun and Lagos State.

He added that the media had bridged the gap between the members of public and the police.


The Lagos State Police Command had on Tuesday, December 15, banned the use of fire works in the state during the Christmas and New year festivities, threatening to deal with any defaulter within the ambit of the law.

BREAKING: Explosion From Petrol Tanker Razes Filling Station In Ondo

A filling station, Giant IBK Oil and Gas petrol station and two petrol tankers were razed by fire on Ondo-Akure Expressway in Akure, the Ondo State capital on Wednesday.

According to an eyewitness, the fire which cause was still unknown as of the time of this report, started at about 1.40pm but no life was lost in the inferno.

Ten persons which included the drivers of the tankers and the workers of the filling station were said to have escaped unhurt.

When our correspondent visited the scene, men of the 323 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army were seen cordoning off the area to prevent the breakdown of law and order while men the state fire service personnel were busy putting off the fire.

The incident caused traffic gridlock on the expressway for several hours while some motorists took alternative routes to their various destinations.

One of the workers of the filling station, told our correspondent that the drivers and the assistants were offloading into the underground fuel dump of the filling station  when the tankers burst into flame.

He said the cause of the fire outbreak was still a mystery to him, explaining that all of them in the station had to run away from the scene when the flame became uncontrollable.

But one of the drivers, who identified himself as Victor also narrated that he arrived the station from Lagos deport one hour before the incident occurred.

He said, “Immediately I came from Lagos, I parked the tanker inside the fuel station and I was expecting the workers to start offloading the fuel into their reservoir.

“But an hour later, I discovered that the tanker started burning and I don’t know what  caused it , as of now, I am confused.”

However, a petrol dealer who identified himself as Lawal blamed the cause of the fire on the failure of the tanker’s owner to meet up with Department of Petroleum Resources safety precaution.

Men of the fire service and some residents were still trying to put off the fire as of the time of filing this report.

Picture Credit : Punch

Van Gaal storms out of press conference, rant against speculation over his future

Louis van Gaal sensationally walked out of his press conference ahead of Manchester United's trip to Stoke City on Boxing Day after criticising media speculation over his future.

The 64-year-old allowed only two questions during a five-minute long rant, which began with him asking reporters whether they wanted to apologise for the treatment he has been subjeced to this week.

Van Gaal's future has come under intense speculation since last weekend's home defeat to Norwich City. The club have since issued the Dutchman an ultimatum, specifying that he must avoid defeat in their next two league fixtures to save his job.

The former Ajax and Barcelona head coach appeared visibly angered by the speculation which surrounds his position.

"I think I was already sacked," he said. "I have read I have been sacked.

"What do you think that happens with my wife or with my kids or with my grandchildren? Or with the fans of Manchester United? What do you think?"

After making it clear that he had only attended the press conference because of Premier League rules dictating that he had to, Van Gaal insisted he retains the support of his squad and backroom staff.

"I have tried to lift the confidence of my players," he said. "I have done everything this week.

"I have held meetings with the players, with members of staff. I have held a Christmas lunch, I have held a speech and I feel the warmth and the support of everybody in Carrington.

"I only say now I am focused on Stoke City, I help my players.

"I wish you a merry Christmas and maybe also a happy new year when I see you," he concluded. "Enjoy the wine and a mince pie. Goodbye."

Despite talk of his dismissal intensfying by the day, it emerged earlier that the majority of the Old Trafford heirarchy want to give their manager a chance to meet the terms of this week's ultimatum.

Although some members of the United board were hoping that Van Gaal would resign following the Norwich game, most officials believe it would go against club traditions to dismiss him prematurely.


Jose Mourinho, who was dismissed from his role as manager of Chelsea last week, is the favourite to replace the Dutchman.

Zaria killings: Reps Interrogate Buratai, Summon Arase

The House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence met behind closed doors with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, on Tuesday over the recent clash between soldiers and members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria in Zaria.

The meeting took place at the National Assembly in Abuja.

Findings showed that members of the committee threw a barrage of questions at Buratai during the meeting, which was not opened to journalists.

However, the chairman of the committee, an All Progressives Congress lawmaker from Zamfara State, Mr. Aminu Sani-Jaji, later informed reporters that members grilled the army chief on what truly happened in Zaria on the fateful day.

Many lives were lost when soldiers engaged members of the group, better known as Shi’ite, in Zaria after the latter reportedly blocked a federal highway and tried to prevent Buratai’s motorcade from driving through.

He disclosed that a similar meeting had already been held with the Director General of the Department of State Services, Mr. Lawal Daura, also in secret.

Sani-Jaji added that the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, was next in the line.

He said the meeting with Arase could come up any time before Christmas or after the festivities.

However, as for the leaders of the Shi’ite, he claimed to have made fruitless efforts so far to reach them.

He stated that a delegation of members sent to Zaria in a bid to hear the side of the sect returned to Abuja without making any headway.

Nonetheless, he gave the assurance that everything possible would be done by the committee to hear from the sect.

The House had on Wednesday last week, directed the committee to begin investigations into the clash.

The Speaker, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, had specifically asked the committee to “unearth the cause of the clash with a view to finding lasting solutions.”

Dogara had further instructed the committee to do a “through job, considering the sensitive situation in the country at the moment.”

He had appealed to Nigerians to remain calm, assuring them that they would be “fully briefed in due course when the committee must have concluded the assignment.”

Gunmen Kill Three Policemen In Rivers, Injure Three

THREE policemen were killed during a fierce gun battle with a group of unknown gunmen, who attacked the Port Harcourt residence of the Special Adviser to the Rivers State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mr. Jerry Needam.

The policemen were said to have responded to a distress call by Needam, who was said to be the main target of the hoodlums.

It was gathered that the incident which happened in the wee hours of Tuesday, was the third within a year, just as the victim (Needam) described it as politically -motivated.

The State Police Public Relations Office, Mr. Ahmad Mohammad, confirmed the death of the three policemen.

Though Mohammad did not identify the three officers, he stated that they (the slain officers) died while trying to avert mayhem at the scene of a shootout with hoodlums who Nedam alleged were sponsored by his political opponents to assassinate him.

However, a statement released from Needam’s office on Tuesday, said that he was the target of the attack.

The statement partly read, “The Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Rivers State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Jerry Needam, in the early hours of Tuesday, December 22, 2015 escaped a kidnap and an assassination attempt.

“The incident which is the third highly organised politically-motivated plot on his life, occurred at his residence in Port Harcourt, during which scores of armed men engaged the police in a fierce gun battle, leaving the compound, rooms and vehicles riddled with bullets.

“Reports said the daredevil men stormed his residence in the wee hours of Tuesday and shot sporadically to gain entrance into the compound.

“During the incident, which lasted for over two hours, Mr. Needam was said to have put a distress call to the police who promptly arrived his residence and engaged the gunmen in a fierce gun battle.

“At the end of the battle, three of the gallant police officers, including an Assistant Superintendent of Police lost their lives while two other police officers and Mr. Needam’s security guard, who suffered serious gunshot injuries are now receiving treatment at a private hospital in Port Harcourt.”

Guardiola : Abramovich Ready to Break The Bank

Roman Abramovich is ready to break the bank to bring Pep Guardiola to Chelsea in the summer, according to reports.

The Russian billionaire is desperate to land the Spaniard after he made it clear that he would leave Bayern Munich in the summer after three years in charge. 

According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea are hoping to use the ‘luxury London lifestyle’ as a trump card when trying to persuade Pep Guardiola to make the decision of having Chelsea as his next club instead of Manchester City, following the sacking of Jose Mourinho.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich won’t give up on his attempt to bring the former Barcelona boss to Stamford Bridge, something which nearly happened back in 2012 until the Spaniard turned the deal down.

The 44-year-old is being heavily linked with the Manchester City job following the news that he’ll be leaving his current club Bayern Munich at the end of the season, but Abramovich is attempting to bring the manager to West London by making him the highest paid manager and giving him significant funds to sign first-team players.

The board at Chelsea now want to make a statement following the sacking of Mourinho, by the landing the biggest name there is.

However, it won’t only be cash that will lure Guardiola to Stamford Bridge. It’s believed that Guardiola’s wife, Cristina Serra, has a preference of living in London rather than Manchester once they leave Germany.

Chelsea Ladies sign Karen Carney

Chelsea Ladies FC have announced the signing of England international Karen Carney from Birmingham City Ladies on a two-year deal.

Carney will officially link up with Emma Hayes’s side on new years day after agreeing the deal with the FA Women’s Super League and FA Women’s Cup winners.

The 28 year-old midfielder has 110 caps for England and played a key role in England coming third in the World Cup in the summer.

Carney said:
I am thrilled to have signed for Chelsea Ladies.  The team won the Double last season to establish themselves as the top club in the country and I am excited about the prospect of helping to build on that.

It is the right point in my career to begin a new challenge and having spoken to Emma we share the same ambitions and I firmly believe this is the place to achieve those goals.

Carney also played in the USA playing in the Women’s Professional Soccer League playing under Emma Hayes at Chicago Red Stars before retuning to England to rejoin Birmingham City.

Hayes said:
I know her well having worked with her previously and she has a fantastic character both on and off the pitch.  She is a student of the game and brings additional leadership to our squad.


I see Karen complimenting the talent we already possess in the final third.  All our attacking players will benefit hugely from her vision and passing.

NLC Rejects Increases In Electricity Tariff, Subsidy Removal

The National Working Committee of the Nigeria Labour Congress has restated its opposition to the removal of the fuel subsidy in the country.

The President of the NLC, Mr. Ayuba Wabba, who read the communique of an emergency meeting of the NWC in Abuja on Tuesday, said that the congress also rejected the new tariff regime for electricity and the reintroduction of toll gates in the country.

Wabba stated also that the congress decided that the minimum wage was due for review and would soon commence the process for the emergence of a new minimum wage.

The NLC President said that the opposition of the NLC to the clamour for the removal of the petroleum subsidy as was contained in the report submitted to the government in 2010 had not changed.

He said that it would be wrong for the government to transfer the brunt of the mismanagement of subsidy to Nigerians.

He said that the government must give the requisite attention to develop the nation’s capacity to refine crude oil which would give Nigerians the opportunity to even pay lower than the current pump price.

He said, “Two issues have been on the table; one was the outright removal of the subsidy and the other, the move to increase the price of petroleum products and you know the position of the congress on these has not changed.

“We are also saying that we should also benefit from the falling prices of crude oil.

“We must think out of the box: why must we be importing. If we are not importing, we should be paying lower.

“We call on the government to look at the report of the NLC in 2010; it would not be proper to transfer the brunt of the subsidy issue to Nigerians.

“It is the decision of the CWC that we must first develop the capacity to refine crude oil in the country before talking about the issue of the subsidy.

“We should not continue to import products for domestic use. Nigerians must not be made to bear the brunt of the falling price of crude oil and the difference in the exchange rate.”

Speaking on the issue of the increase in the electricity tariff, Wabba said that incessant increase in the tariff was unacceptable to the congress.

He said that the decision of the NWC to reject the new tariff would be conveyed to the National Executive Committee for workers to be mobilised against it.

He called on the Federal Government to cancel the entire process of the privatisation of the power sector, as it had not been able to achieve its objectives.

Wabba also called for the provision of prepaid meters to all electricity consumers as a way of stopping the issue of estimated billing in the country.

“This position of the government is worrisome. The increase is incessant. This is the fourth time they are increasing the tariff. I have seen their template and it is designed to increase the tariff every year.

“The regime of estimated bill should be brought to an end. NLC demands that the entire process of privatisation should be reviewed because the objective of the exercise has not been achieved.

Government must ensure that prepaid meters are made available to the consumers,” Wabba said.

On the raging issue of the moves by some governors to reduce the minimum wage, Wabba said that the Act was part of the nation’s constitution which could not be violated by the governors.

He added that violators of the Minimum Wage Act would be violating the constitution and should be sanctioned.

He also condemned the delay in the payment of workers’ salaries in some states and urged the workers to get prepared to engage the governors.

Commenting on the government’s plan to reintroduce the toll gates in the country, he said that the congress was dismayed by the move as the toll gates had been used in the past to settle a few individuals.

He said that they were dismantled with public funds because they failed to realise the objective for setting them up.

Kunle Afolayan become Peugeot’s new brand ambassador

It was another moment of glory for ace filmmaker and actor, Kunle Afolayan, who yesterday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Peugeot Automobile Nigeria (PAN), as the brand’s new ambassador.

The ceremony commemorates the company’s exclusive unveiling of the new Peugeot 508 model at the NAF Conference Center and Suites, Ahmadu Bello Way, Kado, Abuja.

Spotting a six piece Agbada, Afolayan looked every inch a Hausa man, as he signed the agreement with the company’s MD/CEO, Mr. Ibrahim Dutsinma Boyi, at the event attended by select friends and clients of the company.

Afolayan attended the event with his partner, Seun Soyinka uploaded photos from the event on his Facebook page, saying; “The unveiling of the new Peugeot 508, and I was also officially unveiled as Brand Ambassador for Peugeot. I was presented with a brand new car. What a way to end the year… Lord, I thank you.”

According to Boyi, the partnership became important to showcase outstanding and complete alignment of the two brands; Afolayan and the new Peugeot, which are of international standard.

“I am happy to announce that in Mr. Afolayan’s next movie, The CEO, Peugeot 508 will be prominently featured as one of the vehicles. Already Afolayan is an Ambassador of Air France so the choice is not accidental, but a well thought of decision,” said Boyi who added that, “Afolayan became an internationally accepted brand, thus the organization was excited to sign the partnership to promote both brands.

“The car is fully assembled in Kaduna, Nigeria. After completion of the 508 brand, the quality standard recorded complied 100 per cent with the quality standard of Peugeot factory, France. It is based on global quality standard of the Peugeot brand,” Boyi added.

In his remarks, the foremost movie producer lauded the gesture, saying it meant a lot to the entertainment industry.

He said it would open vista of opportunities and more partnerships with the corporate world.

“It means production value will always be at the top, for a French company to want to associate with a local brand in Nigeria, they must be sure the brand and quality of your brand can compete with international standards,” he said, referring to his partnership with Air France.    

Afolayan disclosed that he had earlier reached out to Peugeot before they started shooting his new movie to solely to promote local contents in the nation.

“At that point, we couldn’t get someone to give us headway but eventually, they reached out to us. We had a meeting and we are here today. I can tell you that it worth being here and it worth the partnership,” he said, describing the brand as a well balanced, modern car with good air conditioning system.

Afolayan’s deal with PAN is coming five months after the filmmaker inked an endorsement deal with Air France. The partnership is also hinged on his next movie, The CEO, currently in production.

The CEO, according to pundits, will further stamp the filmmaker as a promoter of cross cultural stories and pedant for technical details.

China landslide: Rescuers on search for 85 missing people

Hundreds of rescue workers are looking for survivors after a landslide hit 33 buildings in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen.

Seven people were pulled from the rubble with minor injuries but 85 are still missing. About 900 were evacuated as the landslide struck on Sunday.

Authorities said a huge man-made mound of earth and construction debris lost stability and collapsed.

The city is one of China's biggest and is a major industrial centre.

It is situated in the southern province of Guangdong, across the mainland border from Hong Kong.

The landslide has blanketed a vast area of 380,000 sq m (455,000 sq yards) covering it with up to 10m (32ft) of mud at an industrial park, Shenzhen's emergency management office said on its official microblog.

State news agency Xinhua said that the landslide caused an explosion at a natural gas pipeline. Workers have cleaned up about 400m of damaged pipeline and are now repairing it.

2016 Budget is a fraud, Full of Unrealistic and Deceptive Programmes – PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the N6.8 trillion 2016 federal budget presented to the National Assembly by President Muhammadu Buhari as “a big fraud and executive conspiracy tailored towards mortgaging the future of the nation.”

The party faulted the President’s decision to borrow N2 trillion, describing it as the height of recklessness and deceit from a government that trends on propaganda.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, the PDP accused the government of trying to use bogus welfare programme and phantom capital projects as cover and conduit to syphon the funds to satisfy partisan interests, particularly to settle huge campaign debts.

The statement said, “It is obvious that this budget is an extension of the campaign promises of the APC government, presented as a manifesto filled with bogus promises which implementation will be inconclusive, thereby allowing the APC to once again deny their promises.

“There has never been any known economy in the world where government deliberately mortgage the future of its nation by borrowing excessively to finance partisan interests while hiding under bogus welfare programmes.

“This is moreso important as the APC in reeling out their bogus campaign promises, never informed Nigerians that they would mortgage their future through excessive borrowing.

“We have it on good authority that this is the first in the series of APC borrowings which would leave the future generation of Nigerians under the burden of huge debts after four years.”

The PDP said the budget clearly showed that after seven months in power, the administration cannot differentiate between governance and campaign propaganda.

“By all standards, the 2016 budget, the first major economic policy outing of this government, is completely unrealistic and duplicitously embellished with impractical predications, a development that confirms fears by economy watchers and investors that this administration is obviously ill-equipped for governance.

“We are indeed shocked that President Buhari and his minister of information have come up with two different reasons for the current fuel crisis in the country. While we appreciate the President’s apology, we think it is high time he called this minister to order as his excessive propaganda and blame game are ridiculing this administration and the image of the nation.

“Furthermore, it is instructive to note the official endorsement of Mr. President to the devaluation of the naira as against his campaign promise of firming up the value of our currency even to the much vaunted one naira to one dollar.

“Does it mean that Mr. President lied his way to power, or that he did not understand the complexities of governance when he was making his false promises to Nigerians?

“In future, there is need to regulate campaign promises so that we will not end up with a government that promises to climb Mount Everest with bare hands and end up mortgaging our future with orchestrated borrowings.

“Finally, we want to request Mr. President to once again to involve experienced and well-tested hands in the management of the economy and budgeting processes.

“This economy is not for Mr. President, neither is it for the APC. The progress of the economy is for all Nigerians and as such, due care should taken to save ourselves from unrealistic and deceptive programmes.”

President Buhari Presents N6.08trn 2016 budget to National Assembly

President Muhammad Buhari has presented a N6.08 trillion budget for the fiscal year 2016.

Mr. Buhari presented the budget Tuesday morning before a joint session of the National Assembly.

In the budget, capital expenditure takes N1.8 trillion, marking a significant over 300 per cent increment from the 2015 vote of N557 billion.

According to the estimate, N396billion is voted for education, being the largest sectoral allocation.

The health sector gets N296 billion while defence has N294 billion.

In his speech, Mr. Buhari said he was aware Nigerians were losing confidence in the government.

“But I promise the 2016 budget would address the problems,” the President said. “We are here to serve Nigeria and indeed Nigerians will get the services they have longed for.”

According to Mr. Buhari, the budget would ensure reduction in taxes for small businesses.

While reiterating his commitment to economic diversification, he said farming and mining would be given special focus.

He also promised that 500,000 new teachers would be recruited.

He assured that the Nigerian economy would cease to be oil dependent and would instead be characterised by inclusive growth.

“We must deliver security, jobs and infrastructures,” Mr. Buhari said.

On the hardship been faced by Nigerians as a result of fuel scarcity, the President apologised for the situation, admitting he was aware the scarcity had caused social dislocation across the country.

The President who blamed the fuel scarcity with long queues on market speculators and resistance to change by some stakeholders, said, “the current fuel scarcity with long queues at petrol stations all over the country causing social dislocation is very unfortunate. Government profoundly apologizes to Nigerians for this prolonged hardship and misery. It is as a result of market speculators and resistance to change by some stakeholders. Government is working very hard to end these shortages and bring fuel to the pumps all over the country.

The President said he has directed the Petroleum Product Pricing Regulatory Authority to continue the selling of petrol at N87 per litre for now.

FG DECLARES DEC. 24, 25, 28 PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

The Federal Government has declared Dec. 24, Dec.25 and Dec. 28 public holidays to mark Eid el-Maulud, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, respectively.

The Minister of the Interior, Retired Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, made the declaration on Thursday in Abuja in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Bassey Akpanyung.

"The Federal Government has declared Thursday, 24th December, 2015 as public holiday to mark Eid-El-Maulud celebration.

"Friday, 25th and Monday 28th December, 2015 have also been declared as public holidays to mark Christmas and Boxing Day celebration," the statement said.

The minister enjoined Muslim and Christian faithful to use the unique occasion to‎ pray for the peace and unity of Nigeria.

He also advised Nigerians to cooperate and join hands with President Muhammadu Buhari in his efforts to build a peaceful, united and virile nation.

Dambazau wished Nigerians, home and abroad, happy celebrations.


Eid-Maulud is the celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammed in Islam, while Christmas is celebrated by Christians to mark the birth of Jesus Christ (NAN)

Gunmen Kill 3 Policemen, 2 Civilians In Gombe

The Police in Gombe say three policemen and two civilians have been killed during attack on Triacta Construction Company’s quarters by gunmen in Buba Shango area of Gombe metropolis.
DSP Fwaje Atajiri, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), confirmed the attack while speaking with newsmen in Gombe on Monday.
He said the incident occurred on Saturday night and investigation into the matter had commenced.
“For now, we are not going to pre-empt the investigators, we are waiting for them to carry out their duties to logical conclusion and to let you know”, he said.
According to him, the officers lost their lives while trying to repel the attack. Their guns were found.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), learnt that the two civilians were a security guard and a generator operator in the residence.

It was further learnt that the contractors had travelled for Christmas and New Year celebrations. 

FG Directs Issuance Of Single Identification Numbers To Citizens

The Federal Government has directed all agencies capturing the biometrics of Nigerians to urgently aggregate their records so as to provide a unique identity for each citizen.

Director General of the National Identity Management Commission, Alhaji Aliyu Aziz, disclosed this to NAN State House Correspondents after a meeting with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Monday.

He said that the vice president gave the presidential marching order at the meeting.
According to Aziz, all the agencies that are in charge of capturing biometrics are expected to aggregate all the data bases and subsequently give every Nigerian and legally resident persons a unique identification.

The director general said such unique identification number would allow every person to have a single identity and can be easily traced.

``The number will also make it easy for government to reach the citizen with certain benefits that would soon be provided.

``Through the identification number, everyone will get his/her own share’’, Aziz added. (NAN)

Kano Deports 60,000 Beggars To Four States, Other Countries

Kano State Hisbah Board has repatriated 60,822 beggars to their respective states of origin and other countries between 2014 and 2015.

The director-general of the board, Abba Sufi, made the disclosure on Monday in Kano in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

He said the beggars were arrested at different locations within Kano metropolis.
“Some of the beggars were arrested and handed over to the police, while others were taken to court for proper prosecution,” he said.

Mr. Sufi said those arrested were made up of 20,348 adult male and female beggars and 10,658 children beggars.

He explained that out of the number, 12,310 were from Kano state while 16, 988 were from Katsina, Kaduna, Jigawa and Niger States, while 270 were foreigners.

Mr. Sufi, however, did not disclose the countries the beggars were deported to.

The D-G added that 22 beggars were handed over to the police, 82 were taken to court while 86 who were found to be suffering from mental disorder, and were referred for medical attention. (NAN)

Fuel Scarcity: Nigerians Paying For Jonathan’s Sins, Says FG

THE Federal Government, on Monday, blamed the current petrol scarcity on the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, which it accused of not making adequate provision for subsidy.

Addressing State House correspondents after an emergency meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) summoned to approve the 2016 budget, Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, said only the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) was currently importing petroleum products into the country, as oil marketers had since stopped. 

He said the present administration was doing its utmost to provide solution to the problem, including ensuring that NNPC imported a greater percentage of the product than marketers. 

When asked what the government would be telling Nigerians in view of the lingering fuel scarcity, Mohammed said “what I will be telling Nigerians is that what we met on ground is such that we are paying for the sins of the last administration. I am being very serious. 
“You remember that about two weeks ago, we had to go to the National Assembly for a supplementary  budget of N674 billion. Of that figure, N522 billion was for arrears of fuel subsidy which was incurred as far back as August last year. 

“One of the reasons for the fuel scarcity was the inability of the last government to make adequate provision for fuel subsidy. We do face some other logistic problems but majorly, we are paying for the sins of the last administration.”

On the solution to the crisis, he said “the first thing we have done now is to make sure that unlike before when the marketers used to import the major percentage of the fuel, NNPC has been involved in importation, because some of the marketers had stopped importing for a couple of months. 

“If you see any fuel anywhere today, it is imported by the NNPC. We also inherited the vandalism of the pipelines which has made it impossible for us to even transport the fuel. In tanks today, we have 14 days reserve and off tank, we have 10 days reserve. 

“The issue is not non-availability of the product, it is the distribution, because of pipelines that have been vandalised and the gridlock in Lagos. It takes about five days for anybody to take fuel with tanker in Lagos. 

“As of two days ago, this matter has been resolved. The Mosinmi pipeline has been secured and it has led to the improvement in the distribution.”

Speaking on the FEC, the minister revealed that the council considered and approved two memoranda including for 2016 budget presentation to a joint sitting of the National Assembly by President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday and one presented by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, for a review for the extant taxation laws, “in order to improve the legal framework and enhance compliance.”

Explaining further, Mohammed said government had noticed some inadequacies in the current tax regime and “these inadequacies have been exploited by both individuals and corporate organisations to evade tax which has led to loos of revenue to the government. The review aims at plugging these loopholes.”

FG Files Fresh Charges Against Nnamdi Kanu

The Federal Government has filed six counts including treason against founder of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, ‎before a Federal High Court in Abuja.

Two other persons charged along with Kanu are ‎Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi.

The fresh case filed and signed by the Director, Public Prosecution, Mohammed Saidu Diri, for the Attorney-General of the Federation is to come up before Justice Ahmed Mohammed today.

The case is listed as part of the cases to be heard by Justice Mohammed today but as of 1pm no prosecuting lawyer was in court.

The accused persons are not in court yet, ‎but a number of policemen have taken position outside the court premises.

‎Another judge of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court had on December 17 ordered the Department of State Service to release from its custody unconditionally since there was no pending charges against him about two months after his detention.

But instead of releasing him, the Federal Government filed fresh charges against him.

The prosecution also accused accused the three men of managing an unlawful society – the Indegenious People of Biafra.

Kanu and the two others were charged with treasonable felony, an offence the prosecution says is punishable under Section 41(C) of the Criminal Code Act, CAP C38 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.

The charges read in part,  “That you, Nnamdi Kanu and other unknown persons, now at large, at London, United Kingdom, between 2014 and September, 2015, with intention to levy war against Nigeria in order to force the President to change his measures of being the President of the Federation, Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federation as defined in Section 3 of the Constitution of the Federal Re- public of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) by doing an act to wit: Broadcast on Radio Biafra your preparations for the states in the South- East geo-political zone, South-South geo-political zone, the Igala Community of Kogi State and the Idoma/Igede Community of Benue State to secede from the Federal Republic of Nigeria and form themselves into a Republic of Biafra, and thereby committed an offence punish- able under Section 41(C) of the Criminal Code Act, CAP C38 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.”

‎Justice Ademola had on December 17 ordered an unconditional release of a leader of pro-Biafra Republic agitation and Director of Radio Biafra, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu,‎ from the custody of the Department of State Service.

Justice Ademola in a ruling on Kanu’s bail application held that his continued deten‎tion for about two months‎ without any pending charges against him was in breach of the provisions of section 34 of the Constitution.

NERC Increases Electricity Tariffs, Scraps Fixed Charges

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has finally released the new power tariff regime, in which it outlined the various rates of increase in energy charges for consumers across the country. 

It also announced the removal fixed electricity charges for all classes of electricity consumers and noted that power users would only pay for what they consume.

About two weeks ago, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, revealed that electricity tariffs would increase and urged consumers to comply with respect to paying their bills, as he promised that the sector would record considerable improvement thereafter.

Confirming the tariffs increase on Monday, NERC stated that henceforth, from the next billing period, power distribution companies would no longer charge their customers monthly fixed charges. 

Fixed charge is that component of the tariff that commits electricity consumers to paying an approved amount of money not minding whether electricity is consumed during the billing period.

Outlining the rates of increase in tariffs for various customer classes in selected locations across the country, NERC said, “For instance, residential customer classification (R2) in Abuja Electricity Distribution Company will no longer pay N702 fixed charge every month. Their energy charge will increase by N9.60.

“Also, residential customers (R2 customers) in Eko and Ikeja electricity distribution areas will no longer pay N750 fixed charges. They will be getting N10 and N8 increase respectively in their energy charges. Similarly, the burden of N800 and N750 fixed charges would be lifted off the shoulders of Kaduna and Benin electricity consumers. These consumers will see an increase of N11.05 and N9.26 respectively in their energy charges.” the commission stated.

Barca Down River Plate To Clinch Fifa Club World Cup For Third Time

Barcelona won their fifth trophy of 2015 after clinching the Fifa Club World Cup for a third time with a comprehensive victory over River Plate.

River could not cope with Barca’s Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi and Neymar.

Messi scored the opener after returning from a kidney problem when he controlled Neymar’s pass to finish.

Suarez latched onto Sergio Busquets’ brilliant ball over the top to double their lead and then added his second with a header from Neymar’s cross.

Uruguay striker, Suarez finished the tournament with five goals in two games after scoring a hat-trick in the 3-0 semi-final win over Guangzhou Evergrande. 

Less than a year ago Luis Enrique was reported to be on the verge of being sacked, but the club’s board stuck by him and since then they have won five of the six possible trophies 2015 had to offer. Only a Spanish Super Cup defeat by Athletic Bilbao denied them the chance to match the 2009 sextuple under Pep Guardiola.

They are top of La Liga for now on goal difference from Atletico Madrid, who play later on Sunday, and in the last 16 of the Copa del Rey and Champions League - as they bid to do it all again in 2016.

Barcelona have scored 176 goals this year - a new club record. They have one final game to add to it - at home to Real Betis in the league on December 30.
  

KADUNA REFINERY RESTARTS OPERATION

Nigeria has restarted its northern Kaduna refinery, an official at state oil firm, NNPC told Reuters on Monday after a pipeline pumping crude to the plant resumed operations.

Kaduna Refinery and Petrochemical Company, which has the capacity to refine 110,000 barrels of crude oil a day, restarted production on Saturday after it was closed for months for repairs.

The managing director, Pipelines and Products marketing Company, Esther Nnamdi-Ogbue, said on Sunday that the plant, which was closed in September, came back on stream ahead of the December deadline for Nigeria’s four refineries to return to full production.

Nigeria's four ageing oil refineries produced nothing in October, despite a goal from the state company to produce 30 per cent of its own gasoline in 2016.

Despite exporting two million barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil, Nigeria is almost wholly reliant on imported gasoline, kerosene and other petroleum products. 

Brent Crude Price Slump To Lowest Since 2004

Brent crude prices fell to their lowest in more than 11 years on Monday, hounded by a relentless rise in global supply that looks set to outpace demand again next year.

Oil production is running close to record highs and, with fresh barrels poised to enter the market from the likes of Iran, the United States and Libya, the price of crude is set for its largest monthly percentage decline in seven years.

While consumers have enjoyed lower fuel prices, producers have hacked back spending and cut thousands of jobs, while exporting nations have suffered tumbling revenue.

Brent futures fell by about 2 percent to as low as $36.05 per barrel on Monday, their weakest since July 2004, and were down 45 cents at $36.43 at 0905 GMT.

Brent crude futures haven fallen more than 18.5 percent this month, their steepest fall since the collapse of failed U.S. bank Lehman Brothers in October 2008.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures dropped 33 cents to $34.40 a barrel, their lowest since 2009.

The price of oil has halved over the past year, shredding the finances of oil producers such as Nigeria, which faces its worst economic crisis in years, or Venezuela, which has been plunged into deep recession.

Even wealthy Gulf Arab states have been hit. Last week top OPEC exporter Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain raised interest rates as they scrambled to protect their currencies.

On Monday Iraq devalued its dinar currency to offset the impact of lower oil, while Azerbaijan ditched its currency peg after burning through more than half its foreign exchange reserves this year.

Russia now pumps more than 10 million barrels per day (bpd), the most since the collapse of the Soviet Union, while OPEC output is close to record levels above 31.5 million bpd and well above the cartel's notional target of 30 million bpd.


Iran will add to global supply when it resumes shipments next year after the lifting of international sanctions, while a peace deal in Libya could lead to higher exports.