FG outlines programmes to revive nation’s economy

The Federal Government says it has outlined various developmental programmes that will revive the nation’s economy, restore the value of the naira and “drive hunger from our land.’’

President Muhammadu Buhari said this in a national broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 56th Independence Anniversary in Abuja on Saturday .

Buhari said the programmes, included the constructions and rehabilitation of new roads, housing and power projects across the country, adding that already the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing had received N197.5bn for the execution of some of the projects.

According to him, already contractors have recalled 9,000 workers laid off and several hundreds of thousands of workers will be reengaged in the next few months as our public works programme gains momentum.

He said the affected roads were the dualisations of Calabar- Itu Road in Cross River/Akwa Ibom States, Lokoja-Benin Road, Ehor-Benin road and reconstruction of outstanding sections of Benin-Shagamu Expressway, Edo/Ogun States.

Others were the expansion works on Lagos-Ibadan Dual carriageway (Ogun/Oyo); rehabilitation of Onitsha-Enugu Expressway (Anambra/Enugu); and rehabilitation and reconstruction of Enugu-Port Harcourt dual carriage way.

He said the rehabilitation of Hadejia-Nguru Road, dualisation of Kano-Katsina Road in Kano State, dualisation of Kano-Maiduguri Road, dualisation of Azare-Potiskum Road, Azare-Sharuri Road, Bauchi State, would also be carried out.

The president revealed that rehabilitation work would also be carried out on Ilorin- Jebba-Mokwa-Birnin Gwari Road, while Oju/Lokoja-Oweto Bridge over River Benue in Benue would be constructed.

“Other major highways are in the queue for rehabilitation or new construction.’’

On railways, Buhari disclosed that Federal Government had provided its counterpart funding to China for the building of the standard gauge Lagos-Kano railway.

He said, “the General Electric is investing 2.2billion dollars in a concession to revamp, provide rolling stock, and manage the existing lines, including the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri Line.’’

He said that the Lagos-Calabar railway would soon be on stream.

On housing, the president revealed that the government had initiated the National Housing Programme.

“In 2014 N400m was voted for housing. In 2015 nothing. Our first budget this year is devoting N356bn,” he said,  adding that much of the housing projects would be private sector-driven.

He, however, said the Federal Government would be initiating a pilot housing scheme of 2,838 units uniformly spread across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

“We expect these units to be completed within four to six months. These experimental Nigeria House model Units will be constructed using only made in Nigeria building materials and components.’’

He expressed the hope that the housing initiative would reactivate the building materials manufacturing sector, generate massive employment opportunities and develop sector capacity and expertise.

NAN

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Sam Allardyce faces ban from football

Former England coach Sam Allardyce is facing a football ban.

He could be charged with bringing the game into disrepute according to FA chief executive Martin Glenn.

Allardyce was axed on Tuesday after just 67 days and one game in charge after being filmed giving advice to undercover reporters on how to get around FA transfer rules.

Glenn confirmed last night that Allardyce could be charged over his controversial comments.

“It is realistic he could be charged," said Glenn. “The newspaper that made the revelations are releasing the full transcripts to the police, which is what has to happen.

“Once we get full access to them we'll pass them to our Integrity Unit. We've dealt with Sam as an employee. Sam's role as a participant in the game will be part of this next process, if there is one.

“The decision will be based on the merits of the evidence. Bringing the game into disrepute might be a possible charge.

“A potential sanction could range from a fine to a ban. That's what history shows. But that is for a tribunal to decide."

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Happy Birthday Nigerian From Newest Rivers Reporters

Happy Birthday Nigerian

From Newest Rivers Reporters

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Buhari's Independence Day Speech - 'The recession will not last, I will deal with Niger Delta militants'

President Muhammadu Buhari has assured Nigeria that his administration was working hard to reposition Nigeria for prosperity, urging them not to be deterred by the current economic crisis, saying that it would not last for so long.

The president who recalled his promises to Nigerians during his campaigns as a presidential candidate stated that he would not deviate from he hallmark of transparency and honesty. The remarks were contained in his broadcast Saturday morning to commemorate the 56th Independence anniversary of Nigeria.

He said: “Today – 1st October is a day of celebration for us Nigerians. On this day, 56 years ago our people achieved the most important of all human desires – freedom and independence. We should all therefore give thanks and pray for our founding fathers without whose efforts and toil we would not reap the bounties of today. 

“I know that uppermost in your minds today is the economic crisis. The recession for many individuals and families is real. For some It means not being able to pay school fees, for others it’s not being able to afford the high cost of food (rice and millet) or the high cost of local or international travel, and for many of our young people the recession means joblessness, sometimes after graduating from university or polytechnic. 

“I know how difficult things are, and how rough business is. All my adult life I have always earned a salary and I know what it is like when your salary simply is not enough.

In every part of our nation people are making incredible sacrifices. “But let me say to all Nigerians today, I ran for office four times to make the point that we can rule this nation with honesty and transparency, that we can stop the stealing of Nigeria’s resources so that the resources could be used to provide jobs for our young people, security, infrastructure for commerce, education and healthcare. “I ran for office because I know that good government is the only way to ensure prosperity and abundance for all. I remain resolutely committed to this objective. 

“I believe that this recession will not last.”

We have defeated Boko Haram to provide security for our people Highlighting his achievements in the last one and half years of his government, president Buhari places security ahead, saying that Boko haram had been defeated. “Temporary problems should not blind or divert us from the corrective course this government has charted for our nation.

We have identified the country’s salient problems and we are working hard at lasting solutions. “To re-cap what I have been saying since the inception of this administration, our problems are security, corruption and the economy, especially unemployment and the alarming level of poverty. “On Security, we have made progress. Boko Haram was defeated by last December – only resorting to cowardly attacks on soft targets, killing innocent men, women and children. “Nigerians should thank our gallant men of the Armed Forces and Police for rescuing large areas of the country captured by insurgents. 

Now, residents in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States, as well as several neighbouring states go about their daily business in relative safety. People can go to mosques, churches, market places in reasonable safety. “Commuters can travel between cities, towns and villages without fear. Credit for this remarkable turn-round should go to our Armed Forces, the Police, various sponsored and private vigilante groups, the local traditional leaders. 

Security is a top to bottom concern and responsibility. “Besides Boko Haram, we are confronting other long-running security issues, namely herdsmen vs farmers, cattle rustling, kidnappings. This Administration is firmly resolved to tackle these challenges and to defeat them.”

I will deal with Niger-Delta militants

Disturbed by the incessant blowing up of oil and gas installations in the Niger-Delta, the president reiterated his threat to militants. He said: A new insurgency has reared up its head in the shape of blowing up gas and oil pipelines by groups of Niger Delta Militants. This Administration will not allow these mindless groups to hold the country to ransom.

“What sense is there to damage a gas line as a result of which many towns in the country including their own town or village is put in darkness as a result? What logic is there in blowing up an export pipeline and as a result income to your state and local governments and consequently their ability to provide services to your own people is reduced? “No group can unlawfully challenge the authority of the Federal Government and succeed.

Our Administration is fully sympathetic to the plight of the good people of Niger Delta and we are in touch with the State Governments and leaderships of the region. It is known that the clean-up of the Ogoniland has started. Infrastructural projects financed by the Federal Government and post amnesty programme financing will continue. “We have however, continued to dialogue with all groups and leaders of thought in the region to bring lasting peace.

Corruption must be fought headon

“Corruption is a cancer which must be fought with all the weapons at our disposal. It corrodes the very fabric of government and destroys society. Fighting corruption is Key, not only to restoring the moral health of the nation, but also to freeing our enormous resources for urgent socio-economic development. 

“In fighting corruption, however, the government would adhere strictly by the rule of law. Not for the first time I am appealing to the judiciary to join the fight against corruption. “The Third Plank in this Administration’s drive to CHANGE Nigeria is re-structuring the economy. Economies behaviour is cyclical. All countries face ups and downs. Our own recession has been brought about by a critical shortage of foreign exchange.

Oil price dropped from an average of hundred USD per barrel over the last decade to an average of forty USD per barrel this year and last. “Worse still, the damage perpetrated by Niger Delta thugs on pipelines sometimes reduced Nigeria’s production to below One million barrels per day against the normal two point two million barrels per day. Consequently, the naira is at its weakest, but the situation will stabilize. “But this is only temporary. Historically about half our dollar export earnings go to importation of petroleum and food products! Nothing was saved for the rainy days during the periods of prosperity. We are now reaping the whirlwinds of corruption, recklessness and impunity.

How we are providing solutions to economic crisis There are no easy solutions, but there are solutions nonetheless and Government is pursuing them in earnest. We are to repair our four refineries so that Nigeria can produce most of our petrol requirements locally, pending the coming on stream of new refineries. 

That way we will save ten billion USD yearly in importing fuel. “At the same time, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and the Central Bank have been mobilized to encourage local production of rice, maize, sorghum, millet and soya beans. Our target is to achieve domestic self-sufficiency in these staples by 2018. “Already farmers in thirteen out of thirty six states are receiving credit support through the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Anchor Borrowers Programme. 

Kebbi state alone this year is expected to produce one million tonnes of locally grown rice, thanks to a favourable harvest this year. As part of the 13 states, Lagos and Ogun are also starting this programme. Rice alone for example costs Nigeria two billion USD to import. “The country should be self-sufficient in basic staples by 2019. Foreign exchange thus saved can go to industrial revival requirements for retooling, essential raw materials and spare parts. 

It is in recognition of the need to re-invigorate agriculture in our rural communities that we are introducing the LIFE programme. “Government recognises that irrigation is key to modern agriculture: that is why the Ministries of Agriculture and Water Resources are embarking on a huge programme of development of lakes, earth dams and water harvesting schemes throughout the country to ensure that we are no longer dependent on rain-fed agriculture for our food requirements. “In addition, government is introducing Water Resources Bill encompassing the National Water Resources Policy and National Irrigation and Drainage Policy to improve management of water and irrigation development in the country. We are reviving all the twelve River Basin Authorities, namely;

I. Anambra – Imo 
II. Benin – Owena 
III. Chad Basin 
IV. Cross River 
V. Hadejia – Jama’are 
VI. Lower Benue 
VII. Lower Niger 
VIII. Niger Delta 
IX. Ogun – Osun 
X. Sokoto – Rima 
XI. Upper Benue 
XII. Upper Niger

“The intention is eventually to fully commercialise them to better support crop production, aqua –culture and accelerated rural development. “This Administration is committed to the revival of Lake Chad and improvement of the hydrology and ecology of the basin. 

This will tune in with efforts to rehabilitate the thirty million people affected by the Boko Haram insurgency in the Lake Chad basin countries. “The second plank in our economic revival strategy is centred on the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing. The Ministry will lead and oversee the provision of critical infrastructure of power, road transport network and housing development. 

“Power generation has steadily risen since our Administration came on board from three thousand three hundred and twenty four megawatts in June 2015, rising to a peak of five thousand and seventy four megawatts in February 2016. 

“For the first time in our history the country was producing five thousand megawatts. However, renewed militancy and destruction of gas pipelines caused acute shortage of gas and constant drop in electricity output available on the grid. “There has been during the period June 2015 to September 2016 big improvement in transmission capacity from five thousand five hundred megawatts to the present seven thousand three hundred megawatts. “There were only two system collapses between June and December 2015, but due to vandalism by Niger Delta militants the over-all system suffered 16 system collapses between March and July 2016 alone. 

As I have said earlier, we are engaging with responsible leadership in the region to find lasting solutions to genuine grievances of the area but we will not allow a tiny minority of thugs to cripple the country’s economy. “In the meantime, government is going ahead with projects utilizing alternate technologies such as hydro, wind, and solar to contribute to our energy mix. In this respect, the Mambilla Hydro project, after many years of delay is taking off this year. Contract negotiations are nearing completion with Chinese firms for technical and financial commitments.

“The project is to be jointly financed by Nigeria and the Chinese-Export-Import Bank. In addition, fourteen Solar Power Projects have had their power purchase agreements concluded. Hence the plan to produce one thousand two hundred megawatts of solar electricity for the country would be realized on schedule. “And in line with the objective of government to complete all abandoned projects across the country, the Rural Electrification Agency’s projects needing completion are provided for in the 2016 Budget. Bringing electricity to rural areas will help farmers, small scale and cottage industries to integrate with the national economy.

Road construction 

“Roads Construction and Rehabilitation has taken off. The sum of twelve billion naira was allocated to this sector in the 2015 Budget, not enough even to pay interest on outstanding unpaid claims. “Notwithstanding the budgetary constraints, the current budget allocated two hundred and forty billion naira for highway projects against twelve billion naira in 2015. 

Many contractors who have not been paid for three years have now remobilized to sites. Seven hundred and twenty point five billion naira has so far been released this budget year to capital projects. “The Ministry of Power, Works and Housing has received one hundred and ninety seven point five billion naira. Work on the following highways has now resumed.

1. Dualization of Calabar – Itu Road in Cross River/Akwa Ibom States. 
2. Dualization of Lokoja – Benin Road, Ehor – Benin city, Edo State. 
3. Re-construction of outstanding sections of Benin – Shagamu Express way, Edo/Ogun States. 
4. Expansion works on Lagos – Ibadan Dual carriageway, Ogun/Oyo States 
5. Rehabilitation of Onitsha – Enugu Expressway, Anambra/Enugu States. 
6. Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of Enugu – Port Harcourt Dual carriageway, Abia/Rivers States. 
7. Rehabilitation of Hadejia – Nguru Road, Jigawa State. 
8. Dualization of Kano – Katsina Road, Kano State. 
9. Dualization of Kano – Maiduguri Road, Borno State. 
10. Dualization of Azare – Potiskum Road, Azare – Sharuri Road, Bauchi State. 
11. Rehabilitation of Ilorin – Jebba – Mokwa – Birnin Gwari Road, Kwara State. 
12. Construction of Oju/Lokoja – Oweto Bridge over River Benue, Benue State.

“Other major highways are in the queue for rehabilitation or new construction. “Already contractors have recalled about nine thousand workers laid off and Government expects that several hundreds of thousands of workers will be reengaged in the next few months as our public works programme gains momentum.

Railways 

“On railways, we have provided our counterpart funding to China for the building of our standard gauge Lagos -Kano railway. Meanwhile, General Electric is investing two point two billion USD in a concession to revamp, provide rolling stock, and manage the existing lines, including the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri Line. The Lagos-Calabar railway will also be on stream soon. “We have initiated the National Housing Programme. In 2014 four hundred million naira was voted for Housing.

In 2015 nothing. Our first budget this year is devoting thirty five point six billion naira. Much of the house building will be private – sector led but Government is initiating a pilot housing scheme of two thousand eight hundred and thirty eight units uniformly spread across the 36 states and FCT. “We expect these units to be completed within 4 – 6 months.

These experimental Nigeria House model Units will be constructed using only made in Nigeria building materials and components. This initiative is expected to reactivate the building materials manufacturing sector, generate massive employment opportunities and develop sector capacity and expertise. “The programmes I have outlined will revive the economy, restore the value of the naira and drive hunger from our land.

Restoring Nigeria’s image abroad “Abroad, Nigeria’s standing has changed beyond belief in the last 18 months. We are no longer a pariah state. Wherever I go, I have been received with un-accustomed hospitality. 

Investors from all over the world are falling over themselves to come and do business in Nigeria. This government intends to make business environment more friendly because we can not develop ourselves alone. “All countries, no matter how advanced, welcome foreign investments to their economy.

This is the essence of globalization and no country in the 21st century can be an island. Our reforms are therefore designed to prepare Nigeria for the 21st century.

“Finally, let me commend Nigerians for your patience, steadfastness and perseverance. You know that I am trying to do the right things for our country.”

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BREAKING: Wife of CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele kidnapped

According to recent reports, unknown gunmen have reportedly kidnapped wife of Central Bank governor, Godwin Emefiele.

According to Sahara Reporters, Mrs. Emefiele was kidnapped along the Benin-Agbor Road.

A source also disclosed that the kidnappers have made contact with their victim’s husband, adding that they were demanding a huge sum in ransom.

Mrs. Emefiele’s kidnap represents one of the most high-profile kidnap cases in 2016.

Efforts to reach the CBN governor were unsuccessful.

(SaharaReporters)

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APPRECIATION AND THANK YOU MESSAGE BY REP. O. K. CHINDA

My good people of Obio/Akpor,

I bring you warm greetings and profound expression of my love and appreciation to you all.

Recall that I ran the re-run National Assembly elections held on 19th March, 2016 and the result as declared by INEC afforded me the opportunity to return once again as the Honourable Member to represent Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency at the National Assembly.

Your support and show of trust, confidence and goodwill prior to and at the election proper in ensuring that I emerged victorious again at the said polls was immense and very invaluable and I remain always honoured and grateful to God, and to all of you.

As you may also be aware, after the said re-run elections, my brother and friend, Chief Anthony Chinedu Okocha (KSC) who contested on the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC) again filed a petition at the Elections Petition Tribunal. The three (3) Man Tribunal after listening to preliminary objection(s) and arguments by my legal team, in a well-considered unanimous ruling delivered by the Hon. Justice Yusuf Mohammed, dismissed the said petition on Friday, 15th July, 2016.

While the euphoria of that victory was yet to (even) begin, Chief Anthony Okocha in the exercise of his constitutional right again appealed to the Court of Appeal (sitting at Abuja) against the Tribunal’s decision. To the glory of God, the Court of Appeal on Saturday 10th September, 2016, affirmed the decision of the Tribunal and entered judgement in OUR favour; and thereby put an end to a tortuous, expensive but unnecessary legal battle that begun in April, 2015 (a year and half). My sincere thanks and warmest appreciation goes first, to God Almighty and then to the good people of Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency (indigenes and indigenes-without-boarders alike), for this victory. I am greatly humbled by your encouragement, solidarity, brotherhood and massive support demonstrated before, during and after the March 19, 2016 re-run polls. I am not ungrateful to you for your commitment, selflessness, perseverance and prayers while the legal ‘battle’ lasted.

To my brother, Chief Anthony Okocha, who exercised his legal rights as far as allowed by the laws of Nigeria, again, I commend your doggedness in making the contest very competitive and colourful, though avoidably expensive and wasteful. Whilst I admire your fighting spirit, I wish to state for the umpteenth time that the court cases were clearly very serious distractions to us, particularly, at this austere time of economic recession, and when other Federal Constituencies were enjoying the dividends of democracy.

Furthermore, I hereby again, very sincerely extend my warm hands of fellowship to you (and indeed all your supporters) and pray that we collectively move our people forward. I look forward to your advice, criticisms and positive contributions geared towards promoting the development and well-being of our dear Obio/Akpor people and Rivers State in general.

To the good people of Obio/Akpor Federal constituency, I re-assure  you  of  my  electioneering  campaign promises and commitment as encapsulated in my ‘Social Contract’  with  you: they are sacrosanct. I  promise  to  work  for  the promotion  of  democracy  in  Nigeria  as  well  as  for  the overall  good of  our  people,  Rivers State and society  at large.
May I also add that the victory having been achieved, much work lies ahead. So, “Let’s keep working”. I urge you all to  continue  to  join  hands  with  me  and  the Peoples’  Democratic  Party  (PDP) in Rivers State, led by His Excellency, Chief (Barr.) E. N. Wike (CON) to  ensure  our  overall success in the task and vision of building a “NEW” Rivers State.

Because ‘I won, you also won’. Whilst I strive to make you all enjoy the fruit of your hard work and this victory, I promise an effective, all inclusive and people oriented representation. Whilst the litigation was on, we nonetheless continued to drive the following amongst others:
Payment of scholarship scheme for One Hundred and Sixty Eight (168) Students across the Constituency;
2. Adult education scheme with centres at Elelenwo, Okporo and Ozuoba;
4.Commencement of skills training in commercial chalk manufacturing and snail farming;
5.Continuation of construction of Model Primary School in  Rumuokwurusi;
6.Procurement of employment opportunities in Federal Civil Service, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy; Nigerian Police; National Population Commission; Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS); Galaxy Backbone; NAFDAC; Federal Judicial Service Commission and the  private sector, amongst several other places.

7. Maintenance of the Obio/Akpor Embassy House at 60 Pomona Street, Suncity Estate, Abuja;
8.Maintenance of Federal Constituency office at N0. 9 Ebara Road, off Ikwerre Road, Obio/Akpor, Rivers State;
9.Revolving loan scheme for petty traders;

Several Motions, Bills and petitions were sponsored and presented within the period.

With the litigation out of the way, we shall double our efforts to make you feel the impact of the seat of your Member of House of Representatives. We shall continue to serve you with the fear of God and love for mankind. Once more, thank you for your massive support and solidarity and God bless you all.

Long live Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency;
Long live Rivers State of Nigeria;
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

REP. O.K. CHINDA.

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We never expected 876 votes - APGA rejects Edo results

The All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), one of the political parties that took part in Edo State governorship election on Wednesday, has condemned the outcome of the election.

The National Chairman of APGA, Dr. Victor Oye, condemned the outcome of the election, describing the way his party was treated as contemptuous, callous and malicious.

He expressed surprise that the 876 votes allotted to his party was deliberately done to humiliate and intimidate its members because of the massive attractions the party had among the people of Edo during preparations for the election.

Dr. Oye wondered how the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) came to 876 votes when the support for the party cut across the three political zones of the state.

Godwin Obaseki of the All Progressives Congress was declared winner of the election that had 19 political parties vying for the governorship seat.

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