News Agency of Nigeria
Defence/Security

FRSC says NIN now compulsory for vehicle registration

By Ibironke Ariyo
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says it had made the presentation of a valid National Identification Number (NIN) compulsory for all categories of vehicle registration.

Assistant Corps Marshal (ACM), Bisi Kazeem, Corps Public Education Officer, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that FRSC had commenced compliance on this directive since Dec. 21, 2020.

It followed directives by the Corps Marshal that all applicants for the National Driver’s Licence must present their NIN, before being captured for any class of licence.

Kazeem said that this was in full compliance with the directives of the Federal Government on the harmonisation of citizens’ data.

“The FRSC Corps Marshal, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi has also made provision of NIN mandatory for all categories of Vehicle registration, effective from second quarter of 2021. This is in total compliance with the Presidential directives.

“All applicants of vehicle registration are, therefore, expected to present their NIN as a precondition for the registration of their vehicles,” he said.

“Beginning from the second quarter of this year 2021, If you want to register your vehicle, it is going to be compulsory for you to provide your NIN.

” This is part of the security checks. So, once you provide your NIN, it makes the matter easier and helps the government in national planning.

”It also helps in critical decision making and enhance adequate intelligence gathering for security of lives and property, ” he said.

Defence/Security

Army approves new postings, redeployments of senior officers

By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has approved new postings and redeployments of some senior officers to different divisions, units and formations, to rekindle the spirit of professionalism and enhance productivity.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Sagir Musa, who disclosed this in a statement, on Saturday, in Abuja, stated that the new postings were a routine exercise intended to reinvigorate the system, for greater performance and effectiveness.

He said that the postings saw the redeployment of Maj.-Gen. FO Agugo, from the Headquarters, Nigerian Army Signals Corps, Apapa, Lagos, to Defence Headquarters, as Chief of Defence Communications.

Similarly, Maj.-Gen. M. Mohammed was moved from the Nigerian Army Resource Center, Abuja, to Pronto Tech Nigeria Limited as Managing Director, while Maj.-Gen. AR Owolabi moved from Defence Headquarters, Department of Communications, to Headquarters, Nigerian Army Signals Corps as Commander.

In the same vein, Musa disclosed that Maj.-Gen. Aminu Bande, had been confirmed as substantive General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division Sokoto, with Maj.-Gen. IM Jallo also confirmed as the GOC 6 Division, Port Harcourt.

Other appointments, according to the statement, included the redeployment of Maj.-Gen. E Akerejola to the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, Benin, as Commandant, while Maj-Gen. UM Mohammed, remained in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff as Special Adviser Nigerian Army University, Biu, and Vice Chairman, Nigerian Army Property Limited.

The postings also included the confirmation of Maj.-Gen. Hussein Ahmed, as Provost Marshal, and Maj.-Gen. AbdulKhalifa Ibrahim, as substantive GOC 7 Division/Commander, Sector 1 Operation Lafiya Dole, Maiduguri.

The statement said that all the postings and appointments would take effect from Jan. 18.

“While wishing all the officers well in their respective appointments, the Chief of Army Staff enjoins them to take their new responsibilities/appointments seriously, and discharge all duties professionally, with utmost loyalty to the Nation and the Service,” Musa said.

General News

Enugu govt. inaugurates panel of inquiry on community crisis

By Nicholas Obisike
Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has inaugurated a Panel of Inquiry on the recent crisis in Oruku Community in Nkanu East Local Government Area of the state.

Inaugurating the panel in Enugu on Friday, Ugwuanyi urged the people of the community to  embrace peace, which his administration had strived to entrench and nurture in the state.

He  said the government and people of the state received the sad news of the incident with rude shock.

Members of the panel include Justice Harold Eya as Chairman and the Chairman, Traditional Rulers Council of the state, Igwe Lawrence Agubuzu.

Other members include Dr Godwin Anigbo as the Secretary, Prof. Chris Onah, Mr Anthony Ogbu, Dr Chinwe Onah, and Mr Paschal Okoloagu to serve as counsel for the panel.

Ugwuanyi noted that the panel was constituted in pursuant to Section 4(1) of the Commission of Inquiry Law, Cap. 24, Revised Laws of Enugu State 2004.

He outlined the terms of reference of the panel to include, ascertaining the number of persons killed or injured.

“Identify persons, group or institutions who either by acts or omissions are directly or indirectly involved in, or sponsored the crisis.

“Investigate any other matter (s) that may come to the knowledge of the panel in the course of the inquiry, not covered in these terms of reference.

“To make recommendations regarding persons whom the panel finds culpable or blameworthy in connection with the crisis.

“Generally make recommendations in the light of its findings on how to prevent similar crisis in future and make other recommendations which the panel may consider appropriate in view of its findings.”

Ugwuanyi gave the panel two months to complete their assignment and urged it to discharge the task which outcome would inform further actions by government.

Responding on behalf of other members of the panel, Eya appreciated the governor for finding them worthy to serve the state in such capacity, pledging to carry out the task with diligence.

Health

FCT mosques get kudos, knocks over COVID-19 protocol compliance

By Salisu Sani-Idris
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Friday commended the level of compliance with COVID-19 safety protocols in mosques around the Federal Capital City during Jumma’at congregation prayers.

Mr Ikharo Attah, Head, Publicity and Enlightenment, FCT Ministerial Enforcement Task Force on COVID-19, made the remark after monitoring some mosques at Wuse, Utako and Maitama Districts, in Abuja.

Attah urged Imams to ensure that their congregation adhered strictly to physical distancing during prayers.

“The usage of face masks, sanitisers and hand washing points in the mosques visited are quite encouraging. The Imams and Ulamas have put in place measures to ensure compliance from the entry points,” he said.

According to him, most mosques have shortened their sermon and prayer times to prevent people from staying longer in the places of worship.

“The only mosque we were not encouraged with is the Uthman Bin Alfa Mosque, Wuse II which is located opposite Banex Plaza.

“Though worshippers who entered the premises wear face masks, there was no infrared thermometer for temperature check, no hand washing points and no sanitizers at the entry points into the mosque,” he said.

Attah, therefore, advised secretary of the mosque to ensure that all anomalies are corrected before the next prayers.

Meanwhile, at the Ansarul Islam National Mosque, Utako District, the team also frowned at the fact that security men at the gate enforcing compliance with the COVID-19 protocols were not wearing facemasks.

The enforcement team also inspected compliance at the An-nur Mosque, Wuse II and the Ansar Udeen Islamic Mosque Maitama.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in all the mosques visited face masks vendors were spotted making brisk business at the various entry points.

Politics

River govt. approves construction of new legislative quarters

By Dianabasi Effiong
Rivers State Executive Council has approved the construction of a new House of Assembly quarters in Port Harcourt at the cost of N10.1 billion.

The new legislative quarters, expected to provide global standard accommodation for the legislators, is expected to be completed within 16 months.

The approval for the construction was given on Friday during the Executive Council meeting presided over by Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers at the Government House, Port Harcourt.

The Commissioner for Housing, Elder Chinedu Tasie, who briefed journalists on the approval, said that the new Assembly Quarters would be built within the old site.

Tasie said that the project would comprise “32 four bedroom duplexes as against the block of flats now considered to be obsolete’’.

The Commissioner added that a two-room `Boys Quarters’ would be attached to each of the duplexes.

The new legislative quarters will include a multipurpose hall, green area, security accommodation, guard office, gate houses and network of roads and underground drainage.

He said: “It has been awarded to an indigenous company to undertake the project for a period of 16 months and the contract sum approved is N10.1 billion.’’

The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr Paulinus Nsirim, said the approval for the construction was to ensure that the legislative arm have decent accommodation.

Nsirim also said that the project would boost the synergy that existed between the two arms of government.

“In this State, the relationship between the executive, legislature and the judiciary is one that is being celebrated across the country because of the leadership that the Governor has given in the State.

“So, we are looking forward to a global standard accommodation for our legislators, which will help them in the legislative business in the years ahead,’’ Nsirim said. (NAN)

Health

Nigeria hits new high of 1,544 new COVID-19 infection

By Abujah Racheal
The Nigeria Centre For Disease Control (NCDC) has confirmed 1,544 new infections of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country.

The NCDC, on its verified website on Friday, also confirmed additional 12 coronavirus-related deaths.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the country’s daily new infections accelerated to a record high of over 1,500 cases for the third time bringing the total to 97,478.

There is now a rise in confirmed COVID-19 cases nationwide similar to the second wave of infections occurring in other countries.

The NCDC said that the new infections were from 20 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

It said that Lagos state reported 739 new cases, followed by Plateau with 168 cases and the FCT with 153 cases, Oyo (91), Nasarawa (90), Rivers (80), Kaduna (35) and Edo (33).

Kano (29), Ogun (21), Delta (19), Sokoto (16), Akwa Ibom (11), Ebonyi (11), Enugu (10), Osun (10), Niger (9), Bauchi (8), Kebbi (8), Katsina (2), and Taraba (1).

The agency, however, noted that 570 patients were discharged from isolation centers across the country on Friday which include 264 and 147 community recoveries in Lagos and Plateau States.

A multi-sectoral national Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) activated at Level 3, is coordinating response activities nationwide.

NAN recalls that since the first case of coronavirus was reported in the country, 1,011,584 people have been tested of which 97,478 were tested positive.

Presently, the country’s active cases is 17,584, while only two states, Kogi and Cross River, have no active case of the infection as at Jan. 8.

Lagos, Kaduna and the FCT have emerged as the new epicentres during this period, with over 70 per cent of all confirmed cases.

Meanwhile, Nigeria has directed that with effect from Jan. 11, travelers must perform a COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test not more than four days as well as show proof of payment for post-arrival test before boarding. (NAN)

Judiciary

Enugu gets 6 new Judges

By Nicholas Obisike
Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has sworn in six new Judges, saying the move was to enhance speedy justice delivery in the state.

Swearing in the new judges, Ugwuanyi decried the difficulties being experienced because of dearth of Judges in the state.

He pointed out that the appointment of the new Judges was a timely relief to the Enugu State Judiciary and the people of the state.

Ugwuanyi congratulated the new Judges on their well-deserved appointments and charged them to bring their expertise to bear on the discharge of their new responsibilities.

He explained that the action is sequel to his approval of the recommendations of the National Judicial Council (NJC), in compliance with Section 271 sub-section 2 and Section 281 sub-section 2 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Chief Judge of Enugu State, Justice Priscilla Emehelu, thanked Ugwuanyi for his administration’s commitment in the provision of critical infrastructure for the State Judiciary.

Emehelu stated that prior to the inception of Ugwuanyi’s administration, it has not been possible for the Judiciary of Enugu State to get even one slot for appointment.

She described the swearing-in of the new Judges as historic and stressed that it was remarkable to note that the State Judiciary under the present administration, from 2016 to date, has produced 15 Judges.

Emehelu thanked Ugwuanyi for making the feat possible, stressing that it could not have been possible if not for his administration’s massive infrastructural interventions in the State Judiciary.

According to her, a committee of the NJC came and inspected what we had on the ground and having been satisfied, gave us the green light which culminated in the appointment of the judges.

Responding on behalf of other newly sworn-in Judges, Justice Nkeiru Aroh-Onuoha, thanked God and the governor for the elevation.

She commended the governor for his administration’s unprecedented interventions in the Judiciary.

Aroh-Onuoha also appreciated the State Chief Judge for her motivation and support, as well as other officials who contributed towards their accomplishment.

The Judges sworn in were Justices Nkiru Aroh-Onuoha, Paul Ugwueze, Hyacinthia Ezugwu, Juliet Mogboh, Paulinus Anike as High Court judges.

Justice Richard Ogbodo was sworn-in as a Judge of the Customary Court of Appeal of the state.

Foreign

Pompeo, Mnuchin discuss Trump impeachment – Reports

Impeachment
U.S. State Secretary Mike Pompeo and Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin have discussed invoking the 25th Amendment of the U.S. constitution to impeach outgoing President Donald Trump, CNBC reported, citing sources.

On Thursday, U.S House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi called for Trump’s removal from the office by invoking the 25th Amendment for inciting violence at protests on Capitol Hill the day before.

This procedure requires the involvement of the vice president and most cabinet members.

According to CNBC, citing three sources, Pompeo and Mnuchin have discussed the matter with their respective agencies and came to the conclusion that the process would take longer than Trump is supposed to remain in the office before Joe Biden is sworn in, so no immediate effect should be expected.

“The general plan now is to let the clock run out,” the broadcaster quoted a former senior administration official aware of the discussions as saying.

“There will be a reckoning for this president, but it doesn’t need to happen in the next 13 days.”

Additionally, it is not clear whether the secretaries in an acting capacity would be let cast a vote in the process, it was reportedly pointed out at the exploratory talks.

According to the report, Pompeo and Mnuchin also had concerns that forcing Trump from office now could make him a hero of the far-right, doing more long-term harm than short-term good.

The 25th Amendment allows for a temporary or permanent transfer of power from the U.S. president to vice president if the majority of cabinet members certify to the congress that the president is unable to perform his duties. (Sputnik/NAN)

Economy/Business

FG directs NERC, DISCOs to revert tariff adjustment

By Constance Athekame
The Minister of Power, Mr Saleh Mamman, has directed the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to inform all Electricity Distribution Companies(DISCOs) to revert to tariffs that were applicable in Dec. 2020.

Mr Aaron Artimas, Senior Special Adviser, Media and Communications to the Minister of Power, made this known in a statement in Abuja on Thursday.

He said that the reversal to the old tariff was to promote a constructive conclusion of the dialogue with the Labour Centres (through the Joint Ad-Hoc Committee).

“I have directed NERC to inform all DISCOs that they should revert to the tariffs that were applicable in December 2020 until the end of January 2021 when the FGN and Labour committee work will be concluded.

“This will allow for the outcome of all resolutions from the Committee to be implemented together,” he said.

The minister spoke against the backdrop of the report that electricity tariff had been increased by 50 per cent.

“I would like to affirm that these reports are inaccurate and false. It is unfortunate that these reports have led to confusion with the public.

“On the contrary, Government continues to fully subsidise 55 per cent of on-grid consumers in bands D and E and maintain the lifeline tariff for the poor and underprivileged.

“Those citizens have experienced no changes to tariff rates from what they have paid historically, aside from the recent minor inflation and forex adjustment. Partial subsidies were also applied for bands A, B and C in October 2020,” he said.

Mamman said that these measures were all aimed at cushioning the effects of the pandemic while providing more targeted interventions for citizens.

He said that the public was aware that the Federal Government and the Labour Centres had been engaged in positive discussions about the electricity sector through a Joint Ad-hoc Committee.

He said that the committee was led by Mr Festus Keyamo, Minister of State for Labour and Productivity and Co-Chaired by the Minister of State for Power, Mr Goddy Jedy-Agba.

According to him, progress has been made in these deliberations which are set to be concluded at the end of January.

“Some of the achievements of this deliberation with Labour are the accelerated rollout of the National Mass Metering Plan and clamp downs on estimated billing.

“Improved monitoring of the Service Based Tariff and the reduction in tariff rates for bands A to C in October 2020 (that were funded by a creative use of taxes),” he said.

The minister stated that it should be cleared that the regulator must be allowed to perform its function without undue interference.

He said that the role of the Government was not to set tariffs, but to provide policy guidance and an enabling environment for the regulator to protect consumers and for investors to engage directly with consumers.

According to him, Bi-Annual Minor reviews to adjust factors such as inflation are part of the process for a sustainable and investable Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI)

He also stated that the regulator must be commended for implementing the subsisting regulations while putting in place extensive actions to minimise the adverse impact on end user tariffs.

“The administration is committed to creating a sustainable, growing and rules-based electricity market for the benefit of all Nigerians.

“The administration and the Ministry of Power will also continue to devise means to provide support for vulnerable Nigerians while ensuring we have a sustainable NESI,” he said.

General News

Trump commits to orderly transition

By Harrison Arubu
U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday morning committed to an “orderly transition” of power on Jan. 20.

Trump made the promise in a statement after Congress certified Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as the country’s next president and vice-president.

“Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on Jan. 20.

“I have always said we would continue our fight to ensure that only legal votes were counted.

“While this represents the end of the greatest first term in presidential history, it’s only the beginning of our fight to Make America Great Again!” he said.

The statement was released through his spokesperson’s Twitter account after the company blocked the president from using his own account.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Facebook also suspended Trump’s account after using it to rally his supporters who invaded the Capitol Hill on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Congress approved the electoral votes after both chambers rejected objections by some Republican lawmakers to the votes in Pennsylvania and Arizona.

Debates of the objections to Arizona had barely started on Wednesday when Trump supporters stormed the building and disrupted the proceedings.

The session resumed and continued through the night after normalcy returned.

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