I’ve received strange messages over cabinet dissolution –Fayemi

Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi
| credits:

Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi claims he has been   receiving strange  messages since  he announced the dissolution of his cabinet on Wednesday.

Fayemi, during the inauguration of new permanent secretaries in Ado Ekiti on Thursday, said those calling him were seeking to know the reason behind the sacking of his  commissioners and special advisers.

The governor said, “I have been receiving strange messages from those seeking to know why I dissolved the cabinet.

“Since we took that action, I have been receiving strange text messages from concerned  citizens, who want to know why I had  to sack my cabinet midway into our tenure.  There is no problem with the government at all.”

Fayemi said he sent  the commissioners and special advisers  packing to enable him  to reassess his performance and chart a new course for the state.

He said, “In a football match, when you get to half time, it is the responsibility of the coach and team managers to review the team.

“There are some players who are full strikers and who can score goals. But there are also strikers who cannot score goals.

“Others  score brilliant goals but lack the stamina to stay till the end of the match, while some cannot score goals but they have the stamina to play full time and they are team players. There are those who are put in the wrong positions, so all these must be reviewed to be able to have a government that is connected to the people.”

He said  the appointment of the new permanent secretaries  was based on  merit, adding that it  was decided  through examinations and interviews they were subjected to.

The permanent secretaries are  Mr. Kola Ajumobi,  Dr. Joseph Adeyemo, Mr. Bamidele Agbede,  Dr. Olufolakemi Olomojobi, Mr. Olusesan Alabi,  Mr. Abegunde Ebenezer, Mr. Owoseeni Adeyemi, and Mrs. Olufunke Falodun.

Fayemi urged them to be fair in the  discharge of their duties  and to be ready for the challenges of implementing government policies.

Fashola urges FG to relocate tank farms

Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola

Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola has urged the Federal Government to relocate fuel discharging facilities (tank farms) from Tin Can Island.

The port complex houses MRS Oil tank farm/depot which exploded on Wednesday, injuring about four persons.

Fashola spoke during a visit to the scene of the fire on Thursday, adding that the incident was a wake-up call for the government.

 He said, “The nation presently does not have the wherewithal to contain any sort of fire incident involving oil installation facilities. I don’t think we should wait, this is enough”

The governor also called on the Federal Government to live up to its responsibility of managing maritime safety, fuel management, fuel importation, port management.

He said, “Government must understand that its business is the welfare of its people and it cannot deliver that by amateurish standard. This place was not designed for fuel discharge, but they have converted it for that with all sorts of permits given by regulatory agencies, DPR, PPMC.

“I think that agencies of the Federal Government must step up their safety compliance levels, everybody must do his job and that is short term. The long term is to relocate all these facilities away from residential areas. Lagos state is ready to provide these facilities.”

Fashola urged the Federal Government to take advantage of the Oil and Gas Section at the Lekki Free Trade Zone in its relocation plan.

In a related development, Fashola said the government would not allow immediate reconstruction of Oko Baba Plank Market which was razed by fire on Tuesday.

The governor said the government would, instead, redesign the entire area and make it compliant with modern trend.

He spoke during a visit to Oko Baba to commiserate with the residents of the area on the inferno.

Fashola said, “First I am going to send the Ministry of the Environment to come here and clear all the drainage, clean the place up and nobody should build here without town planning approval. We won’t let you do it.

“We need to sit down and talk on how we want this place to be. We need to separate sawmill business from residential area. Do we want to do everything here or get a place where we can divide our logs and bring the planks here to sell.

“We are preparing a place with machines that can saw your logs. We are also constructing 3, 000 housing units there for you to live in. There will be water and power supply among other things.

“Government has done its bit; it is now left for you to decide whether you want to live in this dirty place or move to where you have everything to enhance your work.”

Zodiac Love Compatibility!

Below is a chart of zodiac sign dates and sign attributes for quick and easy reference.
I hope this helps you too. 

Zodiac Sign	Symbol	Date	Quick Characteristics
Aries		March 21 - April 19	Active, Demanding, Determined, Effective, Ambitious
Taurus		April 20 - May 20	Security, Subtle strength, Appreciation, Instruction, Patience
Gemini		May 21 - June 20	Communication, Indecision, Inquisitive, Intelligent, Changeable
Cancer		June 21 - July 22	Emotion, Diplomatic, Intensity, Impulsive, Selective
Leo		July 23 - August 22	Ruling, Warmth, Generosity, Faithful, Initiative
Virgo		August 23 - September 22	Analyzing, Practical, Reflective, Observation, Thoughtful
Libra		September 23 - October 22	Balance, Justice, Truth, Beauty, Perfection
Scorpio		October 23 - November 21	Transient, Self-Willed, Purposeful, Unyielding
Sagittarius		November 22 - December 21	Philosophical, Motion, Experimentation, Optimism
Capricorn		December 22 - January 19	Determination, Dominance, Perservering, Practical, Willful
Aquarius		January 20 - February 18	Knowledge, Humanitarian, Serious, Insightful, Duplicitous
Pisces		February 19 - March 20	Fluctuation, Depth, Imagination, Reactive, Indecisive

I hope you find this chart of zodiac sign dates and attributes useful in your continued contemplation of astrology.
Keep expanding your knowledge, follow these other in-site link-picks:

 

 

Aries

Aries

March 21 - April 19

Active, Demanding, Determined, Effective, Ambitious

LOVE INSIGHT
For Aries, it’s all about action, chemistry, and energy. If you have a connection, you’ll know it immediately. If not, don’t expect love to grow. Aries are either into you in a big way or not at all! To win their affections, love through your heart, connect with your eyes, and don’t be overly sensitive.
Aries – Aries : This is an action plus union.
Aries – Taurus : Sensual and romantic togetherness.
Aries – Gemini : Captivating conversation keeps interest.
Aries – Cancer : Mind, body, soul, connection.
Aries – Leo : Passionate – Life in the fast lane!
Aries – Virgo : Opposites attract (sometimes).
Aries – Libra : Aries, Assertive – Libra, Passive.
Aries – Scorpio : Intense and electrifying connection.
Aries – Sagittarius : Deep heart-to-heart soul bond.
Aries – Capricorn : Go-getter on purpose energy.
Aries – Aquarius : Quirky and adventurous – it works.
Aries – Pisces : Wild and expansive imagination.

Taurus

Taurus

April 20 - May 20

Security, Subtle strength, Appreciation, Instruction, Patience

LOVE INSIGHT
Taureans like to take love slow. It’s more important for them to secure themselves financially before making commitments to any one else. They also need a love-mate to be their best friend. They’re romantic creatures, and will spoil mr. or mrs. right like a Prince or Princess.
Taurus-Aries : They are equal in status and complimentary.
Taurus – Taurus : Mutual admiration - you love adore each other.
Taurus – Gemini : Gemini, talks and Taurus listens.
Taurus – Cancer : They have lots in coming – a winning formula.
Taurus – Leo : You’ll have fun and spoil each other.
Taurus – Virgo : You can almost read each other’s minds.
Taurus – Libra : Art and culture bring them together.
Taurus – Scorpio : Admiration for each others strengths and qualities
Taurus – Sagittarius : Sag Optimism and Taurus sensuality lock together.
Taurus – Capricorn : Common values and goals – this is a strong bond.
Taurus – Aquarius : They have a lot to learn form each other.
Taurus – Pisces : These two can romantically hum together.
 

Gemini

Gemini

May 21 - June 20

Communication, Indecision, Inquisitive, Intelligent, Changeable

LOVE INSIGHT
Having a comfortable feeling together is important for a Gemini. This light and breezy star sign doesn’t sweet the small stuff, however, likes to be challenged intellectually. Be versatile and spontaneous to win their heart. Their sometimes child-like character loves to have fun and laugh.
Gemini – Aries : These two love to chase new and exciting rainbows.
Gemini – Taurus : They have a bank of information – stimulating
Gemini – Gemini : Fun and frivolity. Life’s a party – never a dull moment.
Gemini – Cancer : Mind and heart interlocks – there’s lots to learn.
Gemini – Leo : Mutual appreciation for each other’s individuality.
Gemini – Virgo : Mind powers are in sync – can be brilliant.
Gemini – Libra : Arm in arm, they strive to please each other.
Gemini – Scorpio : There’s lots of interest and intrigue with these two.
Gemini – Sagittarius : Together they can accomplish the impossible.
Gemini – Capricorn : They’re opposites who can make magic happen.
Gemini – Aquarius : This is an excitement plus union – excellent!
Gemini – Pisces : Innate understanding of the other’s dual personality.

Cancer

Cancer

June 21 - July 22

Emotion, Diplomatic, Intensity, Impulsive, Selective

LOVE INSIGHT
Cancers are smart and savvy operators. They are caring and supportive, and are able to combine instincts with logic. They will pamper you, but require equal, if not more attention in return. They look for a deeper connection than body and mind - nothing less than their soul mate.
Cancer – Aries : Fast energy, quick minds, and inquisitiveness.
Cancer – Taurus : Common grounds give them a great connection.
Cancer – Gemini : These two have an abundance of info to share.
Cancer – Cancer : Thought transference - they don’t even need to talk.
Cancer – Leo : Cancers intuition, Leo’s imagination mold together.
Cancer – Virgo : Inquisitive natures are illuminating and harmonious.
Cancer – Libra : This is a romantic match providing love-lessons.
Cancer – Scorpio : Intense chemistry lock these two together.
Cancer – Sagittarius : Opposites can attract and compliment.
Cancer – Capricorn : Appreciate each other’s inner and outer worlds.
Cancer – Aquarius : They have a healthy respect for each other.
Cancer – Pisces : There’s an innate understanding beyond the physical.

Leo

Leo

July 23 - August 22

Ruling, Warmth, Generosity, Faithful, Initiative

LOVE INSIGHT
Leo’s are effervescent and can illuminate a room by simply entering. They have pride in themselves, their homes, and how they look – a love mate has to look stunning on his/her arm. They love to entertain and will generously spoil a lover as well as being a supportive family person.
Leo – Aries : Life is exciting – this is a winning combination!
Leo – Taurus : Home together romantically entwined – enjoyable.
Leo – Gemini : There’s an abundance to be shared and learned.
Leo – Cancer : Their combined skills are complimentary.
Leo – Leo : Mutual appreciation – they worship each other.
Leo – Virgo : Supporting – Leo on center stage, Virgo in the wings.
Leo – Libra : They are breathtaking together – a social pair.
Leo – Scorpio : A tenacious couple – plenty of energy and activity.
Leo – Sagittarius : This is a compatible combo - they fit like a glove.
Leo – Capricorn : Leo loves an audience, and Cap loves power.
Leo – Aquarius : There’s a creative blend that equals brilliance.
Leo – Pisces : The belief they have in each other is empowering.

Virgo

Virgo

August 23 - September 22

Analyzing, Practical, Reflective, Observation, Thoughtful

LOVE INSIGHTS
Virgos are masters of organization and look for perfection in everything – and that means you too! The Virgo love connection needs to make sense on all levels (as well as intuitively) before the green light is given. Trust, reliability, and a stable love wins and keeps their heart.
Virgo – Aries : They have complimentary skills and attributes.
Virgo – Taurus : These two are in-sync – life is better than good!
Virgo – Gemini : Creative bliss! They’re in intellectual heaven.
Virgo – Cancer : Magical! They innately understand each other.
Virgo – Leo : Strengths and differences stabilize their relationship.
Virgo – Virgo : Perfection – two peas in a pod, same value system!
Virgo – Libra : They both desire a harmonious existence.
Virgo – Scorpio : Their minds are both intellectual and inquiring.
Virgo – Sagittarius : Sag is visionary, Virgo loves details – great potential.
Virgo – Capricorn : This is a loyal and loving union – the best!
Virgo – Aquarius : Communication is a strong point and creativity.
Virgo – Pisces : There’s a natural blend of mind power and intuition.

Libra

Libra

September 23 - October 22

Balance, Justice, Truth, Beauty, Perfection

LOVE INSIGHT
They’re the peace lovers of the zodiac, and will shy away from conflict at all costs. They are also incurable romantics who love to surround themselves with beauty and culture. Learn to be diplomatic and smother your Libran with affection, and he/she will purr like a cat.
Libra – Aries : These two personalities balance each other out.
Libra – Taurus : Common interests promise pleasurable times.
Libra – Gemini : Love and adoration is the main theme here.
Libra – Cancer : When you’re in each others arms, life is sweet.
Libra – Leo : Together, they’re a showstopper sight!
Libra – Virgo : Love, honor, and harmony can make this match work.
Libra – Libra : Diplomacy and romance shuts out the cruel world.
Libra – Scorpio : Nurturing love lessons soften Scorpio’s heart.
Libra – Sagittarius : Philosophy, networking, having fun – great match!
Libra – Capricorn : Support and challenge through the good and bad.
Libra – Aquarius : Creative heaven! Their mind-sync is stimulating.
Libra – Pisces : Wine, roses, music – no shortage of romance.

Scorpio

Scorpio

October 23 - November 21

Transient, Self-Willed, Purposeful, Unyielding

LOVE INSIGHT
Scorpios are powerful people who love to control their own destiny. Sensual and intense, life is anything but mundane. They are tenacious, secretive, sexy, and exciting, but watch out, they can also be fiercely protective and jealous. There’s nothing casual about this star-sign – enchanting!
Scorpio – Aries : This energy plus union can move mountains.
Scorpio – Taurus : Respect and appreciation for each other’s skills.
Scorpio – Gemini : First impressions can be captivating.
Scorpio – Cancer : Totally electric – the world is their oyster.
Scorpio – Leo : They can build on each other’s energy.
Scorpio – Virgo : Combined power can be resourceful.
Scorpio – Libra : Deep down, these two have a lot to offer each other.
Scorpio – Scorpio : An emotional intensity outweighs other combinations.
Scorpio – Sagittarius : An optimistic outlook can bring them together.
Scorpio – Capricorn : These two make people stand up and take notice.
Scorpio – Aquarius : Getting to know each other is part of the intrigue.
Scorpio – Pisces : Like Burton and Liz Taylor, they complete each other.

Sagittarius

Sagittarius

November 22 - December 21

Philosophical, Motion, Experimentation, Optimism

LOVE INSIGHT
Sagittarians need honesty like air and water. They love researching philosophies and are intelligent enough to discuss them. They’re independent souls who seek a love-mate who is individual, and independent. One who shares life values of exploring the greater mysteries of life.
Sagittarius – Aries : These two have an instant connection.
Sagittarius – Taurus : Mind and heart connection is encouraging.
Sagittarius – Gemini : Creative accomplishments are brilliant and many.
Sagittarius – Cancer : Evolvement by learning to love unconditionally.
Sagittarius – Leo : A dynamic pair - loads of presence!
Sagittarius – Virgo : This union can be extremely supportive to each other.
Sagittarius – Libra : Love and work are balanced evenly.
Sagittarius – Scorpio : Both having positive attitudes - build togetherness.
Sagittarius – Sagittarius : Two lucky signs entwined – they’re in heaven!
Sagittarius – Capricorn : Cap and Sag are both focused on their quest for life.
Sagittarius – Aquarius : A love of independence unites this pair.
Sagittarius – Pisces : There’s an intuitive and mystical connection.

Capricorn

Capricorn

December 22 - January 19

Determination, Dominance, Perservering, Practical, Willful

LOVE INSIGHT
Be stylish, interesting, and upscale to get a Capricorns attention. To win their heart, prove you’re consistent, responsible, financially independent, and totally loyal. Seems like a tall order, and yes mr/ms Cap can be controlling, but the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.
Capricorn – Aries : Anything is possible, once they agree.
Capricorn – Taurus : In-sync and happy to be in their own company.
Capricorn – Gemini : Different mind-set, but they can teach each other.
Capricorn – Cancer : They’re opposites who are complete when linked.
Capricorn – Leo : A high level of public recognition works for both.
Capricorn – Virgo : Common goals, dreams, wishes – a winning formula!
Capricorn – Libra : When the going gets tough, they’re supportive.
Capricorn – Scorpio : A force to be reckoned with – influential.
Capricorn – Sagittarius : They are both dedicated to their individual missions.
Capricorn – Capricorn : Life is bliss when you’re both reaching for the top.
Capricorn – Aquarius : Aquarian insightfulness and Cap practicality unites.
Capricorn – Pisces : They can access deeper levels within themselves.

Aquarius

Aquarius

January 20 - February 18

Knowledge, Humanitarian, Serious, Insightful, Duplicitous

LOVE INSIGHT
Aquarians are attracted to people who are different and unique. They have a need to feel in tune with their love-mate, on a mind, body and soul level. They have strong opinions; however, will respect you for who you are. They are surrounded by people, so don’t’ be the jealous type!
Aquarius – Aries : This is an interesting and fascinating match.
Aquarius – Taurus : There’s an abundance of education available.
Aquarius – Gemini : Once these two are together, they may never part.
Aquarius – Cancer : They admire each other’s skills and position in life.
Aquarius – Leo : This is a magnetic union – it keeps them interested.
Aquarius – Virgo : On an intellectual level, it’s spell-binding.
Aquarius – Libra : These two will talk, love, and nurture each other.
Aquarius – Scorpio : Intrigue and curiosity brings them together.
Aquarius – Sagittarius : An appreciation of each other’s missions in life.
Aquarius – Capricorn : Their differences can be complimentary.
Aquarius – Aquarius : Quirky and eccentric – just the way they like it.
Aquarius – Pisces : A blending of intellect and emotions can be perfect

Pisces

Pisces

February 19 - March 20

Fluctuation, Depth, Imagination, Reactive, Indecisive

LOVE INSIGHT
Pisces star people have a bewitching quality – they can steal your heart in an instant. They strive to be loved and to belong, but also need their personal space to escape to. It’s a magical roller coaster ride with this sensitive sign, but if the chemistry is there, it’s worth the ups and downs.
Pisces – Aries : When mind and emotions link, it’s magical.
Pisces – Taurus : Romantically in-tune, they’re in love paradise.
Pisces – Gemini : An understanding and appreciation of each other.
Pisces – Cancer : These two click, and build a beautiful love nest.
Pisces – Leo : There’s a mutual respect for individual qualities.
Pisces – Virgo : Intellect and instinct combinations can be powerful.
Pisces – Libra : The attraction is romance, and stimulating discussion.
Pisces – Scorpio : Complete with intense love, and plenty of action.
Pisces – Sagittarius : There’s something mystically special with this union.
Pisces – Capricorn : Together they can reach inner levels of wonderment.
Pisces – Aquarius : Combined, they have it all – the ying and yang.
Pisces – Pisces : Heavenly bliss – these two are totally in tune.

Understanding your Zodiac Sign:- Capricorn Personality Profile

Capricorn Personality Profile:

The Goat - Capricorn explained.

December 22 to January 20

While other signs are given to flights of fancy and daydreams, Capricorns always have their feet on the ground. One of the most stable signs in the zodiac, Capricorns are capable of exercising enormous discipline when they need to. Capricorns are also great listeners, and because they are enormously patient they can spend long hours listening to the stories and lives of others. This special Capricorn trait gives Capricorns great insight into other people's lives, traditions and personal histories. Capricorns tend to be very cultured and knowledgeable about the world and culture as a whole.

 

Capricorns care a great deal about their personal appearance and how they are perceived. They are usually very neatly dressed, or very stylish -- often with a keen sense of fashion and style.

 

Capricorns have "big" personalities. They tend to be generous, interesting and tactful. They are always patient and have an air of wisdom about them.

 

Capricorn at Work:

Capricorns are very ambitious people, and with their innate people-skills, immaculate presentation and natural smarts, they tend to do well in the workplace. Because they are immensely patient and restrained, Capricorns tend to perform especially well in high-stress environments that would be difficult for other signs to handle.  

Capricorns also do extremely well in management roles, where juggling multiple personality types, and exercising extreme patience are required.

 

Capricorn in Love:

While Capricorn is very pragmatic in most areas of life -- this is sometimes less true in matters of the heart, where Capricorns can exhibit unusual jealousies. Capricorns make great lovers. In relationships they are very attentive, and very patient at all times. But suggest to a Capricorn that the relationship may be in trouble, and that Capricorn jealousy will bubble up to the surface and begin to boil.  

Domestically, many Capricorns are "neat freaks", always insisting on cleanliness and perfection. Depending on who a Capricorn is partnered with, this can make for a perfect home, or lots of disagreements.

 

 

Capricorn! About Your Sign... The sign Capricorn is one of the most stable and (mostly) serious of the zodiacal types.  These independent, rocklike characters have many sterling qualities. They are normally confident,  strong willed and calm. These hardworking, unemotional, shrewd, practical, responsible, persevering,  and cautious to the extreme persons, are capable of persisting for as long as is necessary to  accomplish a goal they have set for themselves. Capricorn are reliable workers in almost any  profession they undertake. They are the major finishers of most projects started by the  'pioneering' signs; with firm stick-to-it-ness they quickly become the backbone of any company  they work for. Capricorn make of themselves, resourceful, determined managers; setting high standards for  themselves and others. They strive always for honesty in their criticism of self, they respect  discipline from above and demand it from those beneath them. In their methodical, tough,  stubborn, unyielding way, they persist against personal hardship, putting their families and/or  their work before their own needs and welfare to reach their objectives long after others have  given up and fallen by the wayside. In fact when practical ability allied with the drive of  ambition are required in employees to make a project succeed, Capricorn are the people to hire.  They plan carefully to fulfill their ambitions (which often include becoming wealthy), they are  economical without meanness, and able to achieve great results with minimum effort and expense.  Because of their organizing ability they are able to work on several projects simultaneously. They have a great respect for authority but may not, if they reach high rank, be willing to  listen to other opinions on things they are directly responsible for. As the ranking authority  figure in a given situation they expect their underlings to be as self disciplined as they  themselves are, and to perform every task undertaken to the highest standard. They are, nevertheless, fair as well as  demanding. Among their equals they are  not always the most pleasant of work  fellows for they are reserved and too  conservative, valuing tradition more  than innovation, however valuable the  latter, and they are often humorless.  There is also a tendency to pessimism,  melancholy and even unhappiness  which many Capricorn are unable to  keep to themselves, especially if they  fail personally.  In the extreme this trait can make  them a very depressed individual;  ecstatic happiness alternating with  the most wretched kind of misery which  is so subconsciously buried that he or she should seek help if such emotions become frequent.  For the above reason, capable Capricorn should spend many hours in meditation, gathering  the strength to control such inner emotions. The swings in mood are not the only reason  some Capricorns  deserve the adjective based on their name - capricious.  They can be surprisingly and suddenly witty and subtle for the quiet, reserved individuals  they seem to be, and they also have a tendency to ruin things by unexpected and utterly  irresponsible bouts of flippancy. In certain individuals in whom the characteristic is strong,  the temptation to  do this has to be resisted with iron self-control. Another unexpected quality in some  Capricorn is an interest in the occult which persists in spite of their naturally skeptical  turn of mind. Their intellects are sometimes very subtle. They think profoundly and deeply, throughly  exploring all possibilities before deciding on a 'safe' alternative. They have good memories  and an insatiable yet methodical desire for knowledge. They are rational, logical and  clearheaded, have good concentration, delight in debate in which they can show off  their cleverness by luring their adversaries into traps and confounding them with logic. In their personal relationships they are often ill-at-ease, if not downright unhappy.  They are somewhat self-centered but not excessively so, wary and cautious around  people they do not know very well, preferring not to meddle with others and in turn  not to allow interference with themselves, thus they tend to attract people who do  not understand them. Casual acquaintances they will treat with diplomacy, tact and,  above all, reticence. They make few good friends but are intensely loyal to those they  do make, and they can become bitter, and powerful enemies. They sometimes dislike  the opposite sex and test the waters of affection gingerly before judging the  temperature right for marriage. Once married, however, they are faithful, though  inclined to jealousy. Most Capricorns marry for life. Their occupations can include most professions that have to do with math or money  and they are strongly attracted to music. They can be economists, financiers, bankers,  speculators, contractors, managers and real estate brokers. They excel as bureaucrats,  especially where projects demanding long-term planning and working are concerned,  and their skill in debate and love of dialectic make them good politicians. They are  excellent teachers, especially as principals of educational establishments where they  have the authority to manage and organize without too much intimacy with the  staff members. If working with their hands, they can become practical scientists,  engineers, farmers and builders. The wit and flippancy which is characteristic of  certain Capricornians may make some turn to entertainment as a career. Possible Capricorn Health Concerns... Capricorn governs the knees, bones and skin, so its subjects may be liable to  fractures and strains of the knees and other defects of the legs. Skin diseases  from rashes and boils to leprosy (in countries where that disease is prevalent)  are dangers, and digestive upsets may be caused by the tendency of Capricorns  to worry or suppress emotions. Anemia, Bright's disease, catarrh, deafness,  rheumatism and rickets are also said to threaten the natives of this sign. Drop your comments!

Jonathan, others intervene in Tukur, PDP NWC’s rift

National Chairman of the party, Dr. Bamanga Tukur
| credits: File copy

President Goodluck Jonathan; President of the Senate, David Mark; and Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwwal, on Wednesday held a closed door session with warring members of the National Working Committee of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party with a view to resolving their disagreement.

The NWC is currently divided over the crisis rocking the party’s Adamawa State chapter, home state of the National Chairman, Dr. Bamanga Tukur.

Ten of the 12 members of the party’s NWC had on Tuesday disowned Tukur’s action on the crisis rocking the state chapter.

The NWC members led by the party’s Deputy National Chairman, Dr. Sam Jaja, said ongoing local government and ward congresses in the state were not authorised by the NWC.

They also restored the Executive Committee of the party in the state, which was sacked by the NWC on October 17, 2012.

But on Wednesday, Jonathan and the two leaders of the National Assembly met with the feuding party chiefs.

Jaja; the party’s National Secretary, Olagunsoye Oyinlola; the National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh; and National Women Leader, Kema Chikwe, among others attended the meeting with Tukur leading the delegation.

A former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana; a chief of the party, Chief Tony Anenih; and Nigeria’s Ambassador to Canada, Chief Ojo Maduekwe, were among party elders who attended the reconciliation meeting that lasted about two hours.

At the end of the meeting, Tukur told State House correspondents that the disagreement  had been resolved.

He said, “PDP NWC is the first family of the PDP. I can assure that like any other family, there may be disagreements but based on principle, not disagreement for anything. We have resolved all our differences.

“Some differences, you will bring them to light, examine them and find out why there has been disagreement and you go back and do what you believe is right.”

Tukur had, earlier on Wednesday released documents on the controversial congresses in the Adamawa State chapter of the party.

The documents faulted the stance of 10 members of the NWC led by Jaja who, on Tuesday, said the ongoing local government and ward congresses in the state were not authorised by the NWC.

The first document is a letter dated December 5, 2012 and addressed to Tukur. The letter, signed by the National Organising Secretary, Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha, detailed the action plan by the caretaker committee of the party in the state for the party’s congress in the state.

The letter read in part, “Please find attached a copy of the letter by our great party’s caretaker committee for Adamawa State dated December 3, 2012, and re-scheduling chapter congresses for the state.

“You may wish to give anticipatory approval pending the formal ratification by the National Working Committee.”

Mustapha went ahead to detail the activities to include Ward Congresses (December 27), Appeal on Ward Congresses (December 28), Local Government Congresses (January 3), Appeal on local government congresses (January 5), State congress (January 8) and Appeals on state congress (January 10).

Tukur approved the Action Plan as submitted by Mustapha.

The following day, Mustapha wrote a letter to the party’s caretaker chairman in the state, conveying the approval of the NWC for holding the congresses.

He wrote, “I write to inform you that the National Working Committee of our great party has approved the time-table for the chapter congresses in Adamawa State.

“In adherence to the stipulations of Section 85 of the Electoral Act 2010, the Independent National Electoral Commission has accordingly been notified of these congresses.”

A copy of the letter was sent to the office of the National Vice-Chairman of the party in North-East.

In his letter to the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega, dated December 5, Mustapha informed the electoral body of the dates of the congresses.

He said, “In keeping with the provisions of Section 87 of the Electoral Act 2010, we write to inform the Independent National Electoral Commission that the National Working Committee of our great party has approved the conduct of the party’s congresses in Adamawa State, sequel to the upcoming party congresses in the state.”

“Accordingly, INEC is hereby notified of these congresses.”

A source close to Tukur wondered why the NWC members were moving against Tukur, saying the 10 NWC members would be shocked that “if Tukur is forced out of office, others will follow him.”  

Court jails trailer driver for driving against traffic

Third Mainland Bridge Lagos
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The Lagos State Special  Court has sentenced a trailer driver to three months imprisonment for driving against the flow of traffic.

The PUNCH had reported the arrest of the 33-year-old driver, Sagir Abubakar, on September 18, 2012.

Abubakar, who is from Yobe State, was arrested by the state Taskforce on Environmental and Special (Enforcement) Unit while driving against the traffic on the Third Mainland Bridge.

The Taskforce Chairman, Superintendent Bayo Sulaiman, had said, “Driving against the traffic is rampant in the Lagos metropolis.

“This practice violates the provision of the state traffic law.”

He said punishment for the offence was one-year imprisonment for a first-time offender and three years imprisonment for subsequent offences,  including seizure of the vehicle.

Abubakar was first arraigned on September 20 but his case was adjourned on his request.    

On Wednesday, Abubakar pleaded guilty and asked for leniency.

His charge sheet read, “That you, Sagir Abubakar, on September 18, 2012, at about 12.40 pm on the Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos State, drove a trailer with registration number XB 323 FKA driving same against oncoming traffic and committed an offence contrary to section 7(b), Lagos Road Traffic Law 2012 and punishable under section 7 (b)(1) of same law.”

The Magistrate,  Yetunde Pinhero, subsequently sentenced him to three months imprisonment with an option of N100, 000 fine.

Abubakar was also sent to the state  Drivers’ Institute for seven days driving training and re-certification.

The convict was, however, taken to Badagry Prison because he was unable to raise the N100,000 fine option.

We’ll work against Jonathan – N’Delta elders

President Goodluck Jonathan
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Niger Delta Elders’ Forum has warned that the region may not back President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2015 general elections if he fails to develop the area.

The forum stated that the people would not be fooled to vote for Jonathan if he refused to take steps towards addressing the developmental challenges in the region.

In a statement  by its Chairman, Etubong Duke, and Secretary, Mr. Nelson Baribote, the forum observed that the South-South geopolitical zone was faced with more socio-economic hardship than ever before.

The forum expressed regret that though it showed confidence in the ability of President Jonathan to deliver on his election promises, it had begun to wonder whether the problems affecting the region were glaring to the President.

The forum said, “We have seen that the president and his ministers are more interested in the 2015 agenda than the welfare of the people.

“We wish to state, however, that this time around, Niger Deltans will not be fooled to vote for Jonathan unless he takes practical steps to address our developmental challenges in the region without prejudice to other areas.”

Recapitalisation hurdle threatens Savannah Bank’s reopening

The failure of the core investors in Savannah Bank of Nigeria Plc to fully recapitalise the bank to the N25bn minimum share capital requirement is a major reason for its inability to reopen for business, more than three years after its operating licence was returned via a court order, investigations by our correspondent have revealed.

The Central Bank of Nigeria had closed down SBN in 2002, citing infringements and non-compliance with banking laws by the management of the bank as reasons for its action.

However, after a protracted legal battle, the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja and presided over by Justice U. M. Abba’aji, on February 5, 2009, ordered that the operating licence of the bank be reinstated. The court had subsequently given the bank six months to capitalise.

Under the new banking regime, the minimum recapitalisation requirement for international banking, as stipulated by the CBN, is N50bn, while N25bn is for national banks and N10bn for regional banks.

Reports indicate that SBN intends to resume operation as a national bank, but has been unable to raise the required N25bn and resolve other operational issues.

The Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation and CBN confirmed that Societe Generale Bank, which also regained its operational licence in 2009 through a court order, having had it revoked in 2005, would reopen as a regional bank under a new name, Heritage Bank.

In December 2012, the CBN confirmed that it would give loans to both SBN and Societe Generale Bank of Nigeria to enable them recommence operations.

The Director, Banking Supervision, CBN, Mrs. Tokunbo Martins, had said the two banks would only get loans from the central bank upon the fulfilment of certain conditions, including satisfactory risk management framework, evidence of good corporate governance and meeting the minimum recapitalisation requirement.

Commenting on the failure of the banks to have reopened for business, the Director, Corporate Communications, CBN, Mr. Ugo Okoroafor, said in a telephone interview with our correspondent on Wednesday that the bank would only assist SBN if it met set conditions.

“It was a court decision that Savannah Bank should be given its licence back. We are ready to assist the bank, but it is up to the owners to come up with a timeline to reopen,” he said.

Asked whether there was a timeframe for the bank to reopen and what possible sanctions were open to the regulatory bank to adopt in view if SBN failed to reopen for business, Okoroafor said the circumstance was “peculiar.”

He said, “This is a bank that was operating and had its licence revoked; and then, they went to court and the court reinstated it. The court did not say it is reinstated for a specific period.

“About whether we will revoke the licence after a while; like I said, they got it through a court order. So, if, for instance, anything like that is going to happen, when we get to that bridge we will cross it; they are not taking fresh deposits, there is no systemic risk. All those things have been minimised. We will have to watch and see and the take a decision as it comes.”

 “The point is that when they are ready, they will reopen. When they meet our condition, we will help them; we will help them as they come forward,” he added.

Okoroafor explained that as far as the CBN was concerned, the bank had not started operations; “We haven’t renewed the licence; when they meet the conditions we will do that, but we are ready to assist them.”

He added, “If it, for instance, is a bank that is in operation and collecting deposits from people and then falls short of certain conditions, you can then say, ‘if you don’t meet those conditions, we will do this and do that.’

“The true situation is that the bank is moving ahead to reopen and we are hoping that it will reopen shortly.”

In the period following the court order, Savannah Bank had made several promises to reopen. For instance, in July 2010, its Executive Director (Services), Mrs. Pat Nwobodo, had informed the management of NDIC that the bank had concluded arrangements to open six offices in each of the geo-political zones of the country to facilitate depositor interaction and verification of claims.

Oyo visits injured Tribune reporter as NUJ kicks

Governor Abiola Ajimobi
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Officials of the Oyo State Government on Wednesday visited a Nigerian Tribune reporter, Mr. Laolu Harold, who was allegedly beaten by soldiers attached to the state demolition task force team in Ibadan.

Leading the team was the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Pastor Taiwo Otegbeye.

Otegbeye, who sympathised with Harold on his hospital bed at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, described the incident as unfortunate.

According to him, no responsible government will ask security men to brutalise its citizens.

He said, “This is not a government of brigandage. We did not send anyone to brutalise anybody. We believe in the maintenance of law and order in the urban renewal efforts of government.”

Otegbeye said the state government was committed to the maintenance of law and order, without obstructing the rights of the citizens.

The commissioner, who said the state would be responsible for Harold’s medical bills, noted that the Abiola Ajimobi-led administration was tolerant and would not compromise the rights of the people.

Among those who visited the journalist at the hospital were the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo; his Information and Orientation counterpart, Mr. Gbolagade Busari; the Special Assistant on Information and Orientation, Mr. Ademola Solalu; and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Mr. Tunde Busari.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Journalists in the state on Wednesday, in a statement by its Secretary, Rotimi Babalola, condemned the attack on Harold.

The statement read, “The assault by the men attached to government demolition team was crude, barbaric and uncalled for.

“Journalists all over the world are known for nosing for news so as to keep the public abreast with happenings.”

It added that those responsible for the journalist’s assault should be made to face the law.

We’re not aware of AIDS cure breakthrough – UNIBEN

University of Benin on Wednesday distanced itself from  Prof. Isaiah Ibeh’s claim that he had found a possible cure for  AIDS.

Reports on Wednesday quoted Ibeh, who is  UNIBEN’s Dean of  Basic Medical Sciences, as saying he had  developed a herbal  drug capable of curing AIDS.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria in Benin on Tuesday that the new drug had undergone “a series of successful tests”.

But speaking with our correspondent in his office on Tuesday, Provost, College of Medical Sciences, UNIBEN, Prof. Vincent Iyawe, said the university was unaware of the breakthrough, and would therefore not substantiate it until procedures for verifying such were concluded.

Iyawe  said, “The school will like to take credit for a breakthrough, but the school cannot align with the breakthrough because the university college was not consulted and the university was not consulted. He didn’t carry anybody along, so, this is the issue. There are protocols and procedures, stage by stage procedures

“We are going to take it (drug) to the clinical laboratory, we are going to take it to the Federal Ministry of Health because they have a procedure there.

“We’ll probably take it to NAFDAC  because it is a unit or department of the ministry. We’ll take it for clinical trial, and many things we’ll have to do before we can announce that we discovered something.

“In fact,  we  have to take it to the World Health Organisation. So these are the things we are discussing.”

Asked whether Ibeh was unaware of such procedures before going public, Iyawe said, “I don’t know. He can answer that question, but we are not granting a press interview. I said  after we have finished, we can still call you people (media). All we are doing is to protect him.”

However, the provost  was not sure of  how long it could take the university  to verify Ibeh’s claim.

Iyawe said, “It depends on what we are dealing with; it depends on the virus or bacteria you are dealing with. It could take years, it’s not something you expect an answer to in two weeks or one month’s time. Don’t drag me into this.”

Ibeh, who was present, said, “I will naturally maintain  studied silence.

“I align myself with the voice of the Provost. Please don’t drag him at all in troubled waters. I am sure he has my best interest because we are not just friends,  he is my boss and he will certainly look out for my interest.”

Meanwhile, Ibeh said the unwillingness of big hospitals to provide a larger sampling population for the new  research may hinder further  research works and progress.

In a telephone interview with one  of our correspondents, he said there were still questions to be answered about the product and other procedures to be followed to ensure the authentication of his claim.

Ibeh said, “There are no hospitals willing to cooperate with us, this is a challenge. We need a larger population size for this study. In every research, there are three types of individual. They are all important for us to make authentic scientific conclusions. We have the hyper, normal and hypo individuals, a bigger sampling size will enable us to examine the impact of the drug on all these groups.”

Egba, Ijebu unfair to Ogun West – Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Wednesday declared that the people of Ogun West Senatorial District had been marginalised by the other zones in the state.

He said this while receiving the leaders of the party from the district, who paid him a solidarity visit at his Hilltop residence in Abeokuta.

He accused the Ogun East and Central zones, made up of the Ijebu/Remo and Egba, of working against the interest of the senatorial district comprising the Yewa/Awori.

Ogun West remains the only senatorial zone  in the state yet to produce the governor of the 37-year-old state.

Obasanjo urged the PDP leaders in the senatorial district to put their house in order ahead of the 2015 general elections to ensure that their zone was not left out in the political arrangement in the state.

He said, “Ogun West politics or no politics, some people have been saying that Ogun West does not have competent  people. Tunji (Olurin) and I were soldiers and can a nonentity be a soldier? Is Tunji not from Ogun West?

“Initially, some people said the South had no competent people but God has helped us and we’ve been able to prove that the South has competent people as well as the North, West and East. Ogun West has competent people.

“Why I said Ogun West needs a proper attention is that, if we don’t make efforts, we won’t find anyone to assist us.

“When there are two opportunities in Ogun State, if all the two don’t go to the East, both the Central and the East normally share it. If it were to be three, two will go to the East while one will go to the Central but West will be left out. If the opportunities were to be four, both East and Central will share it equally.

“For how long are we going to perpetrate this injustice? When I was a military Head of State, whenever there was anything to be shared, particularly in the area of education  and health  facilities, we usually had this problem. The polytechnic we established  in Ogun State, I was the one that insisted that it must be established in Ilaro.”

Filling Station Razed In Abia

Filling Station Razed In Abia

 

 
A Petrol station, Okozak, at Uzuakoli in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State was yesterday gutted by fire which consumed goods and properties worth millions of naira.

However, no life was lost in the fire disaster that consumed the station and a bus that was refueling.

The incident reportedly occurred when a 33,000 litre tanker truck was discharging petrol at the station.

The driver of the truck marked XE888AKL, Stephen Ogbuji, who lamented the incident described it “a mysterious one”.

Ogbuji said he suddenly discovered there was fire while discharging the petrol product.

He said: “I had connected the hose to the underground tank to commence the discharge of petrol and in less than three minutes there was fire from nowhere. I used my fire extinguisher with that of the filling station to try and put it out to no avail.

“The engine of the truck was not on and there was no fire around, no matches and no commercial motorcycle. So, I am still wondering how the fire started.

“This type of thing has never happened to me since my 16 years of being an oil tanker driver.”

In his reaction, station manager, Chinedu Uwalekwu, commended the people of Uzuakoli for their timely intervention, saying the fire would have escalated beyond the station if they had no come to the rescue.

According to him, the fire will have taken a bigger dimension if he had not removed the hose when he noticed the fire, as the underground tank was open.

He bemoaned the attitude of fire fighters in Umuahia who refused to heed distress call.

His words: “When the fire started we immediately got in touch with the fire service in Umuahia the state capital, but they complained that they have no driver to drive their truck, yet they come here every year to collect their annual levy from us.”

Police Detains Gov Lamido’s Son Over Fatal Accident

Police Detains Gov Lamido’s Son Over Fatal Accident

 
The police in Kano has detained Mr Aminu Sule, the eldest son of Jigawa State governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido for allegedly crushing to death a middle aged man along BUK road by Rumfa College, Kano.

Eye witness account confided that the incident occurred at about 8.55pm adding that the victim died on the spot.

Aminu Sule who is been prosecuted by the EFCC for alleged money laundering is been detained alongside his SUV sport car at Kwali police station in Kano.

The source further explained that “for the timely intervention of the police on patrol, Aminu would have been killed by the mob.

Confirming the incident, Kano Police Public Relations Officer, PPRC, ASP Magaji Musa Majia stated that the driver of the accident vehicle has been identified as Aminu Sule.

Majia stated that the police has equally identified the relation of the victim, stating that the body was taken to a government hospital for doctor’s confirmation.

Power Ministry Targets 10,000MW By Q4 2013

Power Ministry Targets 10,000MW By Q4 2013

 
The ministry of power has said it  was targeting 10,000 Mega Watt (MW) of generation capacity by the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2013.

This was contained in a power sector update presented to the Presidential Action Committee on Power by the Minister of Power, Zainab Kuchi, on Tuesday.

It is however, not clear how the ministry intends to achieve this target considering the fact that power generation has only increased by about 1,700MW in the last two years. Generation capacity was about 2,800MW at the onset of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration in May 2011.

Meanwhile, the target contradicts the 6,873MW target the ministry had earlier disclosed after reviewing all strategies put in place.
Speaking during the ministry’s performance contract signing ceremony in Abuja, the CEO of Egbin Power Plant, Mr Mike Uzoigwe, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues said after reviewing the capability of all PHCN successor generation companies (GENCO) which generated a combined 2,829MW in the Q4 of 2012, 3,879MW was projected for 2013.

He explained that with an additional 2,500MW expected to be generated from the Independent Power Plants (IPPs) and the National Integrated Power Plants (NIPPs) the total available power to the national grid by 2013 would be 6,873MW.

However, the minister who didn’t give much details of how this new target would be achieved listed the diversification of energy mix to include renewables as part of plans to grow capacity to 10,000MW by the end of 2013.

She further listed scaling up of rural access to electricity and stimulating investment in the sector by fostering bilateral relations as some of the ministry’s long-term work plans and goals.

She also explained to the Committee that the ministry would source for ways of funding power transmission development projects outside of the budgetary provisions, adding that the ministry would also focus on developing new policy initiatives to address post- privatisation challenges.

Curbing Examination Malpractice In Nigeria Education Sector: 2013

2013: Curbing Examination Malpractice In Nigeria Education Sector

 

The escalating cases of malpractices recorded in West African Examination Council, (WAEC) conducted in recent years has put the Nigerian government and relevant agencies under more pressure to sanitise the sector in the New Year.

The menace compelled the council to withhold 39,066 results of candidates who wrote November/December West African Senior School Certificate Examination, (WASSCE) in 2011, while in 2012, 47,289 results were withheld as a result of malpractice.

This statistics mainly revealed that those involved in examination malpractice have increased over the years compared to the record of previous years.

Though the council has continued to assure Nigerians that they are doing their best to put an end to malpractice among candidates, professionals have opined that the way out is a total overhaul and reform of the sector.

Their concerns cannot be faulted considering the fact that candidates involved in examination malpractice last year increased by 8,223.

This to the analysts, chronicled the need for the council to put more measures in place to reduce the criminal act among candidates.

LEADERSHIP findings revealed that some students who sat for the examination saw the Nov/Dec category as an opportunity for them to pass their papers by hiring some persons to write the exams for them.

Thus, the new Head of Nigeria National Office, Mr. Charles Eguridu said, “The case of malpractice when investigated will be presented to Nigeria Examinations Committee (NEC)’, saying the decision of the committee will be communicated to the affected students through their zonal branch.

‘The question that bothers the minds of many people who value education is whether the candidates involved in this act are punished after it has been ascertained that they are guilty and if not, there is every tendency that there are problems in curbing malpractice among students.

He went on: “You will recall that at the 54th meeting of the NEC council held in November 2011, the committee again decried the incidence of malpractice in examinations. The incidence of examination malpractices must be checked at all cost if we expect our educational sector to regain not only its past glory, but also improve and compete with those of the other nations”.

The council in its effort to curb examination malpractice called on stakeholders to partner with them in the fight against the malaise, adding that the council is introducing biometric features in its registration process for examination.

The predominant factors responsible for examination malpractice among secondary school students conducted by WAEC and NECO were found to include lack of trained teachers in secondary schools, corrupt WAEC and NECO examination officials and supervisors who allow examination malpractice for money and disturbingly too, the difficulty in getting admission into tertiary institutions.

It was therefore concluded that concerted effort should be made at the examination agencies’ level to check the action of corrupt officials.

Other factors identified also include, poor preparation for examinations, low morality and poor school facilities.

However, in 2011, out of the 404,863 candidates that sat for the examination, 226,658 (60.86%) obtained credit and above in Mathematics, while 226,188 candidates (59.82%) obtained credit and above in English Language while in 2012, 396,614 candidates sat for the examination, 150,615 representing 37.97 percent obtained credits in five subjects and above including English Language and Mathematics.

To the council, there is a comparative analysis of candidates’ performance in the 2010/2012 WASSCE. “It shows that there has been a consistent improvement in the performance of candidates.

According to Eguridu, “ It is an indication that investment in the education sector, particularly under the transformation agenda of the present administration is beginning to yield dividends.”

The WAEC boss said out of the total number that sat for the examination, 406,108 candidates representing 98.27 percent have their results fully released while 7,158 candidates, representing 1.73 percent have a few of their subjects still being processed due to some errors mainly traceable to the candidates.