Sokoto Government Firm Sign MoU On New Sugar Factory

R-L: Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Aisha Abubakar, Executive Secretary of the national Sugar Development Council, Dr. Lateef Busari and the Managing Director of Goronyo Sugar Company, Hamza Muhammad Sambo, at the site of sugarcane nursery in Goronyo LGA of Sokoto State.

Sokoto state government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Goronyo Sugar Company for the establishment of a new sugar factory in Sokoto state.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Bashir Garba and the Managing Director of the company, Hamza Muhammad Sambo signed the dotted lines at a ceremony in Sokoto Government House.

The event was witnessed by the Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Hajiya Aisha Abubakar and the Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council, Dr. Lateef Busari.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal said his administration is determined to diversify its revenue sources and create job opportunities for its teeming populace.

"We want to create opportunities for our citizens by setting up viable industries and supporting the private sector to invest in our state. All enabling environment has been created and we want to assure that all investors funds are safe here.

"We always abide by the letters and spirit of all agreements we entered into. We will work together to see to the realisation of this important project within a reasonable time frame," he added.

The Governor commended the Minister for her active interest in the project, saying she has done well since her appointment into the Federal Executive Council as a representative of Sokoto State.

In her remarks, the junior Minister said Nigeria has been lagging behind in her 10-year sugar development plan, but that efforts have been put to ensure sppedy implementation.

She expressed satisfaction with the role Sokoto state is playing in supporting federal government policies, adding that the Muhammadu Buhari administration has put in place programs to move the nation forward.

Before the signing of the MoU, Governor Tambuwal, along with officials of the State Investment Company, led the Minister to the site of a sugarcane nursery planted near Goronyo Dam, where the factory will be located.

Man, 45, Docked For Alleged Attempted Murder, Breach Of Public Peace

Hafsoh Isiaq, Osogbo

The Osun State Police Command has arraigned a 45 year old man Olalekan Atan before an Osogbo Chief Magistrate's Court for an alleged attempt to kill one Muibi Akande.

The police prosecutor, Kehinde Adewuyi told the court that the accused person threatened to kill Akande with cutlass at opposite Kabelo filling station, Ota-efun area in Osogbo.

She added that the accused also caused breach of the peace by using cutlass to chase Muibi Akande.

She said the offence committed by the accused person was contrary to and punishable under sections 86, 249(13) of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Volume 2 laws of Osun State, 2003.

The accused person, who had no legal representation pleaded not guilty to the two count charge of attempted murder and breach of public peace labelled against him.

In his ruling, Magistrate A.O Ajanaku granted the accused person bail in th sum of #250,000 with two reliable sureties .

She there by adjourned the case till 8th of February, 2018.

Police Parade Thirteen Notorious Militia/ Kidnappers And Armed Robbery Gangs Responsible For Slaughtering Of Nineteen Innocent People

The Special Tactical Squad attached to Operation Absolute Sanity and personnel of Niger State Police Command under the supervision of the Commissioner of Police, Niger State in line with the Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim Idris, concerned with the loss of innocent lives in the towns, villages and communities along the Minna-Bida-Birnin Gwari-Funtua and Tegina-Kaduna highways, have arrested those behind the loss of innocent lives.

While parading the suspects at the Niger State Police Command on Wednesday, the Force Public Relations Officers CSP Jimoh Moshood said consequent on the directive of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim Idris, the joint team moved in and raided all the identified criminal camps, kidnappers’ dens and hideouts in the Forest in Birnin-Gwari, Tegina, Alawa and Kabata town in Niger State. The operations that lasted several days and intense exchange of fire between the Police Joint Team and this vicious militia/kidnap for ransom gang resulted in the arrest of Thirteen mentioned suspects and recovery of the cache of prohibited arms and ammunition which include: ThreeAK47 Rifles,  Two English pump action with breach,  Ten locally made single barrel guns,  One colt USA made pistol with breach no 574912013, One revolver pistol, One Single barrel pistol,  Two locally made revolver pistol,  Two Ak47 Magazines,  Sixty Five AK47 ammunition, Eighty Eight live cartridges, Five expended Live Ammunition, Eighteen live ammunitions of .9mm, Five fabricated live ammunitions of 7.9mm,  Two sharp knives, One cutlass and Heaps of Charms

The Police spokesperson further reiterated that the gang confessed to have been responsible for the kidnap and slaughtering of seven persons from a mosque at Kabata town under Rafin LGA of Niger State late last year. They also admitted to be responsible for the attack on a Police Post at Alawa town in Shiroro LGA of Niger State where the Police Post was burnt down and two Policemen who were in a team on a rescue mission of some kidnapped victims were ambushed and killed by this Militia gang. The Gang leader, Lawal Maisaje a.k.a Lawal Kwali and his second in command Zakairu Mamman during interrogation confessed that they have slaughtered more than nineteen innocent people in the mentioned villages which include a father and his son after collection of ransom from most of the victims ranging from One Million Naira to Three Million Naira. Investigation is being intensified to arrest other gang members still at large.

CSP Moshood said the suspects will be arraigned in court on completion of investigation. He also said that the Nigeria Police will not relent in its renewed effort to rid the country of all forms of crimes and criminality and ensure adequate protection, security and safety of lives and properties of all Nigerians throughout the country.  

Saraki Pledges Quick Passage of CAMA, ISA Bills

President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Wednesday reiterated the commitment of the 8th National Assembly to swiftly consider and pass required amendments to the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) and the Investment and Securities Act (ISA).

Saraki, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sanni Onogu, made the remarks when the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) on CAMA and ISA led by Ozofu Ogiemudia presented reports on the two acts to the President of the Senate in Abuja.

He stated that the objectives of the amendment is to place the country in a position that will be competitive and attract investments. 

He said: "We at the 8th National Assembly has made this a priority to look at what we call our economic priority bills.  These are the last two that form the core of our mandate and our promise to Nigerians. 

"I am so excited that we made the promise to Nigerians at the beginning of the 8th Senate and today we have seen the completion of the work. To me, this is a great achievement.

"I am very confident that if we pass these two bills, they will significantly help in making our country attractive for investment. And if you look at the core issues affecting the country today, it all comes back to the issues about the economy. 

"If we can get the economy right, create jobs for our youth, create investment and empower people, we will be able to significantly reduce all the areas of friction. 

"So your contributions goes beyond just these two bills as it is a contribution to the development and social stability of the country. On our part, we will work to get them passed quickly in both chambers," he said. 

Saraki thanked the members of the TAC for working on the two important Acts which are at the heart of business in the country and producing the reports. 

"Let me thank you for the thorough job and the contributions that you have made to the country," Saraki said. "These two bills are so important to us and I am sure that when the history is written your contribution will definitely be noted significantly on making Nigeria a hub for doing business and promoting investment."

Earlier, the leader of the National Assembly TAC on CAMA and ISA, Ozofu Ogiemudia, stated that both acts are significant in that they set the frameworks for companies in the country and the Nigerian Capital Market, "which includes one of the most active and attractive stock exchanges on the continent."

She noted that both acts which are strategically important needed to be updated given the changes in technology and society the worldover. 

She said: "In the last 28 years, CAMA has existed without any major amendment. In the case of the ISA, it has been in existence for 10 years now. Accordingly the technical advisory committee has produced and humbly submits to the Senate for consideration two repeal and reenactment bills in respect of CAMA and the ISA. 

"We are confident that these bills will further the overriding objectives of this government to make the regulatory framework for doing business easier for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and to ease the process for compliance by businesses, thereby elevating Nigeria to the coveted position of an investment hub in the continent," she stated. 

Lauretta Onochie Is Not Fit For Her Office, Young Professionals Insist

Lauretta Onochie 

The United Young Professionals has maintained her stand that the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Lauretta Onochie must be relieved of her position by President Muhammadu Buhari.  

In a reaction to Onochie's response to their earlier call for her sack, the National Coordinator of United Young Professionals, Adewole Kehinde said it is unfortunate that Onochie could reasoning like a despicable person by saying our well respected professional body; which is far better than the office she is occupying, is a "group as jobbers, who want easy money”.

"Onochie's reaction has shown that she must have been paying people to do her job for her as she doesn't even look like someone who understands the nature of her job than to insult reasonable people thereby tarnishing the image of her employer; President Buhari, Adewole said. 

"We once again publish the Nigeria Police Budget in relations to her fabricated post on the social media to enlighten her ignorance;

In 2015, Police Capital Budget Proposal was  N345,756,469,886, Capital Appropriation was N17,800,000,000 but Amount Released & Cash-backed was N8,900,000,000 but Balance Not Released was N8,900,000,000. Also in 2016, Police Capital Budget Proposal was  N331,000,000,000, Capital Appropriation was N16,107,272,000 but Amount Released & Cash-backed was N10,026,818,000 but Balance Not Released was N6,080,454,000

“Also on the Overhead Cost Allocations; In 2015, Police Overhead Proposal N71, 894,140,124 while Overhead Cost Allocation N5,895,797,734 but Amount Released      N4,838,790,846 while the Balance Not Released 1,057,006,888.00. In 2016, Police Overhead Proposal N90,645,426,172 while Overhead Cost Allocation N9,250,565,307 but Amount Released was N6,369,343,519.18 while the Balance Not Released N2,881,221,787.82

“Total amount required for Local travels and transport annually in 2016 is N200 Billion but ONLY N368 Million was released. In the 2017 Appropriation, a budget of N411,000,000 is made for Local Travels & Transport nationwide. This translates to an average of N58,714 annually to each of the 7,000 locations or just N4,893 monthly per formation. The implication of this is that Police officers on official assignments are not paid their duty tour allowances thereby making the Police to fall back on the state governments to offset some of these allowances.

We call on Onochie, pending when she remained in office to always do the right thing and stop sabotaging the Government feeding her entire household, Adewole concluded. 

It Is Time Magu Stop Media Trial Sympathy

Ibrahim Magu 

By Kelvin Adegbenga

My attention was recently drawn to the publication in an online media; http://newsrescue.com with the caption “As Saraki Bags Title In Zamfara, “Society Now Rewards Thieves, Treasury Looters With Chieftaincy Titles,” Magu Says”

I wouldn’t have respond to the publication but considering the recent activities of the acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu of using the media to conclude major cases before the EFCC instead of the Law court made me to respond appropriately.

It will be recalled that Speaking at the 2017 Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) week/award day, Magu has lamented the situation where treasury looters get rewarded with positions of authority and chieftaincy titles and he further said values such as hard work and integrity were no more regarded.

Magu, who was represented by A. Bello further went to say that “now recognizes thieves and looters of the common treasury, by rewarding them with chieftaincy titles and other high positions of authority”.

I want ask Magu to name any convicted “Looters of the common treasury” that has been rewarded with chieftaincy titles and other high positions of authority 

I appreciate his comment that “the process must start from our homes”. It is time the EFCC Acting Chairman comes out to tell the true State of the DSS report against him.

He who must go to equity must go in clean hands. It is time Magu come out to tell Nigerians the owners of the so called recovered “N521,815,000.00, $53,272 747.00, £122,890.00, and €547,730.00″.

He should also publish the names of the “recorded 62 convictions” in the first quarter of 2017 that the EFCC has convicted rather than engaging in media war against “innocent until proven guilty” suspects.

It is high time Ibrahim Magu stops media trial and face the work he is assigned to do. Media trial sympathy will not earn him conformation by the National Assembly.

Kelvin Adegbenga wrotes in from Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He can be reached via: kelvinadegbenga@yahoo.com and @Kelvinadegbenga

EDITORIAL: Still On NBC/NAFDAC Court Judgment

Mrs Yetunde Oluremi Oni, Acting DG NAFDAC

The news of the Judgement against Nigeria Bottling Company (NBC) and the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) went viral yesterday especially on the social media.

Some even accused the conventional media of not making the news headline because the Nigeria Bottling Company (NBC) has given them “brown envelope”.

Some even put the major blame on the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for not doing their monitoring accordingly.

This is a case that was instituted Nine years ago and I am very sure that those condemning NBC and NAFDAC never bothered to follow up on the case since 2008 when the case was filed.

Immediately the judgement was made, so many questions came to the mind: Did Mr. Fijabi complained initially to the regulatory agency, NAFDAC? Did he get back to the Nigeria Bottling Company (NBC) on the report of the Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council’s Trading Standard, Department of Environment and Economy Directorate, UK? Has any hospital or clinic reported any death as a result of taking Vitamin C with Fanta or Sprite? If Fanta and Sprite is poisonous, why not ban it instead of instructing them via NAFDAC to warning consumers on the danger of taking Fanta or Sprite with Vitamin C? How many consumers in the rural areas can read the English written in the bottles and cans?

While the questions were begging for answers, the Nigeria Bottling Company (NBC) came out quickly with a press release which is gave their own side of the case below:

Our attention has been drawn to media reports which contain misleading information on the safety of benzoic and ascorbic acids as ingredients in soft drinks, citing a Lagos High Court order.

In the judgement delivered on February 15, 2017 in a suit involving Fijabi Adebo Holdings Limited & Dr. Emmanuel Fijabi Adebo v. Nigerian Bottling Company Limited (NBC) & National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Lagos High Court dismissed all claims against NBC and held that the company had not breached its duty of care to consumers and that there was no proven case of negligence against it.

In the same judgement, the court directed NAFDAC to mandate NBC to include a warning on its bottles of Fanta and Sprite that its contents cannot be taken with Vitamin C as same become poisonous if taken with Vitamin C. This order was premised on the fact that the products contain the preservative, benzoic acid. NBC has since appealed this order.

Whilst we do not wish to delve into the details of the case or the merits of the court order by this medium, we find it imperative in the interest of consumers and members of the public to make the following clarifications:

In the subject case which dates back to 2007, the UK authorities confiscated a consignment of our products shipped to that country by the plaintiff because their benzoic acid levels were not within the UK national level, although well within the levels approved by both the national regulators for Nigeria and the international levels set by CODEX, the joint intergovernmental body responsible for harmonizing food standards globally.

The UK standards limit benzoic acid in soft drinks to a maximum of 150 mg/kg. Both Fanta and Sprite have benzoic levels of 200 mg/kg which is lower than the Nigerian regulatory limit of 250 mg/kg when combined with ascorbic acid and 300 mg/kg without ascorbic acid and also lower than the 600 mg/kg international limit set by CODEX.

Both benzoic acid and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) are ingredients approved by international food safety regulators and used in many food and beverage products around the world.

These two ingredients are also used in combination in some of these products within levels which may differ from one country to another as approved by the respective national food and drug regulators and in line with the range prescribed by CODEX.

The permissible ingredient levels set by countries for their food and beverage products are influenced by a number of factors such as climate, an example being the UK, a temperate region, requiring lower preservative levels unlike tropical countries.

Given the fact that the benzoic and ascorbic acid levels in Fanta as well as the benzoic acid level in Sprite produced and sold by NBC in Nigeria are in compliance with the levels approved by all relevant national regulators and the international level set by CODEX, there is no truth in the report that these products would become poisonous if consumed alongside Vitamin C.

The wrong perception emanating from the media reports that our Fanta and Sprite beverages which are fully compliant with all national and international food quality and safety standards are unsafe, simply because their levels of Benzoic acid were not within the UK standards, is not only unfounded but also undermines the entire food and beverage industry in Nigeria which is regulated by the same ingredient levels approved by NAFDAC and other regulatory bodies for the country.

NBC hereby assures our consumers and members of the public of our unwavering commitment to product quality, safety and customer satisfaction. 

Signed: Management, Nigerian Bottling Company Ltd.

Swift Reporters made contact with the Acting Director General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to hear her own side and below is the response:

Thank you for your concern. Please recall that NAFDAC is a National Regulatory Authority and will react both scientifically and legally on the matter at hand. Our lawyer has filed an appeal and a motion to stay execution of action of the judgement also filed. Thank you for your understanding. Kind regards, Yetunde O. Oni (Mrs)
Ag. DG (NAFDAC).

From the two responses, Nigerians can see that NAFDAC under the leadership of the Acting Director General, Mrs. Yetunde Oni, has always ensures that routine laboratory tests are carried out on not only on soft drinks but on all other related products produced and imported into the country to ensure their safety for consumption.

The Acting Director General has ensured that NAFDAC has stringent quality control procedures to ensure that all products produced and imported into the country are safe for end-user consumption.

We called on Nigerians to be patience with NAFDAC to allow them react both scientifically and legally just as the NBC has assured consumers and members of the public of her unwavering commitment to product quality, safety and customer satisfaction.