Gabon Presidency Accuses Ping’s Camp of ‘Coordinated Attacks’

CHANNELS TV

The office of Gabon’s President Ali Bongo on Thursday accused the camp of his rival in a disputed election, Jean Ping, of planning “coordinated attacks on symbols of the state”, after the capital Libreville erupted into rioting.

“These were not protests but coordinated acts intended to incite fear amongst the citizens who voted the ‘wrong’ way,” the statement said, saying that security forces had in response encircled Ping’s headquarters and clashed with his supporters, resulting in one death.

Nigeria In Recession: Government To Motivate Private Sector Investment

CHANNELS TV

In the bid to proffer solutions to the ongoing recession in Nigeria, Industrialist, Sam Ohuabunwa says the government should motivate private sector investment.

He gave this suggestion while speaking on the Channels Television breakfast program, Sunrise.

Mr  Sam said in order for the economy to be boosted very fast, the government needs to stimulate production. And to be able to do that, the government’s spending has to be supported by that of the private sector.

He said this in response to the reports by the National Bureau of Statistics, that Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has contracted by 2.06%.

He also stated that the government should focus on investment as though the life of the nation depends on it. He furthermore suggested that the government should effectively show support to anyone who exhibits productivity.

Government Sector Not Enough To Sustain Economy

Mr Ohuabunwa stressed the need for the government to create an enabling environment for the private sector, as the economy cannot thrive solely on efforts of the Public Sector.

According to him, “Government has to take a definite position as to how to motivate private sector investment, while spending the public sector funds.

“The moment people are doing something that would be productive and linked to wealth creation, let us give them the support.

“A lot of Funding opportunities are being provided by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Federal Ministry of Agriculture, but the problem is, in implementation, we fall short,” he added.

He further said that there should be a focus on manufacturing and agriculture; and urged individuals as well as the government to do whatever they could, to add value as well as to get the commercial aspect of agriculture activated.

Afolabi Okiki Joins Argentine Club, Athletico Cordoba

CHANNELS TV

Sunshine Stars Striker, Afolabi Okiki, has joined Argentina’s Atletico Cordoba on a year-long loan with an option for a permanent deal.

Okiki was one of the leading scorers in the Nigeria Professional Football League with 13 goals for Sunshine Stars.

He subsequently headed out to Argentina in June, after sparking off interest from a rash of clubs in Norway and Israel.

Atletico Cordoba will be at home against one of Argentina’s foremost clubs, River Plate on September 11.

NCAA Dismisses Airlines Closure Claims

CHANNELS TV

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has dismissed claims that some airlines are winding down their operations.

The regulatory agency insists these airlines are merely suspending their operations temporarily.

According to the agency, Aero Contractors at the moment has only one serviceable aircraft which is in contradiction to the Nigerian Civil Aviation regulations, which stipulates that no airline operator shall carry out scheduled commercial operation with only one aircraft.

In the case of First Nation, the regulator says the airline is in the middle of an engine replacement programme for one of its aircraft.

FG Restates Support For Police To Fight Criminals

CHANNELS TV

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to support the Nigeria Police Force in tackling the menace of criminals in the country.

Nigeria’s Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, made this known while laying the foundation of the Police Crime and Incident Data Base Centre in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.

Professor Osinbajo challenged the police to step up the fight against criminals, saying the government remains committed to reducing crime to its barest minimum.

He also expressed government’s preparedness to build a police force that the international community would look up to, adding that the necessary equipment and welfare packages would be provided for staff of the force.

On their parts, the acting Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim Idris, and the Project Consultant, Mr Kenneth Ekeke, explained the benefits of the centre.

They sated that the centre, when completed, would provide digital crime fighting facilities and accessibility to a one-stop data bank aimed at professionally profiling criminal elements with a view to changing the phase of crime data management in the Police Force.

National Assembly Clerk Promises Better Synergy With ECOWAS Parliament

CHANNELS TV

The newly appointed Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr Mohammed Omolori, says he would promote a smoother relationship between regional body, ECOWAS and the lawmakers.

Mr Omolori made the remark on Thursday when he received a delegation led by the General Secretary of the ECOWAS Parliament, Dr. Nelson Magbegbeola, in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

He said his appointment came at a time when there were high expectations from both national and regional parliaments.

The new clerk assured the delegation that within the next few weeks, the National Assembly would make itself available in every aspect to assist the ECOWAS Parliament.

Family Alleges Foul Play In EFCC Suspect’s Death

CHANNELS TV

Family members of former Chief Protocol Officer to the Minister of State for Defence, Mr Desmond Nunugwo, have visited the Ministry of Justice to demand for justice over his death.

According to the deceased’s family, he died on June 9, 2016, after he was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for his alleged role in a 91 million Naira fraud.

Mr Malami had called for an independent inquiry into how he allegedly died in the EFCC custody.

Lawyer to the late Nunugwo, Paul Edeh, who led the wife of the deceased, Mrs Susan Nunugwo and other family members to the Ministry of Justice for an update in the matter, alleged foul play in his death.

They expressed confidence in the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami, in ensuring they get justice.

However, they frowned at the attitude of the anti-graft commission and security agencies towards the matter.

Late Nunugwo, according to EFCC, was arrested for fraudulently obtaining 91 million Naira from an acquaintance after he allegedly tricked her into believing that he had high net worth business associates in Dubai, who were to buy NICON Insurance and convinced her of their disposition to help her stock fish business.