NAFDAC destroys counterfeit products worth N650m in Kaduna

As part of its efforts towards eradicating fake drugs in the society, the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control, (NAFDAC) has destroyed goods worth N650 million at its Buruku dumpsite in Kaduna.

Speaking to newsmen shortly after the exercise in Kaduna Thursday, the Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Christian Mojisola Adeyeye, said the exercise was to get rid of spurious NAFDAC regulated products from circulation in Nigeria.

According to Prof Adeyeye, “The products being destroyed today are made of substandard and falsely labelled medicines, unwholesome foods products, costimetics and other counterrfeited products.

“Drug counterfeiting is an act of economic sabotage and also terrorism against public health.”

While commending the Federal Government over the ban on the use codeine syrup, the D.G. who was represented by the Acting Director, North-West Zone, Pharm. Gimba Dauda said, “the decision is to ensuring the reduction in the abuse of the substance.

“We have continued to aggressively pursue the goal tht only genuine medicines and wholesome foods of the right qualities are imported, exported, manufactured and distributed.

“We commend the President Muhammadu Buhari for re-instating NAFDAC personnel to our ports of entry and borders.”

Christian admitted that the relentless effort of the Federal Government had helped in the increased seizure of counterfeited and substandard NAFDAC Regulated products smuggled through the land borders.

Part of the drugs, food, cosmetics and chemicals destroyed include: antibiotics, antimalarial, anti- hypertensive, anti-cancer, herbal remedies and controlled substances.

Others are: Mom’s Tomato paste, Non- alcoholic beverages, Maize flour, Eva complexion soap, hair cream and fake insecticides.

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We are not aware Dino Melaye was kidnapped – Police

The Nigeria Police have reacted to the “purported kidnap” of Senator Dino Melaye representing Kogi West senatorial district.

Melaye was reportedly kidnapped Thursday morning at Gwagwalada by unknown gunmen when he was heading to Lokoja to attend a court session.

But the Nigeria Police denied knowledge of the kidnap, saying the incident was not reported in any station across the country.

In a statement made available to newsmen Thursday night by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Jimoh Moshood, the police dared the family members of Melaye or his staff who claimed to have witnessed the alleged abduction, to report the matter to the Police.

“Nigeria Police Force have not received any complaint or report in any of its Police Stations or Divisions throughout the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) or any other State of the Federation of the kidnap of Senator Dino Melaye from any of his family member, friend, associate or staff to indicate that the Senator has been kidnapped”, Moshood has said.

He said the Police got “the report of the purported kidnap of Senator Dino Melaye in some sections of the media”.

Moshood said, “however, the Force has commenced investigation into the purported kidnap of Senator Dino Melaye, and wish to implore any of his family members, relatives or friends who witnessed the kidnap or have information about the purported kidnap of the Senator to report the incident at the nearest police Station to assist the Police in the investigation”.

Close associates of Melaye and his staff had circulated messages, alerting the public that some forces had arrived Abuja, using hilux van with Kogi State Government official plate number and a sienna bus, with the intention to cause harm to the outspoken Senator. 

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Omokri reveals plans of PDP Senators still in APC

Reno Omokri, a former aide to the ex-president, Goodluck Jonathan has said the All Progressives Congress Senators who are loyal to the Peoples Democratic, PDP were fooling President Muhammadu Buhari.

This is coming after President Muhammadu Buhari met with Senators elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, on Wednesday night.

The meeting followed a mass defection of APC lawmakers in the Upper and Lower Legislative chambers on Tuesday.

Speaking after the meeting, the Senate Majority Leader, Ahmed Lawan assured Buhari that the members of the National Assembly who dumped the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, for the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, will return to the party before the general elections in 2019.

But reacting, Omokri took to his Twitter page, saying most APC senators who are PDP loyalists are staying behind in the ruling party to destroy things.

According to him, the APC Senators’ pledge of loyalty to Buhari is mere deceit.

He wrote: “Let me assure President Buhari that many of the Senators that met with him yesterday and pledged loyalty to him are only fooling him.

“We are strategists in the PDP not fools. Some of our loyalists will remain behind to destroy that useless contraption from within!”

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Enugu: Gov. Ugwuanyi sets new agenda for robust economic growth, UNICEF commends initiative

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has disclosed his administration’s plan to adopt new strategies towards stepping up actions that would meet the developmental needs of the people of the state.

Gov. Ugwuanyi stated that his administration has in the last three years raised the bar in both infrastructural and social development, which has left indelible marks on the citizens of the state, as well as entrenched peace, political stability and good governance. He said that these were actualized through boosting of the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) base.

The governor, who spoke during a one-day retreat for all key policy makers of the state organized by UNICEF in partnership with the state government pointed out that the programme was “designed to review the Policy Thrusts of Sectors in Enugu State” with a view to guiding the development of an Economic Blueprint and Growth Plan for the second tenure of his administration.

He explained that “This Growth Plan is indeed, a vision for the future of Enugu State, as it will state what we intend to achieve in the next 4 to 5 years”, and appreciated members of the state’s Economic Advisory Committee for facilitating the retreat and for the selfless service they have continued to render to his administration in the form of advice.

Speaking, the representative of UNICEF, Mrs. Ruby Okoro, commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for his administration’s commitment to the rapid socio-economic development of Enugu State, saying that the initiative will “address strong development issues in the state”.

Gov. Ugwuanyi further explained that his administration has in the past three years developed and reviewed the state’s Medium Term Implementation Plan (MTIP) and Sector Plans to ensure proper alignment of policies and budget, stating that the government “has decided to develop a growth plan that will sustain our efforts towards making Enugu State one of the four most economically and self-sufficient states in Nigeria”.

According to him, “We have boosted the IGR base to provide more funds for capital development in the state; built and rehabilitated key infrastructure; empowered our youth and women; secured lives and property of our people to ensure peace and political stability; improved institutions and systems for quality service delivery; secured the future of our children; fought against social discrimination and corruption as well as prudently managed the lean resources of the state”.

Gov. Ugwuanyi, who expressed gratitude that “God has truly been wonderful to us”, revealed that the new development plans will in addition to what have been achieved, focus on poverty reduction/wealth creation; healthy and productive citizens; highly educated and skilled workforce; youth empowerment and employment”.

Others include, “urban/city renewal/upgrade; peace and security; citizens with the right attitudes, aptitudes and values; responsive, inclusive and accountable governance and economic /fiscal expansion”.

To achieve the above goals, the governor disclosed that his administration intends to adopt the strategies of “improving urban/rural infrastructure; upgrading more rural communities to urban status; increasing agricultural productivity; making Enugu State an investment destination; promoting early childhood education; promoting science, technical and vocational education”.

The strategies also include, “promoting effective waste management/renewable energy; developing a robust health system; promoting housing development and urban planning; improving institutions and systems for good governance; increasing investment through PPP for expanding the IGR base of the state, and promoting technology based courses in our Tertiary schools”, among others.

While expressing confidence that his administration will achieve the goals, since it has placed Enugu State in the hands of God, Gov. Ugwuanyi charged the key policy players, such as members of the State Executive Council; Permanent Secretaries; Heads of state’s Agencies and Institutions, to bring to bear their expertise and experience towards the actualization of the laudable programme to meet the emerging needs of the people of the state.

Other speakers at the event, namely the Chairman of the Enugu State Economic Advisory Committee, Prof. Monsignor Obiora Ike and a member of the Committee, Chief Loretta Aniagolu, also emphasized the significance of a new robust economic development blueprint for the governor’s second term in office.

They equally commended the governor for his outstanding achievements in office so far and urged the participants to take advantage of the retreat to make meaningful contributions towards the rapid growth and development of the state.

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Borno 2019: PDP guber aspirant, Grema Terab petitions IGP over arrest, detention

Detained Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial aspirant In Borno State, Alhaji Grema Terab has petitioned the Inspector General of Police and the Police Service Commission over his “illegal” detention by the Borno State Police Command.

Terab, who was accused of complicity in the killing of a man at a political gathering he organized at his residence in Maiduguri about three months ago, was picked up at a meeting involving former Vice President Abubakar Atiku and members of the PDP in Borno State.

According to the Borno State Commissioner of Police, Damian Chukwu, Terab was picked up at Atiku’s meeting with Borno PDP stakeholders after he refused several invitations by the police to explain his role in the murder at his residence.

Terab, in the petition dated 19th July 2017, filed by his counsel Abdulmalik Avoswahi & Co. in Abuja, called the attention of the IGP to the violation of a Court Order stopping his arrest, describing the arrest and subsequent detention as illegal.

In the petition, which was copied to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the National Human Rights Commission, Amnesty International, the British High Commissioner, the American Ambassador, among others, demanded for the immediate release of the detainee.

Demands were also made for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the killers of Maina Mustapha, and for the Commissioner of Police to desist from further harassing Terab.

The counsel to the accused also demanded that the IGP take appropriate disciplinary measures against the officers involved in the breach of their clients right, N100 million compensation for the breach of his client’s right and a billion naira for the miscarriage and psychological torture that his wife was subjected to while in detention.

The counsel alleged that the killing of Mr. Maina Mustapha, at Terab’s residence was a bid to frame him up for his stand against injustice and misrule in Borno State.

The counsel said: “It is our brief that on the 15th April, 2018 our client and his supporters had a goodwill rally at his residence located at No. 1 Bishara Close, Adamawa Street, Off Damboa Road, Maiduguri. This good will gathering was in furtherance of our client exercising his right of association as guaranteed in sections 40 and 41 of the 1999 Constitution and basically a show of support which ended peacefully with our client leaving the venue to meet his other supporters.

“However, unknown to our client, those with sinister plans began to cause commotion which led to the stabbing and death of one Mr. Maina Mustapha.”

The counsel also alleged that the police twisted the case against Terab, his family and friends to make them look like criminals instead of the ones attacked.

The petition read: “While the members of our client’s family were in detention, it is our brief that hoodlums and police officers attached to the Borno SARS unit kept making unwarranted visits and trespassing on to our client’s houses and family homes demanding for our client and other relatives without any warrant of arrest. This show of force and intimidation has smeared the name of our client causing him severe loss of goodwill and damaged his business interests.”

It added that: “In a curious twist that indicates premeditated plan of persecution and blackmail, the Police arrested and detained our client’s wife, children and supporters for 26 days without any arrest warrant as suspects in connection to the Murder of Mr. Maina Mustapha. It remains to be seen how victims of a crime will suddenly become prime suspects, but more worryingly is the fact that their arrest and detention was in breach of sections 2, 3, 4 5 6 and 7 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).”

Laying formation for damages, the counsel said: “It is our brief that our client’s wife who was pregnant and detained during this period was denied access to decent healthcare or medication. As a result of this denial which led her now having a miscarriage. We consider this a grave assault on the person of our wife’s client as she is now undergoing severe trauma and pain of not only losing her unborn child but the medical and emotional scar that such loss will cost in contravention of section 33 and 34 of the 1999 Constitution

“The hounding of our client and his family has distracted our client from giving attention to his business and means of livelihood. This is because he is no longer safe to move around Maiduguri metropolis for fear he would be likely unlawfully detained indefinitely. As a result his business partners are also scared of interacting with him for fear of false accusation.”

The counsel lamented that: “It is pertinent to state here that while all these tragic incidents and breach of our client’s rights unfolded, the killer of Mr. Maina Mustapha remains at large and no any evidence or charge for any crime has been brought against our client. This is further indication that the entire intimidation and harassment of our client is part of a wider plan to derail his political ambition.”

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Osun guber: PDP aspirants fault process, insist on redress

Scores of aspirants who vied for the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State have come out to berate the process of the primary election, held on Saturday, July 14, 2018.

Seven, out of the eleven aspirants, including the second runner off, Dr Akin Ogunbiyi, Professor Adeolu Durotoye, among others, in a press conference in Osogbo, unanimously demanded that the national leadership of the party should rescind its decision on the nomination of Senator Ademola Adeleke as flag bearer of the party.

They accused the leadership of the party of carrying on with outright impunity unabatedly, contrary to the earlier promise to change the old pattern of operation the party was known for.

They argued that against the figure released by the 5-man electoral panel, in which total votes of 1562 was allotted to Dr Akin Ogunbiyi, the actual figure was 1690.

“Contrary to the promise made by the new leadership of our party, the reign of impunity appears to have continued unabated with the way and manner the primary election in Osun State was conducted.

“The exercise was regrettably marred by gross violations of that Electoral Guidelines issued by the National Working Committee as well as outright manipulation of the results of the election in favour of Senator Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke in a manner suggesting that he was the favoured candidate of some powerful individuals in the top echelon of the PDP.

“We make bold to say that Senator Adeleke did not in fact score the highest number of votes in that primary election, having polled a total number of 1569 as against his major opponent, Dr Akin Ogunbiyi, whose actual votes at the point of sorting was 1690”, they resorted.

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Recces: Nigerian govt begs Senate

The Presidency has appealed to the National Assembly to suspend the ongoing recess and attend to requests by President Muhammadu Buhari pending before the legislature.

The National Assembly was billed to proceed on holiday on Thursday but the lawmakers went on emergency recess on Tuesday following the alleged clampdown on President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki and the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu.

One of such requests is the one asking the lawmakers to vire funds in the 2018 Appropriation Act to fund the supplementary budgets of the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies for the conduct of the 2019 general elections.

Buhari had recently presented a N228bn supplementary budget to the National Assembly, asking the legislature to re-allocate part of the N578bn voted to the projects inserted by the lawmakers into the 2018 Appropriation Act.

On Thursday, the Presidency pleaded with the lawmakers to reconvene and approve Buhari’s requests in the interest of the country.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Ita Enang, warned that delaying the approvals would frustrate some organs of the government.

Enang said, “The executive – President and ministers – will keep working with the legislature with respect due their offices and persons, and keep working with them as legislators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who make laws for the executive to execute irrespective of their individual political decisions while leaving all options open for conciliation.

“We will be praying the legislature – the leadership and membership – to consider that there are many matters of very urgent nature which are pending before the legislature and unless (they are) considered, the functioning of certain institutions of the government will be hampered.

“If you recall, a lot of the funding for the 2018 budget was budgeted to come from some external sources. The request for approval to raise funds from these external sources is before the legislature and unless (it is) considered, it may hamper the level of implementation. Again, before the legislature proceeded on vacation, Mr President also laid before them the request for virement, this also will be affected.”

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