We’re reviving grazing reserves in 21 states – FG by Okechukwu Nnodim

The Federal Government on Tuesday said it is working hard to resolve the farmer/herder crisis across the country through the revival of grazing reserves in 21 out of the 36 states of the federation. READ ALSO: Teary Umahi attacks Ortom, says Benue should establish security outfit Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Sabo Nanono, disclosed this during a webinar on ‘Nigeria dairy industry’, organised by the Policy Centre of Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry to mark the World Milk Day, 2021 with the theme, “Sustainability in the dairy sector.” The disclosure by the Federal Government came as the Policy Centre of ACCI issued a policy brief on the Nigeria Dairy Sector providing policy recommendations to deepen and expand the dairy industry. Nanono, who spoke through a representative, Mercy Otiteh, was quoted in a statement issued by the Media/ Strategy Officer, ACCI, Olayemi John-Mensah, to have stated that the agric ministry had mobilised contractors to various sites across the country with a target to revive the grazing reserves. The minister said work was presently ongoing with monitoring team supervising progress of works at the various centres. The minister said the Federal Government was committed to providing infrastructures that would make the reserves suitable for pastoralist thereby increasing Nigerians local dairy production capacity. He said the government was collaborating with local and international partners to improve the relationship between farmers and herders through the revitalisation of the grazing reserves urging Nigerians to support government efforts in this direction. The President, ACCI, Al-Mujtaba Abubakar, while commending government efforts, officially released the chamber’s policy brief on dairy sector in Nigeria. He called for intensive backward integration within the dairy sector as currently championed by the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Abubakar said, “The major policy thrust of the ACCI policy brief on the dairy sub-sector include the continuation and expansion of the backward integration currently being supported by the CBN and private sector driven implementation of the national livestock transformation plan. “Others include the creation of the private sector driven ranching system, establishment of a national dairy board, training and capacity building of pastoralists and deployment of modern technology to every segment of the dairy business.” Copyright PUNCH.

Biafra: FG accuses Twitter of double standards - Lai Mohammed by Stephen Angbulu

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, on Wednesday, accused social media giant, Twitter, of double standards for deleting a controversial post by the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), on the Biafran war of 1967-1970 during which many lives were lost. Speaking with State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Wednesday, Mohammed said Twitter had conveniently ignored inciting tweets by the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, and others. The minister said the social media giant also displayed the same bias during the #ENDSARS protest when government and private property were either looted or destroyed. He said Twitter’s role is suspicious and Nigeria would not be fooled. He said, “Twitter may have its own rules, they are not the universal rules. If Mr President, anywhere in the world, feels very bad and concern about a situation, he is free to express such views. “Now, we should stop comparing apples with oranges. If an organisation is proscribed, it is different from any other which is not proscribed. “Two, any organisation that gives directives to its members, to attack police stations, to kill policemen, to attack correctional centres, to kill warders, and you are now saying that Mr President does not have the right to express his dismay and anger about that? “They are the ones guilty of double standards. I don’t see anywhere in the world where an organisation, a person will stay somewhere outside Nigeria and will direct his members to attack the symbols of authority, the police, the military, especially when that organisation has been proscribed. “By whatever name, you can’t justify giving orders to kill policemen or to kill anybody you do not agree with.” Buhari had in series of tweet on Tuesday through his Twitter handle, @MBuhari tweeted, “Many of those misbehaving today are too young to be aware of the destruction and loss of lives that occurred during the Nigerian Civil War. Those of us in the fields for 30 months, who went through the war, will treat them in the language they understand.” Following complaints, Twitter deleted the tweet, stating “This tweet violated the Twitter rules.”

Insecurity: Why some Nigerians are angry over Buhari’s threat to shock attackers – Keyamo by Sodiq Oyeleke

Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has accused those tackling the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), for making a harsh statement against secessionists as supporting destruction. The minister claimed that those opposing Buhari’s statement “want to cripple government”. He said this in a series of tweets after the president threatened perpetrators of destruction in the country on Wednesday. Buhari had on Tuesday issued a stern warning to those plotting to destroy Nigeria, saying they will soon receive the shock of their lives. Speaking after he received a briefing from Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, on series of attacks on facilities of the electoral body around the country, Buhari said the Federal Government has given the perpetrators enough time. “I receive daily security reports on the attacks, and it is very clear that those behind them want this administration to fail,” the President was quoted as saying via a statement issued by his spokesman, Femi Adesina. “Insecurity in Nigeria is now mentioned all over the world. All the people who want power, whoever they are, you wonder what they really want. Whoever wants the destruction of the system will soon have the shock of their lives. We’ve given them enough time.” Read Also Why 2023 election may cost more money —Ex-INEC commissioner Twitter spares Kanu but deletes Buhari’s post out of malice –Daniel Bwala South-East insecurity: Buhari's civil war analogy insensitive —Aisha Yesufu Reacting, Keyamo described the reasons put forward by those tackling Buhari for the harsh statement as “absurd”. He said, “The President has vowed to deal with the scoundrels destroying public infrastructure & killing people to instigate insurrection and some dimwits really interpret this to mean he is threatening innocent citizens! This reasoning is so absurd that I don’t know whether to laugh or cry. “A very unfortunate reasoning you read is that because the insurgency is still prevalent in some other parts of the country, the President should just allow some villains destroy another region. It’s like a competition to bring the insecurity in one region at par with other regions! “We are passionate about being the most user-centric Mobile Internet company, creating innovation that everyone can enjoy. “The anger some are displaying against the President’s resolve to be decisive in dealing with these scoundrels is an indication of their support for the destruction of public infrastructure because they want to cripple Govt. A pure case of cutting your nose to spite your face! “I hope some elites who couldn’t find their voices to rein in their wards when their region burnt, will not suddenly find their voices against Mr President! Those who screamed that it’s Mr. President’s duty to maintain law and order should not try to teach him how to do his job now.”

Buhari govt inherited insecurity from PDP – APC replies By Wale Odunsi

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has informed Nigerians that the insecurity the President Muhammadu Buhari administration is battling started under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). The APC accused the PDP of handling the Boko Haram insurgency in an inept and incompetent manner. John Akpan Udoedehe, National Secretary, issued a statement on Wednesday in reaction to the “lie” by Rivers Governor, Nyesom Wike that the federal government had lost control of security. The scribe said the remark by Wike was against the continuous efforts of security forces toiling day and night. He insisted that troops have rolled back the Boko Haram insurgency “to a small part on the shores of Lake Chad”. Udoedehe recalled that insurgents once attacked places of worship, markets and gathering of citizens in many states before the government galvanised and equipped the Armed Forces. “It is ironic that the dictator at the Rivers State government house has forgotten so soon that kidnapping for ransom, like the Boko Haram insurgency, did not start under this administration, but every effort is being made to stop it along with its twin evil of banditry.” The APC stressed that the federal government has consistently worked for the best interest of Nigeria. The party said it will not be distracted by the antics of the PDP designed to mislead Nigerians into assuming that the platform they rejected in 2015 and 2019 is worthy of their trust. “A leopard cannot change its spots. The PDP is clearly in disarray. It was a failure in governance and a shocking failure as an opposition party.” Udoedehe added that Nigerians cannot risk the country’s future in the hands of the same political party “that brought the rot the APC administration is clearing”.

Ministry of Interior begins clearance of passport application backlog By Nkiruka Nnorom

FG to ensure good conduct of statutory marriages in Nigeria, says Aregbesola Aregbesola …43,350 passports ready for collection – Aregbesola In line with the commitment of the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, to radically transform service efficiency within the agencies under the ministry, the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has began a process to ensure that all backlogs of passport are completely sorted out and over 40,000 of passports ready and yet to be collected have been published on the NIS website. The passports that are ready for collection are from the 230,550 passport applications processed over the last one year but are now ready for collection following the directive of the minister to the agency to clear all backlogs within six weeks. The minster, in a statement, advised members of the public whose passports are with NIS are now advised to visit the NIS website https://immigration.gov.ng/clearance-of-backlog-of-passport-applications/, check their names and visit the relevant passport offices for collection. The feat is unprecedented and at best the first time such would be done in the operation of the NIS. The minister who has tasked the agency to ensure that excellent customer service becomes the hallmark of the agency is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring this is achieved and that Nigerians begin to have value each time they engage the services of the NIS. Going by this unprecedented move, it can be said that Nigeria is beginning to see a drive towards a more efficient environment where service to the people is considered utmost and where the people are well treated as they engage the agencies of government. “This again underscores the commitment to deliver a pleasant experience that aids the government’s focus on improving the business climate and also facilitates the ease of doing business. “The implications of having backlog passports can be enormous; it has bearing on many aspect of our economic and social life. One can only imagine the unavailability of an international passport for a local investor who needs to travel for months but couldn’t because of the passport. This is what the improved process we see today would completely eliminate and our business men and women wouldn’t have to wait for months unending,” Aregbesola said. “This is a strategic process and one in the series of interventions the ministry is bringing to bear on all its agencies. The NIS and other agencies under the ministry will continue to transform and shift in the value curve, and the efforts are sustainably developed,” he added. Vanguard News Nigeria

BREAKING: Senate Passes Law Abolishing Discrimination Against HND Holders - By Saharareporters

The decision followed the consideration and adoption of a report on the Bill presented by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, at plenary. The Senate on Wednesday passed into law a bill abolishing discrimination against Higher National Diploma (HND) holders for the purposes of employment and promotion, into law. The decision followed the consideration and adoption of a report on the Bill presented by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, at plenary. The 9th Senate recently moved to address the existing discrimination between Bachelor of Science Degree (B.Sc) and Higher National Diploma (HND) in employment and promotion in Nigeria. During a public hearing on “A Bill for an Act to abolish and prohibit discrimination between First Degree and Higher National Diploma (HND) for the purpose of employment and other matters connected therewith”, organised by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND, stakeholders took turns to vent their anger on the discrimination that has gone on for a long time. The Chairman of the Committee, Ahmad Babba Kaita described their effort as the third time such a bill would come to the Senate. He added that none had reached public hearing. Kaita said the bill is not controversial as the Committee received “no single memorandum is opposing it”. The bill which is sponsored by Senator Ayo Akinyelure (Ondo Central) is seeking to address the dichotomy that exists between B.Sc and HND that has affected a significant number of people in a way considered undesirable on the Bill presented by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, at plenary. The Senate on Wednesday passed into law a bill abolishing discrimination against Higher National Diploma (HND) holders for the purposes of employment and promotion, into law. The decision followed the consideration and adoption of a report on the Bill presented by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, at plenary. The 9th Senate recently moved to address the existing discrimination between Bachelor of Science Degree (B.Sc) and Higher National Diploma (HND) in employment and promotion in Nigeria. During a public hearing on “A Bill for an Act to abolish and prohibit discrimination between First Degree and Higher National Diploma (HND) for the purpose of employment and other matters connected therewith”, organised by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND, stakeholders took turns to vent their anger on the discrimination that has gone on for a long time. The Chairman of the Committee, Ahmad Babba Kaita described their effort as the third time such a bill would come to the Senate. He added that none had reached public hearing. Kaita said the bill is not controversial as the Committee received “no single memorandum is opposing it”. The bill which is sponsored by Senator Ayo Akinyelure (Ondo Central) is seeking to address the dichotomy that exists between B.Sc and HND that has affected a significant number of people in a way considered undesirable

Why We Won't Ban Buhari For Threat Message Like We Banned Trump—Twitter - BY SAHARAREPORTERS

Buhari had in a tweet on Tuesday stated that his government will get “harder” on those hellbent on destroying Nigeria. Microblogging platform, Twitter has said President Muhammadu Buhari’s “threat” tweet does not violate its rule. Buhari had in a tweet on Tuesday stated that his government will get “harder” on those hellbent on destroying Nigeria. He said those wanting to destroy his government will receive the shock of their lives as his administration will do everything possible to ensure they fail. The president said the sponsors and orchestrators of insecurity in the country are doing so because they want his administration to fail. His tweet had read, ”I receive daily security reports on the attacks on critical national infrastructure, and it is very clear that those behind them want this administration to fail. Whoever wants the destruction of the system will soon have the shock of their lives. We’ve given them enough time. “I received a briefing today from the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on the series of attacks on their facilities nationwide. These attacks are totally unacceptable, and we will not allow those behind them to achieve their evil objectives. “I have assured INEC that we will make available to them everything they need to operate efficiently, so that no one will say we don’t want to go, or that we want a third term. There will be no excuse for failure. We will meet all of INEC’s demands. “In the area of security, we have changed the Service Chiefs and the Inspector-General, and we are demanding that they rise fully to the challenges confronting us. There must be zero tolerance for all those bent on destroying our country by promoting crime and insurrection! “Many of those misbehaving today are too young to be aware of the destruction and loss of lives that occurred during the Nigerian Civil War. Those of us in the fields for 30 months, who went through the war, will treat them in the language they understand.” The President's Twitter account was reported by Nigerians who understood the last part of the thread as threats against the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its military wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). Many reminded Buhari of the consequences of the Nigerian civil war which lasted from 1967 to 1970, stating that such must not be repeated. Also, social media users likened President’s statement to that of the former United States President Donald Trump which earned the latter a permanent suspension. Trump's Twitter account was "permanently suspended... due to the risk of further incitement of violence," Twitter had said. Twitter said the decision was made "after close review of recent Tweets from the @realDonaldTrump account". Trump was locked out of his account for 12 hours after he called the people who stormed the US Capitol "patriots". Hundreds of his supporters entered the complex as the US Congress attempted to certify Joe Biden's victory in the presidential election. The ensuing violence led to the deaths of four civilians and a police officer. Twitter warned then that it would ban Trump "permanently" if he breached the platform's rules again. Trump posted two tweets further that the company cited as the final straws. However, in a statement, Twitter said Buhari did not violate its rules, despite heavy criticisms that trailed the tweet, accusing the president of declaring a genocidal war on the Igbos. “We’re writing to let you know that after reviewing the available information, we didn’t find a violation of our rules in the content you reported,” the company said. Twitter added that “we appreciate that you let us know what happened, and encourage you to reach out again in the future if you see any potential violations.”