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.”

Buhari: You want my administration to fail? I will treat you in the language you understand soon By Robby Akeju

President Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday, issued a stern warning to those bent on destroying the country through promoting insurrection, and burning down critical national assets: a rude shock awaits them, and very soon too. The President spoke after he received briefing from Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu, on series of attacks on facilities of the electoral body round the country. “I receive daily security reports on the attacks, and it is very clear that those behind them want this administration to fail. “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.” Buhari recalled that he visited all the 36 states of the country before the 2019 election, “and majority of the people believed me, and the election proved it.” He promised to continue leading the country in accordance with constitutional provisions. He said those misbehaving in certain parts of the country were obviously too young to know the travails and loss of lives that attended 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. We are going to be very hard sooner than later.” The President said the Service Chiefs and the Inspector General of Police have been changed, “and we will demand security from them.” On the dangers posed to future elections by the burning of INEC facilities, President Buhari said he would give the electoral commission all it needed to operate, “so that no one would say we don’t want to go, or that we want a third term. There will be no excuse for failure. We’ll meet all INEC’s demands.” In his briefing, Yakubu said that so far, there have been 42 cases of attacks on INEC offices nationwide, since the last General Election. “The 42 incidents so far occurred in 14 states of the Federation for a variety of reasons. Most of the attacks happened in the last seven months, and they are unrelated to protest against previous elections. From the pattern and frequency of the most recent attacks, they appear to be targeted at future elections. The intention is to incapacitate the Commission, undermine the nation’s democracy and precipitate a national crisis,” Yakubu said.

Ignore the past, we are friends, brothers – Oshiomhole begs Obaseki By Don Silas

Ignore the past, we are friends, brothers – Oshiomhole begs ObasekiPublished on June 1, 2021 By Don Silas Adams Oshiomhole, a former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has pleaded with Governor Godwin Obaseki, to be magnanimous in victory. Oshiomhole said this while congratulating Obaseki on his victory at the Supreme Court on Monday. In his letter to the Governor, which was made public by Oshiomhole’s media aide, Victor Oshioke, in Benin, on Monday, the ex-APC national chairman appealed to Obaseki to put the past behind. “Congratulations on your victory at the Supreme Court, which has effectively laid to rest all matters arising from the last election,” the letter read in part. “As I had repeatedly reminded you during our several meetings, our relationship has through the years developed beyond being friends to being brothers of different parents. “Whatever happened is unfortunate, and I believe God has a reason for everything. I’ve put all behind me and moved on. “As I’ve consistently advised, please be magnanimous in victory. You’re the Governor of all Edo people, regardless of political leanings. “Once again, congratulations Excellency!”

NNPC plans to acquire stakes in six private refineries by Okechukwu Nnodim

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation on Monday said it is currently considering equity participation in some private refineries across the country. It said this was in line with a Federal Government’s policy directive which stipulated the mandatory participation of the corporation in any privately-owned refinery that exceeded 50,000 barrels per day capacity. The corporation stated that it had identified at least six refinery projects in which it had intensions to seek equity participation. It said five of them were at the development stage with the Dangote Refinery being the largest of them all. A statement issued in Abuja by the corporation’s spokesperson, Kennie Obateru, explained that NNPC, as the national oil company of Nigeria primarily had a dual role of providing stewardship for the nation’s hydrocarbon resources. He said the corporation also had the role of adding value to the country’s resources for the benefit of all Nigerians and other stakeholders. “These roles enable it to achieve the twin objectives of providing energy security for the country and stimulating the nation’s economic development and growth,” Obateru stated. He said NNPC’s objective to ensure energy security and stimulate economic growth with limited resources required it to consider strategic partnerships with competent investors in sectors of the oil and gas value chain especially where it currently operated on a sole risk basis. Obateru said, “The oil refining sector is one of such segments where NNPC is revisiting its strategy in order to strengthen domestic refining capacity and guarantee national energy security. “The new vision is to grow domestic refining capacity, improve petroleum products supply from our local refineries and become a net exporter of petroleum products.” The corporation said the move to seek equity participation in the private refineries would not undercut its commitment to the rehabilitation of its own refineries and strengthen the domestic refining sector. PUNCH.

Obaseki: Oshiomhole says conflict unfortunate, Ize-Iyamu pleads for 14 lawmakers by Adeyinka Adedipe

IMMEDIATE past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Adams Oshiomhole, and the APC candidate in the September 19, 2020, Edo State Governorship election, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, have appealed to Governor Godwin Obaseki, to be magnanimous in victory. They appealed to Obaseki to consider a political solution to the case involving members-elect of the State Assembly who failed to present themselves for inauguration. In his letter to Obaseki, which was made public by Oshiomhole’s media aide, Victor Oshioke, in Benin, on Monday, the former APC national chairman urged the governor to put the past behind. The letter read in part: “Congratulations on your victory at the Supreme Court which has effectively laid to rest all matters arising from the last election. “As I had repeatedly reminded you during our several meetings, our relationship has through the years developed beyond being friends to being brothers of different parents. “Whatever happened is unfortunate and I believe God has a reason for everything. I have put all behind me and moved on. As I have consistently advised, please be magnanimous in victory. You are the Governor of all Edo people, regardless of political leanings. “Once again, congratulations Excellency! Please accept the renewed assurances of my very best wishes and high regards.” On his part, Ize-Iyamu, who dwelt on the issue of the 14 lawmakers-elect and some Local Government Council Chairmen in a separate letter, said, “Though the matter is in court, you are in a vantage position to consider an out-of-court settlement of the issue, in the overall interest of our state.” He equally wrote, “I also urge the Governor to intervene in the issue of elected Local Government Chairmen, Vice-chairmen, Councilors and Supervisory Councillors, who sometimes ago were suspended and removed from office. “Our appeal is that you consider paying them their entitlements since it is now late for them to return to their offices. This can also be through an out of court settlement”. “Last Friday’s judgement of the Supreme Court puts an end to the series of litigations we had over last year’s governorship elections. “We are happy that all these cases have come to an end. Now that it is all over, please accept my congratulations.” However, the Edo State chapter of the PDP, which spoke through its Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare said, “Now that it is clear that the APC boobytraps of unwarranted, unnecessary, mindless and malicious court cases have collapsed, we have entered the season of congratulatory messages. “Edo PDP thanks all Nigerians, especially Edo people, who have congratulated us and of course His Excellency, Governor Godwin Obaseki, on the resounding victory he recorded at the Supreme Court on Friday, May 28, 2021.”