Power Sector Probe Begins Tuesday

The probe by the Senate into allegations of sharp practices in the power sector will begin on Tuesday.

The Clerk of Senate Ad hoc committee on Power, Cletus A Ojabo said the probe will take the form of investigative hearing cum interactive session.

According to Ojabo, the probe will focus on funds appropriated for the power sector and the unbundling of the PHCN.

The committee which is headed by Senator Abubakar Kyari is mandated to look into allegations of malpractices in the power sector beginning from 1999.

At the inauguration of the committee three weeks ago, Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki had charged it to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the goings on in the entire power value chain.

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I'm Satisfied With One Point - Oliseh

Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh has expressed his satisfaction with the goalless draw against Tafia Stars of Tanzania in last Saturday's African nations cup qualifier played in Dar es Salaam.

Oliseh told reporters that he was happy to get a draw since his team had a very short time to prepare for the match.

He admitted that certain departments of the team did not do well, but singled out goalkeeper Carl Ikeme for special praise. It was the Wolverhampton Wanderers Keeper's debut game for the national team.

“I can describe the match as a game of two halves because we struggled in the first half but came back strongly in the second half containing the Tanzanians, who also played very well.

“We only had two days to train together just as Ahmed (Musa) said and I am impressed with the way we played even though the striking was blunt but I am optimistic we will work on those mistakes step by step.

“This is far better than game that what we had in Abuja on Wednesday as our first friendly match. With what I have seen of this outing and the period leading to this match, I can confidently say that the third game will be better. And that’s what we’ll keep doing with subsequent matches.

“Our midfield was not covered properly that is why I decided to do some early changes but I don’t want to point at any player.

“Things did not work as planned that’s why I decided to make the change but I don’t want to be negative because I will have time to talk to the player and see how we can correct the mistakes we saw but if we hadn’t made that early change, we would have lost."

“In the second half, we organised ourselves better but lacked that quality supply from the midfield to the attack. But we will get better as we progress.

“We have to continue to build the team. We barely had two good days of training before this match so I am happy with the one point.

“I don’t like to single out players from the team but I have to admit that Carl Ikeme had a great game for us today. It can’t be described decent as you just said; that will be unfair. I think Carl had a very fantastic debut today.”

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Community Leaders On Peace Mission Murdered

The head of Namnai village, Mallam Musa Kachalla and his Ward head, Mallam Manu Jahun were on Sunday murdered by unknown persons on the outskirts of their community in Gassol local government area of Taraba State.

The Chairman of the local government, Mr Tukura Bashir told News Agency of Nigeria, NAN that the community leaders were on their way to settle a dispute between farmers and herdsmen when they were attacked by unknown assailants.

He said that a search party organized by the community when they could not hear from the leaders discovered their blood - soaked bodies.

Confirming the incident, Taraba State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Joseph Kwaji said that the bodies have been recovered while investigations are ongoing.

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September 15 Is Deadline For Single Treasury Account

President Muhammadu Buhari has set Tuesday September 15 as the deadline for full compliance with his directive that all revenue accruing to the Federal Government and its agencies must be paid into the Single Treasury Account maintained with the Central Bank of Nigeria. This directive is to be strictly followed except where expressly directed otherwise.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adeshina told newsmen on Monday that there would be sanctions for noncompliance.

Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mr Danladi Kifasi had in an earlier circular urged all Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government to strictly comply with the deadline to avoid sanctions.

In the circular headlined  HCSF/428/S.1/125 and dated September 4, 2015, the Head of Service wrote;
"His Excellency, Mr. President, has directed that all MDAs are to comply with the instructions on the Treasury Single Account unfailingly by Tuesday, September 15, 2015.

“Heads of MDAs and other arms of Government are enjoined to give this circular the widest circulation and ensure strict compliance to avoid sanctions."

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See What The Washington Post Wrote About Buhari's Assets Declaration

"With only $150,000 in savings, Nigeria’s leader may be the least corrupt in Africa."

"By the standards of Sub-Saharan African Leaders, Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari is dirt-poor. "

"... The public declaration appears to be an attempt to show transparency. Buhari was elected in March largely by promising that he wouldn't tolerate corruption."

"What is clear is that Buhari has done what his predecessors and most other African leaders have never done. "

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Buhari Prays For Bishop Okonkwo At 70

President Muhammadu Buhari has sent a congratulatory message to Bishop Mike Okonkwo of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission, TREM on the occasion of his 70th birthday anniversary.

In a statement released in Abuja on Sunday by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adeshina, President Buhari commended Bishop Okonkwo's lifelong commitment to the service of God and mankind.

Wishing the bishop, his family and congregation a happy birthday celebration, Buhari saluted his strong dedication to the spiritual welfare of the flock under his care.

“It gives me immense joy to felicitate with you as you clock the landmark age of 70 years.

“More than four decades of these 70 years have been dedicated to the work of God as a pastor and preacher.

“Our prayer is that God will give you longer life, strength and your ability to serve Him for many more years,” the statement said.

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Missing Bauchi Aircraft Found In Morocco

A missing aircraft belonging to the government of Bauchi State has been found in far away Morocco, says the state governor. Governor Mohammed Abubakar disclosed this in Bauchi on Saturday while marking the first 100 days of his administration.

He said that the aircraft which was found by the Air Commodore Ahmed Tijani-Baba led investigative committee would be flown back to the state in a matter of days.

"The committee will now beam its searchlight on the ministry for local affairs and the State Basic Education Board to see how billions of naira allocated to them were spent.

“Such examples are the N2bn micro loans and others that were allocated them, but carelessly spent leaving our pupils to study under the trees,”  the governor said.

He said that his government has been working hard to improve the lives of the people and called for their continued support.

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