APC Creates 'Nigeria's Restructuring Committee', To Be Headed By El-Rufai

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has set-up a 10-man committee to articulate the Party’s position on Nigeria’s restructuring.

In a terse statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ruling party noted that since “the concept of restructuring has assumed different meanings across the six geo-political zones of the country following the renewed agitations, it was important to establish a common meaning that will be acceptable to all.”

The Party named governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-rufai, as the committee chairman; while, Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi will function as committee secretary.

Other members of the committee are: Governors Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje (Kano), Simon Lalong (Plateau), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), and ex-governor Oserheimen Osunbor (Edo).

Also included in the committee are: the APC National Organising Secretary, Sen. Osita Izunaso; APC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi; and Hajiya Fatima Balla.

By Chijioke Jannah

We Are Already Out Of Recession - Adeosun

Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, has stated the country is already out of recession “to an extent.”

She said this while speaking on African Independent Television (AIT).

“We are out, we’re out to an extent and we hope that the figures will reflect the fact that we’re out. We shouldn’t focus too much on when, what we should focus on is growth. Getting out of recession is not enough, we have to grow and grow aggressively.

“The ERGP has plans that will have us seeing seven or eight percent growth and that is the kind of growth we need for our population growth and I’d like to focus less on when we’ll get out of recession,” Adeosun said.

The Minister also added that President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, recovers loot daily.

“It’s a process that we are reconciling and I’m sure that very soon, we will put out some data; I think Lai Mohammed put out some figures and since then we have improved our reconciliation methods and we have an asset tracking team.

“I’m confident that very soon we’ll put out updated figures of course recovery changes day to day because on a daily basis, money is being recovered from various places but soon we’ll put out comprehensive figures on that.

“The recovered funds are still with me, part of it is to be used for budget. The acting president has insisted that we identify projects in the budgets that will have national impact so we are going through the budget to identify and release funds for that especially in the area of health. Stolen funds will be used for capital projects, not paying of salaries,” Adeosun remarked.

By Ifreke Inyang

Nigeria Can Blow Up Anytime - Agbakoba

Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Olisa Agbakoba has opined that Nigeria is an “artificial creation” which can “blow-up” at any time.

Agbakoba made the observation while faulting a statement credited to the Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo saying Nigeria is an indissoluble country.

Speaking with Vanguard, the former NBA President maintained that Nigeria’s sovereignty is not sacrosanct.

According to Agbakoba, “I see every politician saying restructuring, but I disagree. I think there is a misconception error in assuming that restructuring will work.

“I also think the Acting President was wrong to say that Nigeria is indissoluble. There is nothing sacrosanct about Nigeria.

“It can blow-up any day. It is an artificial creation. It was made in 1914 and when it was amalgamated, we were not there.

“It was amalgamated for the interest of the colonialists who wanted to export things from Nigeria. And since 1914, till date, we have not had any home grown process in which people are involved in with creation of their constitution.

“Nigeria’s sovereignty is not sacrosanct. Nigeria’s sovereignty is sacrosanct for those eyeing 2019. They will deceive us, and get to 2019, pretending that restructuring is the issue. They are now climbing on the band wagon of popularism.

“We are so gullible in this country. Among the 180 million Nigerians and 160 million youths unemployed, we have no road, no health care, nothing. Yet we continue to be deceived.

“This is part of the warning we need to pass on as civil society. Restructuring is not in the interest of Nigerians. How many Nigerians understand what restructuring is about?”

By Seun Opejobi

Etisalt Nigeria Confirms Change Of Name To 9Mobile

Etisalat Nigeria on Tuesday confirmed it has changed its name to 9mobile.

The confirmation was contained in a statement by the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Boye Olusanya.

The statement said: “Emerging Markets Telecommunication Services Limited (EMTS), which previously traded as ‘Etisalat Nigeria’ wishes to inform its over 20 million subscribers, government, regulatory agencies and all relevant stakeholder groups that the telecommunication company has changed its name to 9mobile as a further testament of our unwavering commitment to ensuring business continuity as Nigeria’s fourth largest telecom operator.”

Olusanya said the name represents its heritage and its evolution over nine years.

He said: “Our new trading name, 9mobile represents our 0809ja heritage, our 9ja-centricity, and our evolution over 9 years of operations in Nigeria.

“Although our trading name has changed, we remain true to the same values on which our company was built.

“A strong and resilient Nigerian spirit continues to reside in us, uniting us with you our subscribers and we are confident that you will continue to believe in our new brand, which strongly reflects our innate creativity and youthfulness.

“Furthermore, this rebrand is a testament to our dynamism, responsiveness and agility as a business, while we leverage the power of technology to deliver innovative products and services that meet your needs.

“Our confidence in our ability to continue to make this happen is bolstered by the sheer determination, commitment and passion of our people to do more; and continue delivering excellent service.

“In order to ensure the change of name is delivered efficiently and responsibly, we will take a measured approach to the migration to the new brand over the next few months.

“Therefore as we go through this transition, our esteemed subscribers we ask for your patience and reaffirm our commitment to remain a listening brand.

“We will continue to innovate, support, and empower you to do more – whether as an individual or a business.

“To our business partners, your unwavering belief in the strength of our brand inspires us to do more. We will remain committed to working together and exploring possibilities to achieve our mutual goals; and to our stakeholders, we thank you for your abiding faith in us.

“We will ensure that our core values of Innovation, Customer-centricity, and superior Quality of Service remain the pillars upon which we operate.

“The soul of our business remains authentically Nigerian.

“We are Here for You, Here for 9ja!”

By Chijioke Jannah