DISCLAIMER:

1. The attention of Nigerian Army College of Nursing (NACON) has been drawn to the fake flyers going viral on social media about the sale of application forms of the college. The College wishes to inform the general public that forms for entry into ND/HND and post-basic midwifery programs are not yet out. Any information to the contrary is false and should be disregarded by the general public. It is the handiwork of fraudsters and the general public should beware of that. The fake contacts as being circulated in the social media are: afsbdirectorate@yahoo.com, 08109942812 and 07088632730.

2. We wish to categorically state that the aforementioned advertisement is false and the Headquarters Nigerian Army Medical Corps and NACON have no part in it. The general public is hereby warned that anyone conducting any business with these fraudsters does so at his/her own peril. Please be informed that all activities relating to admissions into the NACON are duly publicized in national dailies.

3. Please kindly disseminate.

MOHAMMED YUSUF
Lieutenant
Public Relations Officer
Headquarters Nigerian Army Medical Corps
18 March 2021

Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan was on Friday sworn in as the country’s first female president after the sudden death of John Magufuli from an illness shrouded in mystery.

Hassan, 61, a soft-spoken Muslim woman from the island of Zanzibar, will finish Magufuli’s second five-year term, set to run until 2025.

Wearing a bright red headscarf, Hassan was sworn in as the country’s sixth president, at a ceremony in Dar es Salaam, where neither she nor the majority of attendees wore a mask, in the Covid-sceptic nation.

“I, Samia Suluhu Hassan, promise to be honest and obey and protect the constitution of Tanzania,” said the new president, as she took the oath of office before inspecting troops at a military parade and receiving a cannon salute.

She becomes the only other current serving female head of state in Africa alongside Ethiopia’s President Sahle-Work Zewde, whose role is mainly ceremonial.

Hassan was little known outside Tanzania until she appeared on state television on Wednesday night to announce that Magufuli had died aged 61 from a heart condition after a mysterious three -eek absence from public view.

But questions have been raised over the true cause of his death, after multiple rumours that Magufuli — one of the world’s most fervent Covid-sceptic leaders — had caught the virus and had sought treatment abroad.

Main opposition leader Tundu Lissu insists his sources said Magufuli had Covid-19 and had actually died a week ago.

And Kenya’s Daily Nation newspaper, which last week reported an “African leader”, in clear reference to Magufuli, was in a Nairobi hospital, on Friday gave more details of his illness, also indicating Magufuli had in fact died last week.

Citing sources, the paper said Magufuli was discharged from Nairobi Hospital on life support after it was determined he could not be resuscitated and returned to Dar es Salaam where he died last Thursday.

The paper details his initial evacuation to Nairobi on March 8 in a medical plane, as he suffered “acute cardiac and respiratory illnesses.”

The main question hanging over the new president is whether she will usher in a change in leadership style from her predecessor, nicknamed the “Bulldozer”, notably in the handling of the pandemic.

– ‘A new chapter’ –
Magufuli leaves behind a complex legacy, after a swing to authoritarianism which saw him crackdown on the media, activists and free speech while refusing to take any measures against Covid-19.

He called for prayer instead of face masks, refused to publish case statistics or implement lockdown measures, and championed alternative medicines.

In May last year, he revealed a papaya, quail and goat had tested positive for the virus in a secret operation, proving “sabotage” at the national laboratory.

However by February, as cases soared and the vice president of semi-autonomous Zanzibar was revealed to have died from Covid-19, Magufuli conceded the virus was still circulating.

The opposition and rights groups have urged Hassan to change course.

“As we continue mourning, let us use this period to open up a new chapter for rebuilding national unity and respect to freedom, justice, rule of law, democracy and people-centred development,” said Freeman Mbowe, the chairman of opposition group Chadema, in a statement Thursday.

He urged Hassan to “lead the nation toward reconciliation”.

Meanwhile Human Rights Watch said in a statement that the new government “has a chance for a fresh start by ending problematic past practices.”

– ‘Hold your breath’ –
However analysts say Hassan will face early pressure from powerful Magufuli allies within the party, who dominate intelligence and other critical aspects of government, and would try and steer her decisions and agenda.

“For those who were kind of expecting a breakaway from the Magufuli way of things I would say hold your breath at the moment,” said Thabit Jacob, a researcher at the Roskilde University in Denmark and expert on Tanzania.

Hailing from Zanzibar, the semi-autonomous island in the Indian Ocean, Hassan rose through the ranks over a 20-year political career from local government to the national assembly.

A ruling party stalwart, she was named Magufuli’s running mate in the 2015 presidential campaign. The pair were re-elected in October last year in a disputed poll marred by allegations of irregularities.

Hassan must consult the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) about appointing a new vice president. The party is set to hold a special meeting of its central committee on Saturday.

Tanzania is observing a 14-day mourning period and details on Magufuli’s funeral have yet to be announced.

Magufuli is the second East African leader to die under mysterious circumstances.

Burundi’s equally Covid-sceptic leader, Pierre Nkurunziza, died from “heart failure” last June after his wife was flown to Nairobi to be treated for coronavirus.

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won the 2019 presidential election.

While Buhari ran under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku was candidate of the opposition PDP.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared APC winner of the election.

Although Atiku and his party challenged the outcome of the election from the tribunal up to the Supreme Court, they could not upturn the victory of Buhari.

Speaking when he featured on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, on Thursday, Mohammed alleged that fraud on the part of either INEC or security operatives cost his party the election.

He said Nigerians knew what transpired during the 2019 elections, adding that his party has learnt its lessons.

“The general impression within the party and within the country is that we actually won the election and that we lost to a lot of fraud, to a lot of manipulations that was perpetrated by either the electoral umpire or by the security operatives.”

“We do not want to be the whipping boys, we have looked inward to see what had prevented us from winning the election. We have a lot of evidence, which we tendered but was not accepted. The issue now is that we know we are all Nigerians. We know the nook and cranny of Nigeria. We know what happened in 2019.

“We are not only looking at the other side and playing the blame game that is the fault of this present administration. We are also critical with ourselves, where we have some gaps, loopholes and inadequacies.

“We are not only looking at the other side, but we are also looking at ourselves, looking at our internal politics, and giving a level playing field for the youths and women who are a majority in terms of demographics and in terms of interest.

“And of course, making sure that the electoral umpire, the INEC that is now instituting some reforms will also become impartial.”

Participants Blast Fani-Kayode Over Treatment Of Ex-wife As He Speaks On Democracy Youth Roundtable

A former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode was insulted for allegedly molesting his estranged wife, Precious Chikwendu during the 5th edition of Democracy Youth Roundtable conference on Thursday, as the online participants bombarded the comment section with #JusticeForPrecious.

Fani-Kayode was the Guest Speaker of the hybrid event tagged Reinventing Youth Energies and Capacities for Peace and Nation Building in Nigeria.

The event which took place at the National Merit House, Maitama, Abuja, the nation’s capital, and people also had the opportunity to join the conference virtually via Zoom.
The event had a few politicians in the country in attendance.

The former minister who spoke from his residence was hurled with abusive words and insulting comments from the moment he began his speech till he ended.

Precious had accused the ex-minister of verbal and physical assaults and filed a suit seeking to take custody of their four children and get N3.5 million monthly upkeep for the children.

Fani-Kayode had hit back, alleging that his ex-wife was promiscuous.

She had in her application alleged that the ex-minister denied her custody of her children. But the former minister had in a press statement denied the allegations made by the plaintiff, and described them as false.

In his address at the conference, the Peoples Democratic Party chieftain called on the Nigerian government to embrace the aggrieved youths across the country and equip them with the needed resources that would make them assets for nation building.

He also talked about the agitations for self-determination ravaging the country at the moment, saying, “Nigerian government should treat the agitators of self-determination with love, because that is how to enhance unity and nation building.”

However, it was obvious that his speech was not welcome by the majority of the participants who kept sending comments to demand justice for Chikwendu as he spoke.

One of the participants, Tunji, said, “Madam Safiya Musa, you’re falling my hand as a moderator. You invited a woman-beater to this event! Shame! Anything he says is all lies! Pendulous politicians!”

“Such a hypocrite,” Lion commented.

“Wife beater is giving advice,” Tim Brown posted.
Pretty Joy wrote: “Your speech is useless to me. #JusticeForPrecious.”

Umar Tijani said, “We want #JusticeForPrecious, this country can’t progress with men like Fani-Kayode as leaders.”

“So much for hypocrisy. FFK is a woman beater. Fool! Stupid! #JusticeForPrecious.”

"It’s My Birthday Today!. Thank you God. #birthdaygirl #marchbaby"

“My next single dropping in a bit #COMING. Click the link in bio #MARLIANMUSIC. You like my new �? Don’t just watch, like d video.”

“Following the public apology of Isreal Afeare, I have decided to no longer proceed with the lawsuit and have instructed my lawyers accordingly.

“As social media users, I hope we can all learn from this, and ensure that we have valid facts before we speak on matters.”

The government-owned refineries, being run by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, reported a total loss of N778.71bn from 2015 to 2019, an analysis of data collated from their financial statements has shown.

The refineries generated total revenue of N21.12bn in the five-year period as they operated at below their full capacities.

The refineries, which are located in Port Harcourt, Kaduna and Warri, have a combined installed capacity of 445,000 barrels per day.

The country relies largely on importation of refined petroleum products as its refineries have remained in a state of disrepair for many years despite several reported repairs.

Port Harcourt Refining Company generated a total revenue of N10.33bn from 2015 to 2019, but posted a loss of N229.14bn.

The refinery generated zero revenue in 2019; N1.46bn in 2018; N4.82bn in 2017; N3.37bn in 2016, and N683.52m in 2015.

It lost N50.53bn in 2019; N45.59bn in 2018; N53.77bn in 2017; N43.44bn in 2016, and N35.81bn in 2015.


Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company reported revenue of N4.17bn and a loss of N307.27bn in the five-year period.

The refinery generated revenue of N37.17m in 2019, compared to zero revenue reported in 2018. Its revenue had risen to N2.24bn in 2017 from N1.47bn in 2016 and N418.76m in 2015.

It posted a loss of N65.99bn in 2019, N63.64bn in 2018, N111.89bn in 2017, N30.19bn in 2016 and N35.56bn in 2015.

Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company posted a revenue of N6.62bn and a loss of N242.30bn in the period under review.

Its revenue dropped to N921.82m in 2019 from N1.99bn in 2018 and N1.25bn in 2019. It had risen from N884.39m in 2015 to N1.58bn in 2016.

The refinery recorded a loss of N51.66bn in 2019, compared to N52.18bn in 2018, N84.60bn in 2017, N24.50bn in 2016 and N29.36bn in 2015.

Kaduna refinery, in its 2019 annual report, said its losses had arisen principally from its inability to operate profitably under its current processing contract with its parent company, NNPC.

The report said, “KRPC’s primary source of revenue is from the processing of crude oil for NNPC. The processing fees are determined solely by NNPC, without consideration for related costs and are significantly lower than the costs incurred to produce.

“The high cost is also due to the current structure of the organisation whereby the company bears the total cost of personnel expenses.”

It said the NNPC had undertaken not to reduce its shareholding in the company and to continue to support it by funding its operations ‘until such time the company is in a position to adequately finance its operations’.


NNPC’s latest monthly report showed that Port Harcourt refinery stopped processing crude oil in April 2019, while Warri and Kaduna refineries have been idle since May and June 2019 respectively.

The corporation said the declining operational performance of the refineries ‘is attributable to ongoing revamping of the refineries, which is expected to further enhance capacity utilization once completed’.

The Federal Executive Council approved on Wednesday the plan by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources to rehabilitate the Port Harcourt Refinery with $1.5bn

“I received in audience former @NGSuperEagles Captain @papilokanu in Abuja on today Thursday, 18 March 2021. Kanu presented me jersey number 4 and a football with his autograph,” he said.

“See who is in the NYSC orientation camp. My daughter, Uloaku, Valerie. Please show her some love. Enjoy a great weekend. Avoid distractions, FEED YOUR FOCUS,” he wrote.

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic (ASUP) has declared a nationwide strike from April 6, 2021 over alleged ‘’culture of neglect by government on issues affecting the technological education sub sector.’’

ASUP President, Anderson U Ezeibe, told reporters at the end of the 99th meeting of the National Executive Council of the union at Hassan Usman Polytechnic, Katsina the industrial action was informed by six key factors affecting polytechnic education.

He stated government has consistently failed to address them over the years.

The issues, according to him, include non- implementation of ASUP/FG agreement of 2010, non-payment of salaries and arrears of the new minimum wage in some state-owned Polytechnics, among others.

While also admitting a meeting with the Federal Government has been held in October 2020 on some of the pending issues, the union however insisted the outcome of the meeting was a write off as government failed to implement the resolutions reached

The union further listed 10 conditions under which the proposed April 6 industrial action may be called off to include: Implementation of the NEEDS Assessment report of 2014, reconstitution of the Governing Councils of Polytechnics, release of Promotional areas in federal Polytechnics, among others.

Hardlife Ndlovu’s life is hard indeed. Recently he stumbled on used condoms in his wife’s car which he believes is proof that she is being bonked outside their marriage.

Things are “hard” for him as instead of showing remorse, his wife is locking him out of the house and threatening to kill him.

Hardlife, who is from Pumula East suburb, has been facing a hard time at the hands of his wife, Amanda Moyo, who is in the habit of insulting him and issuing death threats.

The situation has reached another level as Amanda, who is a money changer operating near Tredgold Court, sometimes leaves the house locked and only returns home in the wee hours dead drunk.


Hardlife said when he asks her where she would be at, she insults him.

To lessen the hardship, he has approached the courts seeking a protection order against Amanda.

“I’m having problems with my wife Amanda Moyo. She locks me outside the house. And I sleep outside the house.

When I knock at the door, she insults me and threatens to kill me,” he said.

Hardlife went on to say he no longer feels safe and has suffered enough emotional abuse.

“She comes home in the early hours of the morning very drunk. When I ask her where she would’ve been, she gets angry, insults me and threatens to kill me,” he said.

Hardlife and Amanda, who have been customarily married for more than a year, have no children together while Amanda has two aged five and 14 from a previous marriage.

Hardlife told B-Metro that after the heartbreaking discovery of the used condoms he felt betrayed.

“On Thursday last week I went to a mine in Matopo to sell my stuff and when I came back on Friday I realised that I had left some of my documents in her car.

“As I was searching for them, I touched something soft under the passenger’s seat. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I discovered that there were three used condoms with semen inside. They were still fresh and wrapped in a tissue paper,” said Hardlife.

A heartbroken Hardlife said on the day he found the used condoms in his wife’s car, she came home late, dead drunk.

He further said early this year he busted his wife with one of her alleged lovers in her car.

“Early this year while I was at home one of her friends phoned me and asked me to come to town to see what my wife was doing. Upon arrival she directed me to a city bar where I found her getting cozy with her lover in her car.

“She apologised and promised me that she would never do it again. She has, however, shown me that she doesn’t reform at all. She is always drunk and on weekends she usually sleeps out claiming she will be at her friend’s place,” said Hardlife.

According to court records, Hardlife did not pursue the protection order and Amanda has filed for a protection order of her own against him.

The Kano State Internal Revenue Service is set to understudy the innovations and operation models of the Kaduna State revenue service to boost its Internally Generated Revenue, IGR.

The Chairman, Kano State Internal Revenue Service, Abdulrazak Salihi, who heads the team, told newsmen in Kaduna on Friday, that the move was to boost IGR in Kano State.

He said that the team, including members of the Finance and Chieftaincy Affairs Committees, Kano State House of Assembly, was at the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service, KADIRS, to study and share experiences.

According to him, the goal is to learn innovative ways to improve revenue collection in Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, and local government areas of the state.

“We are all aware that oil revenue is no longer sustainable in financing development projects and state governments across the country are developing innovative ways to boost IGR.

“But sadly, we realised that the revenue collection particularly in our local government areas was grossly inefficient and far below the IGR potential and decided to do something about it.

“Kaduna State is already successful in this area, so we decided to come to KADIRS to learn how we can enhance revenue collection in Kano state,” he said.

According to him, Kano is a commercial state with huge informal businesses that must be brought into the taxpayers’ net and develop strategies to efficiently collect all revenues due to the state government.

The executive chairman said that so far, the team had learnt a lot, particularly how to exploit the untapped revenues in the LGAs and boost revenue collection by MDAs.

“One major takeaway is the need to review our tax laws and we have interacted with members of the Kaduna State House of Assembly on how to go about it,” Salihu said.

Similarly, Magaji Zarewa, Chairman House Committee on Finance, Kano State House of Assembly, told NAN that KADIRS had demonstrated an exemplary skill in revenue collection.

“We are here to see what the agency is doing and the magic behind its successes.

“We will go back and look at all our tax laws and make amendments where necessary and harmonise them to ensure efficient revenue collection in the state,” Mr Zarewa said.

The Executive Chairman, KADIRS, Dr Zaid Abubakar said that both Kaduna and Kano states do not collect up to 60 per cent of its potential IGR.

Mr Abubakar told NAN that experience and information sharing between the two states was key to creating new ideas that would significantly boost IGR of the states.

He said that the agency had set a target of N100 billion IGR by 2023 and N200 billion by 2030, based on its Medium and Long-Term Revenue Collection Plan.

“We have looked at what areas we can improve to enhance revenue collection, and looking at all the available revenue sources, we are confident that we will achieve that target.

“In fact, we have the capacity to go beyond the target, provided all the necessary machineries are put in place.

“Considering the support we are getting from Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and all things being equal, we should be able to collect N200 billion or more by 2030,” he said.

NAN