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Obasanjo Should’ve Built Rails, Roads, Instead of U.S.$12 Billion Debt Cancellation – Fashola

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Babatunde Fashola has criticized ex-Nigeria President, Olusegun Obasanjo for being part of the country’s weak infrastructural base.

According to Minister of Works and Housing, it would have been better to develop infrastructure than paying off Nigeria’s external debts, the ex-Nigerian leader should have invested in capital projects across the country.

He said previous governments which he said had access to a lot of money, under-invested in the country’s infrastructure, saying if he had the $12 billion, like the Olusegun Obasanjo government in 2005, he would have built rails and more roads.

The former Lagos State governor, who has been minister under the present administration since its inception in 2015, spoke during an interview on Channels Television.

In 2005/2006, the Paris Club wrote off $18 billion or 60 per cent of the $30 billion Nigeria owed the cartel, after months of negotiations, a development touted as one of the biggest achievements of the Obasanjo administration.

Fashola said that rather than deploy the funds prudently, the Obasanjo government decided to pay the country’s creditors to the detriment of the country, insisting that today, Nigeria has gone back to borrowing because the governments in the past ignored investment in infrastructure.

He said rather, the Obasanjo government decided to pay the country’s creditors to the detriment of the country, insisting that today, Nigeria has gone back to borrowing because the governments in the past ignored investment in infrastructure.

Although he did not mention names, Fashola specifically said that in 2005 (when Obasanjo was president), Nigeria had the opportunity to revamp its roads and rails, but rather was pursuing debt cancellation as state policy.

“At one time in this country, in 2005, we had $12 billion. At that time, these roads were bad. At that time there was no rail. But what did we do as a matter of state policy, it was just to pay creditors to our own detriment.

“I can only imagine if I had the opportunity then with $12 billion in my hand, we would have built rails and roads. What this government is dealing with, which I am responsible for the road side, is the infrastructure that will be enduring.

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“We lost the opportunity to invest $12 billion and then we went back to borrow and the problems haven’t gone away and they will have to be dealt with,” he maintained.

While defending the current administration’s tendency for borrowing, Fashola argued that the assertion that Buhari was mortgaging the future of the nation’s children was untenable, saying that the government was only ‘positioning’ for tomorrow’s children.

“Every generation that’s responsible enough like us must position for tomorrow’s children. We should not leave this for them to come and do because it will be more expensive.

“That said, I think the way to go is to say that at the appropriate time, a tolling policy will be developed because for you to toll you must ordinarily develop alternatives. Government must also understand that not all of its infrastructure is of a commercial kind,” he stated.

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Update On How Bobrisky Is Treated In Prison – Top Official Discloses

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Top official of the Nigerian Correctional Service has given an update on how crossdresser, Bobrisky is being treated in prison.

Recall that Bobrisky was handed a six-month prison sentence over naira abuse. While sentencing him, Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Lagos, said the judgment would be a deterrent to others who are found abusing and mutilating the naira.

An official of the prison who spoke to Punch said the crossdresser was taken to prison after the judgement and he was examined at the point of admission. It was also stated that no realignment of gender or genital organ was discovered as his male biological features were the same.

The source told the publication;

“Bobrisky made a public declaration that he was a male and court proceedings are public records. Every inmate brought into a facility during admission is examined. He was equally examined and no realignment of gender or genital organ was discovered. The male biological features were the same.

“After that, a cell was allocated to him, and he had a certain number of inmates with him. A bed space was also allotted to him. It is just like a boarding house where your housemaster will issue you your personal belongings.

“When it is time for class, he attends. When it is time for food, he will go and get his portion. The same goes with prep and light out. He observes all these without preference. He has been going about his business just like other inmates since he was brought in here.

“He is not getting any five-star treatment and is not being protected from anybody. He follows the same rules and regulations just like every other inmate. Single cells of isolation cells are to prevent outbreaks of communicable diseases.

” In a male prison, homosexuality is outlawed and it is a grievous offence. Sodomy or homosexuality, is frowned upon here in the custodial centre. So any inmate that tries to violate him will face the law.”

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NIMC: Federal Government Of Nigeria To Issue New GMPC National Identity Card To Citizens Via Their Commercial Banks

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The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has said that commercial banks will issue a new national identity card to it’s users.

The commission stated that users applying for the card will do so using their NIN cards and the new card is enabled with multiple features, including payment and financial service, eliminating the need for multiple cards.

The federal government also provided an update on the issuance of new national ID card as Nigerians have been told to visit their banks and apply for the card.

“The card can be picked up by holders at the designated center or delivered to the applicants at the requested location at an extra cost to be borne by the applicants,” NIMC disclosed.

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) said the planned national identity card (ID card) will be issued to applicants by their banks.

It said applicants need to request their cards with their NIN “through the self-service online portal, NIMC offices, or their respective banks”.

According to NIMC, the multipurpose National ID card will also be enabled for the eNaira in compliance with the EMV operational and security standards.

National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) clarified its stance on the new national Identity card project, which is designed to promote financial inclusion and other social services.

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Governor Of Akwa Ibom Offers Automatic Employment To Abigail’s Elder Sister, Directs Renovation Of House And Promises Assistance To Undergraduate Sisters

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Tears, Agony As Governor Eno Of Akwa Ibom State Visits Family Of Late Nollywood Make-up Artist, Abigail.

The tragic occurrence of the death of Actor Junior Pope and 4 other crew members of which includes Abigail, Is still a huge shock to Nigerians.

Abigail and Precious were buried beside the river as culture demanded since their parents couldn’t pay for the necessary rituals to be done in order for their bodies to be sent home for proper burial.

The Governor had earlier on asked that the Body of the Makeup Artist be Exhumed and brought back home for proper Burial. He is seeing to it that the required sacrifices are carried out to enable them bring home her body to her Father’s House in Akwa Ibom State.

Governor’s Request for Abigail’s remains to be exhumed and brought home

The Governor also offered Automatic Employment To Abigail’s Elder Sister, Directs Renovation Of Family House, Promises Assistance To The Undergraduate Sisters.

Here are pictures from the Governor’s visit to the bereaved family.

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