"We Joined APC Because PDP Is Dead" ...Ekiti lawmakers

Mr Olarewaju Olayanju, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) representing Emure Constituency in Ekiti State House of Assembly, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He described PDP in Ekiti as party which had reached its ‘dead end’, saying he could not continue to be in a party which was divided against itself.

Olayanju announced his defection at a news conference at the Assembly on Thursday.

“I have reflected deeply on the current situation and I have informed my constituents that my interest and their interests can no longer be achieved in the PDP.

 “PDP in Ekiti is now in disarray. No leader to rally the members together, the leaders have destroyed the party through naked use of powers.

“The party is factionalised in Ekiti with leadership calling on the people to vote for opposing political parties; the party has reached the dead end.

“As a man of integrity, I can not stay and work against the party, therefore, I am willingly defecting to APC,”Olayanju said.

He said before now APC had not won in Emure in Emure Local Government area in long time, but as from now, he assured APC of landmark victory in the forthcoming elections.

The Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Mr Adeniran Alagbada, congratulated the new defector for defecting to the “Next Level of Progress”.

He said that although there were just four APC members in the Assembly, but he was optimistic that in the coming weeks more PDP members would defect to APC.

The speaker called on Ekiti people to vote enmasse for the President Muhammadu Buhari’s re-election bid in Feb. 16 and other APC candidates.

Present at the news conference were the State Chairman of APC, Mr Paul Omotoso, his Deputy, Mr Sola Elesin, and the Clerk of the Assembly, Mr Tola Esan.

BUHARI IN KANO: "Why Ganduje Has Not Been Prosecuted"

President Muhammadu Buhari said on Thursday that Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, enjoyed immunity from prosecution as a sitting governor.

He also noted that under Nigerian laws, an accused remained innocent until proven guilty by the courts.

Besides, the President noted that the alleged dollar bribes Ganduje was seen stuffing in his pockets in a video widely circulated on social media, had become a matter already in a law court.

Buhari was reacting to criticisms in some quarters that he shielded his political associates like Ganduje among others, from prosecution in the face of glaring evidence.

Only on Thursday, the President, at an All Progressives Congress rally in Kano, raised up the hand of Ganduje for his second term bid before supporters.

In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Thursday, the President dismissed criticisms suggesting that his association with Ganduje was a smear on his anti-corruption stance.

The statement said some high-profile persons, including a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and a former state governor, were being prosecuted for corruption.

The Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme, Prof. Usman Yusuf, was also cited as another government official serving administrative leave to pave the way for investigation into corruption allegations levelled against him.

“Despite some of the suspects being close to the President, he had not shielded them from investigation, administrative suspensions and prosecution”, the statement added.

Specifically, on Ganduje, the Presidency said, “as a sitting governor, (he) enjoys immunity from prosecution in his own right.

“Furthermore, under Nigerian laws, a suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

“In the circumstances, the matter is in court and the President has no power to dictate to the court or the Kano State House of Assembly, which is already investigating the matter, about what to do with the allegations against Ganduje.”

 @thepunchng

CCT Resumes Justice Onnoghen's Trial Feb. 4

Following a request from the Federal Government, the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, in Abuja, on Thursday, fixed February 4 to resume proceedings on the non-assets declaration charge pending against the suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Walter Onnoghen.

The Mr. Danladi Umar-led tribunal, in a statement made available to Vanguard, disclosed that FG had in a letter that was signed by two legal officers at the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB, Musa Ibrahim Usman and Fatima Danjuma Ali, applied for continuation of hearing on the charge against Onnoghen. 

Onnoghen who was last Friday, suspended from office by President Muhammadu Buhari, is facing a six-count charge bothering on his alleged failure to declare his assets as prescribed by the law. He was in the charge marked CCT/ABJ/01/19, equally accused of maintaining five separate foreign bank accounts, in breach of the code of conduct for public office holders. 

In the statement that was signed by the Head, Press & Public Relations, at the CCT, Mr. Ibraheem Al-Hassan, FG, via the letter it sent through the CCB on Wednesday, drew attention of the Mr. Umar’s three-member panel to a ruling of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, which cleared the coast for Onnoghen’s trial to proceed. According to Al-Hassan, FG’s request read in part: 

“The above subject refers. This case came up for hearing of preliminary objection to the jurisdiction of the Tribunal on the 28th of January, 2019 but the Tribunal could not proceed due to the pendency of the case at the Court of Appeal. “However, in the wake of this afternoon, 30th January, 2019 the Court of Appeal has thrown out the appeal. 

“Consequently on the above, we urge the Honourable Tribunal to give us a date for resumption of the trial subject to the convenience of the Tribunal, most obliged my Lord”. 

The appellate court had in a unanimous decision by a three-man panel led by Justice Abdul Aboki, declined Onnoghen’s request for his trial to be temporarily suspended, pending the determination of an appeal he lodged to challenge the competence of the charge and the procedure adopted by the CCT.

How Jumia is Using Chatbots To Add Value To Customers Buying Experience

Chatbots are now widely used because getting quick feedback is essential to today's customers. Many businesses have recognised this fact and are deploying chatbots to assist the customer service team to drive customer engagement and interaction. This, in turn, will impact the Net Promoter Score (NPS), thus making customers more loyal. This said, here are 5 ways chatbots add value to the buying experience of customers.

24-hour customer service

Your customer service representative can sometimes be overwhelmed and cannot respond to all requests. This is where chatbot comes in. Because they use artificial intelligence to process information, they can respond and reply accurately to enquiries and queries at any time of the day.

Seamless live chat

The clarity of the response of a chatbot has made so many people think that they are actually chatting with a customer rep. Unknown to them, they are talking to a chatbot. For example, you can use Jumia Bot from the stables of Jumia, Nigeria's no 1 shopping destination to make enquiries about your shopping preference and resolve complaints.

Allows you to personify your brand

With chatbot, you can easily personify your brand depending on your brand vision. Chatbot can feature with various conversational styles that range from being friendly to helpful and playful. These different personalities will ensure that customers keep coming back.

Can handle endless queries

Chatbots have been set up to use human intelligence to sort out customer queries. As a result, chatbots can handle endless queries with little or no mistake. Despite the fact that chatbots can do the job, it doesn't mean you should remove the human touch.

Smoother purchase journey

Chatbot can do so many things that will ensure that the consumer's purchase journey is smooth. The bot can offer relevant information, video content and even voucher code. In addition, chatbots can also assist customers with aggregating information like the item they desire to purchase, the method they want to pay for the order, and how they want the order shipped. 

Leadership And Political Participation: The Story of Hon. Nnenna Ukeje-Elendu

BY EMMANUEL AJIBULU

There is growing recognition of the untapped capacity and talents of women and women’s leadership. Over the last two decades, the rate of women’s representation in national parliaments globally has incrementally increased from 11.8 percent in 1998 to 17.8 percent in 2008 to 23.5 percent in 2018.

 

Some regions have seen particularly dramatic increases, such as Sub-Saharan Africa, where in the last 20 years the number of women in parliaments has risen from 11 to 23.6 percent, and the Arab States region, which has seen an increase from 3.1 to 17.5 percent.

 

Total global representation is still well below the 30 percent benchmark often identified as the necessary level of representation to achieve a “critical mass” a considerable minority of all legislators with significant impact, rather than a token few individuals; not to mention falling short of women’s representation as half of the world’s population.

 

For a fact, the full and equitable participation of women in public life is essential to building and sustaining strong, vibrant and productive democracies.

 

Accordingly, the meaningful participation of women in national, local, and community leadership roles has become an important focus on global development policy. Still, some may ask why it matters if women become political leaders, elected policymakers, or civil society activists.

 

Why does the world need more women involved in all aspects of the political process? Women's political participation results in tangible gains for democracy, including greater responsiveness to citizen needs, increased cooperation across party and ethnic lines, and a more sustainable future.

 

Women’s participation in politics helps advance gender equality and affects both the range of policy issues that get considered and the types of solutions that are proposed. Research indicates that whether a legislator is male or female has a distinct impact on their policy priorities. There is also strong evidence that as more women are elected to office, there is a corollary increase in policy making that emphasizes quality of life and reflects the priorities of families, women, and ethnic and racial minorities.

 

Meanwhile, for posterity to be kind to Nigeria and her key stakeholders in decision making, an individual like Hon. Nnenna Ukeje-Elendu should not just be applauded, honoured or awarded with laurels; she needs to be given more national responsibilities where she can explore more of her esteemed potentials. At the National Assembly, her quality representation since the last 12 years in terms of sponsored Bills, Motions, and various presentations and contributions on topical national issues have raised the bar for good governance and legislative representation. Notable among her impacts was the diplomatic policy direction she offered when the infamous xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa and other parts of the world became prevalent.

 

No wonder Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the People's Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential standard bearer embraced a gender friendly campaign team involving people of great ideas who are highly disciplined, and with enviable and indelible track records that Nigerians could be proud of.

 

More importantly, the choice of Alhaji Atiku to have this quintessential female lawmaker, Hon. Nnenna Ukeje-Elendu, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs and member representing Bende Federal Constituency in marketing his candidacy for the presidency has turned out to change political narrative, a move that has incredibly added value to PDP's electoral victory come February, 2019.

Tapping Travel Insurance For A Smooth and Safe Trip

The importance of travel insurance cannot be overstated whenever you travel. Travel insurance is insurance that is intended to cover medical expenses, trip cancellation, lost luggage, flight accident and other losses incurred while travelling. Despite the many advantages of travel insurance, only a handful of travellers buy a travel insurance policy.

Imagine this scenario: you have exited your office and you are on your way to your long-planned vacation. Everything is going smoothly and you are excited and looking forward to it. However, your baggage disappears. To make matters worse, all your travel documents are in your suitcase. This is definitely a nightmare and it is exactly why you need travel insurance.

Where to buy travel insurance

Buying travel insurance is not rocket science. In fact today, you do not need an insurance company to buy insurance. You can buy your travel insurance from Jumia's hotel & flight services. There are pocket-friendly plans like Business/Tourism, Students Plan and Pilgrimage Protection. So, if you are visiting Europe (Schengen), for a business trip, you will pay as low as N2,740.23, if you are between the ages of 0 and 79 years. This covers you for up to 7 days.

How to tap travel insurance for a smooth and safe trip

Your lost luggage will be replaced

A lot of travellers go on tour with different types of items from clothes to home appliances and jewellery. If you do not have travel insurance, you will be the one to bear the cost of these lost items. Due to this, it’s advisable to buy a travel insurance cover so as to prevent any kind of loss of cash theft.

Your medical expenses will be covered

Whether you are on a business or leisure trip, you do not know when you are going to fall ill. If you happen to fall ill, you may be unable to cover your medical expenses because the medical bills may be too expensive for you to settle. To avoid this kind of unpredictable situation, just buy travel insurance.

You won’t pay cancellation fees

Every traveller books a trip in anticipation that nothing will disrupt your travel plans. From nowhere, you got an email summoning you to the office, you have no choice than to cancel your trip. For this, you will be charged a cancellation fee. You do not need to pay this fee if you have travel insurance.

Beyond planning and hoping for a smooth trip, you should have it at the back of your mind that uncertain and unpredictable things happen. To forestall and deal precisely with these uncertainties and actually guarantee a smooth trip, then you should never travel without a travel insurance cover. 

Tapping Travel Insurance For a Smooth & Safe Trip

The importance of travel insurance cannot be overstated whenever you travel. Travel insurance is insurance that is intended to cover medical expenses, trip cancellation, lost luggage, flight accident and other losses incurred while travelling. Despite the many advantages of travel insurance, only a handful of travellers buy a travel insurance policy.

Imagine this scenario: you have exited your office and you are on your way to your long-planned vacation. Everything is going smoothly and you are excited and looking forward to it. However, your baggage disappears. To make matters worse, all your travel documents are in your suitcase. This is definitely a nightmare and it is exactly why you need travel insurance.

Where to buy travel insurance

Buying travel insurance is not rocket science. In fact today, you do not need an insurance company to buy insurance. You can buy your travel insurance from Jumia's hotel & flight services. There are pocket-friendly plans like Business/Tourism, Students Plan and Pilgrimage Protection. So, if you are visiting Europe (Schengen), for a business trip, you will pay as low as N2,740.23, if you are between the ages of 0 and 79 years. This covers you for up to 7 days.

How to tap travel insurance for a smooth and safe trip

Your lost luggage will be replaced

A lot of travellers go on tour with different types of items from clothes to home appliances and jewellery. If you do not have travel insurance, you will be the one to bear the cost of these lost items. Due to this, it’s advisable to buy a travel insurance cover so as to prevent any kind of loss of cash theft.

Your medical expenses will be covered

Whether you are on a business or leisure trip, you do not know when you are going to fall ill. If you happen to fall ill, you may be unable to cover your medical expenses because the medical bills may be too expensive for you to settle. To avoid this kind of unpredictable situation, just buy travel insurance.

You won’t pay cancellation fees

Every traveller books a trip in anticipation that nothing will disrupt your travel plans. From nowhere, you got an email summoning you to the office, you have no choice than to cancel your trip. For this, you will be charged a cancellation fee. You do not need to pay this fee if you have travel insurance.

Beyond planning and hoping for a smooth trip, you should have it at the back of your mind that uncertain and unpredictable things happen. To forestall and deal precisely with these uncertainties and actually guarantee a smooth trip, then you should never travel without a travel insurance cover. 

The importance of travel insurance cannot be overstated whenever you travel. Travel insurance is insurance that is intended to cover medical expenses, trip cancellation, lost luggage, flight accident and other losses incurred while travelling. Despite the many advantages of travel insurance, only a handful of travellers buy a travel insurance policy.

Imagine this scenario: you have exited your office and you are on your way to your long-planned vacation. Everything is going smoothly and you are excited and looking forward to it. However, your baggage disappears. To make matters worse, all your travel documents are in your suitcase. This is definitely a nightmare and it is exactly why you need travel insurance.

Where to buy travel insurance

Buying travel insurance is not rocket science. In fact today, you do not need an insurance company to buy insurance. You can buy your travel insurance from Jumia's hotel & flight services. There are pocket-friendly plans like Business/Tourism, Students Plan and Pilgrimage Protection. So, if you are visiting Europe (Schengen), for a business trip, you will pay as low as N2,740.23, if you are between the ages of 0 and 79 years. This covers you for up to 7 days.

How to tap travel insurance for a smooth and safe trip

Your lost luggage will be replaced

A lot of travellers go on tour with different types of items from clothes to home appliances and jewellery. If you do not have travel insurance, you will be the one to bear the cost of these lost items. Due to this, it’s advisable to buy a travel insurance cover so as to prevent any kind of loss of cash theft.

Your medical expenses will be covered

Whether you are on a business or leisure trip, you do not know when you are going to fall ill. If you happen to fall ill, you may be unable to cover your medical expenses because the medical bills may be too expensive for you to settle. To avoid this kind of unpredictable situation, just buy travel insurance.

You won’t pay cancellation fees

Every traveller books a trip in anticipation that nothing will disrupt your travel plans. From nowhere, you got an email summoning you to the office, you have no choice than to cancel your trip. For this, you will be charged a cancellation fee. You do not need to pay this fee if you have travel insurance.

Beyond planning and hoping for a smooth trip, you should have it at the back of your mind that uncertain and unpredictable things happen. To forestall and deal precisely with these uncertainties and actually guarantee a smooth trip, then you should never travel without a travel insurance cover. 

Power Supply Back In Igbokoda As Osinbajo Commissions BEDC, NDPHC Restoration Project

Residents of Igbokoda in Ilaje Ese Odo local government in Ondo South senatorial zone who have resigned their fate to living without electricity for the past five years were enveloped in frenzy of joy on Wednesday as Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo commissioned the restored power project facilitated by the BEDC Electricity Plc. (BEDC) and Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) which jointly completed work on the rehabilitation of the power project in the town.

With the commissioning by the Vice-President flanked by Ondo state Governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, Executive Director, Commercial of BEDC, Mr. Abu Ejoor, Chief Technical Officer, (CTO) Engr. Ashok Acharya and officials of NDPHC, 10 out of the 21 distribution substations in the Igbokoda community came on with power supply thus illuminating the town which had been out of supply for so many years. The substations that were energized as at Wednesday include; Larada, General Hospital Secretariat road substation, Ikuomola, Ilara, Orioketilu, Church substation, Okoga College road/Omotehin, GRA1, GRA4/NDDC and Broadstreet substations.

The project which is an ongoing exercise is expected to extend to Okitipupa and other parts of Ondo South senatorial zone in due course.

The restoration achieved by BEDC with the speedy rehabilitation of the power project in conjunction with NDPHC under the national Independent power project (NIPP) will bring positive effect on the social and economic activities in the area. It has always been the central town for inhabitants of the Ondo South senatorial district of Ondo state comprising Okitipupa, Ireless, Ilaje, Ese-Odo, Odigbo and Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo local governments due to the presence of several amenities.

The belief by the communities is that if the availability of power supply is addressed, other improvements will follow. Power outage has greatly affected social and economic activities in the area, just as people of the area have resigned their fate to living without electricity.

It will be recalled that federal government had listened to the restive residents of communities under Ondo South senatorial zone over their power rehabilitation project as it directed the National Independent Power Project (NIIPP) to join forces with BEDC for the speedy rehabilitation of the whole network across four local governments namely; Okitipupa, Ese-Odo, Irele and Ilaje local governments in four phases.

Indications to this effect emerged recently after the joint team of BEDC engineers and the NIPP officials worked on the Okitipupa 33Kv overhead line project which covered the aforementioned local government areas in line with the charted out the schedule for the commencement of the whole network rehabilitation.

BEDC it will be recalled, had commenced rehabilitation work on the network but slowed down due to constraints of thick vegetation, and lengthy feeder which made the rehabilitation work prone to faults; a development which accounted for the recent protests by youths of the affected communities. As a step forward, BEDC and NDPHC had collected survey samples of other routes to be used in re-routing the affected lines for the areas under rehabilitation, as a permanent solution to hitches before the NIPP intervention support.

In fact, the BEDC had extended restoration work to Ondo North, South, Odo Aye and Okitipupa, while 19 communities had been connected to the grid in Ondo South including Ore, Odigbo, Adaja and Liyetu among others. In Ondo North, 34 communities have beenconnected including Gedegede, Ikun, Eriti, Oke-Agbe, Ikare, Arigidi, Oba-Akoko and Ikaram among others.

It will be recalled that in fulfilment of its pledge to Ekiti state government, BEDC Electricity Plc. (BEDC) has last December restored electricity supply to some communities in Ekiti state namely; Erinijiyan, Ipole-Iloro and Ikogosi.