NEWS PAGE 3, FEBRUARY 22, 2016

NEWS PAGE 3, FEBRUARY 22, 2016

Borno to resettle CAR returnees

From Shehu Abubakar, Maiduguri

Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State has directed indigenes of the state who escaped from the war in Central African Republic (CAR) taking refuge at a camp provided in Maiduguri to look for befitting accommodation to resettle.

The state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Kaka Shehu Lamin told the returnees on behalf of the governor that after getting befitting accommodation, the state government would pay for the houses and give them money to start businesses.

Accompanied by the chairman of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Engineer Satomi Alhaji Ahmed, Barrister Lamin told the leadership of the returnees that arrangements were being made to introduce them for registration for the National Identity card.

“The state governor has asked me to assure you that the state government will ensure that your children are given qualitative education. That is in line with the cardinal principles of this administration. He has also asked me to deliver additional food and non-food items to you to add to what you have pending when you are resettled,” he said.

Barrister Lamin then presented assorted food items and N50, 000 cash to the returnees.

Responding, the leader of the returnees, Mustafa Mohammed said they were attacked and their property were looted in the Central African Republic before escaping to Cameroun where they stayed as refugees for about one year before they were evacuated along with some Nigerians from other states back home.

“Since those of us from Borno State were returned to Maiduguri about six months ago, the state government through SEMA has been feeding us and taking care of our medication. We returned without any property or money. We are grateful to this administration,” he said.

Sikorsky helicopters to undergo safety checks-NCAA

From Abdullateef Aliyu, Lagos

Against the backdrop of recent crash involving a Sikorsky S-76C Helicopter operated by Bristow, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has ordered all airlines operating the series to carry out a safety inspection immediately.

This was coming after the regulatory authority grounded all Sikorsky Helicopter series being operated by Bristow after the incident of February 3 when there was a controlled ditching of the aircraft inside the Lagos lagoon.

The Helicopter, according to the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) developed fault mid-air.

The NCAA which embarked on an audit of Bristow Sikorsky operations however issued safety directives to all operators of the Helicopter type.

According to a letter dispatched to the airlines, they were directed to conduct visual and detailed inspection in accordance with relevant S76C types.

NCAA through its spokesman, Mr. Sam Adurogboye said the safety inspection directive must be complied with within 72 hours on receipt of the letter and repeat the process after every 300 flight hours until further notice.

According to the directive, the authority must immediately be provided with evidence of accomplishment of the order.

He added: “This action is in addition to the suspension of Bristow Helicopters operations of S-76 C ++ series and the ongoing audit.

“It is pertinent to point out that this directive is without prejudice to the ongoing investigation by the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB)? which the authority is fully supporting.

“The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) wants to reiterate that it will not leave any stone unturned to ensure that air transport is safe and secure in Nigeria,” the statement added.

Lasun assures Nigerians of workable constitution

The Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Yusuf Lasun, has assured Nigerians of the readiness of the 8th National Assembly to provide the country with a workable constitution.

The assurance is contained in a statement issued by Lasun’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Wole Oladimeji yesterda.

Lasun, who is also the Chairman of the Ad hoc Committee on Review of the 1999 Constitution, said the committee would explore necessary avenues to ensure that the desired result was achieved.

He promised that no opinion presented to the Committee would be discarded, stressing that “the Committee is ready to receive necessary information that will help in bringing about workable constitution for the country.

The statement said: “It has become imperative to give the executive good laws that will help to carry out the duties of good governance through the amendment of obsolete laws in the constitution.”

The Deputy Speaker further said that the Committee had engaged seasoned legal practitioners who would give it the needed technical assistance, noting that “I believe there are laws and enactments of the National Assembly which have not been tested.

“Consequently, the review of the constitution is an opportunity to ensure that laws that needed amendments are adequately taken care of.”

?Lasun further assured Nigerians that issues would be addressed based on merit, pointing out that the focus of the Committee was to do a thorough job that would improve the living conditions of Nigerians.

The Constitution Review Committee is expected to work on the 4th Alteration Bill started by the 7th National Assembly.

The Committee is also to process other proposals for further alteration of the Constitution of the country as may be necessary on behalf of the House of Representatives. (NAN).

VC defends private varsities

The Vice Chancellor, Christopher University, Mowe in Ogun State, Prof. Friday Ndubuisi yesterday said the proliferation of private universities in the country did not mean they were sub-standard.

Ndubuisi told newsmen in Lagos that any private university that has met the National Universities Commission (NUC) requirements has what it takes to produce qualified graduates.

According to him, most of the vice chancellors in private universities have made their mark in public universities and internationally and will not permit mediocrity.

He said that most of the private universities were under the mentorship of notable public and international universities.

“Compare a graduate from state, federal and private University, you will be surprised about your finding. Students in private universities are likely to be more confident, better equipped and qualified due to their exposure to a conducive learning environment,” Ndubuisi said.

The don said the government had done a good thing by allowing investors to invest in private universities.

“In the next 15 years, you will be surprised about the effort of the private universities in the sector. The private universities would have succeeded in turning out graduates who can compete favourably internationally,” he said.

Ndubuisi said most Nigerian students face harsh conditions but given a conducive environment, they come out best.

“For the past 15 years, Nigerian students have been among the best outside the shores of this country due to the conducive environment in which they study,” he said.

The VC however pleaded with the government to assist the private universities so that their fees can be reduced due to the important role they play in the education sector. (NAN).