JOB CREATION- Mix reactions trail FG’s job creation target

Federal government have recently embarked on 'operation job creation', in order to ensure that the huge number of graduate without job,  gets job. Committee have been put in places to ensure that this desire to see graduates get placements through policies and programmes that would yield positive benefit. 

Some financial experts on Thursday, expressed divergent views on the Federal Government recent inauguration of a Presidential Board for the creation of three million jobs nationwide.

It’s a blow to the police, says IG

Inspector-General of Police (IG) Ogbonna Onovo has described the abduction of Pa Simeon Soludo, father of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Chukwuma Soludo as a blow to the police’s efforts to stop kidnapping in the South-East.

Onovo, who spoke during a working visit to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday in Abuja, sought the assistance of the military to train 150 policemen at the School of Infantry.

He was received by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Chief Marshal Paul Dike.

His words: "I am here to pay compliments to renew the cordial relationship between the Police and the Defence Headquarters. This is my first time to visit the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) since I came into office though you have been of tremendous help to us, especially when I had my baptism of fire a day after I was appointed with the Boko Haram crisis in Bauchi State.

"The DHQ was of tremendous help to us in quelling the crisis. I don’t know how we would have coped without your assistance. We were overwhelmed by the crisis because it was something unexpected but with your aid to a sister security agency we were able to curtail the problem. The situation was brought under control though not without some controversy but peace was restored."

Besides, Onovo said the visit would afford him the opportunity to be advised by the CDS on the need to train and retrain policemen.

"I recalled the advice you gave on the need for our men to be trained and retrained and you have offered to do so at your School of Infantry and I am here to say we are ready to take you on your offer. We have 150 men ready for that training and we thank you for the cordial relationship between the military and the police," he said.

While he appreciated the lessening friction between the lower ranks of the police and military, Onovo noted: "Anybody in conflict situation knows that his saviour might not be any family member but another man in uniform. Since you came on board, the skirmishes have reduced due to your able leadership."

He went on: "I want to also commend the effort made be you to ensure joint effort by the police and the military in tackling crime like in the Niger Delta during the militancy era which has been brought under control.

"We have security problems all over the world but Nigerians want an environment of peace and security hence we have to give all to provide that."

Replying, Air Chief Marshal Dike said the request to train 150 policemen will be honoured as soon as the modalities have been worked out.

"The Police have done well and we are willing to render any assistance to aid your smooth operations. As concerning your request, as soon as the modalities are in place, we will inform you accordingly," he said.

Students unhappy over third term plans

Colombian President, Alvaro Uribe, was at Harvard University where he spoke to a packed audience and responded to pointed questions on the possibility he will seek a third term in office.

Uribe was elected president in 2002 and retains an approval rating of nearly 70 per cent due to the improvement in national security under his administration.

He detailed the many ways his country has advanced in the past seven years, and he also laid out his vision for a stable and united Colombia. "Colombia has seen many administrations that have not seen a single day of peace," Uribe said.

His plan to seek a third term in office by amending the Colombian Constitution took center stage when he began fielding questions from the audience. Were Uribe to succeed, it would mark the second time he has passed an amendment in order to remain in power.

"The referendum that is pending to allow yourself to serve a third term could set a dangerous precedent for future leaders," Jake Sloane, a 200-Level student, told the President.

Juan Felipe Botero, a Law student, asked: "What will be your advice to the person who shall replace you as President in less than a year’s time?" The question, which implicitly demanded Uribe step aside for the next election, was cheered by the audience.

Uribe responded to both questions by pointing to political and economic gains made by his administration and stressing that the separation of powers in Colombia would prevent the unfair perpetuation of power.

Alex W. Palmer, another 200-Level student and member of the IOP forum committee, said he enjoyed the event despite Uribe’s somewhat evasive responses.