Former Governor Of Akwa-Ibom Excape Ghostly Accident.

Former Gov, Akpabio

According to my sources,Former Governor of Akwa ibom state Gov Akpabio was involved in an accident this morning Monday August 31,2015 at Bolingo Junction Abuja. This happened when his lead convoy car beat the traffic light causing another car to collide right into the car Akpabio was seated in.

He has since been driven to the hospital as he sustained injures and was bleeding. I don’t have pictures but this you can take this info to the Bank.

Here is hoping his injuries are not much and that he recovers well.

More info as it comes

Former Governor Of Akwa-Ibom Excape Ghostly Accident.

Posted by Sylvester No comments

Former Gov, Akpabio

According to my sources,Former Governor of Akwa ibom state Gov Akpabio was involved in an accident this morning Monday August 31,2015 at Bolingo Junction Abuja. This happened when his lead convoy car beat the traffic light causing another car to collide right into the car Akpabio was seated in.

He has since been driven to the hospital as he sustained injures and was bleeding. I don’t have pictures but this you can take this info to the Bank.

Here is hoping his injuries are not much and that he recovers well.

More info as it comes

The Former Governor Chibuike Amaech Described A Panel Named By His Successor Illegal.

Rotimi Amaechi, on Monday described a panel named by his successor, Nyesom Wike, to probe the previous government, as illegal.

On June 19, Mr. Wike set up a seven-man judicial commission of inquiry led by Justice George Omereji to investigate the alleged sale of state assets and also some projects for which funds were released but not executed.
In a statement issued by the former governor’s media office, Mr. Amaechi said the probe was an attempt to distort his statement on the amount of money he left in the state treasury.

No matter how hard Wike tries, the public can clearly see through his fraudulent deception and the sham he calls Commission of Inquiry to probe Amaechi. That panel was set up to indict Amaechi of corruption. Everything about the probe commission is at variance with the ethics and laws of a fair, just and unbiased probe commission.

Indeed, the hack panel has not disappointed its paymaster since it started its shambolic public hearings. As we earlier warned, it is a comedy to grab media headlines with bogus, phantom and fabricated claims of corrupt practices against former governor Amaechi. The public hearings have become a comedy of errors for the media. We maintain that Wike’s probe commission shall not achieve anything beyond political excitements, entertainment and theatrics.

He said the probe is meant to distract the attention of the people of the state from the way the Wike administration governs its affairs.

However, what the public may not know is that Wike’s deceptive probe of Amaech is a distraction to entertain and keep the public focus on his circus show, while he siphons and salt away billions of naira from the state treasury. From the moment he stepped into Government House, Port Harcourt, Wike has run a government of lies, deception and fraud.

He first made a show and gave a performance of his false accusations that Amaechi stripped the Governor’s Lodge bare, saying that the former governor stole spoons, plates, knives, cups, mattresses, forks and even curtains from the Governor’s Lodge! However, in the images Wike showed to back his lies, the curtains in the lodge were clearly there, seen and intact.

Mr. Amaechi said the governor’s claim that he left an empty treasury is far from the truth as he gave detail of the banks and accounts where the money was left.
Wike then claimed he met a completely empty treasury. That again is another big lie and grand deception to steal state funds. We have said that former governor Amaechi left billions of naira and we even went ahead to mention the banks and give the names of the accounts the money were, as at May 29, 2015.

We repeat that N7.5billion cash were left behind as balances in the State Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) account with Skye Bank, FAAC account with Zenith Bank, balances with Access Bank and funds in the State reserve fund account in First Bank. This is besides other balances in the state Government House account with Zenith Bank and other government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) accounts, like the Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP). Amaechi left N939 million naira in the Commercial Agric Credit Scheme Account in Zenith Bank. By the time you pull all these balances together, we are looking at readily available cash in the region of eight to ten billion naira left for the Wike administration. We have mentioned banks, account names and funds left in the accounts. These are facts that cannot be distorted by Wike.

If Wike says he’s not lying that he met an empty treasury, we challenge him to publish the statements of these government accounts that we have mentioned and other Rivers State government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) accounts as at May 29, to prove his claim and show the public that Amaechi left an empty treasury for him. But, we dare say, he will not because he runs a government of lies, deception and fraud, always wanting to hoodwink the public as he siphons billions of naira of state funds.

Rather than this comedic, puerile and silly distraction he calls probe commission, Wike should explain to Rivers people what happened to the funds Amaechi left, the N30 billion naira loans he took under 30 days and other funds that has accrued to Rivers State since he became governor. Amaechi left a legacy of accountability; Rivers people expect nothing less from Wike,” said the former governor.

The Former Governor Chibuike Amaech Described A Panel Named By His Successor Illegal.

Posted by Sylvester No comments

Rotimi Amaechi, on Monday described a panel named by his successor, Nyesom Wike, to probe the previous government, as illegal.

On June 19, Mr. Wike set up a seven-man judicial commission of inquiry led by Justice George Omereji to investigate the alleged sale of state assets and also some projects for which funds were released but not executed.
In a statement issued by the former governor’s media office, Mr. Amaechi said the probe was an attempt to distort his statement on the amount of money he left in the state treasury.

No matter how hard Wike tries, the public can clearly see through his fraudulent deception and the sham he calls Commission of Inquiry to probe Amaechi. That panel was set up to indict Amaechi of corruption. Everything about the probe commission is at variance with the ethics and laws of a fair, just and unbiased probe commission.

Indeed, the hack panel has not disappointed its paymaster since it started its shambolic public hearings. As we earlier warned, it is a comedy to grab media headlines with bogus, phantom and fabricated claims of corrupt practices against former governor Amaechi. The public hearings have become a comedy of errors for the media. We maintain that Wike’s probe commission shall not achieve anything beyond political excitements, entertainment and theatrics.

He said the probe is meant to distract the attention of the people of the state from the way the Wike administration governs its affairs.

However, what the public may not know is that Wike’s deceptive probe of Amaech is a distraction to entertain and keep the public focus on his circus show, while he siphons and salt away billions of naira from the state treasury. From the moment he stepped into Government House, Port Harcourt, Wike has run a government of lies, deception and fraud.

He first made a show and gave a performance of his false accusations that Amaechi stripped the Governor’s Lodge bare, saying that the former governor stole spoons, plates, knives, cups, mattresses, forks and even curtains from the Governor’s Lodge! However, in the images Wike showed to back his lies, the curtains in the lodge were clearly there, seen and intact.

Mr. Amaechi said the governor’s claim that he left an empty treasury is far from the truth as he gave detail of the banks and accounts where the money was left.
Wike then claimed he met a completely empty treasury. That again is another big lie and grand deception to steal state funds. We have said that former governor Amaechi left billions of naira and we even went ahead to mention the banks and give the names of the accounts the money were, as at May 29, 2015.

We repeat that N7.5billion cash were left behind as balances in the State Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) account with Skye Bank, FAAC account with Zenith Bank, balances with Access Bank and funds in the State reserve fund account in First Bank. This is besides other balances in the state Government House account with Zenith Bank and other government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) accounts, like the Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP). Amaechi left N939 million naira in the Commercial Agric Credit Scheme Account in Zenith Bank. By the time you pull all these balances together, we are looking at readily available cash in the region of eight to ten billion naira left for the Wike administration. We have mentioned banks, account names and funds left in the accounts. These are facts that cannot be distorted by Wike.

If Wike says he’s not lying that he met an empty treasury, we challenge him to publish the statements of these government accounts that we have mentioned and other Rivers State government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) accounts as at May 29, to prove his claim and show the public that Amaechi left an empty treasury for him. But, we dare say, he will not because he runs a government of lies, deception and fraud, always wanting to hoodwink the public as he siphons billions of naira of state funds.

Rather than this comedic, puerile and silly distraction he calls probe commission, Wike should explain to Rivers people what happened to the funds Amaechi left, the N30 billion naira loans he took under 30 days and other funds that has accrued to Rivers State since he became governor. Amaechi left a legacy of accountability; Rivers people expect nothing less from Wike,” said the former governor.

PROTEST LETTER BY RIVERS YOUTHS AND STAKEHOLDERS OVER DRYDOCK

Fear is said to have gripped management of multinational gas corporation, Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Company, NLNG and her investors over a strongly worded protest letter presented by Rivers state youths and stakeholders over proposed location of its Dry dock. 

Niger Delta Youth

The letter which content made startling revelations previously unheard of lay overwhelming credence to the fact that NLNG in spite of its sustained denial was actually sponsor of the proposed drydock project in Badagry.
In a nine page letter articulately written and copied to government and strategic agencies in the country by Youth leaders representing various youth groups in Rivers state, stakeholders and other youths of Niger delta under the aegis of Joint Niger Delta Youth Movement who were led by Niger delta activist, Ann Kio Briggs they were resolute over their demand..
Others who registered their presence in the civil protest to NLNG complex in Port Harcourt include; Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, Rivers state chapter, Amb. Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, National Secretary General of Ijaw Youth Council and Leader of Rivers Ijaw Youths, Engr Emmanuel Bristol Alagbariya, Leader Bonny Youth Federation, Barr. Simeon Wilcox among others to express serious disappointment and regret in the non inclusion of host communities who are critical stakeholders of NLNG projects, condemning in the process perceived high level deceit, fabrications and deliberate intention to foist crisis in the region.

Sources in the company who spoke under anonymity said there is rumble and the atmosphere is tense that in spite of alleged attempts by the company to incite other communities and youths against Bonny Island through a recent publication enumerating what Bonny people are benefitting from NLNG youths of Rivers state have remained resolute and undeterred in achieving their joint objective over the dry dock issue and the development is said to be against NLNG plan to forestall further protest by youths. More worrisome for the company is that the protest had gone smoothly without aggression as positions were made without the usually acclaimed violence associated with Niger delta youths.

Part of the demands during the protest is to have the Dry dock located in any of the Niger delta states for the purpose of creating job opportunities for the teeming unemployed youths, they also demanded that NLNG should organize a road show in the Niger delta and assure the investors that they will patronize the investors and make available all their vessels to the dry dock facility to be built in the Niger delta. The letter submitted amidst tight security by NLNG neither deterred the youths who matched on within the NLNG premises to deliver the strongly worded letter received by one of NLNG’s key management officers.

Some contentious issues were raised in the letter which reads in parts: “It is not in dispute that you NLNG conceived the idea and sponsored the disputed Dry dock feasibility studies, received, accepted, gave approval to the report and indeed mobilized banks and investors and also organized a road show to actualize and give effect to your desired decision to site the dry dock in Lagos as pre determined”.

“It is necessary here to note that before the feasibility study and road show of Decenber 9th 2014, organized by you there were no foreign or local investors (company or consortium) for the Dry dock, but to our chagrin NLNG had already named the project, Badagry Ship Repair and Marine Engineering, BSME”.

To further give credence to NLNG’s pre determined and lopsided feasibility study, the statement gave references to various reports including one made available by news giant Reuters on Friday June 19th 2015 which was also hoisted on NLNG website captioned ‘NLNG EYES $1.5 BILLION NAIRA DEBUT SHIPYARD IN NIGERIA’. The first paragraph aptly captured that ‘Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Company (NLNG) is sponsoring the construction of the first major ship yard in Africa’s biggest economy at the cost of $1.5 billion, in its attempt to turn the country into a hub for maritime operations on the continent”. Reuters went further to quote NLNG spokesman, Tony Okonedo corroborating statements that indicate that they are actually sponsoring the dry dock project.

Furthermore statement to bolster claims by the youth group referenced publications and strategic quotes by NLNG management on Nations Newspaper, Guardian Newspaper, Sun newspaper among others.
The letter in part countered strongly and referred to as unsubstantiated,. NLNG spokesman’s claim that technical grounds like, Natural water depth; Proximity to an international airport and Proximity to an active offshore and onshore West Africa oil and gas hub were practicable parameters used to decide on siting the Dry dock in Badagry

Countering the claims the Joint Niger Delta Youth Movement stated in its letter that it is yet to come to terms on why Badagry which natural water depth of 11-12 meters was chosen ahead of Bonny island with natural water depth of 14.30 meters and the Onne/Ikpokiri which has about 15.2 meters of natural water depth.
On proximity to airport, it states that the distance between Lagos International airport and Badagry is about 68 kilometers while from Port Harcourt international airport to Onne port is about 40 kilometers, even as Bonny Island has the advantage of a mini air strip.

Dissecting the issue of proximity to an active offshore and onshore West Africa oil and gas hub, it states “Niger delta is the most active offshore and onshore oil and gas hub in Nigeria and indeed in the whole of West Africa. Hear this: It is a global established known and accepted empirical fact that only the management of NLNG Bonny and its hired agents the Royal Haskoning DHV are disputing this very obvious fact”.

The protest organized in the most civil and intellectual manner attracted the admiration of security operatives. There was staked consensus among, Ann Kio Briggs, Sukubo Sara Igbe, Bristol Alagbariya and Wilcox and others that NLNG’s hidden but now open agenda can never be allowed to see the light of the day, they assert that the decision will if allowed to fly will be detrimental not just to the present generation of youths in the Niger delta, but to those yet unborn. While they wait on NLNG to reply the letter they are strongly maintaining a capital NO stance to siting the Drydock in Badagry.

PROTEST LETTER BY RIVERS YOUTHS AND STAKEHOLDERS OVER DRYDOCK

Posted by Sylvester No comments

Fear is said to have gripped management of multinational gas corporation, Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Company, NLNG and her investors over a strongly worded protest letter presented by Rivers state youths and stakeholders over proposed location of its Dry dock. 

Niger Delta Youth

The letter which content made startling revelations previously unheard of lay overwhelming credence to the fact that NLNG in spite of its sustained denial was actually sponsor of the proposed drydock project in Badagry.
In a nine page letter articulately written and copied to government and strategic agencies in the country by Youth leaders representing various youth groups in Rivers state, stakeholders and other youths of Niger delta under the aegis of Joint Niger Delta Youth Movement who were led by Niger delta activist, Ann Kio Briggs they were resolute over their demand..
Others who registered their presence in the civil protest to NLNG complex in Port Harcourt include; Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, Rivers state chapter, Amb. Sukubo Sara-Igbe Sukubo, National Secretary General of Ijaw Youth Council and Leader of Rivers Ijaw Youths, Engr Emmanuel Bristol Alagbariya, Leader Bonny Youth Federation, Barr. Simeon Wilcox among others to express serious disappointment and regret in the non inclusion of host communities who are critical stakeholders of NLNG projects, condemning in the process perceived high level deceit, fabrications and deliberate intention to foist crisis in the region.

Sources in the company who spoke under anonymity said there is rumble and the atmosphere is tense that in spite of alleged attempts by the company to incite other communities and youths against Bonny Island through a recent publication enumerating what Bonny people are benefitting from NLNG youths of Rivers state have remained resolute and undeterred in achieving their joint objective over the dry dock issue and the development is said to be against NLNG plan to forestall further protest by youths. More worrisome for the company is that the protest had gone smoothly without aggression as positions were made without the usually acclaimed violence associated with Niger delta youths.

Part of the demands during the protest is to have the Dry dock located in any of the Niger delta states for the purpose of creating job opportunities for the teeming unemployed youths, they also demanded that NLNG should organize a road show in the Niger delta and assure the investors that they will patronize the investors and make available all their vessels to the dry dock facility to be built in the Niger delta. The letter submitted amidst tight security by NLNG neither deterred the youths who matched on within the NLNG premises to deliver the strongly worded letter received by one of NLNG’s key management officers.

Some contentious issues were raised in the letter which reads in parts: “It is not in dispute that you NLNG conceived the idea and sponsored the disputed Dry dock feasibility studies, received, accepted, gave approval to the report and indeed mobilized banks and investors and also organized a road show to actualize and give effect to your desired decision to site the dry dock in Lagos as pre determined”.

“It is necessary here to note that before the feasibility study and road show of Decenber 9th 2014, organized by you there were no foreign or local investors (company or consortium) for the Dry dock, but to our chagrin NLNG had already named the project, Badagry Ship Repair and Marine Engineering, BSME”.

To further give credence to NLNG’s pre determined and lopsided feasibility study, the statement gave references to various reports including one made available by news giant Reuters on Friday June 19th 2015 which was also hoisted on NLNG website captioned ‘NLNG EYES $1.5 BILLION NAIRA DEBUT SHIPYARD IN NIGERIA’. The first paragraph aptly captured that ‘Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Company (NLNG) is sponsoring the construction of the first major ship yard in Africa’s biggest economy at the cost of $1.5 billion, in its attempt to turn the country into a hub for maritime operations on the continent”. Reuters went further to quote NLNG spokesman, Tony Okonedo corroborating statements that indicate that they are actually sponsoring the dry dock project.

Furthermore statement to bolster claims by the youth group referenced publications and strategic quotes by NLNG management on Nations Newspaper, Guardian Newspaper, Sun newspaper among others.
The letter in part countered strongly and referred to as unsubstantiated,. NLNG spokesman’s claim that technical grounds like, Natural water depth; Proximity to an international airport and Proximity to an active offshore and onshore West Africa oil and gas hub were practicable parameters used to decide on siting the Dry dock in Badagry

Countering the claims the Joint Niger Delta Youth Movement stated in its letter that it is yet to come to terms on why Badagry which natural water depth of 11-12 meters was chosen ahead of Bonny island with natural water depth of 14.30 meters and the Onne/Ikpokiri which has about 15.2 meters of natural water depth.
On proximity to airport, it states that the distance between Lagos International airport and Badagry is about 68 kilometers while from Port Harcourt international airport to Onne port is about 40 kilometers, even as Bonny Island has the advantage of a mini air strip.

Dissecting the issue of proximity to an active offshore and onshore West Africa oil and gas hub, it states “Niger delta is the most active offshore and onshore oil and gas hub in Nigeria and indeed in the whole of West Africa. Hear this: It is a global established known and accepted empirical fact that only the management of NLNG Bonny and its hired agents the Royal Haskoning DHV are disputing this very obvious fact”.

The protest organized in the most civil and intellectual manner attracted the admiration of security operatives. There was staked consensus among, Ann Kio Briggs, Sukubo Sara Igbe, Bristol Alagbariya and Wilcox and others that NLNG’s hidden but now open agenda can never be allowed to see the light of the day, they assert that the decision will if allowed to fly will be detrimental not just to the present generation of youths in the Niger delta, but to those yet unborn. While they wait on NLNG to reply the letter they are strongly maintaining a capital NO stance to siting the Drydock in Badagry.

Buhari Betrayed Me; Only a Media Protest Can Save Us - Rotimi Amaechi

Following the recent appointments by President Buhari, the former governor of Rivers State Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi was in Port-Harcourt on Saturday for a crucial meeting with the Rivers APC caucus, to chart a way forward for the members of the party. 

Mr. Amaechi, while lamenting said " I called you here, to brief you on the happenings in the party. Dakuku can confirm some of the things I will share with you. First, I thank you all for your support especially at this trying times.

You all know the level of financial support and invaluable time I put, in ensuring that President Buhari wins both the party primary and the presidential election. All that was done because of what the President promised me.
 The President promised me the position of the secretary to government of the federation (SGF) in the presence of his wife, the day they came to ask for my support, in preparation to the party primaries. And based on the president's promise, I withdrew my support for Kwankwaso. And today Kwankwaso sees me as his enemy.
Dakuku can confirm that. I don't know what I did to Tinubu. I have begged him both in private and before other party members. Yet, he has decided to hunt me down. What you see playing out today in our party, is not regional politics, but politics of the different parties and groups that make up the APC.

 Tinubu is seriously accusing me of being behind what played out in the National Assembly. The dummy he sold to the President, was that the PDP group in the APC have taken the Senate President and Speaker House of Representatives. And the President has bought Tinubu's dummy, and he is angry with the PDP group in the APC.

The President believes, that I have polarised the APC along party lines, and therefore he ( Buhari ) will also make his appointments along his party the CPC.

Now, the only option we have is to recruit the media, to paint the President in bad light, as regards his lopsided appointments. We believe when we hit him from different angles he will balance his appointments. We have already involved Arewa youths and some other groups and individuals.

Some will be on TV to highlight this injustice meted against us by President Buhari. I feel deeply betrayed by the President's action. I'm still learning people. "

Buhari Betrayed Me; Only a Media Protest Can Save Us - Rotimi Amaechi

Posted by Sylvester No comments

Following the recent appointments by President Buhari, the former governor of Rivers State Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi was in Port-Harcourt on Saturday for a crucial meeting with the Rivers APC caucus, to chart a way forward for the members of the party. 

Mr. Amaechi, while lamenting said " I called you here, to brief you on the happenings in the party. Dakuku can confirm some of the things I will share with you. First, I thank you all for your support especially at this trying times.

You all know the level of financial support and invaluable time I put, in ensuring that President Buhari wins both the party primary and the presidential election. All that was done because of what the President promised me.
 The President promised me the position of the secretary to government of the federation (SGF) in the presence of his wife, the day they came to ask for my support, in preparation to the party primaries. And based on the president's promise, I withdrew my support for Kwankwaso. And today Kwankwaso sees me as his enemy.
Dakuku can confirm that. I don't know what I did to Tinubu. I have begged him both in private and before other party members. Yet, he has decided to hunt me down. What you see playing out today in our party, is not regional politics, but politics of the different parties and groups that make up the APC.

 Tinubu is seriously accusing me of being behind what played out in the National Assembly. The dummy he sold to the President, was that the PDP group in the APC have taken the Senate President and Speaker House of Representatives. And the President has bought Tinubu's dummy, and he is angry with the PDP group in the APC.

The President believes, that I have polarised the APC along party lines, and therefore he ( Buhari ) will also make his appointments along his party the CPC.

Now, the only option we have is to recruit the media, to paint the President in bad light, as regards his lopsided appointments. We believe when we hit him from different angles he will balance his appointments. We have already involved Arewa youths and some other groups and individuals.

Some will be on TV to highlight this injustice meted against us by President Buhari. I feel deeply betrayed by the President's action. I'm still learning people. "

Prohibition Of Same-sex Marriage Not Human Rights Violation – NBA

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) on Friday said that prohibition of same sex marriage, criminalisation of adultery and incest did not amount to violation of any person’s fundamental human rights.

President of the Association, Mr Augustine Alegeh, said this in Abuja at a news conference.

Alegeh, who was briefing newsmen on recommendations of the 55th Annual General Conference of the association, said that although most western countries had accepted these practices, they were unacceptable to Africa.

“The statistics that came out at this session were very revealing. It showed that most of the western world had adopted this position.

“But so far, besides South Africa, Africa is holding firm because most of our beliefs are based on our traditions and also on our religious beliefs,’’ Alegeh said.

He said the conference agreed that prohibition of same-sex marriage in Nigeria did not violate the right of any person and urged government to continue to hold onto this stand.

On the issue of arbitration, the president said that taking debtors to native doctors was not arbitration.

“Taking someone who owes you money to a native doctor is not arbitration. We heard such a view during the conference.

“That if someone denies that he does not owe you money or you have a land dispute, you take him to go and swear an oath, this is not an alternative dispute resolution.

“Even in traditional African societies, they had chiefs and other means that such cases were resolved and we will not encourage any person to explore such means.

“We observed that the Arbitration Act currently in operation in the country is obsolete and needs to be modified.”

He advised other states to look at the newly passed Lagos State Arbitration Act and use it as a model of what arbitration should look like.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, had signed the Same-Sex Prohibition Act in 2014 making it a law.

The overwhelming majority of Nigerians supported the legislation although a cross section had kicked against it.

Some western countries had even threatened to withdraw aid from Nigeria.

The bill prescribes a 14 year jail term for offenders.

Prohibition Of Same-sex Marriage Not Human Rights Violation – NBA

Posted by Sylvester No comments

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) on Friday said that prohibition of same sex marriage, criminalisation of adultery and incest did not amount to violation of any person’s fundamental human rights.

President of the Association, Mr Augustine Alegeh, said this in Abuja at a news conference.

Alegeh, who was briefing newsmen on recommendations of the 55th Annual General Conference of the association, said that although most western countries had accepted these practices, they were unacceptable to Africa.

“The statistics that came out at this session were very revealing. It showed that most of the western world had adopted this position.

“But so far, besides South Africa, Africa is holding firm because most of our beliefs are based on our traditions and also on our religious beliefs,’’ Alegeh said.

He said the conference agreed that prohibition of same-sex marriage in Nigeria did not violate the right of any person and urged government to continue to hold onto this stand.

On the issue of arbitration, the president said that taking debtors to native doctors was not arbitration.

“Taking someone who owes you money to a native doctor is not arbitration. We heard such a view during the conference.

“That if someone denies that he does not owe you money or you have a land dispute, you take him to go and swear an oath, this is not an alternative dispute resolution.

“Even in traditional African societies, they had chiefs and other means that such cases were resolved and we will not encourage any person to explore such means.

“We observed that the Arbitration Act currently in operation in the country is obsolete and needs to be modified.”

He advised other states to look at the newly passed Lagos State Arbitration Act and use it as a model of what arbitration should look like.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, had signed the Same-Sex Prohibition Act in 2014 making it a law.

The overwhelming majority of Nigerians supported the legislation although a cross section had kicked against it.

Some western countries had even threatened to withdraw aid from Nigeria.

The bill prescribes a 14 year jail term for offenders.

Enyimba Retain Toping The List.

Enyimba remained on top of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) after Week 26 games.

‘The People Elephants’ now have 49 points from 26 games following a goalless draw at Sharks, while second-placed Sunshine Stars lost 2-1 at Wikki.

Enyimba forward Ahmed Kone failed to score in the 20th minute after he had beaten two Sharks defenders with Henry Ayodele making easy save.

Sharks Jackson Daniel then headed wide in the 32nd minute.

Ahmed Kone found the side netting for Enyimba in the 56th minute.

Sharks Jackson Daniel had his effort at goal in the 65th minute cleared off the goal line by skipper Chinedu Udoji.

Enyimba Retain Toping The List.

Posted by Sylvester No comments

Enyimba remained on top of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) after Week 26 games.

‘The People Elephants’ now have 49 points from 26 games following a goalless draw at Sharks, while second-placed Sunshine Stars lost 2-1 at Wikki.

Enyimba forward Ahmed Kone failed to score in the 20th minute after he had beaten two Sharks defenders with Henry Ayodele making easy save.

Sharks Jackson Daniel then headed wide in the 32nd minute.

Ahmed Kone found the side netting for Enyimba in the 56th minute.

Sharks Jackson Daniel had his effort at goal in the 65th minute cleared off the goal line by skipper Chinedu Udoji.

Publish Jonathan’s Hand Over Notes, Former Ministers Dare Buhari

Federal ministers under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, on Sunday declared support for the planned probes by President Muhammadu Buhari of their tenures in office but cautioned him against any form of witch-hunt. 

GoodLuck Jonathan hand Over Note to Elect President Muhammadu Buhari

The ministers, who decried the lynch mentality created by the current administration to discredit their contributions while in office, said their former boss, Goodluck Jonathan, never supported corruption noting that he fought corruption vigorously, within the context of the rule of law and due process.

The ministers further declared that the improvements that were currently noticed in the power sector, national security, social services and other sectors were results of the foundations laid by the last administration.

They dared Buhari to release copies of the hand-over notes he received from Jonathan’s administration.

The former ministers stated these in a statement signed on their behalf by former minister of National Planning, Dr Abubakar O. Suleiman.

The statement read in part, “we, the Ministers who served under the President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan administration, have watched with increasing alarm and concern the concerted effort by the Buhari administration and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to condemn, ridicule and undermine the efforts of that administration, in addition to impugning the integrity of its individual members.

“While we concede that every administration has the right to chart its own path as it deems fit, we nevertheless consider the vilification of the Jonathan administration, to be ill-intentioned, unduly partisan, and in bad faith.

“The effort that has been made to portray each and every member of the Jonathan administration as corrupt and irresponsible, in an orchestrated and vicious trial by media, has created a lynch mentality that discredits our honest contributions to the growth and development of our beloved nation.

“We are proud to have served Nigeria and we boldly affirm that we did so diligently and to the best of our abilities. The improvements that have been noticed today in the power sector, in national security, and in social services and other sectors did not occur overnight.

They are products of solid foundations laid by the same Jonathan administration.”
They noted that contrary to what the APC and its agents would rather have the public believe, the Jonathan administration did not encourage corruption.

They said “it fought corruption vigorously, within the context of the rule of law and due process. For the benefit of those who may have forgotten so soon, it was the Jonathan administration that got rid of the fraud in fertilizer subsidies, which had plagued the country for decades. This helped to unleash a revolution in agricultural production and productivity.

“It was also the Jonathan administration that supported the institutional development of strong systems and mechanisms to curb corruption in the public service and plug revenue leakages. These included the development of the Government Integrated Financial Management Platform, The Single Treasury Account (TSA), and the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Management Systems (IPPIS), in addition to the biometric registration of civil servants and pensioners which saved the country over N100 billion paid to ghost workers and ghost pensioners.

“To ensure greater transparency and integrity in the oil and gas sector, the Jonathan administration ordered investigations and put mechanisms in place to check the theft of Nigeria’s crude oil.

“It was also under the Jonathan administration that a Nigerian Content policy was introduced, which opened up that sector to Nigerians in a manner that was not previously the case.
“It was also the Jonathan administration that mobilized and secured the support of our neighbouring countries to ensure a robust multinational response to the menace of terrorism and insurgency, resulting in notable advancements in the fight against terror.

“President Jonathan personally initiated the collaboration that led to these advancements and ensured that Nigeria provided the needed financial support for the Multinational Joint Task Force.

“It was the Jonathan administration that repaired and rehabilitated over 25, 000 kilometres of our nation’s roads. Nigeria also became a profitable and preferred investment-friendly destination. It was under President Jonathan, for example, that Nigeria’s electric power sector became more competitive and attractive to local and foreign investments.

“The same administration promoted the rule of law, free speech, fundamental human rights, and a robust freedom of information regime. Women’s rights to participate in public life and the Federal Character principle as well as other Constitutional principles were also respected.

“In every respect, our administration promoted inclusive governance and encouraged all stakeholders including the private sector to play key roles in the transformation of Nigeria.

“It should also not be forgotten that the Jonathan administration strengthened electoral institutions and created a peaceful environment for democracy to thrive. On this score, it is sad and ironic that the chief beneficiaries of that same legacy are the most vociferous today in condemning President Jonathan and his team.”

While they charged the new administration and the APC to be fair enough to acknowledge the good works of the Jonathan administration, they dared them to be sincere enough to publish the details of the hand over notes they received.

The former ministers who admitted that no administration can be either completely bad or completely good, however urged the current administration to acknowledge the achievements of its immediate predecessor and build on it.

“We also urge him to press on with the anti-corruption fight, but in a fair and non-partisan manner, in line with due process, and not as a political witch-hunt.

“The various lies and fabrications being peddled by some self-appointed spokespersons of the administration may entertain the unwary, but such sensationalism may achieve the unintended effect of de-marketing our country within the international community.

“All such persons playing to the gallery for whatever gains should be called to order. The name-calling of members of the Jonathan administration and the trial by news media should also stop.

“We encourage President Buhari to continue with the probes, but this must be in strict accordance with his oath of office to treat all Nigerians equally and with the fear of God.

“We have reserved our comment until now, in the fervent hope that once the euphoria that may have inspired the various attacks on the past administration wears off, reason will prevail.

“But we are constrained to speak up in defence of the legacy of the Jonathan administration, and shall do so again, for as long as those who are determined to rubbish that legacy, are unrelenting in their usual deployment of blackmail, persecution, and similar tactics.”

Publish Jonathan’s Hand Over Notes, Former Ministers Dare Buhari

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Federal ministers under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, on Sunday declared support for the planned probes by President Muhammadu Buhari of their tenures in office but cautioned him against any form of witch-hunt. 

GoodLuck Jonathan hand Over Note to Elect President Muhammadu Buhari

The ministers, who decried the lynch mentality created by the current administration to discredit their contributions while in office, said their former boss, Goodluck Jonathan, never supported corruption noting that he fought corruption vigorously, within the context of the rule of law and due process.

The ministers further declared that the improvements that were currently noticed in the power sector, national security, social services and other sectors were results of the foundations laid by the last administration.

They dared Buhari to release copies of the hand-over notes he received from Jonathan’s administration.

The former ministers stated these in a statement signed on their behalf by former minister of National Planning, Dr Abubakar O. Suleiman.

The statement read in part, “we, the Ministers who served under the President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan administration, have watched with increasing alarm and concern the concerted effort by the Buhari administration and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to condemn, ridicule and undermine the efforts of that administration, in addition to impugning the integrity of its individual members.

“While we concede that every administration has the right to chart its own path as it deems fit, we nevertheless consider the vilification of the Jonathan administration, to be ill-intentioned, unduly partisan, and in bad faith.

“The effort that has been made to portray each and every member of the Jonathan administration as corrupt and irresponsible, in an orchestrated and vicious trial by media, has created a lynch mentality that discredits our honest contributions to the growth and development of our beloved nation.

“We are proud to have served Nigeria and we boldly affirm that we did so diligently and to the best of our abilities. The improvements that have been noticed today in the power sector, in national security, and in social services and other sectors did not occur overnight.

They are products of solid foundations laid by the same Jonathan administration.”
They noted that contrary to what the APC and its agents would rather have the public believe, the Jonathan administration did not encourage corruption.

They said “it fought corruption vigorously, within the context of the rule of law and due process. For the benefit of those who may have forgotten so soon, it was the Jonathan administration that got rid of the fraud in fertilizer subsidies, which had plagued the country for decades. This helped to unleash a revolution in agricultural production and productivity.

“It was also the Jonathan administration that supported the institutional development of strong systems and mechanisms to curb corruption in the public service and plug revenue leakages. These included the development of the Government Integrated Financial Management Platform, The Single Treasury Account (TSA), and the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Management Systems (IPPIS), in addition to the biometric registration of civil servants and pensioners which saved the country over N100 billion paid to ghost workers and ghost pensioners.

“To ensure greater transparency and integrity in the oil and gas sector, the Jonathan administration ordered investigations and put mechanisms in place to check the theft of Nigeria’s crude oil.

“It was also under the Jonathan administration that a Nigerian Content policy was introduced, which opened up that sector to Nigerians in a manner that was not previously the case.
“It was also the Jonathan administration that mobilized and secured the support of our neighbouring countries to ensure a robust multinational response to the menace of terrorism and insurgency, resulting in notable advancements in the fight against terror.

“President Jonathan personally initiated the collaboration that led to these advancements and ensured that Nigeria provided the needed financial support for the Multinational Joint Task Force.

“It was the Jonathan administration that repaired and rehabilitated over 25, 000 kilometres of our nation’s roads. Nigeria also became a profitable and preferred investment-friendly destination. It was under President Jonathan, for example, that Nigeria’s electric power sector became more competitive and attractive to local and foreign investments.

“The same administration promoted the rule of law, free speech, fundamental human rights, and a robust freedom of information regime. Women’s rights to participate in public life and the Federal Character principle as well as other Constitutional principles were also respected.

“In every respect, our administration promoted inclusive governance and encouraged all stakeholders including the private sector to play key roles in the transformation of Nigeria.

“It should also not be forgotten that the Jonathan administration strengthened electoral institutions and created a peaceful environment for democracy to thrive. On this score, it is sad and ironic that the chief beneficiaries of that same legacy are the most vociferous today in condemning President Jonathan and his team.”

While they charged the new administration and the APC to be fair enough to acknowledge the good works of the Jonathan administration, they dared them to be sincere enough to publish the details of the hand over notes they received.

The former ministers who admitted that no administration can be either completely bad or completely good, however urged the current administration to acknowledge the achievements of its immediate predecessor and build on it.

“We also urge him to press on with the anti-corruption fight, but in a fair and non-partisan manner, in line with due process, and not as a political witch-hunt.

“The various lies and fabrications being peddled by some self-appointed spokespersons of the administration may entertain the unwary, but such sensationalism may achieve the unintended effect of de-marketing our country within the international community.

“All such persons playing to the gallery for whatever gains should be called to order. The name-calling of members of the Jonathan administration and the trial by news media should also stop.

“We encourage President Buhari to continue with the probes, but this must be in strict accordance with his oath of office to treat all Nigerians equally and with the fear of God.

“We have reserved our comment until now, in the fervent hope that once the euphoria that may have inspired the various attacks on the past administration wears off, reason will prevail.

“But we are constrained to speak up in defence of the legacy of the Jonathan administration, and shall do so again, for as long as those who are determined to rubbish that legacy, are unrelenting in their usual deployment of blackmail, persecution, and similar tactics.”

The Cut Off Marks To Gain Admission Into Federal Government Colleges As released By Federal Ministry of Education

Abia Male(130) Female (130)

•  AkwaIbom Male(123), Female (123)
• Anambra Male(139) Female (139)
• Benue Male (111), Female (111)
• Bayelsa Male (72), Female (72)
• CrossRivers Male (97), Female (97)
• Delta Male (131), Female (131)
• Ebonyi Male (112), Female (112)
• Edo Male (127), Female (127)
• Ekiti Male (119), Female (119)
• Enugu Male (134), Female (1340
• Imo Male (138), Female (138)
• Kogi Male (119), Female (119)
• Kwara Male (123), Female (123)
• Lagos Male (133), Female (133)
• Ogun Male (131), Female (131)
• Ondo Male (126), Female (126)
• Rivers Male (118), Female (118)
• Osun Male (127), Female (127)
• Oyo Male (127), Female (127)
• Plateau Male (97), Female (97)
• Yobe Male (20), Female (27)
• FCTAbuja Male (90), Female (90)
• Kaduna Male (91), Female (91)
• Nasarawa Male (58), Female 58)
• Niger Male (93), Female (93)
• Kano Male (67), Female (67)
• Katsina Male (60), Female (60)
• Adamawa Male (62) Female (62)

• Borno Male (45), Female (45)
• Gombe Male (58), Female (58)
• Jigawa Male(44), Female (44)
• Bauchi Male (35), Female (35)
• Kebbi Male (9), Female (20)
• Sokoto Male (9), Female (13)
• Taraba Male (3), Female (11)
• Zamfara Male (4), Female (2)

NOTE: When it comes to politics, President  Muhammadu Buhari  invents his own personal  cut off marks for appointments.  He has a fictional  marking  scheme  based on 97 and 5 percent structure .

The Cut Off Marks To Gain Admission Into Federal Government Colleges As released By Federal Ministry of Education

Posted by Sylvester No comments

Abia Male(130) Female (130)

•  AkwaIbom Male(123), Female (123)
• Anambra Male(139) Female (139)
• Benue Male (111), Female (111)
• Bayelsa Male (72), Female (72)
• CrossRivers Male (97), Female (97)
• Delta Male (131), Female (131)
• Ebonyi Male (112), Female (112)
• Edo Male (127), Female (127)
• Ekiti Male (119), Female (119)
• Enugu Male (134), Female (1340
• Imo Male (138), Female (138)
• Kogi Male (119), Female (119)
• Kwara Male (123), Female (123)
• Lagos Male (133), Female (133)
• Ogun Male (131), Female (131)
• Ondo Male (126), Female (126)
• Rivers Male (118), Female (118)
• Osun Male (127), Female (127)
• Oyo Male (127), Female (127)
• Plateau Male (97), Female (97)
• Yobe Male (20), Female (27)
• FCTAbuja Male (90), Female (90)
• Kaduna Male (91), Female (91)
• Nasarawa Male (58), Female 58)
• Niger Male (93), Female (93)
• Kano Male (67), Female (67)
• Katsina Male (60), Female (60)
• Adamawa Male (62) Female (62)

• Borno Male (45), Female (45)
• Gombe Male (58), Female (58)
• Jigawa Male(44), Female (44)
• Bauchi Male (35), Female (35)
• Kebbi Male (9), Female (20)
• Sokoto Male (9), Female (13)
• Taraba Male (3), Female (11)
• Zamfara Male (4), Female (2)

NOTE: When it comes to politics, President  Muhammadu Buhari  invents his own personal  cut off marks for appointments.  He has a fictional  marking  scheme  based on 97 and 5 percent structure .

Boko Haram attacks Borno village on horseback, kills 68

At least 68 people were killed while several others were injured when members of Boko Haram sect invaded Baanu Village of Nganzai local government area of Borno state. 

A resident of the area, Yuram Musa who fled to Maiduguri said the insurgents who came on horses at about 8:30 pm on Friday started shooting sporadically.

He said, “we have to fled into the bush and hide and after they left we return back to pick some of our belongings. I counted 68 corpses some were slaughtered while others were shot. The number of those killed are worrisome as the corpses littered the village”

“ The Government have to do something fast if not they will continue to wreck havoc of innocent citizens, as every surrounded villages which are 5 killometres away from Gajiram, the headquarters of Nganzai have been taken over by the insurgents, as most of them are residing around the area, Musa stated.

Confirming the attack on the Baanu village, the Borno state Governor, Hon. Kashim Shettima while addressing the parents of the abducted Chibok girls over the weekend said the insurgents killed 56 persons in Nganzai village?

Boko Haram attacks Borno village on horseback, kills 68

Posted by Sylvester No comments

At least 68 people were killed while several others were injured when members of Boko Haram sect invaded Baanu Village of Nganzai local government area of Borno state. 

A resident of the area, Yuram Musa who fled to Maiduguri said the insurgents who came on horses at about 8:30 pm on Friday started shooting sporadically.

He said, “we have to fled into the bush and hide and after they left we return back to pick some of our belongings. I counted 68 corpses some were slaughtered while others were shot. The number of those killed are worrisome as the corpses littered the village”

“ The Government have to do something fast if not they will continue to wreck havoc of innocent citizens, as every surrounded villages which are 5 killometres away from Gajiram, the headquarters of Nganzai have been taken over by the insurgents, as most of them are residing around the area, Musa stated.

Confirming the attack on the Baanu village, the Borno state Governor, Hon. Kashim Shettima while addressing the parents of the abducted Chibok girls over the weekend said the insurgents killed 56 persons in Nganzai village?

Second 9ja Bridge Former Works Minister Disgraces Debt Ridden Oshiomhole With Pictorial Evidence

A former Minister of Works, Mr. Mike Onolememen, has denied the allegation by the Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, that the Goodluck Jonathan-administration paid the sum of N140bn to consultants for the construction of the Second Niger Bridge. 

 
Onolememen, who made the denial in a statement signed by his media aide, Mr. Tony Ikpasaja, made available to our reporters on Thursday, accused the governor of misleading Nigerians with “wild and spurious” allegations.

The statement noted that the Second Niger Bridge was a Public Private Partnership project being executed on the Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer model at the cost of N108bn and that only N10bn, out of the refundable N30bn funding from Federal Government, was paid through the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme.

The statement reads, “The Federal Government of Nigeria, guided by the Transaction Adviser, Roughton International, agreed to provide a refundable Catalytic Funding of N30bn. By May 2015, N10bn Catalytic Funding was paid from the Federal Ministry of Works’ SURE-P Budget to fast-track the early and sub-structural works of the bridge. This implies that the successful concessionaire, JB-NSIA Consortium, has responsibility for the design, finance and construction of the project, as well as its operation.

“The total project cost is N108bn (excluding duties and Value Added Tax) with a completion period of about 48 months. This cost was arrived at, after BPP’s (Bureau of Public Procurement) review of the concessionaire’s submitted cost of N138bn.”

“The bridge located at about 2km downstream the existing Niger Bridge in Onitsha, has recorded impressive progress. One wonders therefore, the intentions of Governor Adams Oshiomhole in deliberately misinforming Nigerians on the true status of the 2nd Niger Bridge.”

Second 9ja Bridge Former Works Minister Disgraces Debt Ridden Oshiomhole With Pictorial Evidence

Posted by Sylvester No comments

A former Minister of Works, Mr. Mike Onolememen, has denied the allegation by the Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, that the Goodluck Jonathan-administration paid the sum of N140bn to consultants for the construction of the Second Niger Bridge. 

 
Onolememen, who made the denial in a statement signed by his media aide, Mr. Tony Ikpasaja, made available to our reporters on Thursday, accused the governor of misleading Nigerians with “wild and spurious” allegations.

The statement noted that the Second Niger Bridge was a Public Private Partnership project being executed on the Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer model at the cost of N108bn and that only N10bn, out of the refundable N30bn funding from Federal Government, was paid through the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme.

The statement reads, “The Federal Government of Nigeria, guided by the Transaction Adviser, Roughton International, agreed to provide a refundable Catalytic Funding of N30bn. By May 2015, N10bn Catalytic Funding was paid from the Federal Ministry of Works’ SURE-P Budget to fast-track the early and sub-structural works of the bridge. This implies that the successful concessionaire, JB-NSIA Consortium, has responsibility for the design, finance and construction of the project, as well as its operation.

“The total project cost is N108bn (excluding duties and Value Added Tax) with a completion period of about 48 months. This cost was arrived at, after BPP’s (Bureau of Public Procurement) review of the concessionaire’s submitted cost of N138bn.”

“The bridge located at about 2km downstream the existing Niger Bridge in Onitsha, has recorded impressive progress. One wonders therefore, the intentions of Governor Adams Oshiomhole in deliberately misinforming Nigerians on the true status of the 2nd Niger Bridge.”

Fulani herdsmen kill 3 peace emissaries in Delta

Three persons have been killed and two others injured in renewed hostilities between Fulani herdsmen and residents of Okuke, a satellite village at Amorji in Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State.

The people of the community, it was gathered, had been at loggerheads with the herdsmen who they accused of destroying their farmlands and terrorizing them over the last three years.

An indigene of the community told newsmen that the herdsmen had threatened to chase the residents out of Okuke, a development which, he said, prompted Amorji to constitute a 15-man delegation to meet with them (the herdsmen) for a peace talk.

The community indigene, who craved anonymity, said the delegation was on the way for the peace talk when they were ambushed by herdsmen, who he alleged opened fire at them, killing three and inflicting gunshot injuries on two others.

He said one person was still missing and that those injured were receiving treatment at a hospital in Kwale, headquarters of the Ndokwa West Local Government Area, while the bodies of the deceased had been deposited in the mortuary.

He lamented that indigenes of the community could no longer go to their farms or markets in neighbouring communities for fear of being ambushed and attacked by the armed herdsmen.

Police statement

Contacted, Police Public Relations Officer of the state police command, Celestina Kalu, confirmed the killings and said the incident was a suspected reprisal attack.

She disclosed that a Fulani herdsman had earlier been reported killed in the community in the last one week.

Kalu said: “After some days, some of the villagers went to the police to complain that three of their indigenes were missing. A search party was raised and the bodies of three persons were found.”

Kalu said the command was trying to curtail the situation, and that efforts were on to bring the feuding parties together.

Fulani herdsmen kill 3 peace emissaries in Delta

Posted by Sylvester No comments

Three persons have been killed and two others injured in renewed hostilities between Fulani herdsmen and residents of Okuke, a satellite village at Amorji in Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State.

The people of the community, it was gathered, had been at loggerheads with the herdsmen who they accused of destroying their farmlands and terrorizing them over the last three years.

An indigene of the community told newsmen that the herdsmen had threatened to chase the residents out of Okuke, a development which, he said, prompted Amorji to constitute a 15-man delegation to meet with them (the herdsmen) for a peace talk.

The community indigene, who craved anonymity, said the delegation was on the way for the peace talk when they were ambushed by herdsmen, who he alleged opened fire at them, killing three and inflicting gunshot injuries on two others.

He said one person was still missing and that those injured were receiving treatment at a hospital in Kwale, headquarters of the Ndokwa West Local Government Area, while the bodies of the deceased had been deposited in the mortuary.

He lamented that indigenes of the community could no longer go to their farms or markets in neighbouring communities for fear of being ambushed and attacked by the armed herdsmen.

Police statement

Contacted, Police Public Relations Officer of the state police command, Celestina Kalu, confirmed the killings and said the incident was a suspected reprisal attack.

She disclosed that a Fulani herdsman had earlier been reported killed in the community in the last one week.

Kalu said: “After some days, some of the villagers went to the police to complain that three of their indigenes were missing. A search party was raised and the bodies of three persons were found.”

Kalu said the command was trying to curtail the situation, and that efforts were on to bring the feuding parties together.

FRSC Hot down Commercial Transporters Over Introduction of Speed Limit

ABUJA—A major crisis that may disrupt road transportation in Nigeria for a long period if not averted by the Presidency has broken out between commercial transporters in the country and the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC. 

 
The crisis of confidence between the two parties arises over the decision by the commission to introduce speed limiter technology on commercial vehicles with effect from September 1 this year.

N35,000 for device, N1,000 for installation

A document, which was exclusively obtained by Vanguard last night, indicated that the FRSC is working in league with a private Nigerian firm to enforce the controversial deal, which would require each vehicle owner to buy the device for N35,000 and pay additional N1,000 for installation.

The transporters claim that with each of the 25 million vehicles in Nigeria paying N36,000 to the FRSC, it would rake in at least N900 billion from innocent Nigerians for a technology that would not add value to their lives.

The transporters in a protest letter to the FRSC, which was obtained by Vanguard last night, warned the commission to desist from going ahead with the project, as it would endanger the lives of vehicles owners rather than protect them.

They accused the FRSC of bringing to Nigeria an outdated technology, which had long been phased out in Britain, India, Kenya, Tanzania, United States of America and Uganda because of its adverse effects.

Threat to sue

The road transporters writing under the aegis of International Human Rights and Anti-corruption Society gave the FRSC one month with effect from August 17, 2015 to publicly declare the discontinuation of the device or face a court action.

In the letter addressed to the Corps Marshal of the FRSC, and signed by the Director General, Dr. U.O. Udofia and Secretary General, Barrister E.A. Egbebu, the group also drew the attention of the commission that it lacks the power to introduce the said device under the Section 10 (3) of the FRSC Act of 2007.

It warned that the FRSC should adopt and use the world acclaimed Spider Technology that comes with a 3-in-one high definition camera with long range monitoring of highways to capture over speeding vehicles.

The group pointed out that while it does not oppose the use of technology to control road speed limit on the highways, it would not fold its hands and allow the FRSC to bring in anything for money-making purpose and endanger the lives of vehicle owners.

They complained that while the Spider technology was being used globally it was wrong for the FRSC to contemplate installing speed limiter on vehicles so that they do not run beyond the fixed limit even when pursued by armed robbers, kidnappers, hired killers and car snatchers.

“Speed limiter in all developed and African countries had been banned. Again speed limiter device had been discovered to expose motorists to danger such as armed robbery, car snatchers, hired killers and kidnappers.

“Therefore, in a country like Nigeria where there is serious prevalence of insecurity, the installation of speed limiter in vehicles would be counterproductive and self-defeating,” the transporters said.

Meanwhile, the Federal Road Safety Commission has insisted that the speed limiter will be enforced by the commission with effect from tomorrow.

FRSC spokesman

The FRSC spokesman, Mr. Imoh Etuk, said that although it was the marketer of the product, it would however enforce it as agreed by all the transport stakeholders in the country.

“Suffice it to say that the FRSC does not market the product but it will see to the enforcement as agreed by all stakeholders,” Etuk said in a text message to Vanguard last night.

Letter to Buhari

Meanwhile, a private company, has written to President Buhari to impress upon the FRSC to adopt the Spider technology in enforcing speed limit in Nigeria as is the case in other countries.

The company, Emeral Petlib Limited, in a letter dated July 21, 2015 and address to the President, said that the Spider technology, was the best since it uses high tech camera to monitor speed limit on highways but does not endanger the lives of vehicle owners like the Speed limiter.

FRSC Hot down Commercial Transporters Over Introduction of Speed Limit

Posted by Sylvester No comments

ABUJA—A major crisis that may disrupt road transportation in Nigeria for a long period if not averted by the Presidency has broken out between commercial transporters in the country and the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC. 

 
The crisis of confidence between the two parties arises over the decision by the commission to introduce speed limiter technology on commercial vehicles with effect from September 1 this year.

N35,000 for device, N1,000 for installation

A document, which was exclusively obtained by Vanguard last night, indicated that the FRSC is working in league with a private Nigerian firm to enforce the controversial deal, which would require each vehicle owner to buy the device for N35,000 and pay additional N1,000 for installation.

The transporters claim that with each of the 25 million vehicles in Nigeria paying N36,000 to the FRSC, it would rake in at least N900 billion from innocent Nigerians for a technology that would not add value to their lives.

The transporters in a protest letter to the FRSC, which was obtained by Vanguard last night, warned the commission to desist from going ahead with the project, as it would endanger the lives of vehicles owners rather than protect them.

They accused the FRSC of bringing to Nigeria an outdated technology, which had long been phased out in Britain, India, Kenya, Tanzania, United States of America and Uganda because of its adverse effects.

Threat to sue

The road transporters writing under the aegis of International Human Rights and Anti-corruption Society gave the FRSC one month with effect from August 17, 2015 to publicly declare the discontinuation of the device or face a court action.

In the letter addressed to the Corps Marshal of the FRSC, and signed by the Director General, Dr. U.O. Udofia and Secretary General, Barrister E.A. Egbebu, the group also drew the attention of the commission that it lacks the power to introduce the said device under the Section 10 (3) of the FRSC Act of 2007.

It warned that the FRSC should adopt and use the world acclaimed Spider Technology that comes with a 3-in-one high definition camera with long range monitoring of highways to capture over speeding vehicles.

The group pointed out that while it does not oppose the use of technology to control road speed limit on the highways, it would not fold its hands and allow the FRSC to bring in anything for money-making purpose and endanger the lives of vehicle owners.

They complained that while the Spider technology was being used globally it was wrong for the FRSC to contemplate installing speed limiter on vehicles so that they do not run beyond the fixed limit even when pursued by armed robbers, kidnappers, hired killers and car snatchers.

“Speed limiter in all developed and African countries had been banned. Again speed limiter device had been discovered to expose motorists to danger such as armed robbery, car snatchers, hired killers and kidnappers.

“Therefore, in a country like Nigeria where there is serious prevalence of insecurity, the installation of speed limiter in vehicles would be counterproductive and self-defeating,” the transporters said.

Meanwhile, the Federal Road Safety Commission has insisted that the speed limiter will be enforced by the commission with effect from tomorrow.

FRSC spokesman

The FRSC spokesman, Mr. Imoh Etuk, said that although it was the marketer of the product, it would however enforce it as agreed by all the transport stakeholders in the country.

“Suffice it to say that the FRSC does not market the product but it will see to the enforcement as agreed by all stakeholders,” Etuk said in a text message to Vanguard last night.

Letter to Buhari

Meanwhile, a private company, has written to President Buhari to impress upon the FRSC to adopt the Spider technology in enforcing speed limit in Nigeria as is the case in other countries.

The company, Emeral Petlib Limited, in a letter dated July 21, 2015 and address to the President, said that the Spider technology, was the best since it uses high tech camera to monitor speed limit on highways but does not endanger the lives of vehicle owners like the Speed limiter.

IAAF World Championship: Blame Game Continues As Nigeria Finishes With No Medal

Nigeria’s last hope for a medal at the IAAF World Championships, which ends today (Sunday) in Beijing, China, came crashing as the country’s 4x400m Women’s relay team gave their all but could only finish 5th in Sunday’s final.

 
The quartet of Regina George, Funke Oladoye, Tosin Adeloye and Patience Okon ran the second fastest time in the semi-finals; and many were hopeful they could nick a medal in Sunday’s final.
However, that was not the case as Jamaica saw off the fierce contest from USA to win gold while the Americans settled for silver and Great Britain headed home with Bronze in the 4x400m Women’s event.
The finishing time of 3:25.11secs posted by Nigeria could only see them pick 5th spot.
While some would be taken aback at the no-medal finish by Nigeria at the World Championships, many will see the outcome as the expected end especially with the injury setback for the country’s brightest medal prospect Blessing Okagbare.

Before Okagbare performed well at the Moscow 2013 World Championships where she won a sliver and a bronze – Nigeria had gone 14 years with no medal at the biennial athletics meet. That momentary feat gave a false sense that the country’s athletics was back on track; but the true situation has now been brought to fore yet again in Beijing.

The last nine days in Beijing has elicited varying comments on the true state of athletics in Nigeria. While the country’s athletics officials maintain they are doing all within their limited capacity to raise the stock especially when confronted with the reoccurring problem of underfunding, the athletes on their part have hit the officials hard below the belt; going as far as labelling them clueless.

One of the athletes that has not hidden his disappointment on how athletics is currently being run is Triple Jumper, Tosin Oke, who finished amongst the world’s top eight jumpers despite claims of shoddy treatment by the AFN. Oke accused the AFN leadership of concentrating on one athlete at the detriment of the others.

“How can an athlete be receiving five digits every month and I get zero,” Oke queried.

Oke canvassed for a change in leadership style if Nigeria is to get it right at the Rio Olympics next year .

Aside Oke, Gloria Asunmu who is the current National 100m Women’s champion, did not spare the officials in the blame game.

“I am not disappointed we couldn’t scale through because this is what you get when you don’t prepare,” Asumnu told Complete Sports in Beijing.

She declared her unhappiness with the way the AFN went about the arrangement and wants a change.

“The federation should always be prepared. Put people in charge who know what they are doing. Up till the (national) trials in Warri (Maurice) Green (the former world and Olympic 100, 200m and 4x100m champion) has been our coach.

“But when we got here, we found out he is not. The team bonding and chemistry we had under him was destroyed. Everyday what we have been having here is confusion. This is not how to prepare for a world championships. This is embarrassing,” fumed Asumnu.

Far way in the United Kingdom, Olusoji Fasuba who is Africa’s fastest man ever, also learnt his voice to the growing debate.

Fasuba, writing on his facebook page, queried the investment made by the AFN on athletes whose best returns so far has been just in the African championships.

“Nigerian athletics has finally become a place where dreams are reduced to African championship and those that they deem can’t make a future thrown aside. But those thrown aside are taken at a young age by other countries and turned to world class in a couple of years.( unlike us who buy retired 100m runners to try and develop).

“The question I have now is, do we now have god’s running athletics in Nigeria?
He continued: “When a country like Kenya can produce world champions in the 400m hurdles, then hope is not lost for Africa.
“But when a country like Nigeria thinks African championship is the ultimate of all ultimate cause they refuse to give or have faith in their athletes at the world stage. Then my people we are lost as a country. How can my nation Nigeria move forward when they limit the abilities of the male sprinters by keeping them because they feel that they wouldn’t get a medal.
Going forward, Fasuba has promised to proffer ‘solutions’ in due course.
“I would put a suggestion that can or might help the people in charge to help athletics back home. It doesn’t need everybody to be there to do it,” the now British soldier stated.

While Nigeria licks her wounds of another poor show at the world stage, Kenya finished tops of the medal standings with 16 medals; seven of which were gold. Jamaica emerged second while the United States came third.

IAAF World Championship: Blame Game Continues As Nigeria Finishes With No Medal

Posted by Sylvester No comments

Nigeria’s last hope for a medal at the IAAF World Championships, which ends today (Sunday) in Beijing, China, came crashing as the country’s 4x400m Women’s relay team gave their all but could only finish 5th in Sunday’s final.

 
The quartet of Regina George, Funke Oladoye, Tosin Adeloye and Patience Okon ran the second fastest time in the semi-finals; and many were hopeful they could nick a medal in Sunday’s final.
However, that was not the case as Jamaica saw off the fierce contest from USA to win gold while the Americans settled for silver and Great Britain headed home with Bronze in the 4x400m Women’s event.
The finishing time of 3:25.11secs posted by Nigeria could only see them pick 5th spot.
While some would be taken aback at the no-medal finish by Nigeria at the World Championships, many will see the outcome as the expected end especially with the injury setback for the country’s brightest medal prospect Blessing Okagbare.

Before Okagbare performed well at the Moscow 2013 World Championships where she won a sliver and a bronze – Nigeria had gone 14 years with no medal at the biennial athletics meet. That momentary feat gave a false sense that the country’s athletics was back on track; but the true situation has now been brought to fore yet again in Beijing.

The last nine days in Beijing has elicited varying comments on the true state of athletics in Nigeria. While the country’s athletics officials maintain they are doing all within their limited capacity to raise the stock especially when confronted with the reoccurring problem of underfunding, the athletes on their part have hit the officials hard below the belt; going as far as labelling them clueless.

One of the athletes that has not hidden his disappointment on how athletics is currently being run is Triple Jumper, Tosin Oke, who finished amongst the world’s top eight jumpers despite claims of shoddy treatment by the AFN. Oke accused the AFN leadership of concentrating on one athlete at the detriment of the others.

“How can an athlete be receiving five digits every month and I get zero,” Oke queried.

Oke canvassed for a change in leadership style if Nigeria is to get it right at the Rio Olympics next year .

Aside Oke, Gloria Asunmu who is the current National 100m Women’s champion, did not spare the officials in the blame game.

“I am not disappointed we couldn’t scale through because this is what you get when you don’t prepare,” Asumnu told Complete Sports in Beijing.

She declared her unhappiness with the way the AFN went about the arrangement and wants a change.

“The federation should always be prepared. Put people in charge who know what they are doing. Up till the (national) trials in Warri (Maurice) Green (the former world and Olympic 100, 200m and 4x100m champion) has been our coach.

“But when we got here, we found out he is not. The team bonding and chemistry we had under him was destroyed. Everyday what we have been having here is confusion. This is not how to prepare for a world championships. This is embarrassing,” fumed Asumnu.

Far way in the United Kingdom, Olusoji Fasuba who is Africa’s fastest man ever, also learnt his voice to the growing debate.

Fasuba, writing on his facebook page, queried the investment made by the AFN on athletes whose best returns so far has been just in the African championships.

“Nigerian athletics has finally become a place where dreams are reduced to African championship and those that they deem can’t make a future thrown aside. But those thrown aside are taken at a young age by other countries and turned to world class in a couple of years.( unlike us who buy retired 100m runners to try and develop).

“The question I have now is, do we now have god’s running athletics in Nigeria?
He continued: “When a country like Kenya can produce world champions in the 400m hurdles, then hope is not lost for Africa.
“But when a country like Nigeria thinks African championship is the ultimate of all ultimate cause they refuse to give or have faith in their athletes at the world stage. Then my people we are lost as a country. How can my nation Nigeria move forward when they limit the abilities of the male sprinters by keeping them because they feel that they wouldn’t get a medal.
Going forward, Fasuba has promised to proffer ‘solutions’ in due course.
“I would put a suggestion that can or might help the people in charge to help athletics back home. It doesn’t need everybody to be there to do it,” the now British soldier stated.

While Nigeria licks her wounds of another poor show at the world stage, Kenya finished tops of the medal standings with 16 medals; seven of which were gold. Jamaica emerged second while the United States came third.

Jonathan’s Ex-Ministers Tell Buhari "We Performed Well And Were Not Corrupt".

The ministers who served in the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan have defended their performance, saying they did well in office and were not corrupt.

The ex-ministers, Sunday, in a statement by Abubakar Suleiman, former Minister of National Planning, said “contrary to what the APC and its agents would rather have the public believe, the Jonathan administration did not encourage corruption, rather it fought corruption vigorously, within the context of the rule of law and due process.”

They mentioned some of the anti-corruption successes of the Jonathan administration to include the stop in billions of naira stolen under the subsidised government fertiliser scheme, the development of the Government Integrated Financial Management Platform, The Single Treasury Account (TSA), and the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Management Systems (IPPIS).

They said they were not afraid of being probed by the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari which has vowed to ensure that all monies stolen from public purse in the last administration are returned and persons found guilty brought to book.

“We encourage President Buhari to continue with the probes, but this must be in strict accordance with his oath of office to treat all Nigerians equally and with the fear of God,” the former ministers said.

Read their full statement below:


Give Jonathan administration due credit, former ministers tell Buhari

We, the Ministers who served under the President Goodluck Jonathan administration, have watched with increasing alarm and concern the concerted effort by the Buhari administration and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to condemn, ridicule and undermine the efforts of that administration, in addition to impugning the integrity of its individual members.

While we concede that every administration has the right to chart its own path as it deems fit, we nevertheless consider the vilification of the Jonathan administration, to be ill intentioned, unduly partisan, and in bad faith. The effort that has been made to portray each and every member of the Jonathan administration as corrupt and irresponsible, in an orchestrated and vicious trial by media, has created a lynch mentality that discredits our honest contributions to the growth and development of our beloved nation.

We are proud to have served Nigeria and we boldly affirm that we did so diligently and to the best of our abilities. The improvements that have been noticed today in the power sector, in national security, and in social services and other sectors did not occur overnight. They are products of solid foundations laid by the same Jonathan administration.

Contrary to what the APC and its agents would rather have the public believe, the Jonathan administration did not encourage corruption,
rather it fought corruption vigorously, within the context of the rule of law and due process. For the benefit of those who may have
forgotten so soon, it was the Jonathan administration that got rid of the fraud in fertilizer subsidies, which had plagued the country for decades. This helped to unleash a revolution in agricultural production and productivity.

It was also the Jonathan administration that supported the institutional development of strong systems and mechanisms to curb
corruption in the public service and plug revenue leakages. These included the development of the Government Integrated Financial Management Platform, The Single Treasury Account (TSA), and the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Management Systems (IPPIS), in addition to the biometric registration of civil servants and pensioners which saved the country over N100 billion paid to ghost
workers and ghost pensioners.

To ensure greater transparency and integrity in the oil and gas sector, the Jonathan administration ordered investigations and put
mechanisms in place to check the theft of Nigeria’s crude oil. It was also under the Jonathan administration that a Nigerian Content policy was introduced, which opened up that sector to Nigerians in a manner that was not previously the case. It was also the Jonathan administration that mobilized and secured the support of our neighbouring countries to ensure a robust multinational response to the menace of terrorism and insurgency, resulting in notable advancements in the fight against terror. President Jonathan personally initiated the collaboration that led to these advancements and ensured that Nigeria provided the needed financial support for the Multinational Joint Task Force.

It was the Jonathan administration that repaired and rehabilitated over 25, 000 kilometres of our nation’s roads. Nigeria also became a profitable and preferred investment-friendly destination. It was under President Jonathan, for example, that Nigeria’s electric power sector became more competitive and attractive to local and foreign investments.

The same administration promoted the rule of law, free speech, fundamental human rights, and a robust freedom of information regime. Women’s rights to participate in public life and the Federal Character principle as well as other Constitutional principles were also respected. In every respect, our administration promoted inclusive governance and encouraged all stakeholders including the private sector to play key roles in the transformation of Nigeria.

It should also not be forgotten that the Jonathan administration strengthened electoral institutions and created a peaceful environment for democracy to thrive. On this score, it is sad and ironic that the chief beneficiaries of that same legacy are the most vociferous today in condemning President Jonathan and his team.

Perhaps the new administration and the APC would be sincere enough to publish the details of the hand over notes they received.

In addition, the Buhari administration should be fair enough to acknowledge the good works of the Jonathan administration. No administration can be either completely bad or completely good.

President Jonathan’s achievements in moving this country to greater heights deserve to be duly acknowledged. We urge President Muhammadu Buhari to build on these achievements.

We also urge him to press on with the anti-corruption fight, but in a fair and non-partisan manner, in line with due process, and not as a
political witch-hunt.

The various lies and fabrications being peddled by some self-appointed spokespersons of the administration may entertain the unwary, but such sensationalism may achieve the unintended effect of de-marketing our
country within the international community. All such persons playing to the gallery for whatever gains should be called to order. The
name-calling of members of the Jonathan administration and the trial by news media should also stop.

We encourage President Buhari to continue with the probes, but this must be in strict accordance with his oath of office to treat all
Nigerians equally and with the fear of God.

We have reserved our comment until now, in the fervent hope that once the euphoria that may have inspired the various attacks on the past administration wears off, reason will prevail. But we are constrained to speak up in defence of the legacy of the Jonathan administration, and shall do so again, for as long as those who are determined to
rubbish that legacy, are unrelenting in their usual deployment of blackmail, persecution, and similar tactics.

Dr Abubakar O. Suleiman
Former Minister of National Planning

Jonathan’s Ex-Ministers Tell Buhari "We Performed Well And Were Not Corrupt".

Posted by Sylvester No comments

The ministers who served in the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan have defended their performance, saying they did well in office and were not corrupt.

The ex-ministers, Sunday, in a statement by Abubakar Suleiman, former Minister of National Planning, said “contrary to what the APC and its agents would rather have the public believe, the Jonathan administration did not encourage corruption, rather it fought corruption vigorously, within the context of the rule of law and due process.”

They mentioned some of the anti-corruption successes of the Jonathan administration to include the stop in billions of naira stolen under the subsidised government fertiliser scheme, the development of the Government Integrated Financial Management Platform, The Single Treasury Account (TSA), and the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Management Systems (IPPIS).

They said they were not afraid of being probed by the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari which has vowed to ensure that all monies stolen from public purse in the last administration are returned and persons found guilty brought to book.

“We encourage President Buhari to continue with the probes, but this must be in strict accordance with his oath of office to treat all Nigerians equally and with the fear of God,” the former ministers said.

Read their full statement below:


Give Jonathan administration due credit, former ministers tell Buhari

We, the Ministers who served under the President Goodluck Jonathan administration, have watched with increasing alarm and concern the concerted effort by the Buhari administration and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to condemn, ridicule and undermine the efforts of that administration, in addition to impugning the integrity of its individual members.

While we concede that every administration has the right to chart its own path as it deems fit, we nevertheless consider the vilification of the Jonathan administration, to be ill intentioned, unduly partisan, and in bad faith. The effort that has been made to portray each and every member of the Jonathan administration as corrupt and irresponsible, in an orchestrated and vicious trial by media, has created a lynch mentality that discredits our honest contributions to the growth and development of our beloved nation.

We are proud to have served Nigeria and we boldly affirm that we did so diligently and to the best of our abilities. The improvements that have been noticed today in the power sector, in national security, and in social services and other sectors did not occur overnight. They are products of solid foundations laid by the same Jonathan administration.

Contrary to what the APC and its agents would rather have the public believe, the Jonathan administration did not encourage corruption,
rather it fought corruption vigorously, within the context of the rule of law and due process. For the benefit of those who may have
forgotten so soon, it was the Jonathan administration that got rid of the fraud in fertilizer subsidies, which had plagued the country for decades. This helped to unleash a revolution in agricultural production and productivity.

It was also the Jonathan administration that supported the institutional development of strong systems and mechanisms to curb
corruption in the public service and plug revenue leakages. These included the development of the Government Integrated Financial Management Platform, The Single Treasury Account (TSA), and the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Management Systems (IPPIS), in addition to the biometric registration of civil servants and pensioners which saved the country over N100 billion paid to ghost
workers and ghost pensioners.

To ensure greater transparency and integrity in the oil and gas sector, the Jonathan administration ordered investigations and put
mechanisms in place to check the theft of Nigeria’s crude oil. It was also under the Jonathan administration that a Nigerian Content policy was introduced, which opened up that sector to Nigerians in a manner that was not previously the case. It was also the Jonathan administration that mobilized and secured the support of our neighbouring countries to ensure a robust multinational response to the menace of terrorism and insurgency, resulting in notable advancements in the fight against terror. President Jonathan personally initiated the collaboration that led to these advancements and ensured that Nigeria provided the needed financial support for the Multinational Joint Task Force.

It was the Jonathan administration that repaired and rehabilitated over 25, 000 kilometres of our nation’s roads. Nigeria also became a profitable and preferred investment-friendly destination. It was under President Jonathan, for example, that Nigeria’s electric power sector became more competitive and attractive to local and foreign investments.

The same administration promoted the rule of law, free speech, fundamental human rights, and a robust freedom of information regime. Women’s rights to participate in public life and the Federal Character principle as well as other Constitutional principles were also respected. In every respect, our administration promoted inclusive governance and encouraged all stakeholders including the private sector to play key roles in the transformation of Nigeria.

It should also not be forgotten that the Jonathan administration strengthened electoral institutions and created a peaceful environment for democracy to thrive. On this score, it is sad and ironic that the chief beneficiaries of that same legacy are the most vociferous today in condemning President Jonathan and his team.

Perhaps the new administration and the APC would be sincere enough to publish the details of the hand over notes they received.

In addition, the Buhari administration should be fair enough to acknowledge the good works of the Jonathan administration. No administration can be either completely bad or completely good.

President Jonathan’s achievements in moving this country to greater heights deserve to be duly acknowledged. We urge President Muhammadu Buhari to build on these achievements.

We also urge him to press on with the anti-corruption fight, but in a fair and non-partisan manner, in line with due process, and not as a
political witch-hunt.

The various lies and fabrications being peddled by some self-appointed spokespersons of the administration may entertain the unwary, but such sensationalism may achieve the unintended effect of de-marketing our
country within the international community. All such persons playing to the gallery for whatever gains should be called to order. The
name-calling of members of the Jonathan administration and the trial by news media should also stop.

We encourage President Buhari to continue with the probes, but this must be in strict accordance with his oath of office to treat all
Nigerians equally and with the fear of God.

We have reserved our comment until now, in the fervent hope that once the euphoria that may have inspired the various attacks on the past administration wears off, reason will prevail. But we are constrained to speak up in defence of the legacy of the Jonathan administration, and shall do so again, for as long as those who are determined to
rubbish that legacy, are unrelenting in their usual deployment of blackmail, persecution, and similar tactics.

Dr Abubakar O. Suleiman
Former Minister of National Planning

Buhari To Compensate South-East With Multiple Ministerial Slots

President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressive Congress, APC, have begun moves to compensate the South-East for not getting any appointments so far in the present government by nominating multiple ministerial positions from the zone

Senator Chris Ngige from Anambra, Ogbonnaya Onu from Abia, and others were expected to emerge as part of Buhari’s cabinet but they were both snubbed after PMB chose mostly Northerners over them on Thursday

This has caused some bickering among the political quarters as many people including the PDP accused Buhari of being partial and that he only gravitates towards the North when appointing members of his government

But A top member of the party said the President was not unmindful of criticisms that greeted the alleged lopsided appointments

“The President has assured us that all zones that have not been represented in the appointments he has made so far will be compensated.

“For example, some states in the South-East may get more than one ministerial slots. The President is going to make board and ambassadorial appointments. All zones, including the South-East, will be represented in this government.”

Out of 31 appointments made so far, 24 of the appointees are from the North and seven are from the South. The South-East has no representation in the Buhari-led government.

Buhari To Compensate South-East With Multiple Ministerial Slots

Posted by Sylvester No comments

President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressive Congress, APC, have begun moves to compensate the South-East for not getting any appointments so far in the present government by nominating multiple ministerial positions from the zone

Senator Chris Ngige from Anambra, Ogbonnaya Onu from Abia, and others were expected to emerge as part of Buhari’s cabinet but they were both snubbed after PMB chose mostly Northerners over them on Thursday

This has caused some bickering among the political quarters as many people including the PDP accused Buhari of being partial and that he only gravitates towards the North when appointing members of his government

But A top member of the party said the President was not unmindful of criticisms that greeted the alleged lopsided appointments

“The President has assured us that all zones that have not been represented in the appointments he has made so far will be compensated.

“For example, some states in the South-East may get more than one ministerial slots. The President is going to make board and ambassadorial appointments. All zones, including the South-East, will be represented in this government.”

Out of 31 appointments made so far, 24 of the appointees are from the North and seven are from the South. The South-East has no representation in the Buhari-led government.

Jonathan Implicated In $6.9Mn Mobile Stage Scandal, Might Face Probe

The investigative panel set up by President Muhammadu Buhari to trace and recover funds stolen or misappropriated by the past administration of Goodluck Jonathan have alleged that the ex-president, his Petroleum minister and his Chief security officer (CSO) spent a whopping $6.9m on three forty feet mobile stages for use during mass speaking events and campaigns

Mrs Alison-Madueke (Petroleum minister) and O.J. Obuah (CSO) were close allies of the past president and have both been accused of embezleling Nigeria’s funds during their time in office with the former escaping from Nigerian just before Buhari’s inauguration as president

The fund was said to have been withdrawn from one of the numerous accounts of the Nigerian National Petroleum corporation (NNPC) and there was no evidence yet that any of such stages was purchased

Experts have confirmed that while the cost of mobile stages is determined by the size and designs, “only outlandish rock star musicians in Europe and the US spend hundreds of thousands on their huge stages that are bigger than the 40-feet stages.

“The process of procurement of the three mobile stages was neither known to extant Nigerian laws and due process regulations nor were the offices of the Auditor-General and the Accountant-General in the know, according to the investigators.”

It added that the phony purchase was carried out late 2011, a few months after Jonathan won the presidential election for a full term after having completed the term of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua.

Jonathan Implicated In $6.9Mn Mobile Stage Scandal, Might Face Probe

Posted by Sylvester No comments

The investigative panel set up by President Muhammadu Buhari to trace and recover funds stolen or misappropriated by the past administration of Goodluck Jonathan have alleged that the ex-president, his Petroleum minister and his Chief security officer (CSO) spent a whopping $6.9m on three forty feet mobile stages for use during mass speaking events and campaigns

Mrs Alison-Madueke (Petroleum minister) and O.J. Obuah (CSO) were close allies of the past president and have both been accused of embezleling Nigeria’s funds during their time in office with the former escaping from Nigerian just before Buhari’s inauguration as president

The fund was said to have been withdrawn from one of the numerous accounts of the Nigerian National Petroleum corporation (NNPC) and there was no evidence yet that any of such stages was purchased

Experts have confirmed that while the cost of mobile stages is determined by the size and designs, “only outlandish rock star musicians in Europe and the US spend hundreds of thousands on their huge stages that are bigger than the 40-feet stages.

“The process of procurement of the three mobile stages was neither known to extant Nigerian laws and due process regulations nor were the offices of the Auditor-General and the Accountant-General in the know, according to the investigators.”

It added that the phony purchase was carried out late 2011, a few months after Jonathan won the presidential election for a full term after having completed the term of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua.

USA Condemns Boko Haram, promises more weapons for regional force

The United States of America has condemned the recent spate of Boko Haram attacks in Nigeria in a statement to mark the 500th day of Chibok girls abduction and has promised more support for the regional force fighting Boko Haram around Nigeria’s border towns

Boko Haram gained international notoriety when members of the sect kidnapped over 200 girls from a secondary school in Chibok more than 500 days ago

Full Statement

The United States strongly condemns the raids on villages in northeast Nigeria on August 28, and we extend our sympathies to the families and loved ones of the civilians who were killed and injured. These recent raids are just additional examples of the horrific and indiscriminate violence that Boko Haram continues to use to terrorize civilians in northeast Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin region.

August 27 marked the 500th day since Boko Haram kidnapped 276 girls from their school in Chibok. We send our continued condolences to the families and loved ones of the girls who remain missing. The kidnapping of the school girls in Chibok galvanized international attention for the Boko Haram conflict. It is one of many attacks, kidnappings, raids and other acts of indiscriminate violence that continue on a frequent basis in Nigeria, Chad, Niger, and Cameroon.

The United States continues to support the governments and people of the Lake Chad Basin region in their ongoing struggle to degrade and defeat Boko Haram. We contribute to these efforts through a number of security and counterterrorism assistance programs, which provide intelligence, advisors, training, equipment, and logistics. We actively provide support on a bilateral basis and through the Multinational Joint Task Force, which the Lake Chad Basin countries and Benin are standing up to coordinate the regional efforts to counter Boko Haram

Press Statement

John Kirby
Department Spokesperson Washington, DC

USA Condemns Boko Haram, promises more weapons for regional force

Posted by Sylvester No comments

The United States of America has condemned the recent spate of Boko Haram attacks in Nigeria in a statement to mark the 500th day of Chibok girls abduction and has promised more support for the regional force fighting Boko Haram around Nigeria’s border towns

Boko Haram gained international notoriety when members of the sect kidnapped over 200 girls from a secondary school in Chibok more than 500 days ago

Full Statement

The United States strongly condemns the raids on villages in northeast Nigeria on August 28, and we extend our sympathies to the families and loved ones of the civilians who were killed and injured. These recent raids are just additional examples of the horrific and indiscriminate violence that Boko Haram continues to use to terrorize civilians in northeast Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin region.

August 27 marked the 500th day since Boko Haram kidnapped 276 girls from their school in Chibok. We send our continued condolences to the families and loved ones of the girls who remain missing. The kidnapping of the school girls in Chibok galvanized international attention for the Boko Haram conflict. It is one of many attacks, kidnappings, raids and other acts of indiscriminate violence that continue on a frequent basis in Nigeria, Chad, Niger, and Cameroon.

The United States continues to support the governments and people of the Lake Chad Basin region in their ongoing struggle to degrade and defeat Boko Haram. We contribute to these efforts through a number of security and counterterrorism assistance programs, which provide intelligence, advisors, training, equipment, and logistics. We actively provide support on a bilateral basis and through the Multinational Joint Task Force, which the Lake Chad Basin countries and Benin are standing up to coordinate the regional efforts to counter Boko Haram

Press Statement

John Kirby
Department Spokesperson Washington, DC

Boko Haram Plans To attack Lagos Revealed By DSS, Arrests Top Commander Known as “Money”

The Department of State Services (DSS) has revealed that Boko Haram members have successfully infiltrated into Lagos state and FCT but they added that they have arrested some of those insurgents including a top commander that was the mastermind of various bombings in Borno and Kano 

A model…The DSS escorting a suspect out of the court..Not the people describe in this post

 In a statement, the DSS revealed that Usman Shuiabu known as Money and other frontline members of the Islamist group were picked up in Lagos, Kano, Plateau, Enugu and Gombe states between July and August.

“Of particular note was the arrest on 8th July, 2015 in Gombe state of those responsible for the coordination and execution of the suicide attacks in Potiskum, Kano, Zaria and Jos,” it said.



“Shuaibu admitted being the leader of the team of nine sect members that was dispatched from Sambisa Forest to carry out the attacks. He disclosed that four out of the nine of them were used as suicide bombers in executing all the suicide attacks,” it said.

It said the arrest of Shuaibu and other core members of his cell had stemmed the spate of bombings by the extremist sect.

The DSS said its operatives had also frustrated plans by the insurgents to attack the financial capital of Lagos.

“The sudden influx of Boko Haram members into Lagos state points to the determination of the sect to extend its nefarious terrorist activities to the state and in fact, other parts of the country,” it said.

“The arrest of these confessed terrorist elements has however helped in no small measure to avert devastating attacks in the area,” it added.

The DSS yesterday said it had arrested a 14-year-old boy who said he had been instructed to spy on the airport’s security procedures, including passenger screening and boarding processes, and report what he had learned.

It said the man who directed the boy had not been located

Boko Haram Plans To attack Lagos Revealed By DSS, Arrests Top Commander Known as “Money”

Posted by Sylvester No comments

The Department of State Services (DSS) has revealed that Boko Haram members have successfully infiltrated into Lagos state and FCT but they added that they have arrested some of those insurgents including a top commander that was the mastermind of various bombings in Borno and Kano 

A model…The DSS escorting a suspect out of the court..Not the people describe in this post

 In a statement, the DSS revealed that Usman Shuiabu known as Money and other frontline members of the Islamist group were picked up in Lagos, Kano, Plateau, Enugu and Gombe states between July and August.

“Of particular note was the arrest on 8th July, 2015 in Gombe state of those responsible for the coordination and execution of the suicide attacks in Potiskum, Kano, Zaria and Jos,” it said.



“Shuaibu admitted being the leader of the team of nine sect members that was dispatched from Sambisa Forest to carry out the attacks. He disclosed that four out of the nine of them were used as suicide bombers in executing all the suicide attacks,” it said.

It said the arrest of Shuaibu and other core members of his cell had stemmed the spate of bombings by the extremist sect.

The DSS said its operatives had also frustrated plans by the insurgents to attack the financial capital of Lagos.

“The sudden influx of Boko Haram members into Lagos state points to the determination of the sect to extend its nefarious terrorist activities to the state and in fact, other parts of the country,” it said.

“The arrest of these confessed terrorist elements has however helped in no small measure to avert devastating attacks in the area,” it added.

The DSS yesterday said it had arrested a 14-year-old boy who said he had been instructed to spy on the airport’s security procedures, including passenger screening and boarding processes, and report what he had learned.

It said the man who directed the boy had not been located

Terrorist Kills At Least 60 Civilians In Latest Attack

At least sixty civilians were killed and several others injured during the latest Boko Haram terrorist attack in Borno State, according to sources speaking with Dailynews9ja.

 
Sources speaking with our Reporters have said that Boko Haram terrorists arrived to the remote village of Baanu in Nganzal Local Government Area (LGA) on motorcycles and horses killing at least at least sixty civilians, injuring many others, and burning down the entire village.

Lawan Kundi, a local vigilante fleeing to Maiduguri, said the terrorists arrived at about 8:30pm on Friday and started killing everybody they came across.

“They opened fire indiscriminately on helpless civilians, we then fled into the bush and hid. After they left we returned back to pick up some of our belongings. I counted at least sixty-four bodies,'' he disclosed.

He added ''the number of those killed may be more than [sixty-four] because the corpses were littered across the streets of the village and others ran into the bush with gunshot wounds,'' Kundi said.

A resident of Baanu who spoke to Our Reporters lamented that Boko Haram has taken over Gajiram, the local government headquarters.

“The government needs to do something fast, if not [Boko Haram] will continue to wreck havoc on innocent citizens.”

Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima confirmed the attacked while addressing the parents of the abducted Chibok girls, saying the insurgents killed fifty-six people.

''The Boko Haram crisis is a calamity that befall us, as the insurgents do not discriminate whether somebody is a Christian or Muslim, nor tribal affiliations. Just on Friday they killed fifty-six people in Baanu village of Nganzai local government. As I am speaking to you, their corpses are still littered on the street of the village,'' Shettima said.

Baanu is located in northern part of Borno State and is about 23 kilometers away from Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

Terrorist Kills At Least 60 Civilians In Latest Attack

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At least sixty civilians were killed and several others injured during the latest Boko Haram terrorist attack in Borno State, according to sources speaking with Dailynews9ja.

 
Sources speaking with our Reporters have said that Boko Haram terrorists arrived to the remote village of Baanu in Nganzal Local Government Area (LGA) on motorcycles and horses killing at least at least sixty civilians, injuring many others, and burning down the entire village.

Lawan Kundi, a local vigilante fleeing to Maiduguri, said the terrorists arrived at about 8:30pm on Friday and started killing everybody they came across.

“They opened fire indiscriminately on helpless civilians, we then fled into the bush and hid. After they left we returned back to pick up some of our belongings. I counted at least sixty-four bodies,'' he disclosed.

He added ''the number of those killed may be more than [sixty-four] because the corpses were littered across the streets of the village and others ran into the bush with gunshot wounds,'' Kundi said.

A resident of Baanu who spoke to Our Reporters lamented that Boko Haram has taken over Gajiram, the local government headquarters.

“The government needs to do something fast, if not [Boko Haram] will continue to wreck havoc on innocent citizens.”

Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima confirmed the attacked while addressing the parents of the abducted Chibok girls, saying the insurgents killed fifty-six people.

''The Boko Haram crisis is a calamity that befall us, as the insurgents do not discriminate whether somebody is a Christian or Muslim, nor tribal affiliations. Just on Friday they killed fifty-six people in Baanu village of Nganzai local government. As I am speaking to you, their corpses are still littered on the street of the village,'' Shettima said.

Baanu is located in northern part of Borno State and is about 23 kilometers away from Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

SURPRISES: Nigeria Achieves 5,000 Mega Watts Of Electricity For The First Time Ever

The management of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), said in Abuja on Wednesday that it had attained new peak of 4,810.7 megawatts of generated electricity.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Managing Director, System/Market Operation of TCN, Mr Dipak Sarma and given to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

SURPRISES: Nigeria Achieves 5,000 Mega Watts Of Electricity For The First Time Ever

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The management of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), said in Abuja on Wednesday that it had attained new peak of 4,810.7 megawatts of generated electricity.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Managing Director, System/Market Operation of TCN, Mr Dipak Sarma and given to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

We are looking into case of retrenched council staff – Awoniyi

The administration of Gov. Idris Ichala Wada of Kogi State has disclosed it is looking into the case of Local Government Council staff that were employed in 2010 but later retrenched from the services of the council.

Arc. Abayomi Awoniyi, the Deputy Governor of the state stated this while on a consultative visit to PDP stalwarts at Iyah Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of the state.

He told the PDP big wigs at the meeting that another four years for Capt Idris Wada, will change things dramatically in the state, saying the governor has learnt the ropes of governance already.

Awoniyi said the government is looking into issues relating to pensions, teachers wages and Local Government staff salaries, with a view to settling the backlogs of arrears when it receives its bail out from the Federal Government.
“At the moment, we cannot pretend not to bear the pains of our pensioners, teachers and Local Government staff. They bear the brunt of the meltdown ravaging the globe at the moment. I can assure you that we shall address these issues when we get our bail out”, how assured.

He craved the support of the stakeholders for the PDP and government of Capt Idris Wada, describing Ijumu as the bedrock of PDP with the party having won in all elections during the last general elections.

Awoniyi hailed the quality of the party in Ijumu Local Government, a situation he attributed to the calibre of personalities leading the party at the Local Government.

While noting that Capt Idris Wada amidst the paucity of funds has done well within limited resources, he appreciated that a lot more work needs to be done, saying there is need to work for the victory of the party in the LGA.

Awoniyi described the present administration as one that inherited and pays the highest salaries in the North, stating that the state is one of the least indebted in salaries to workers and appealed to the PDP members in Ijumu to conduct themselves in a rancour free manner while selecting three Ward ad-hoc delegates for the party’s primaries.

In their separate remarks, former administrator of old Oyo State, General David Jemibewon (rtd), Prince Olushola Akanmode and Chief Abiodun Ojo. They said the Ijumu people have resolved to work for Capt Wada’s victory in the forth coming gubernatorial election.

In a remarks, Dare Osawu, SSA1, Ijumu LGA, called on the members of the party to maintain their winning streak, disclosing that the PDP has been the dominant party in the area since the advent of democracy.

Also in his welcome remarks, Alh Ibrahim Idris, PDP Chairman, Ijumu LGA, commended the efforts by the Deputy Governor, to reawaken the consciousness of the members of the party ahead of the forth coming party’s primaries and the general election.

He said the people of the Local Government are prepared to give their total support to the reelection bid of the governor for what he referred to as “the sterling leadership qualities of the governor”.

We are looking into case of retrenched council staff – Awoniyi

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The administration of Gov. Idris Ichala Wada of Kogi State has disclosed it is looking into the case of Local Government Council staff that were employed in 2010 but later retrenched from the services of the council.

Arc. Abayomi Awoniyi, the Deputy Governor of the state stated this while on a consultative visit to PDP stalwarts at Iyah Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of the state.

He told the PDP big wigs at the meeting that another four years for Capt Idris Wada, will change things dramatically in the state, saying the governor has learnt the ropes of governance already.

Awoniyi said the government is looking into issues relating to pensions, teachers wages and Local Government staff salaries, with a view to settling the backlogs of arrears when it receives its bail out from the Federal Government.
“At the moment, we cannot pretend not to bear the pains of our pensioners, teachers and Local Government staff. They bear the brunt of the meltdown ravaging the globe at the moment. I can assure you that we shall address these issues when we get our bail out”, how assured.

He craved the support of the stakeholders for the PDP and government of Capt Idris Wada, describing Ijumu as the bedrock of PDP with the party having won in all elections during the last general elections.

Awoniyi hailed the quality of the party in Ijumu Local Government, a situation he attributed to the calibre of personalities leading the party at the Local Government.

While noting that Capt Idris Wada amidst the paucity of funds has done well within limited resources, he appreciated that a lot more work needs to be done, saying there is need to work for the victory of the party in the LGA.

Awoniyi described the present administration as one that inherited and pays the highest salaries in the North, stating that the state is one of the least indebted in salaries to workers and appealed to the PDP members in Ijumu to conduct themselves in a rancour free manner while selecting three Ward ad-hoc delegates for the party’s primaries.

In their separate remarks, former administrator of old Oyo State, General David Jemibewon (rtd), Prince Olushola Akanmode and Chief Abiodun Ojo. They said the Ijumu people have resolved to work for Capt Wada’s victory in the forth coming gubernatorial election.

In a remarks, Dare Osawu, SSA1, Ijumu LGA, called on the members of the party to maintain their winning streak, disclosing that the PDP has been the dominant party in the area since the advent of democracy.

Also in his welcome remarks, Alh Ibrahim Idris, PDP Chairman, Ijumu LGA, commended the efforts by the Deputy Governor, to reawaken the consciousness of the members of the party ahead of the forth coming party’s primaries and the general election.

He said the people of the Local Government are prepared to give their total support to the reelection bid of the governor for what he referred to as “the sterling leadership qualities of the governor”.

Video SWA 2-1 MUN: See Gomis’s goal against Manchester United

Video SWA 2-1 MUN: See Gomis’s goal against Manchester United

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10 Boko Haram Suspects Executed In Chad

Chad executed 10 alleged members of Nigeria-based Islamist group, Boko Haram, by firing squad Saturday, a day after they were found guilty of a double suicide killing that left 38 people dead in the capital N’Djamena.

“They were executed this morning on a shooting ground north of N’Djamena,” a judicial source told AFP. The report was confirmed by a security source who asked not to be identified.

A picture taken on August 26, 2015 shows suspected members of Nigeria-based Islamist group Boko Haram sitting in court in N’Djamena, during the opening of the trial of ten suspected Boko Haram members. Ten suspected Boko Haram members went on trial in Chad on August 26 over their alleged roles in twin attacks that killed 38 people in the capital N’Djamena in June.

The 10 were condemned to death Friday in the country’s first trial of presumed members of the Islamist group. The hearings opened Wednesday.

Nigeria’s neighbours Chad, Cameroon and Niger have all suffered attacks by Boko Haram and earlier this year they announced a regional force to end the militants’ insurgency that has claimed more than 15,000 lives since 2009.

The defendants were accused of criminal conspiracy, killings, wilful destruction with explosives, fraud, illegal possessions of arms and ammunition, as well as using psychotropic substances.

The accused include Nigerian national Mahamat Mustapha, also known as Bana Fanaye, who according to Chadian authorities masterminded the June 15 suicide attacks that struck a school and a police building in N’Djamena, killing 38 people and injuring 101.

On July 12, a fresh attack in the Chadian capital claimed by Boko Haram left at least 15 dead and 80 hurt after an assailant dressed as a woman blew himself up in the central marketplace.

A picture taken on August 26, 2015 shows suspected members of Nigeria-based Islamist group Boko Haram sitting in court in N’Djamena, during the opening of the trial of ten suspected Boko Haram members. Ten suspected Boko Haram members went on trial in Chad on August 26 over their alleged roles in twin attacks that killed 38 people in the capital N’Djamena in June.

Shortly after Fanaye’s arrest in late June, Chad’s top prosecutor Alghassim Kassim said the suspect was the “ringleader of a network smuggling weapons and munitions between Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad”.
Chad has beefed up security in response to the bloodshed.

The regional force against Boko Haram is expected to number some 8,700 troops and police, but it has yet to go into action

10 Boko Haram Suspects Executed In Chad

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Chad executed 10 alleged members of Nigeria-based Islamist group, Boko Haram, by firing squad Saturday, a day after they were found guilty of a double suicide killing that left 38 people dead in the capital N’Djamena.

“They were executed this morning on a shooting ground north of N’Djamena,” a judicial source told AFP. The report was confirmed by a security source who asked not to be identified.

A picture taken on August 26, 2015 shows suspected members of Nigeria-based Islamist group Boko Haram sitting in court in N’Djamena, during the opening of the trial of ten suspected Boko Haram members. Ten suspected Boko Haram members went on trial in Chad on August 26 over their alleged roles in twin attacks that killed 38 people in the capital N’Djamena in June.

The 10 were condemned to death Friday in the country’s first trial of presumed members of the Islamist group. The hearings opened Wednesday.

Nigeria’s neighbours Chad, Cameroon and Niger have all suffered attacks by Boko Haram and earlier this year they announced a regional force to end the militants’ insurgency that has claimed more than 15,000 lives since 2009.

The defendants were accused of criminal conspiracy, killings, wilful destruction with explosives, fraud, illegal possessions of arms and ammunition, as well as using psychotropic substances.

The accused include Nigerian national Mahamat Mustapha, also known as Bana Fanaye, who according to Chadian authorities masterminded the June 15 suicide attacks that struck a school and a police building in N’Djamena, killing 38 people and injuring 101.

On July 12, a fresh attack in the Chadian capital claimed by Boko Haram left at least 15 dead and 80 hurt after an assailant dressed as a woman blew himself up in the central marketplace.

A picture taken on August 26, 2015 shows suspected members of Nigeria-based Islamist group Boko Haram sitting in court in N’Djamena, during the opening of the trial of ten suspected Boko Haram members. Ten suspected Boko Haram members went on trial in Chad on August 26 over their alleged roles in twin attacks that killed 38 people in the capital N’Djamena in June.

Shortly after Fanaye’s arrest in late June, Chad’s top prosecutor Alghassim Kassim said the suspect was the “ringleader of a network smuggling weapons and munitions between Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad”.
Chad has beefed up security in response to the bloodshed.

The regional force against Boko Haram is expected to number some 8,700 troops and police, but it has yet to go into action

West Brom Signed Jonny Evan From Man Utd

Manchester United defender Jonny Evans has joined West Bromwich Albion on a four-year contract.

Jonny Evans

 The centre-half made 198 appearances (19 as a substitute) for United and scored seven goals.
A product of the Red Devils’ academy, Evans made his debut for the Manchester club in a League Cip clash with Coventry City in September 2007.

“Everybody at Manchester United would like to wish Jonny the very best of luck for the future,” the club said in a statement posted on their website.

The Northern Ireland international had not featured for United this season with his last appearance coming in a 2-1 away win at Crystal Palace in May.

The move sees him reunite with fellow ex-United players, Darren Fletcher, Ben Foster and recent Hawthorns arrival James Chester.

West Brom Signed Jonny Evan From Man Utd

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Manchester United defender Jonny Evans has joined West Bromwich Albion on a four-year contract.

Jonny Evans

 The centre-half made 198 appearances (19 as a substitute) for United and scored seven goals.
A product of the Red Devils’ academy, Evans made his debut for the Manchester club in a League Cip clash with Coventry City in September 2007.

“Everybody at Manchester United would like to wish Jonny the very best of luck for the future,” the club said in a statement posted on their website.

The Northern Ireland international had not featured for United this season with his last appearance coming in a 2-1 away win at Crystal Palace in May.

The move sees him reunite with fellow ex-United players, Darren Fletcher, Ben Foster and recent Hawthorns arrival James Chester.

VIDEO: D’Tigers Beat Senegal to Advance to Afrobasket Final

Nigeria’s senior men’s basketball national team, D’Tigers, are through to the championship match of the 2015 Afribasket after an 88-79 win over Senegal.


Chamberlain Oguchi was, for the umpteenth time at this year’s tournament, Nigeria’s saving grace, raking in 28 points to fire his country into their fourth ever final at the Afrobasket – their first in 12 years.

Minnesota Timberwolves centre Gorgui Dieng topped Senegal’s leaderboard with 20 points and 16 rebounds. D’Tigers were shy of fellow West African oppositions Senegal in Free-throws, trailing by a 69% to 93% differentials after the buzzer but maintained their impressive shooting range to finish 32% to 28% on 3 points – Oguchi posting eight of his 13 efforts – and 53% to 45% on 2 points.

Olaseni Lawal Celebrates Nigeria Victory Over Senegal at Afrobasket. 

 Coach Will Voight’s team rotation was instrumental to the win as D’Tigers’ bench came up with an impressive 21-point compliment.

The win took Nigeria’s dominance over Senegal on head-to-head records to 4-1- their only defeat coming at the quarter-finals stage of the 2013 Afrobasket in Abidjan.

D’Tigers could make history tomorrow when the face winners of the second semi-final between Tunisia and Angola in Rades, as a win would see them claim their first continental title as well as automatic qualification for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. Nigeria nine-point lead in the second half could not stand the test of time as Ibrahima Thomas sunk a ‘three’ to give Senegal a 37-35 lead at the break.

D’Tigers were coasting to a 76-73 win in the final minute of the regulation, but Dieng forced an overtime with a three-point shot.

Oguchi, nonetheless, proved equal to the task with a three-pointer of his own 1:07 minutes from time to take Nigeria’s lead to 82-76.

Olaseni Lawal regularly preyed the Senegalese’s defense and ended up with an emphatic 17 points and 11 rebounds.

VIDEO: D’Tigers Beat Senegal to Advance to Afrobasket Final

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Nigeria’s senior men’s basketball national team, D’Tigers, are through to the championship match of the 2015 Afribasket after an 88-79 win over Senegal.


Chamberlain Oguchi was, for the umpteenth time at this year’s tournament, Nigeria’s saving grace, raking in 28 points to fire his country into their fourth ever final at the Afrobasket – their first in 12 years.

Minnesota Timberwolves centre Gorgui Dieng topped Senegal’s leaderboard with 20 points and 16 rebounds. D’Tigers were shy of fellow West African oppositions Senegal in Free-throws, trailing by a 69% to 93% differentials after the buzzer but maintained their impressive shooting range to finish 32% to 28% on 3 points – Oguchi posting eight of his 13 efforts – and 53% to 45% on 2 points.

Olaseni Lawal Celebrates Nigeria Victory Over Senegal at Afrobasket. 

 Coach Will Voight’s team rotation was instrumental to the win as D’Tigers’ bench came up with an impressive 21-point compliment.

The win took Nigeria’s dominance over Senegal on head-to-head records to 4-1- their only defeat coming at the quarter-finals stage of the 2013 Afrobasket in Abidjan.

D’Tigers could make history tomorrow when the face winners of the second semi-final between Tunisia and Angola in Rades, as a win would see them claim their first continental title as well as automatic qualification for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. Nigeria nine-point lead in the second half could not stand the test of time as Ibrahima Thomas sunk a ‘three’ to give Senegal a 37-35 lead at the break.

D’Tigers were coasting to a 76-73 win in the final minute of the regulation, but Dieng forced an overtime with a three-point shot.

Oguchi, nonetheless, proved equal to the task with a three-pointer of his own 1:07 minutes from time to take Nigeria’s lead to 82-76.

Olaseni Lawal regularly preyed the Senegalese’s defense and ended up with an emphatic 17 points and 11 rebounds.

President Muhammadu Buhari Defends Appointment Of Northerners

President Muhammadu Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, defended the appointment of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal and five others.

The president had appointed alongside Lawal, Alhaji Abba Kyari, Chief of Staff to the President; Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (rtd), Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS); Mr. Kure Martins Abeshi, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service; Senator Ita Enang, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate) and Hon. Suleiman Kawu, SSA to the President on National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives). The appointments, announced on Thursday, had sparked reactions, with reports of complaints in some quarters that they tilted in favour of the North.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, assured Nigerians that President Muhammadu Buhari’s political appointments will balance out soon.

Adesina spoke on a radio programme, Political Platform, on RayPower 100.5FM. “Nobody can fault the fact that the persons appointed were appointed on merits,” he said.

“In terms of the spread, the President has prerogative to appoint and he knows there is federal character. I am sure that there will be balance in the future.

“These are still early days. At the end of the day, we will have a balance.

“By the time more appointments are made, it will balance out. The President is trying to get the very best of Nigerians. The issue of key positions and no key positions should not be the issue.

“He gave a deadline of September for the appointment of ministers and he will keep to it.”

In a similar reaction, the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu urged Nigerians to be patient with the president.

“These appointments are just beginning. The ones down so far, apart from the security services, are mostly of people acting as unofficial advisers or staff of the President.

“They are mostly men and women who have been doing things for the President and the positions are being formalised.

“Statistically, the appointments don’t amount to five per cent of what is to come. There will be ministers, heads of government departments, federal boards and ambassadors.

“At the end of the exercise, no part of the country will be left feeling left out,” Shehu said.

President Muhammadu Buhari Defends Appointment Of Northerners

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President Muhammadu Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, defended the appointment of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal and five others.

The president had appointed alongside Lawal, Alhaji Abba Kyari, Chief of Staff to the President; Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (rtd), Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS); Mr. Kure Martins Abeshi, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service; Senator Ita Enang, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate) and Hon. Suleiman Kawu, SSA to the President on National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives). The appointments, announced on Thursday, had sparked reactions, with reports of complaints in some quarters that they tilted in favour of the North.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, assured Nigerians that President Muhammadu Buhari’s political appointments will balance out soon.

Adesina spoke on a radio programme, Political Platform, on RayPower 100.5FM. “Nobody can fault the fact that the persons appointed were appointed on merits,” he said.

“In terms of the spread, the President has prerogative to appoint and he knows there is federal character. I am sure that there will be balance in the future.

“These are still early days. At the end of the day, we will have a balance.

“By the time more appointments are made, it will balance out. The President is trying to get the very best of Nigerians. The issue of key positions and no key positions should not be the issue.

“He gave a deadline of September for the appointment of ministers and he will keep to it.”

In a similar reaction, the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu urged Nigerians to be patient with the president.

“These appointments are just beginning. The ones down so far, apart from the security services, are mostly of people acting as unofficial advisers or staff of the President.

“They are mostly men and women who have been doing things for the President and the positions are being formalised.

“Statistically, the appointments don’t amount to five per cent of what is to come. There will be ministers, heads of government departments, federal boards and ambassadors.

“At the end of the exercise, no part of the country will be left feeling left out,” Shehu said.

Sani Abacha's Death Reveal -

Late Sani Abacha

Professor Sadiq Suleiman, who was the personal physician to former Head of State, General Sani Abacha has revealed that no one could say for sure that Abacha was poisoned by some women with apple as no autopsy was done on his corpse…
Addressing newsmen recently, Professor Wali, while relieving detail of June 7, 1998, the day Abacha died, Professor Wali said:

"Abacha was generally healthy though he had some health issues. He was treated and responded very well. He didn’t have any heart-related diseases at that time.”
"around 6 am I had a phone call from his security officers, and they said, “please come, come to the villa, come urgently!” Before I even could get ready, they came and picked me. I had no idea what it all was about”.
"I arrived then I saw chief security there and he said “doctor come in, please, come in!” We all rushed and I just saw the president. There was another doctor who came earlier, resuscitating him.

“Abacha was in the sitting room. He was on the couch. He was in his normal work clothes. I didn’t panic. I’ve seen a lot of serious problems before in my practice, but to affect him was very tough, definitely.

“I joined and we did as much as we could to resuscitate him. But I realised that he was dead because he was firming. We just continued resuscitation and even injected some things, but it didn’t work”.
”I said, sorry – there’s nothing we can do. Immediately the security officer took over, and he invited all the service chiefs to come to Abuja. Most of them were based in Lagos”.

Professor Wali said he had tried to carry out an autopsy to ascertain the cause of death, but his family declined and buried him immediately according to Islam law:

"I still tried to take some samples of blood and urine and hair and things like that, just thinking for the future chemical tests.”

”It’s very difficult to say [whether he died of natural causes]. The blood test we did, has shown some raised cardiac enzymes [proteins that are released into the blood by dying heart muscles]. That’s why we thought maybe it was cardiac attack”

Sani Abacha's Death Reveal -

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Late Sani Abacha

Professor Sadiq Suleiman, who was the personal physician to former Head of State, General Sani Abacha has revealed that no one could say for sure that Abacha was poisoned by some women with apple as no autopsy was done on his corpse…
Addressing newsmen recently, Professor Wali, while relieving detail of June 7, 1998, the day Abacha died, Professor Wali said:

"Abacha was generally healthy though he had some health issues. He was treated and responded very well. He didn’t have any heart-related diseases at that time.”
"around 6 am I had a phone call from his security officers, and they said, “please come, come to the villa, come urgently!” Before I even could get ready, they came and picked me. I had no idea what it all was about”.
"I arrived then I saw chief security there and he said “doctor come in, please, come in!” We all rushed and I just saw the president. There was another doctor who came earlier, resuscitating him.

“Abacha was in the sitting room. He was on the couch. He was in his normal work clothes. I didn’t panic. I’ve seen a lot of serious problems before in my practice, but to affect him was very tough, definitely.

“I joined and we did as much as we could to resuscitate him. But I realised that he was dead because he was firming. We just continued resuscitation and even injected some things, but it didn’t work”.
”I said, sorry – there’s nothing we can do. Immediately the security officer took over, and he invited all the service chiefs to come to Abuja. Most of them were based in Lagos”.

Professor Wali said he had tried to carry out an autopsy to ascertain the cause of death, but his family declined and buried him immediately according to Islam law:

"I still tried to take some samples of blood and urine and hair and things like that, just thinking for the future chemical tests.”

”It’s very difficult to say [whether he died of natural causes]. The blood test we did, has shown some raised cardiac enzymes [proteins that are released into the blood by dying heart muscles]. That’s why we thought maybe it was cardiac attack”

SURPRISE: Timipre Sylva Decline Guber Race

Chief Timipre Sylva

Former Governor of Bayelsa State and leader of the All Progressive Congress(APC) in Bayelsa State Chief Timipre Sylva has finally stepped down from the December 5th Governorship Elections, DailyNews9ja

It was gathered that Chief Timipre Sylva who was believed to have nursing the ambition to return back to power as the Governor of Bayelsa State told the Leadership of the All Progressive Congress(APC) during the week in Abuja that he will no longer be declaring for the Guber Race scheduled to hold on December 5th 2015.

A Top member of the All Progressive Congress who spoke with Our Reporters on condition of anonymity said the decision of Chief Timipre Sylva to step down from the race may not be unconnected with his failure to deliver on the assignment the Leadership of the APC sent him to handle.

Recall that before now,there has been insinuation in some quaters that Chief Timipre Sylva may be declararing for the December 5th Governorship Poll

SURPRISE: Timipre Sylva Decline Guber Race

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Chief Timipre Sylva

Former Governor of Bayelsa State and leader of the All Progressive Congress(APC) in Bayelsa State Chief Timipre Sylva has finally stepped down from the December 5th Governorship Elections, DailyNews9ja

It was gathered that Chief Timipre Sylva who was believed to have nursing the ambition to return back to power as the Governor of Bayelsa State told the Leadership of the All Progressive Congress(APC) during the week in Abuja that he will no longer be declaring for the Guber Race scheduled to hold on December 5th 2015.

A Top member of the All Progressive Congress who spoke with Our Reporters on condition of anonymity said the decision of Chief Timipre Sylva to step down from the race may not be unconnected with his failure to deliver on the assignment the Leadership of the APC sent him to handle.

Recall that before now,there has been insinuation in some quaters that Chief Timipre Sylva may be declararing for the December 5th Governorship Poll

Amaechi Storm Rivers State Today

Why the former Governor Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi storm Rivers State Today
Dailynews9ja has exclusively obtained the reason behind the visit of the Former Governor of Rivers State Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi to Portharcourt today.
Although when news of his visit was made public earlier today,there were insinuations in some quaters that the former Rivers State Governor came to meet with his supporters following the recent appointment of Secretary to the Government of the Federation by President Mohammadu Buhari,a postilion which many of his supporter had expected he will be appointed to.

However,Reporters has gathered that the visit of Mr.Amaechi is not connected to the appointment of SGF,but commissioning of a church building which the former Governor of Rivers State built for Catholic Church Family in Portharcourt.

Amaechi Storm Rivers State Today

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Why the former Governor Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi storm Rivers State Today
Dailynews9ja has exclusively obtained the reason behind the visit of the Former Governor of Rivers State Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi to Portharcourt today.
Although when news of his visit was made public earlier today,there were insinuations in some quaters that the former Rivers State Governor came to meet with his supporters following the recent appointment of Secretary to the Government of the Federation by President Mohammadu Buhari,a postilion which many of his supporter had expected he will be appointed to.

However,Reporters has gathered that the visit of Mr.Amaechi is not connected to the appointment of SGF,but commissioning of a church building which the former Governor of Rivers State built for Catholic Church Family in Portharcourt.

INSURGENT: How Nigeria Lost N2.5b To Fake Ceasefire Brokered By Presidential Aides In Chad

There were indications last night that the claimed enthusiasm by the leadership of the Boko Haram sect with the Nigerian Government was not holding as planned.
Dailynews9ja learnt from credible sources close to both the government and the terrorist group that no progress was being made in the expected dialogue because no identifiable representative of the group had shown up for the planned discussion with the federal government.

While there were claims lately that the terrorist group was angling for peace talks with the President Buhari Government, information at the disposal of Saturday Vanguard indicate that the Federal Government was yet to pinpoint any credible person from the group to begin negotiations with.

Competent sources said that those who see themselves as the bonafide leaders of the group were uncomfortable with the claim by a foreign leader that had been appointed for the group when they were in charge.

A source who has been close to previous failed negotiations with the group, said that the announcement by the Chadian leader. Idris Derby, last week, that the leader of Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau, had been replaced by Mahamat Daoud, did not go down well with those who were keen on dialoguing with the Nigerian Government.

It was learnt that the leadership of Boko Haram in Nigeria was angry that it was the same country that made Nigeria to lose over $23 million to an acclaimed ceasefire with so-called Boko Haram leaders, when in actual fact, there was no such deal.

The group feared that the announcement of a new leader for the group from the country must have happened just because of the announcement by the new Nigerian leader to open negotiations with the sect.

“What has happened is that those who wanted to come forward for possible discussion with the Nigerian government have pulled back following the declaration that a new leader has been appointed for the group,” one source familiar with the issue, said.

“Their feeling seems to be that if the Chadian leader can stay in his country and dictate what the Boko Haram leaders can and cannot do in Nigeria, let him do so.

“Those who are close to the Shekau leadership fear that the announcement of a new leader from a neighbouring country is a ploy by pecuniary-conscious elements to tap into the favourable disposition of the new administration in Nigeria, which is seen to be very serious in making peace and ending the vicious cycle of violence that has claimed thousands of lives and property since 2009,” the source said.

It was learnt that the anger within the aggrieved Boko Haram camp was responsible for renewed suicide bombings in Yobe and Borno states in recent weeks and days, a development had drastically reduced upon the offer of the olive branch by the federal government.

On the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the country, Derby had boasted that apart from decapitating the terrorists, Boko Haram was no longer being led by Shekau.

Derby said: “There is someone apparently called Mahamat Daoud who is said to have replaced Abubakar Shekau and he wants to negotiate with the Nigerian government.

“For my part, I would advise not to negotiate with a terrorist,” Derby, whose country has been spearheading the regional fight back against Boko Haram, said.

Contacted last night on the progress of the dialogue between Nigeria and the sect, Air Commodore Yusuf Anas, who heads the Centre for Crisis Communication, said that the centre was willing and ready to facilitate negotiation with any genuine groups that is ready for dialogue with a view to bringing about peace and development in Nigeria.

Anas made it clear that the objective of the centre was that of facilitation and management of information that would ensure that Nigerian remains a safe, peaceful and stable country for all and its neighbours.

The Buhari government has said that while it is taking military steps to smoke out Boko Haram within the shortest possible time, it is already for dialogue to end the violence.

INSURGENT: How Nigeria Lost N2.5b To Fake Ceasefire Brokered By Presidential Aides In Chad

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There were indications last night that the claimed enthusiasm by the leadership of the Boko Haram sect with the Nigerian Government was not holding as planned.
Dailynews9ja learnt from credible sources close to both the government and the terrorist group that no progress was being made in the expected dialogue because no identifiable representative of the group had shown up for the planned discussion with the federal government.

While there were claims lately that the terrorist group was angling for peace talks with the President Buhari Government, information at the disposal of Saturday Vanguard indicate that the Federal Government was yet to pinpoint any credible person from the group to begin negotiations with.

Competent sources said that those who see themselves as the bonafide leaders of the group were uncomfortable with the claim by a foreign leader that had been appointed for the group when they were in charge.

A source who has been close to previous failed negotiations with the group, said that the announcement by the Chadian leader. Idris Derby, last week, that the leader of Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau, had been replaced by Mahamat Daoud, did not go down well with those who were keen on dialoguing with the Nigerian Government.

It was learnt that the leadership of Boko Haram in Nigeria was angry that it was the same country that made Nigeria to lose over $23 million to an acclaimed ceasefire with so-called Boko Haram leaders, when in actual fact, there was no such deal.

The group feared that the announcement of a new leader for the group from the country must have happened just because of the announcement by the new Nigerian leader to open negotiations with the sect.

“What has happened is that those who wanted to come forward for possible discussion with the Nigerian government have pulled back following the declaration that a new leader has been appointed for the group,” one source familiar with the issue, said.

“Their feeling seems to be that if the Chadian leader can stay in his country and dictate what the Boko Haram leaders can and cannot do in Nigeria, let him do so.

“Those who are close to the Shekau leadership fear that the announcement of a new leader from a neighbouring country is a ploy by pecuniary-conscious elements to tap into the favourable disposition of the new administration in Nigeria, which is seen to be very serious in making peace and ending the vicious cycle of violence that has claimed thousands of lives and property since 2009,” the source said.

It was learnt that the anger within the aggrieved Boko Haram camp was responsible for renewed suicide bombings in Yobe and Borno states in recent weeks and days, a development had drastically reduced upon the offer of the olive branch by the federal government.

On the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the country, Derby had boasted that apart from decapitating the terrorists, Boko Haram was no longer being led by Shekau.

Derby said: “There is someone apparently called Mahamat Daoud who is said to have replaced Abubakar Shekau and he wants to negotiate with the Nigerian government.

“For my part, I would advise not to negotiate with a terrorist,” Derby, whose country has been spearheading the regional fight back against Boko Haram, said.

Contacted last night on the progress of the dialogue between Nigeria and the sect, Air Commodore Yusuf Anas, who heads the Centre for Crisis Communication, said that the centre was willing and ready to facilitate negotiation with any genuine groups that is ready for dialogue with a view to bringing about peace and development in Nigeria.

Anas made it clear that the objective of the centre was that of facilitation and management of information that would ensure that Nigerian remains a safe, peaceful and stable country for all and its neighbours.

The Buhari government has said that while it is taking military steps to smoke out Boko Haram within the shortest possible time, it is already for dialogue to end the violence.