Transcript from Premium Times
11:40
The minister has finally arrived at the venue of the hearing, 100 minutes after the hearing was scheduled to kick off. The lawmakers now setting up to start the hearing.
11:56
Stella Oduah, the aviation minister has just taken her seat before the committee. The hearing begins.
12:00
Hearing committee chairperson, Nkiruka Onyejeocha, gives her opening speech, explaining the delay in starting the hearing and that the committee would be just and fair.
Delay was because venue used for hearing on Wednesday had been taken over for a another hearing on Land racketeering.
“This committee is out to get to the bottom of the matter. But committee is not on ‘witch-hunting’”
12:06
Onyejeocha quips on the tense mood here. “We are not mourning, there is no aeroplane crash; I want to see everyone smiling,” she says. “Feel free and relax.”
The minister is about to be called upon to testify. She takes oath to say “nothing but the truth, the whole truth.”
12:10
Ms. Oduah starts by apologizing for inability to attend previous hearings. She said said her absence was not out of disrespect and thanks the committee for rescheduling her appearance.
12:17
Ms. Oduah says opportunity to appear will allow her give her side of the story. “For the past week, I have been bashed in the media, many have also risen to my defence.”
She said her spokesperson’s admission of the alleged purchase, while right on concerns for her safety, was “inaccurate”.
She goes ahead to say online publications that she compelled NCAA to purchase cars for her were “false and malicious” allegations. “False in its entirety!”
Says online allegations not substantiated but based on “erroneous” comment of her aide.
12:19
“It is not true, cannot be true that NCAA bought bullet proof vehicles for honourable minister of aviation. My understanding is that what NCAA has done is to plan for its vehicle needs for the next three years under the Medium Term Expenditure Framework,” — Stella Oduah
12:34
Oduah: NCAA has real needs for new operational vehicles. Insists armoured cars not meant for her but foreign dignitaries.
“NCAA acted within the ambit of law”.
“Nothing in the stated documents mentioned my name. I did not request for any vehicles. All I did was to approve the purchase, subject to the agency doing the needful(following the law). NCAA followed due process as required by law.”
“The Federal ministry of aviation under my watch has always ensured we act in a prudent manner and under the ambit of the law”-Stella Oduah
12:40
The aviation minister still rendering her opening remarks.
The “First Bank facility to NCAA to the tune of N643 million mere understanding not an obligation” she daid.
“Nigeria’s airspace is now rate among the safest in the world”. She adds that allegation about car purchase is meant to discredit her team and give the impression her effort at reforms is not succeeding.
NCAA has not spent any money not appropriated by the National Assembly. The agency has even saved the nation a cost and further embarrassment that may occur in future.
12:51
The minister’s initial presentation is over. She is now receiving questions from the lawmakers.
13:08
Minister insists NCAA did not exceed its limit or violate the law.
She is reminded by by Jerry Manwe (Taraba state) that the National Assembly rejected armoured cars in the budget which she is defending, the minister buckles: “NCAA will answer that,” she says.
Minister is pressed by Zakari Mohammed(Kwara state) why she exceeded her approval limit, she said her comment on the letter to NCAA was not final but advisory to NCAA to follow the law.
On the said letter, the minister wrote “Approved. Do the needful”.
Brief game on semantics here. Minister says “Do the needful” could mean anything”. But the lawmakers are not having that. NCAA is called to explain the “needful” it did. And the NCAA director general shirks to the former acting DG who was in charge then.
13:25
Blame briefly leaves the minister to officials of NCAA over “do the needful” directive. For a moment, lawmakers appear to agree with the minister the all-encompassing comment exonerates her. The former acting DG of NCAA is tackled for even initiating a memo to Odua for a purchase out of budget, and beyond approved limit.
13:47
Jerry Manwe (Member) to minister: If the armoured cars were not for you as you claimed, who is using them now?
Former acting DG answers for minister: Any one can use any car in the pool
Manwe: Do you mean a cleaner can use those kind of cars?
Former DG: Anybody can use; but those kind of cars are for VIP movement, including foreign dignitaries, including the minister, and even you honourable member!
Manwe; Thank you. But the law of the country does not allow me to use those cars.
14:14
Attention has left the minister for more than half an hour. Lawmakers again tackle Coscharis over the disparity in chassis numbers of the cars.
A frustrated Chief Executive of Coscharis, Cosmas Maduka,makes it clear his company has nothing to hide as the committee would think. “We are not doing monkey business here,” he asserted. Mr Maduka was asked to withdraw the comment and he promptly complied.
14:22
Reps wrapping the hearing. Chairperson Onyejeocha said despite the testimonies from those invited since last week, the committee has received sufficient documents that will inform its report. “We have given everyone fair hearing,” she said.
“We assure everyone and all Nigerians we will do justice”.
14:25
Hearing Ends. Thanks for following our updates. Do stick around our site for the rest of the day as we will put the proceeding in their correct perspective for you.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Nigerians Will Witness Partial Solar Eclipse On Sunday
The Director General, National Space Research and Development Agency, Dr. Seidu Mohammed, claims that on Sunday Nigerians will witness a partial or even total solar eclipse.
Mohammed made this known at the briefing in Abuja. He urged Nigerians not to panic over the course of the eclipse.
According to his words, the eclipse will be seen across the country and in the West African sub-region.
“Different cultures have different reactions to them. There is no course for alarm.”- he stated.
Mohammed assures people that they don’t need to worry about GSM operation – it will continue to work. Other things, as he said, will also be normal.
“Cities by cities will be reported in Nigeria, where the eclipse will be; partial eclipse or total eclipse. People should continue with their normal business. Because of partial rays, people should use their sun glasses.”
Mohammed made this known at the briefing in Abuja. He urged Nigerians not to panic over the course of the eclipse.
According to his words, the eclipse will be seen across the country and in the West African sub-region.
“Different cultures have different reactions to them. There is no course for alarm.”- he stated.
Mohammed assures people that they don’t need to worry about GSM operation – it will continue to work. Other things, as he said, will also be normal.
“Cities by cities will be reported in Nigeria, where the eclipse will be; partial eclipse or total eclipse. People should continue with their normal business. Because of partial rays, people should use their sun glasses.”
Breaking News:Women gather at Federal Secretariat in support of Aviation Minister
A small group of women this morning gathered at the Federal Secretariat in Abuja, in support of embattled minister of Aviation, Ms Stella Oduah. The women carried placards which read 'a fight against Stella Oduah is a fight against women'
.....Like seriously?!, this women must me kidding right,how on earth would they be supporting corruption.?I know very well that this protest must have been sponsored using women that are ignorant of the situation on ground.Please Someone should tell them that this has nothing to do with Stella been a woman
.....Like seriously?!, this women must me kidding right,how on earth would they be supporting corruption.?I know very well that this protest must have been sponsored using women that are ignorant of the situation on ground.Please Someone should tell them that this has nothing to do with Stella been a woman
ASUU:Police foil protest in Abuja
Police on Wednesday in Abuja stopped the University of Abuja chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities from staging a peaceful rally.
The lecturers had wanted to protest against the refusal of the Federal Government to honour the 2009 Agreement reached with the union.
An eye witness said the lecturers had gathered in front of the mini campus of the university as early as 8.am before the men and officers from the Gwagwalada Police Division stormed the place.
The Police restricted the varsity teachers to the gate of the school.
The UNIABUJA’s ASUU Chairman, Dr. Clement Chup, confirmed the incidence to our correspondent.
He said, “We actually wanted to stage a peaceful protest when the police came and started firing tear gas. They restricted us to the gate of the mini campus. Initially, we resisted because it is our fundamental right to embark on a peaceful protest. We had planned to move by 10am, but they even prevented us from entering the campus.
“They told us that we were not allowed to protest. Meanwhile, they did not give us any reason. It took time before they were able to disperse us. They were firing tear gas indiscriminately.”
Chup said the union remained committed to the struggle to liberate university education in the country.
ASUU has been on nationwide strike since July 1 to protest the failure of government to honour a 2009 agreement reached with the union.
The union is demanding better condition of service and proper funding of the university system and payment of arrears of a bailout fund.
Source: thepunch.ng
The lecturers had wanted to protest against the refusal of the Federal Government to honour the 2009 Agreement reached with the union.
An eye witness said the lecturers had gathered in front of the mini campus of the university as early as 8.am before the men and officers from the Gwagwalada Police Division stormed the place.
The Police restricted the varsity teachers to the gate of the school.
The UNIABUJA’s ASUU Chairman, Dr. Clement Chup, confirmed the incidence to our correspondent.
He said, “We actually wanted to stage a peaceful protest when the police came and started firing tear gas. They restricted us to the gate of the mini campus. Initially, we resisted because it is our fundamental right to embark on a peaceful protest. We had planned to move by 10am, but they even prevented us from entering the campus.
“They told us that we were not allowed to protest. Meanwhile, they did not give us any reason. It took time before they were able to disperse us. They were firing tear gas indiscriminately.”
Chup said the union remained committed to the struggle to liberate university education in the country.
ASUU has been on nationwide strike since July 1 to protest the failure of government to honour a 2009 agreement reached with the union.
The union is demanding better condition of service and proper funding of the university system and payment of arrears of a bailout fund.
Source: thepunch.ng
Someone believed that Stella Oduah should be jailed over the N255M car scandal
He is no other but Barr. Monday Onyekachi Ubani. The Chairman of Ikeja chapter of the Nigerian Bar Association.
He said that the Aviation Minister who is currently embroiled in N255m armoured BMW car scandal deserves not only to be relieved of her job but also to be adequately prosecuted.
The lawyer said on the ground of the loads of evidence, the circumstance of initiation of the scandalous purchase, lack of budgetary approval of purchase and inflation of cost of the two cars, Mrs. Stella Oduah should be sent to jail".
Barr. Monday went further saying that Stella Oduah has no good reason to have travelled to Israel during the time she should be facing trial at home.
He further urged the federal government to please take the matter very serious and make sure they do not allow this matter to die just like others.
He said that the Aviation Minister who is currently embroiled in N255m armoured BMW car scandal deserves not only to be relieved of her job but also to be adequately prosecuted.
The lawyer said on the ground of the loads of evidence, the circumstance of initiation of the scandalous purchase, lack of budgetary approval of purchase and inflation of cost of the two cars, Mrs. Stella Oduah should be sent to jail".
Barr. Monday went further saying that Stella Oduah has no good reason to have travelled to Israel during the time she should be facing trial at home.
He further urged the federal government to please take the matter very serious and make sure they do not allow this matter to die just like others.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Senate uncovers N12bn fraud
The Sen-ate, yesterday, uncovered N10 billion belonging to the National Poverty Eradication Programme, NAPEP, that got trapped in some failed financial institutions in the country, while N150 millionmeant for the supply of spare-parts for the tricycles, otherwise known as Keke NAPEP, was carted away by a contractor.
The Senate made the discovery while grilling the Co-ordinator of NAPEP, Alhaji Murktar Tefawa Belawa over N12 billion poverty reduction fund.
The agency claimed it lacked the structural framework to possibly recover the missing funds and that it had been unable to recover the money because some of the banks had ceased to exist.
The Senator Ahmed Lawan-led Committee on Public Account also discovered how the agency paid additional N171 million as Customs duties for the spare-parts that were not supplied and another N605 million carted away by some Keke NAPEP operators on the umbrella of Keke Riders Association of Nigeria, KRAN.
The agency was alleged to have also paid another N1.4 billion for projects that were not verified by the Auditor General of the Federation.
Representatives of the AGF at the session, told the panel that some of the contracts, which the agency had paid for were yet to be verified.
National Coordinator, NAPEP, Alhaji Tefawa Belawa, told the committee that beneficiaries of the intervention fund failed to remit another N700 million revenue and that the agency had since written the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, on how Auto Ban Limited had disappeared with the said N150 million paid for the supply of spare-parts.
The Senate made the discovery while grilling the Co-ordinator of NAPEP, Alhaji Murktar Tefawa Belawa over N12 billion poverty reduction fund.
The agency claimed it lacked the structural framework to possibly recover the missing funds and that it had been unable to recover the money because some of the banks had ceased to exist.
The Senator Ahmed Lawan-led Committee on Public Account also discovered how the agency paid additional N171 million as Customs duties for the spare-parts that were not supplied and another N605 million carted away by some Keke NAPEP operators on the umbrella of Keke Riders Association of Nigeria, KRAN.
The agency was alleged to have also paid another N1.4 billion for projects that were not verified by the Auditor General of the Federation.
Representatives of the AGF at the session, told the panel that some of the contracts, which the agency had paid for were yet to be verified.
National Coordinator, NAPEP, Alhaji Tefawa Belawa, told the committee that beneficiaries of the intervention fund failed to remit another N700 million revenue and that the agency had since written the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, on how Auto Ban Limited had disappeared with the said N150 million paid for the supply of spare-parts.
Workers Shut Transcop Hotel Over Unpaid Salaries
Angry staffs of the Transcop Hotel (Metro Hotel) calabar branch,a popular 5-star hotel, took laws into their hands and held the entire hotel to ransom on Wednesday.
There was pandemonium in the entire premises as the maintenance staff were said to have shut down power to the entire building, thus trapping several guests and senior members of the hotel inside lifts. They are said to be protesting over non payment of their salary and allowances for several months.
Those who did not make it into the hotel before the protest commenced were locked outside, leading to what a source described as total confusion. It took the efforts of a combined team of security personnel before the situation was brought under control. Normalcy have returned to the area.
I hear the security personnel pleaded with the workers and got a commitment from the management of the big hotel that something will be done immediately to pay the workers part of their money.
There was pandemonium in the entire premises as the maintenance staff were said to have shut down power to the entire building, thus trapping several guests and senior members of the hotel inside lifts. They are said to be protesting over non payment of their salary and allowances for several months.
Those who did not make it into the hotel before the protest commenced were locked outside, leading to what a source described as total confusion. It took the efforts of a combined team of security personnel before the situation was brought under control. Normalcy have returned to the area.
I hear the security personnel pleaded with the workers and got a commitment from the management of the big hotel that something will be done immediately to pay the workers part of their money.
Today's Quote
The problem with women is they are governed by emotions and they are slaves to passion. If women were to fight wars they would never end.
.......Femi Fani Kayode
Who else agrees with him?
.......Femi Fani Kayode
Who else agrees with him?
CONFAB FALLOUT: My grouse with Oshiomhole, by Nyiam
There was a shouting brawl during the National Confab deliberation in Edo State,Yesterday.
A member of the Presidential Advisory Committee on National Conference Col.Tony Nyiam (rtd), who engaged in a shouting match with Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole at Monday's sitting of the committee in Benin, which led to his resignation from the committee, gave reasons for his action yesterday.
His explanation notwithstanding, Edo Reps caucus in the House of Representatives were joined by traditional rulers and youths from the state to declare Col Nyiam persona non grata in Edo State. The All Progressives Congress, APC, on its part said the disruption of Oshiomhole's presentation before the committee has vindicated the party's decision not to be part of the proposed conference.
At the committee's sitting last Monday, Col Nyiam was said to have joined some people who heckled Governor Oshiomhole while he was making his presentation which eventually prevented the governor from continuing with his speech.
In his defence yesterday, Nyiam alleged that Governor Adams Oshiomhole made "sarcastic remarks" against the proposed National Dialogue, asserting that governors who are in the habit of kicking against the laudable efforts of President Goodluck Jonathan should wait for the response of Nigerians.
Nyiam who was asked if he has resigned, said: ''The situation is that I have not told anybody in the public that I have resigned".
Reacting to his altercation with Governor Oshiomhole, he explained that the governor was "talking down on people and he is not supposed to do that because our job is to meet with the people and not the governor since we have paid him a courtesy visit earlier".
His words: "Governors who have a penchant for insulting the President or making sarcastic remarks against the sense of judgment of the President of Nigeria should be ready to tolerate response from Nigerian citizens to tell them no. The committee's role is advisory, we need to consult with the people to advise us and we will then synthesize the peoples' opinion and use that to advise the President because we believe that we need to work towards a peoples-driven constitution which we never had in our history.
"We thought we should start a bottoms-up approach from the grassroots to the top. The attitude was that there should be no talking down on the people we are supposed to engage. Based on this principle, the key feature of our consultation was to meet with the people but out of courtesy we pay courtesy calls on the governors or the royal father in the city. We have followed this procedure starting from Akure where Governor Mimiko gave us audience in his office.
"Governor Mimiko came to the venue and kept quiet throughout. We left Akure and went to Jos, we went through the same procedure where the Middle Belt people, the Hausa/Fulani, Yoruba community and all the major tribes of Plateau, all aired their views including Tivs, Idomas, Igala and others. In all these meetings all of them wanted a conference which is ethnic nationalities-led.
What Oshiomhole told us ? Nyiam
"We left Jos and went to Minna, we went through the same experience with Governor Babangida Aliyu and most people there too spoke in terms of ethno nationalities representations. We went to Calabar, we went through the same experience. So we came to Benin, where Governor Oshiomhole shifted the timing and that changed the time we were supposed to meet the Oba of Benin. We saw the governor for at least 40 minutes and he started giving us tutorials as if we are children; he told us that he was a product of Kaduna, that he had his children in Kaduna.
"He went on to now attack the idea of ethno-nation. He argued that we are going to celebrate 100 years next year so what are we going to talk about? I countered that. He argued that we don't need a conference, but with all the troubles we had, for a leader to say we don't need a conference is very sad. It is an insult on the intelligence of Nigerians. In Kenya recently after the elections, there were lots of killings that led to a constitutional conference which turned Kenya from a unitary system to a true federalism.
"With that background, he now came to the venue after the Benin Development Forum spoke. He came late and after listening, he asked for an intervention, he took the micro phone and then decided to repeat the lecture, treating people like students and castigating the Federal Government. More offensive for me was that he was talking down on the elders there, that the idea of them coming together there was a waste of time.
"These two things, one talking down on people is contrary to the philosophy of our people. We had former governors there, elders, traditional rulers. Secondly when we are in an interactive session with the people, it is not for a governor to come and take over the stage, grandstanding. This is a governor that spoke over 40 minutes when we were with him. This idea of governors trying to run down the President, a governor abusing the office of the President to make insinuations against the office of the president, to criticise people's ability for self expression, is unacceptable.
"So when people started booing the governor, I went to the chairman to remind him about the rules of our committee. The chairman said we should give him a chance to continue. He carried on with his derogatory remarks and it was at that point I then said no, not again. When I said that, by this time, his aides tried to come at me, but when I suspected that one was at my back I stood up, then sat down.
"Not long, after a group of people came towards the table, it was then that the DSS people advised that my life was not safe and I was taken away for safety. The Director of the Department of State Service, DSS, mounted security around us; the Commissioner of Police came to see me and they brought security. The Police drove us all out of Edo State because of fears of attack. So contrary to what they said that I mobilized thugs, it is not true, it was Edo people that protected me," he narrated.
Apology
The Presidential Advisory Committee on National Dialogue has however apologized to Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State over the behaviour of Col Tony Nyiam (rtd). In a letter signed by Chairman of the Committee, Senator Femi Okurounmu, and entitled: "Dialogue Committee condemns unruly behaviour," it said: "The Presidential Advisory Committee on National Dialogue wants to put it on record that we noted the sad incident at today's (Monday's) Interactive Session with Nigerians from the South South held in Benin City, Edo State.
"The Committee wishes to state its unequivocal commitment and that of its members to the principles of democratic discourse. Although we take special exception to the unruly conduct of one of our members who joined the crowd in shouting down the Comrade Governor of Edo State, Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, while he was giving his remarks, the session continued and ended peacefully."
The Committee continued in the letter dated October 28, 2013 that "we want to emphasize that the Committee will listen to all shades of opinions in the areas of its mandates and will not henceforth condone the kind of unacceptable behavior we witnessed in Benin City.
"The Committee wishes to express its sincere appreciation to the Government and people of Edo State for providing support to the Committee in its assignment in the state.
A member of the Presidential Advisory Committee on National Conference Col.Tony Nyiam (rtd), who engaged in a shouting match with Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole at Monday's sitting of the committee in Benin, which led to his resignation from the committee, gave reasons for his action yesterday.
His explanation notwithstanding, Edo Reps caucus in the House of Representatives were joined by traditional rulers and youths from the state to declare Col Nyiam persona non grata in Edo State. The All Progressives Congress, APC, on its part said the disruption of Oshiomhole's presentation before the committee has vindicated the party's decision not to be part of the proposed conference.
At the committee's sitting last Monday, Col Nyiam was said to have joined some people who heckled Governor Oshiomhole while he was making his presentation which eventually prevented the governor from continuing with his speech.
In his defence yesterday, Nyiam alleged that Governor Adams Oshiomhole made "sarcastic remarks" against the proposed National Dialogue, asserting that governors who are in the habit of kicking against the laudable efforts of President Goodluck Jonathan should wait for the response of Nigerians.
Nyiam who was asked if he has resigned, said: ''The situation is that I have not told anybody in the public that I have resigned".
Reacting to his altercation with Governor Oshiomhole, he explained that the governor was "talking down on people and he is not supposed to do that because our job is to meet with the people and not the governor since we have paid him a courtesy visit earlier".
His words: "Governors who have a penchant for insulting the President or making sarcastic remarks against the sense of judgment of the President of Nigeria should be ready to tolerate response from Nigerian citizens to tell them no. The committee's role is advisory, we need to consult with the people to advise us and we will then synthesize the peoples' opinion and use that to advise the President because we believe that we need to work towards a peoples-driven constitution which we never had in our history.
"We thought we should start a bottoms-up approach from the grassroots to the top. The attitude was that there should be no talking down on the people we are supposed to engage. Based on this principle, the key feature of our consultation was to meet with the people but out of courtesy we pay courtesy calls on the governors or the royal father in the city. We have followed this procedure starting from Akure where Governor Mimiko gave us audience in his office.
"Governor Mimiko came to the venue and kept quiet throughout. We left Akure and went to Jos, we went through the same procedure where the Middle Belt people, the Hausa/Fulani, Yoruba community and all the major tribes of Plateau, all aired their views including Tivs, Idomas, Igala and others. In all these meetings all of them wanted a conference which is ethnic nationalities-led.
What Oshiomhole told us ? Nyiam
"We left Jos and went to Minna, we went through the same experience with Governor Babangida Aliyu and most people there too spoke in terms of ethno nationalities representations. We went to Calabar, we went through the same experience. So we came to Benin, where Governor Oshiomhole shifted the timing and that changed the time we were supposed to meet the Oba of Benin. We saw the governor for at least 40 minutes and he started giving us tutorials as if we are children; he told us that he was a product of Kaduna, that he had his children in Kaduna.
"He went on to now attack the idea of ethno-nation. He argued that we are going to celebrate 100 years next year so what are we going to talk about? I countered that. He argued that we don't need a conference, but with all the troubles we had, for a leader to say we don't need a conference is very sad. It is an insult on the intelligence of Nigerians. In Kenya recently after the elections, there were lots of killings that led to a constitutional conference which turned Kenya from a unitary system to a true federalism.
"With that background, he now came to the venue after the Benin Development Forum spoke. He came late and after listening, he asked for an intervention, he took the micro phone and then decided to repeat the lecture, treating people like students and castigating the Federal Government. More offensive for me was that he was talking down on the elders there, that the idea of them coming together there was a waste of time.
"These two things, one talking down on people is contrary to the philosophy of our people. We had former governors there, elders, traditional rulers. Secondly when we are in an interactive session with the people, it is not for a governor to come and take over the stage, grandstanding. This is a governor that spoke over 40 minutes when we were with him. This idea of governors trying to run down the President, a governor abusing the office of the President to make insinuations against the office of the president, to criticise people's ability for self expression, is unacceptable.
"So when people started booing the governor, I went to the chairman to remind him about the rules of our committee. The chairman said we should give him a chance to continue. He carried on with his derogatory remarks and it was at that point I then said no, not again. When I said that, by this time, his aides tried to come at me, but when I suspected that one was at my back I stood up, then sat down.
"Not long, after a group of people came towards the table, it was then that the DSS people advised that my life was not safe and I was taken away for safety. The Director of the Department of State Service, DSS, mounted security around us; the Commissioner of Police came to see me and they brought security. The Police drove us all out of Edo State because of fears of attack. So contrary to what they said that I mobilized thugs, it is not true, it was Edo people that protected me," he narrated.
Apology
The Presidential Advisory Committee on National Dialogue has however apologized to Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State over the behaviour of Col Tony Nyiam (rtd). In a letter signed by Chairman of the Committee, Senator Femi Okurounmu, and entitled: "Dialogue Committee condemns unruly behaviour," it said: "The Presidential Advisory Committee on National Dialogue wants to put it on record that we noted the sad incident at today's (Monday's) Interactive Session with Nigerians from the South South held in Benin City, Edo State.
"The Committee wishes to state its unequivocal commitment and that of its members to the principles of democratic discourse. Although we take special exception to the unruly conduct of one of our members who joined the crowd in shouting down the Comrade Governor of Edo State, Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, while he was giving his remarks, the session continued and ended peacefully."
The Committee continued in the letter dated October 28, 2013 that "we want to emphasize that the Committee will listen to all shades of opinions in the areas of its mandates and will not henceforth condone the kind of unacceptable behavior we witnessed in Benin City.
"The Committee wishes to express its sincere appreciation to the Government and people of Edo State for providing support to the Committee in its assignment in the state.
NANS gives ASUU seven days Ultimatum...call off strike or...
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) zone 'B' has given the members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities [ASUU] seven days to call off and return to the class room. The Union warned that at the expiration of the seven days ultimatum they would be left with no other option than to confront the striking lecturers.
Speaking with journalists in Umuahia, the NANS zone B financial secretary and the leader in Abia state, Comrade Eluwah Miracle, said that the students are determined to take their destinies in their own hands by invoking the last "C" in NANS system of settling issues which is confrontation
Eluwah accused the members of ASUU of being selfish in their demands from the federal government and politically motivated adding that student would no longer watch ASUU destroy education in the country and jeopardize the future of millions Nigerian youths.
He said, "NANS Abia state chapter has condemned in strong terms the on-going nation-wide strike embarked upon by ASUU, which timing is not only wrong, but also detrimental to the security and of the country.
Eluwah said that ASUU is claiming that their demands are genuine, "But their approach and timing is very wrong, because the world is now seeing it as being politically motivated and if they say it is not, they should go back to the classroom, while negotiation continues with the federal government".
He maintained that the federal government has done well by offering ASUU the sum of N600 billion in addition to the N100 billion already made available this year for the funding of the universities, "which ASUU has rejected under the fragile nature of the country's economy".
On the issue that the funds from federal government has not been released, Eluwah said, "ASUU is claiming that the funds have not been released, why should the money be released when they have not accepted the offer by the federal government and until they accept the money cannot be released simple".
He said that there are three Cs in the student Aluta struggle which include Consultation, Consideration and finally Confrontation, adding that they have made use of the first two Cs and will not hesitate to use the last one which is confrontation.
Speaking with journalists in Umuahia, the NANS zone B financial secretary and the leader in Abia state, Comrade Eluwah Miracle, said that the students are determined to take their destinies in their own hands by invoking the last "C" in NANS system of settling issues which is confrontation
Eluwah accused the members of ASUU of being selfish in their demands from the federal government and politically motivated adding that student would no longer watch ASUU destroy education in the country and jeopardize the future of millions Nigerian youths.
He said, "NANS Abia state chapter has condemned in strong terms the on-going nation-wide strike embarked upon by ASUU, which timing is not only wrong, but also detrimental to the security and of the country.
Eluwah said that ASUU is claiming that their demands are genuine, "But their approach and timing is very wrong, because the world is now seeing it as being politically motivated and if they say it is not, they should go back to the classroom, while negotiation continues with the federal government".
He maintained that the federal government has done well by offering ASUU the sum of N600 billion in addition to the N100 billion already made available this year for the funding of the universities, "which ASUU has rejected under the fragile nature of the country's economy".
On the issue that the funds from federal government has not been released, Eluwah said, "ASUU is claiming that the funds have not been released, why should the money be released when they have not accepted the offer by the federal government and until they accept the money cannot be released simple".
He said that there are three Cs in the student Aluta struggle which include Consultation, Consideration and finally Confrontation, adding that they have made use of the first two Cs and will not hesitate to use the last one which is confrontation.
Celebrating our very own......Zuriel Oduwole
Her names are;Zuriel Oduwole,an 11 year old Nigerian girl.And she has been named one of the most influential young people in Africa.
Her journey began about a year and a half ago, when this relatively quiet and unknown young ‘pre-teen’ girl, proudly Nigerian, but a true Pan-African child with parents from both Nigeria and Mauritius, began with a simple mission – to show the rest of the world that African leaders are capable of solving their own problems, such as managing a successful economic and social turnaround.
Continue...
She was 9 years old back then, when she embarked on this mission, first to interview the enigmatic President Jerry [John] Rawlings of Ghana for her school assignment on documenting a successful revolution anywhere in the world, on film format. In the process of her research, she found out about the challenges of Girl education and the obstacles to girl child development, in Africa. She then followed this trend on global news program, specifically on BBC.
Her mission immediately changed. She made it a cause to learn more about the challenges of the Girl Child in Africa, but also try to find a simple solution, one as understood by a 9 year old.
By age 10, she had focused more on meeting with and talking to African political and business leaders about the need to fight for educating the African Girl child, which she saw as an investment in Africa. She asked them for a commitment in their respective countries to doing more to change the perception of Girls education,in some cases from an afterthought, to a primary focus.
She was subsequently interviewed for a full feature by Forbes Magazine making her the youngest person in the world to be accorded this privilege, in recognition of her accomplishments. By age 11, she had been received in formal audience with [9] African Presidents and heads of state, all of whom are still in office today. This is an amazing feat by any measure, considering the work and effort it takes to schedule such meetings across Africa’s multi-lingual international language barriers of English, Portuguese, and French. She has also unfortunately fallen into the category of those who miss high profile meetings, in this instance apre-arrangedinterview with a current African President, but for good reason; - because of conflicting schedules with her school work.
Zuriel’smany interviews in front of her camera covers varying subjects andissues of education, health, and even the Millennium Development goals, on which shemade the subject of a documentary. Her interviewees have included the Presidents ofkey African economies such as Kenya, Nigeria and Tanzania, as well as those of South Sudan, Liberia, Cape Verde and Malawi.
Recently in October this year, she was invited to Tanzania, and bestowed with an honorary Ambassador title for the largest foundation in East Africa by the First Lady, Mrs. Salma Kikwete. This was in recognition of her advocacy work for the Girl child. A new computer Lab in the country’s oldest school was also dedicated,opened, and named after Zuriel during her visit.
In between, she stopped by the annual Clinton Global Initiative in New York last September, and also had a one-on-one interview with America’s most celebrated civil rights leader – Reverend Jesse Jackson. On the side of the September 2013 UN General Assembly, she met with and interviewed the head of the Danish Delegation, to find out how DANIDA [Denmark’s overseas development unit] impacts and helps women and girls, across Africa.
Despite all these great strides, Zuriel Oduwole,who has been featured in international news broadcasts, graced the cover of national magazines, andmade several international and regional publication features, has kept her sights firmly on continuing to do [2] simple things that seem to define her immediate goal. These are making the case for educating and inspiring the African Girl child through her Dream Up, Speak Up, Stand Up program, now launched in Nigeria, Malawi and Tanzania. The second isshowing the world the positive things about Africa, through her compelling ‘world class and award winning documentaries’, [some featuring her interviews with Africa’s leaders], which she writes, directs, and co-produces. Essentially, she is RebrandingAfrica.
The Caribbean Region – Her Next Stop
She has now turned her focus away from African leaders towards the America’s, at least momentarily, while keeping Girls Inspirationissues central in subject. Zuriel has just met with the leader of the largest island country in the Caribbean and the only female head of governmentin the CARICOM region, Prime Minister Portia Simpson Millerof Jamaica. The Prime Ministerin an intimate and detailed interview was dazzled by Zuriel’s questions, impressed by her poise, and so overwhelmed by her ability to focus on issuesat such high level that she herself broke with protocol. ‘She hugged, kissed, prayed for, and then carried her on the lap’ for the formal photograph before the press, after the interview.
“She is our brilliant child from Africa”, she declared!
Issues discussed during the interview covered the emerging dominance of Jamaica in World athletics, including the phenomenon known as “Lightning Bolt” [Usain Bolt], the Girl Child in Jamaica, Tourism in the country, and the Prime Minsters role in encouraging Girls within the fifteen country Caribbean Community [CARICOM] region to aim for higher leadership positions. While she plans to meet with Usain Bolt in a future interview schedule, there are already confirmed meetings and interviews, with other Prime Ministers, in the Caribbean region.
They want to tell their stories of growth & development intimately and exclusively, through Zuriel.
It all makes this remarkable young Nigerianarguably the most powerful and influential 11 year old in the world today, and sheis African. She just might be building her way to accomplishing her long term dream of becoming the President of the greatest union in the world – the United States of America, just as another African has done currently. Soperhaps, she can help Africa and the Caribbean region even further, as she has so eloquently puts it in her many interviews.
So inspiring...
Her journey began about a year and a half ago, when this relatively quiet and unknown young ‘pre-teen’ girl, proudly Nigerian, but a true Pan-African child with parents from both Nigeria and Mauritius, began with a simple mission – to show the rest of the world that African leaders are capable of solving their own problems, such as managing a successful economic and social turnaround.
Continue...
She was 9 years old back then, when she embarked on this mission, first to interview the enigmatic President Jerry [John] Rawlings of Ghana for her school assignment on documenting a successful revolution anywhere in the world, on film format. In the process of her research, she found out about the challenges of Girl education and the obstacles to girl child development, in Africa. She then followed this trend on global news program, specifically on BBC.
Her mission immediately changed. She made it a cause to learn more about the challenges of the Girl Child in Africa, but also try to find a simple solution, one as understood by a 9 year old.
By age 10, she had focused more on meeting with and talking to African political and business leaders about the need to fight for educating the African Girl child, which she saw as an investment in Africa. She asked them for a commitment in their respective countries to doing more to change the perception of Girls education,in some cases from an afterthought, to a primary focus.
She was subsequently interviewed for a full feature by Forbes Magazine making her the youngest person in the world to be accorded this privilege, in recognition of her accomplishments. By age 11, she had been received in formal audience with [9] African Presidents and heads of state, all of whom are still in office today. This is an amazing feat by any measure, considering the work and effort it takes to schedule such meetings across Africa’s multi-lingual international language barriers of English, Portuguese, and French. She has also unfortunately fallen into the category of those who miss high profile meetings, in this instance apre-arrangedinterview with a current African President, but for good reason; - because of conflicting schedules with her school work.
Zuriel’smany interviews in front of her camera covers varying subjects andissues of education, health, and even the Millennium Development goals, on which shemade the subject of a documentary. Her interviewees have included the Presidents ofkey African economies such as Kenya, Nigeria and Tanzania, as well as those of South Sudan, Liberia, Cape Verde and Malawi.
Recently in October this year, she was invited to Tanzania, and bestowed with an honorary Ambassador title for the largest foundation in East Africa by the First Lady, Mrs. Salma Kikwete. This was in recognition of her advocacy work for the Girl child. A new computer Lab in the country’s oldest school was also dedicated,opened, and named after Zuriel during her visit.
In between, she stopped by the annual Clinton Global Initiative in New York last September, and also had a one-on-one interview with America’s most celebrated civil rights leader – Reverend Jesse Jackson. On the side of the September 2013 UN General Assembly, she met with and interviewed the head of the Danish Delegation, to find out how DANIDA [Denmark’s overseas development unit] impacts and helps women and girls, across Africa.
Despite all these great strides, Zuriel Oduwole,who has been featured in international news broadcasts, graced the cover of national magazines, andmade several international and regional publication features, has kept her sights firmly on continuing to do [2] simple things that seem to define her immediate goal. These are making the case for educating and inspiring the African Girl child through her Dream Up, Speak Up, Stand Up program, now launched in Nigeria, Malawi and Tanzania. The second isshowing the world the positive things about Africa, through her compelling ‘world class and award winning documentaries’, [some featuring her interviews with Africa’s leaders], which she writes, directs, and co-produces. Essentially, she is RebrandingAfrica.
The Caribbean Region – Her Next Stop
She has now turned her focus away from African leaders towards the America’s, at least momentarily, while keeping Girls Inspirationissues central in subject. Zuriel has just met with the leader of the largest island country in the Caribbean and the only female head of governmentin the CARICOM region, Prime Minister Portia Simpson Millerof Jamaica. The Prime Ministerin an intimate and detailed interview was dazzled by Zuriel’s questions, impressed by her poise, and so overwhelmed by her ability to focus on issuesat such high level that she herself broke with protocol. ‘She hugged, kissed, prayed for, and then carried her on the lap’ for the formal photograph before the press, after the interview.
“She is our brilliant child from Africa”, she declared!
Issues discussed during the interview covered the emerging dominance of Jamaica in World athletics, including the phenomenon known as “Lightning Bolt” [Usain Bolt], the Girl Child in Jamaica, Tourism in the country, and the Prime Minsters role in encouraging Girls within the fifteen country Caribbean Community [CARICOM] region to aim for higher leadership positions. While she plans to meet with Usain Bolt in a future interview schedule, there are already confirmed meetings and interviews, with other Prime Ministers, in the Caribbean region.
They want to tell their stories of growth & development intimately and exclusively, through Zuriel.
It all makes this remarkable young Nigerianarguably the most powerful and influential 11 year old in the world today, and sheis African. She just might be building her way to accomplishing her long term dream of becoming the President of the greatest union in the world – the United States of America, just as another African has done currently. Soperhaps, she can help Africa and the Caribbean region even further, as she has so eloquently puts it in her many interviews.
So inspiring...
Another Baby factory discovered in Imo State
The Imo state police command has arrested a 35 year old native of Umuoda Isingwu Umuahia south in Abia state, Mrs. Rose Nwadinaobi, for allegedly running an illegal baby factory where pregnant teenagers are kept till day of delivery and their babies sold to interested buyers.
While parading the suspect and her accomplices at the police headquarters in Owerri, the state capital, the police commissioner, Mohammed Katsina, said the group was arrested during an ambush when a suspected buyer, Mrs Amaka Abuchukwu was on transit from Port Harcourt to Owerri, where she bought a day old baby.
Preliminary investigations by the security agency revealed that the clinic she described as a herbal clinic was only an illegal baby factory and as at the time of arrest, 6 pregnant teenagers waiting to deliver were rescued from the place.
A sum of one N1.03 million, which was deposited by buyers, was also recovered from the woman.
Mrs Nwadinobi, the operator of the factory, initially claimed to be a certified herbal nurse who had over time treated women who are unable to conceive but while on interrogation confessed that her herbal treatment did not produce desired results in Mrs Abuchukwu and due to her desperation, a pregnant teenager was brought in to deliver and hand over a baby boy in exchange for N250,000.
The pregnant teenagers who were rescued from the herbal home disclosed that they all conceived outside the home but individually approached the operator after they were directed by friends and were promised the sum of N50,000 if they willingly surrender their babies after delivery.
Investigations also revealed that the operator of the factory, who resides in Port Harcourt, has a chain of clients all over the country. The Police Commissioner further investigations will carried out to investigate the authenticity of the claim.
While parading the suspect and her accomplices at the police headquarters in Owerri, the state capital, the police commissioner, Mohammed Katsina, said the group was arrested during an ambush when a suspected buyer, Mrs Amaka Abuchukwu was on transit from Port Harcourt to Owerri, where she bought a day old baby.
Preliminary investigations by the security agency revealed that the clinic she described as a herbal clinic was only an illegal baby factory and as at the time of arrest, 6 pregnant teenagers waiting to deliver were rescued from the place.
A sum of one N1.03 million, which was deposited by buyers, was also recovered from the woman.
Mrs Nwadinobi, the operator of the factory, initially claimed to be a certified herbal nurse who had over time treated women who are unable to conceive but while on interrogation confessed that her herbal treatment did not produce desired results in Mrs Abuchukwu and due to her desperation, a pregnant teenager was brought in to deliver and hand over a baby boy in exchange for N250,000.
The pregnant teenagers who were rescued from the herbal home disclosed that they all conceived outside the home but individually approached the operator after they were directed by friends and were promised the sum of N50,000 if they willingly surrender their babies after delivery.
Investigations also revealed that the operator of the factory, who resides in Port Harcourt, has a chain of clients all over the country. The Police Commissioner further investigations will carried out to investigate the authenticity of the claim.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Kaduna Speaker Assumes Acting Governor
The Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Alh. Shehu Usman Tahir yesterday assumed the position of acting Governor of the State as a result of the vacancy created by the absence of the Governor, Alh. Mukhtar Ramalan Yero and his deputy, Amb. Nuhu Audu Bajoga.
Governor Yero yesterday morning flew out of the country to attend an exhibition on Nok culture organised by the Liebieghaus Skulpturensammlung, in collaboration with Frankfurt’s Goethe University with support from the National Commission for Museums and Monuments of Nigeria slated to hold today, while his deputy was still at Israel with President Goodluck Jonathan, performing Pilgrimage.
When contacted on the matter, the Governor’s spokesman, Mal. Ahmed Maiyaki told newsmen that the Speaker of the state Assembly has assumes the responsibility of acting Governor pending the arrival of the deputy governor.
Maiyaki added that the governor had transmitted a letter to the state Assembly informing the lawmakers of his trip to Germany and that the absence of the governor and his deputy was not going to affect the running of the state.
Meanwhile, a group known as the Kaduna Salvation Movement (KASMO) said the absence of both Governor and his Deputy from the state was “a sign of ignorance of the ethics of governance”.
Governor Yero yesterday morning flew out of the country to attend an exhibition on Nok culture organised by the Liebieghaus Skulpturensammlung, in collaboration with Frankfurt’s Goethe University with support from the National Commission for Museums and Monuments of Nigeria slated to hold today, while his deputy was still at Israel with President Goodluck Jonathan, performing Pilgrimage.
When contacted on the matter, the Governor’s spokesman, Mal. Ahmed Maiyaki told newsmen that the Speaker of the state Assembly has assumes the responsibility of acting Governor pending the arrival of the deputy governor.
Maiyaki added that the governor had transmitted a letter to the state Assembly informing the lawmakers of his trip to Germany and that the absence of the governor and his deputy was not going to affect the running of the state.
Meanwhile, a group known as the Kaduna Salvation Movement (KASMO) said the absence of both Governor and his Deputy from the state was “a sign of ignorance of the ethics of governance”.
Suntai Vs Taraba house of Assemby
A Taraba High Court on Monday referred the case filed by ailing Gov. Danbaba Suntai against the speaker of the state House of Assembly, and the entire House, to the Court of Appeal for guidance and
direction. In a ruling in Jalingo, the trial Judge, Justice Ali Andeyangtu, said the matter required the interpretation and application of Section 190 (2) of the 1999 constitution as amended.
The section deals with transmission of letter and resumption of duty by a governor.
Mr Andeyangtu said in view of the importance of the case to the people of the state, there was a need to send it to a superior court for a judicial pronouncement that would become a reference point.
Mr Suntai is challenging the decision of the state House of Assembly to refuse to recognize him as governor. The House is insisting that the governor is incapable of resuming at his post due to his health, and have urged him to seek further attention.
But Mr Suntai has argued that his health should not be a subject of consideration by the House, as the constitution merely requires that he transmits a letter to the House on return from medical trip.
The lead counsel to the state assembly, Yusuf Ali, had earlier filed a motion asking the court to transfer a section of the case that related to the interpretation of the constitution to the Court of Appeal.
He said that transferring the case to the appellate court was pertinent because no previous judicial pronouncement had been made on the section of the constitution in the country.
Mr Ali quoted Section 295(2) of the 1999 constitution as amended to support his claim.
However, Alex Izinyon, counsel to Mr Suntai, argued that the issues involved in the case were based on facts and asked the court to dismiss the motion for reference and determine the case on its merit.
Mr Suntai and the legislature on Sept. 30 opted for out-of-court settlement, which the court granted them time to do.
The out-of-court settlement has failed, thereby giving room for the continuation of the case.
The case was adjourned pending the decision of the higher court.
direction. In a ruling in Jalingo, the trial Judge, Justice Ali Andeyangtu, said the matter required the interpretation and application of Section 190 (2) of the 1999 constitution as amended.
The section deals with transmission of letter and resumption of duty by a governor.
Mr Andeyangtu said in view of the importance of the case to the people of the state, there was a need to send it to a superior court for a judicial pronouncement that would become a reference point.
Mr Suntai is challenging the decision of the state House of Assembly to refuse to recognize him as governor. The House is insisting that the governor is incapable of resuming at his post due to his health, and have urged him to seek further attention.
But Mr Suntai has argued that his health should not be a subject of consideration by the House, as the constitution merely requires that he transmits a letter to the House on return from medical trip.
The lead counsel to the state assembly, Yusuf Ali, had earlier filed a motion asking the court to transfer a section of the case that related to the interpretation of the constitution to the Court of Appeal.
He said that transferring the case to the appellate court was pertinent because no previous judicial pronouncement had been made on the section of the constitution in the country.
Mr Ali quoted Section 295(2) of the 1999 constitution as amended to support his claim.
However, Alex Izinyon, counsel to Mr Suntai, argued that the issues involved in the case were based on facts and asked the court to dismiss the motion for reference and determine the case on its merit.
Mr Suntai and the legislature on Sept. 30 opted for out-of-court settlement, which the court granted them time to do.
The out-of-court settlement has failed, thereby giving room for the continuation of the case.
The case was adjourned pending the decision of the higher court.
Another plane crash averted Yesterday
Another air disaster was averted at the Nnamdi Azikwe Airport, Abuja on Monday as a Med-View Airlines aircraft from Lagos suddenly took to the air again at the point of landing in Abuja.
It was reports that the airline Flight VL2104 which had about 150 passengers on board took off from the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos at noon and was scheduled to land in Abuja at about 1.05pm.
The pilot had already announced final descent into Abuja and asked all passengers and cabin crew to fasten their seat belts only for him to suddenly take off to the air again with barely 30 seconds to touch ground.
Definitely, his action caused big panic, commotion among the passengers who bursted into prayers, yells to know what was happening, especially when the plane entered into turbulent weather on air.
It wasn't until after about three minutes of gaining altitude, that the pilot announced that he had decided to take off again to avoid colliding with an aircraft that was on ground.
According to the pilot, after he had been granted clearance to land, it was later discovered that the other aircraft was not fast enough, hence his decision to take off.
The aircraft hovered for another 20 minutes in the air before finally landing at about 1:30pm.
......And all we have to say is; Thank You Lord!!!
It was reports that the airline Flight VL2104 which had about 150 passengers on board took off from the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos at noon and was scheduled to land in Abuja at about 1.05pm.
The pilot had already announced final descent into Abuja and asked all passengers and cabin crew to fasten their seat belts only for him to suddenly take off to the air again with barely 30 seconds to touch ground.
Definitely, his action caused big panic, commotion among the passengers who bursted into prayers, yells to know what was happening, especially when the plane entered into turbulent weather on air.
It wasn't until after about three minutes of gaining altitude, that the pilot announced that he had decided to take off again to avoid colliding with an aircraft that was on ground.
According to the pilot, after he had been granted clearance to land, it was later discovered that the other aircraft was not fast enough, hence his decision to take off.
The aircraft hovered for another 20 minutes in the air before finally landing at about 1:30pm.
......And all we have to say is; Thank You Lord!!!
Breaking News: First Lady Of Enugu State, Begs Human Rights Groups To Release Her From House Arrest Imposed By Governor Sullivan Chime
According to Sahara Reporters, Clara Chime, the First Lady of Enugu State, says Governor Sullivan Chime, has placed her under house arrest, and has cried out for assistance to reach human rights bodies to rescue her.
In a letter dripping with pain and suffering, Mrs. Chime disclosed that she married Mr. Chime in October 2008 but that she has been unable to share the matrimonial bed with him for over four years.
Describing her desperate situation, she said that even President Goodluck Jonathan and First Lady Patience Jonathan have intervened with her husband without success.
“My father is late, my Mum and few of my siblings are confused and have done all kinds of prayers they know of, 3 of my siblings prefers me dead than to see me leave the Government house. He treats my Mum and my siblings bad,” she wrote.
The Enugu State First Lady said she has been introduced to two psychiatrists whose names she gave as Dr. Onwukwe and Dr. Agumo, who have prescribed “all kinds of drugs that ends up keeping me acute depressed and also drives me into hallucinations.”
The doctors, she noted, are scared of her husband the Governor, to whom nobody can tell the truth.
According to the letter, the Catholic Bishop of Enugu state (Callistus Onaga), and top priests have come to intervene, as have the President and the First Lady of the nation, without success.
Mrs. Chime further complains that Governor Chime has ordered her to leave with her four-year old son whom she conceived before their wedding. However, the governor, according to her, later threatened to disown the boy should she leave with him.
“He has told everyone he can reach that there is no marriage between us that I can leave if I wish to but whenever I plan to leave he instructs them to lock me in. I have told him through Sms that I will leave my son behind and leave alone but still he instructed
his securities to lock me inside the house.”
Mrs. Chime further complains she has lost touch with the real world and all that makes her beautiful because of the side effects of the drugs she is taking, stressing that she is under house arrest for committing no crime.
Of the situation in Government House, she said, “He does not take care of me personally, the government gives me allowance to run the house and that's where I save little from to take care of my elf, my Mum and few of my siblings,” she said in the letter. He shut me out of his life years ago; I don't have access to his apartment. The problem is enormous; I don't know where to start to explain from.”
She said that even the security detail in the lodge has resorted to praying for her, while the few that can be bought with money are taking advantage of the situation.
“Police and SS men have been instructed by Br Sullivan Chime to confine me in a place for a long time now against my wish [but] it is my wish to leave these premises,” she said, begging, “Please assist me to reach to the human rights and say to them to please come hastily and release me.”
In a letter dripping with pain and suffering, Mrs. Chime disclosed that she married Mr. Chime in October 2008 but that she has been unable to share the matrimonial bed with him for over four years.
Describing her desperate situation, she said that even President Goodluck Jonathan and First Lady Patience Jonathan have intervened with her husband without success.
“My father is late, my Mum and few of my siblings are confused and have done all kinds of prayers they know of, 3 of my siblings prefers me dead than to see me leave the Government house. He treats my Mum and my siblings bad,” she wrote.
The Enugu State First Lady said she has been introduced to two psychiatrists whose names she gave as Dr. Onwukwe and Dr. Agumo, who have prescribed “all kinds of drugs that ends up keeping me acute depressed and also drives me into hallucinations.”
The doctors, she noted, are scared of her husband the Governor, to whom nobody can tell the truth.
According to the letter, the Catholic Bishop of Enugu state (Callistus Onaga), and top priests have come to intervene, as have the President and the First Lady of the nation, without success.
Mrs. Chime further complains that Governor Chime has ordered her to leave with her four-year old son whom she conceived before their wedding. However, the governor, according to her, later threatened to disown the boy should she leave with him.
“He has told everyone he can reach that there is no marriage between us that I can leave if I wish to but whenever I plan to leave he instructs them to lock me in. I have told him through Sms that I will leave my son behind and leave alone but still he instructed
his securities to lock me inside the house.”
Mrs. Chime further complains she has lost touch with the real world and all that makes her beautiful because of the side effects of the drugs she is taking, stressing that she is under house arrest for committing no crime.
Of the situation in Government House, she said, “He does not take care of me personally, the government gives me allowance to run the house and that's where I save little from to take care of my elf, my Mum and few of my siblings,” she said in the letter. He shut me out of his life years ago; I don't have access to his apartment. The problem is enormous; I don't know where to start to explain from.”
She said that even the security detail in the lodge has resorted to praying for her, while the few that can be bought with money are taking advantage of the situation.
“Police and SS men have been instructed by Br Sullivan Chime to confine me in a place for a long time now against my wish [but] it is my wish to leave these premises,” she said, begging, “Please assist me to reach to the human rights and say to them to please come hastily and release me.”
Monday, October 28, 2013
Pres. Jonathan Refused to see Ms Stella Oduah in Isreal
Aviation Minster Stella Oduah is currently in Israel where she went to meet President Jonathan to explain her role in the controversial BMW car deal and also take part in the signing of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement with Israel. But according to new reports, the president has not only refused to see Stella Oduah, he's also keeping her out of the signing ceremony which will hold today in Israel.
President Jonathan is said to be uncomfortable with the public outrage surrounding the minister and he doesn't want it to look like he's condoning corruption, especially since he's set up a committee to probe the minister.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) said recently that they don't have any documents relating to the controversial bulletproof cars it bought for the Minister.
President Jonathan is said to be uncomfortable with the public outrage surrounding the minister and he doesn't want it to look like he's condoning corruption, especially since he's set up a committee to probe the minister.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) said recently that they don't have any documents relating to the controversial bulletproof cars it bought for the Minister.
Ombatse spiritual leader to appear before judicial commission today
The spiritual leader of Ombatse group, Lega Agu, otherwise called Baba Alakyo, is due to appear before the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Alakyo killings on Monday, October 28 to give testimony on his alleged role that led to the death of over 70 security personnel on May 7th, 2013.
The chairman of the commission, Justice Joseph Gbadeyan, who disclosed this in Lafia, hinged Baba Alakyo's appearance on the condition that Governor Umaru Tanko Almakura signs an undertaking that he would not be arrested.
Justice Gbadeyan stated this at the end of Governor Almakura's hearing in Lafia Government House where he gave testimony before the commission.
He said: "Baba Alakyo will appear before this honorable commission on Monday based on the assurance of Barr. Zakari Zamani Alumaga, the legal adviser of the Ombatse that Almakura signs an undertaking that he would not be arrested."
The attorney general and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Innocent Lagi, assured that he will appropriately advise governor Almakura on the gain of Baba Alakyo's appearance.
Baba Alakyo, it will be recalled, was fingered to have masterminded the killings of security operatives of the Nigeria Police and the SSS sometime in May this year at Alakyo village saying it was his god that killed the security operatives. Though he has continued to deny such allegations
The chairman of the commission, Justice Joseph Gbadeyan, who disclosed this in Lafia, hinged Baba Alakyo's appearance on the condition that Governor Umaru Tanko Almakura signs an undertaking that he would not be arrested.
Justice Gbadeyan stated this at the end of Governor Almakura's hearing in Lafia Government House where he gave testimony before the commission.
He said: "Baba Alakyo will appear before this honorable commission on Monday based on the assurance of Barr. Zakari Zamani Alumaga, the legal adviser of the Ombatse that Almakura signs an undertaking that he would not be arrested."
The attorney general and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Innocent Lagi, assured that he will appropriately advise governor Almakura on the gain of Baba Alakyo's appearance.
Baba Alakyo, it will be recalled, was fingered to have masterminded the killings of security operatives of the Nigeria Police and the SSS sometime in May this year at Alakyo village saying it was his god that killed the security operatives. Though he has continued to deny such allegations
Suntai celebrates one year of air crash survival in church
Recuperating Taraba State Governor Danbaba Danfulani Suntai at the weekend stormed the Unity Chapel Church (UCC) at the Government House in Jalingo, the state capital, for a thanksgiving on his survival of an air crash last year.
We recall that, Suntai was injured when an aircraft he piloted crashed near Yola, the Adamawa State capital, on October 25, last year which he spent 10 months in Germany and the United States hospitals for treatment.
Following his return 10 months after the crash on August 25, he wrote the House of Assembly on his readiness to resume duty. But he was stopped by the lawmakers on health grounds.
Last Friday was exactly a year after the governor and his Aide de Camp (ADC) Iliya Dasat, Chief Detail Joel Danladi and Chief Security Officer (CSO) Tino Dangana survived the ill-fated Cessna 208 aircraft.
The three aides, who were treated in Germany, were also with the governor during the thanksgiving service.
Also with the governor were his wife Hauwa, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) G. T. Kataps and the Chief of Staff, Aminu Jika, among other aides.
Suntai's thanksgiving came a few days after he went out for a fishing expedition.
The congregation were all in tears on seeing him.
The tears of joy began to drop irrepressible following the governor's speech, which turned out to be the morning sermon for the worshippers.
"I thank God that I survived the air crash to see this day. I am happy to reunite with you again," Suntai said.
He thanked Taraba residents for their prayers on him which he said have helped him.
The governor preached forgiveness and asked everybody whom he said he may have offended to forgive him.
"Do not hold anything against your enemy or anyone at heart. For me and my family, we have forgiven all our adversaries," he said.
We recall that, Suntai was injured when an aircraft he piloted crashed near Yola, the Adamawa State capital, on October 25, last year which he spent 10 months in Germany and the United States hospitals for treatment.
Following his return 10 months after the crash on August 25, he wrote the House of Assembly on his readiness to resume duty. But he was stopped by the lawmakers on health grounds.
Last Friday was exactly a year after the governor and his Aide de Camp (ADC) Iliya Dasat, Chief Detail Joel Danladi and Chief Security Officer (CSO) Tino Dangana survived the ill-fated Cessna 208 aircraft.
The three aides, who were treated in Germany, were also with the governor during the thanksgiving service.
Also with the governor were his wife Hauwa, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) G. T. Kataps and the Chief of Staff, Aminu Jika, among other aides.
Suntai's thanksgiving came a few days after he went out for a fishing expedition.
The congregation were all in tears on seeing him.
The tears of joy began to drop irrepressible following the governor's speech, which turned out to be the morning sermon for the worshippers.
"I thank God that I survived the air crash to see this day. I am happy to reunite with you again," Suntai said.
He thanked Taraba residents for their prayers on him which he said have helped him.
The governor preached forgiveness and asked everybody whom he said he may have offended to forgive him.
"Do not hold anything against your enemy or anyone at heart. For me and my family, we have forgiven all our adversaries," he said.
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Confession of a Boko Haram member
A Boko Haram suspect (names withheld) in the custody of military forces in Maiduguri, Borno State has revealed how the insurgents source guns for their nefarious operations
including the recent attack in the neighboring Damaturu town of Yobe State.
The 22-year-old man told journalists in Maiduguri on Friday evening that guns used for attacks were often hidden in sacks and conveyed to members of the sect in the bush on motorcycles.
He recalled the October 6 episode that culminated in his present born-again posture, maintaining that he, like most young members of the sect, were forced into Boko Haram.
The insurgents had attacked Damboa on Sunday, October 6, few days to Eid-el-Kabir but the attack was reportedly foiled by military troops and the insurgents fled the area with varying degrees of wounds. But the young man was abandoned by his colleagues-in-arm, believing that he was dead. He however, survived though with a leg injury, to tell his story. The story of blood-letting that has caused people pain and anguish for three years now.
"My brother and I were living in a house here in Maiduguri where he kept his AK47 rifle. He called me one day and said I would be held responsible should soldiers come to the house to retrieve the gun and he threatened to kill me," he disclosed as he wobbled into a small room with his crutches to meet reporters.
His confessions
"I deliberately wanted to talk to journalists to help me tell youths not to join Boko Haram because it won't do them any good. We carried out an attack recently on a Sunday at Damboa (Damboa Local Government) after the morning prayers but the operation was bad as I was shot in the leg by the security people. My colleagues attempted to carry me but left me and fled at a point because they thought I was dead. So they left me in the bush. I writhed in pains in the bush until a time by noon when I mustered all the remaining energy in me to crawl and got to a road. I saw some children and explained my situation to them. After sometime, some policemen came and took me to their station. I told them I wanted to confess even if they were going to kill me that I had wanted to leave Boko Haram sect but I was in a difficult situation. I couldn't leave because they would kill me if I attempted to and if I continued, either the security or the Civilian JTF will still kill me. I asked for water and the police officer ordered food and some energy drinks. I opened up to the policemen at the station and I was later moved to a military barracks where the soldiers have kept me since. They took me to the hospital to treat my wound and they've been giving me good food since, compared to when I was in the bush.
How I Joined Boko Haram
I was forced to join the sect by my elder brother. We were living together in a house here in Maiduguri where he kept his AK47 rifle. He called me one day, sometime last year and said I would be held responsible should soldiers come to the house to retrieve the gun or arrest him since I was the only one (non-Boko Haram member) that knew he had a gun and knew where he kept it. He also threatened to kill me if I disclose his secret. I was afraid and decided to join Boko Haram so that I would not be killed. I have been a member for about a year now. I didn't take any oath, I don't even know about any oath taking. I was told I was working for God and that whatever happened to me was destined by God. "It's Allah's work", so they told us. Our superiors usually counted us every week or at the end of every attack to know those killed or those who have fled the group. We had to seek permission if anyone of us wanted to go somewhere aside from our operations. Some of us ran away but were often located, brought back and slaughtered on the order of our superiors. I once ran away to Lagos and I was brought back but I'm lucky they didn't kill me.
Is Boko Haram insurgence holy?
Well, they always tell us that we are doing God's work and that Allah will reward us for our deeds. It's now that I am not with them that I realize that what we were doing was evil but if you're there, you will think what our leaders were saying was the truth. They were killing people, confiscating their property, forcibly collecting money from them especially traders. I have never slaughtered anybody but I have witnessed slaughtering by the sect.
How we got our guns
Our leaders are supplied different guns which I understand come through Sambisa area. When a new member comes, the superior will bring out an AK 47, dismantle it and assemble it again before the new member. The superior will repeat the same exercise again and give you the gun to do what he did earlier and then ask the person to pull the trigger. That's all. They keep the guns in sacks and convey them on motorcycles to where we are going to attack for distribution among ourselves.
Life in Boko Haram camp
Life is very bad and excruciating. It's like hell. We were about 150 in each camp with our commanders. We drink contaminated water, eat poor food and had no clothes. Also we hardly take our bath or have time for ourselves. Sometimes we don't even eat and that is why we often break shops and houses and steal food available whenever we attack since we cannot come to the town to buy food. I was fair in complexion before I went into the bush with the Boko Haram sect, but I'm now very dark because of the hardship at the camp.
We have doctors who administer treatment to wounded members as well as mechanics who repair our vehicles and motorcycles. We also have different people who are skilled in various professions and trade. Everybody has one thing or the other which he does. We often steal medicines from patient medicine shops or pharmaceutical shops anytime we go for attack. We replenish our supplies with different drugs confiscated either from hospitals or medicine stores. We don't take drugs in our camp and honestly I don't know anything about kidnapping of women or people. Our targets are only policemen and soldiers but we started killing people on the road because of activities of Civilian JTF. That was why we carried out the Beneisheik attack. Our leaders said we should kill any passenger who comes from Maiduguri because Boko Haram believes Maiduguri people are their enemies. We perceive everybody in Maiduguri as Civilian JTF.
My advise to youths
I urge youths not to join Boko Haram because they'll regret it. You can leave once you join and you won't live a normal life once you're there with them. Life there is dehumanizing and very bad. It's worse than the life of a refugee because we sleep in open places, suffering and alone in the bush. It's hellish. If I am given the opportunity, I will assist security agencies in bringing this problem of insurgency to an end. I plead with the government to forgive me and understand my predicament,because I did not join Boko Haram willingly. My brother forced me into it when he threatened to kill me if I expose him and today he is no more. He has been killed during one of our attacks. I wish I could go to school and do something positive for the society.
including the recent attack in the neighboring Damaturu town of Yobe State.
The 22-year-old man told journalists in Maiduguri on Friday evening that guns used for attacks were often hidden in sacks and conveyed to members of the sect in the bush on motorcycles.
He recalled the October 6 episode that culminated in his present born-again posture, maintaining that he, like most young members of the sect, were forced into Boko Haram.
The insurgents had attacked Damboa on Sunday, October 6, few days to Eid-el-Kabir but the attack was reportedly foiled by military troops and the insurgents fled the area with varying degrees of wounds. But the young man was abandoned by his colleagues-in-arm, believing that he was dead. He however, survived though with a leg injury, to tell his story. The story of blood-letting that has caused people pain and anguish for three years now.
"My brother and I were living in a house here in Maiduguri where he kept his AK47 rifle. He called me one day and said I would be held responsible should soldiers come to the house to retrieve the gun and he threatened to kill me," he disclosed as he wobbled into a small room with his crutches to meet reporters.
His confessions
"I deliberately wanted to talk to journalists to help me tell youths not to join Boko Haram because it won't do them any good. We carried out an attack recently on a Sunday at Damboa (Damboa Local Government) after the morning prayers but the operation was bad as I was shot in the leg by the security people. My colleagues attempted to carry me but left me and fled at a point because they thought I was dead. So they left me in the bush. I writhed in pains in the bush until a time by noon when I mustered all the remaining energy in me to crawl and got to a road. I saw some children and explained my situation to them. After sometime, some policemen came and took me to their station. I told them I wanted to confess even if they were going to kill me that I had wanted to leave Boko Haram sect but I was in a difficult situation. I couldn't leave because they would kill me if I attempted to and if I continued, either the security or the Civilian JTF will still kill me. I asked for water and the police officer ordered food and some energy drinks. I opened up to the policemen at the station and I was later moved to a military barracks where the soldiers have kept me since. They took me to the hospital to treat my wound and they've been giving me good food since, compared to when I was in the bush.
How I Joined Boko Haram
I was forced to join the sect by my elder brother. We were living together in a house here in Maiduguri where he kept his AK47 rifle. He called me one day, sometime last year and said I would be held responsible should soldiers come to the house to retrieve the gun or arrest him since I was the only one (non-Boko Haram member) that knew he had a gun and knew where he kept it. He also threatened to kill me if I disclose his secret. I was afraid and decided to join Boko Haram so that I would not be killed. I have been a member for about a year now. I didn't take any oath, I don't even know about any oath taking. I was told I was working for God and that whatever happened to me was destined by God. "It's Allah's work", so they told us. Our superiors usually counted us every week or at the end of every attack to know those killed or those who have fled the group. We had to seek permission if anyone of us wanted to go somewhere aside from our operations. Some of us ran away but were often located, brought back and slaughtered on the order of our superiors. I once ran away to Lagos and I was brought back but I'm lucky they didn't kill me.
Is Boko Haram insurgence holy?
Well, they always tell us that we are doing God's work and that Allah will reward us for our deeds. It's now that I am not with them that I realize that what we were doing was evil but if you're there, you will think what our leaders were saying was the truth. They were killing people, confiscating their property, forcibly collecting money from them especially traders. I have never slaughtered anybody but I have witnessed slaughtering by the sect.
How we got our guns
Our leaders are supplied different guns which I understand come through Sambisa area. When a new member comes, the superior will bring out an AK 47, dismantle it and assemble it again before the new member. The superior will repeat the same exercise again and give you the gun to do what he did earlier and then ask the person to pull the trigger. That's all. They keep the guns in sacks and convey them on motorcycles to where we are going to attack for distribution among ourselves.
Life in Boko Haram camp
Life is very bad and excruciating. It's like hell. We were about 150 in each camp with our commanders. We drink contaminated water, eat poor food and had no clothes. Also we hardly take our bath or have time for ourselves. Sometimes we don't even eat and that is why we often break shops and houses and steal food available whenever we attack since we cannot come to the town to buy food. I was fair in complexion before I went into the bush with the Boko Haram sect, but I'm now very dark because of the hardship at the camp.
We have doctors who administer treatment to wounded members as well as mechanics who repair our vehicles and motorcycles. We also have different people who are skilled in various professions and trade. Everybody has one thing or the other which he does. We often steal medicines from patient medicine shops or pharmaceutical shops anytime we go for attack. We replenish our supplies with different drugs confiscated either from hospitals or medicine stores. We don't take drugs in our camp and honestly I don't know anything about kidnapping of women or people. Our targets are only policemen and soldiers but we started killing people on the road because of activities of Civilian JTF. That was why we carried out the Beneisheik attack. Our leaders said we should kill any passenger who comes from Maiduguri because Boko Haram believes Maiduguri people are their enemies. We perceive everybody in Maiduguri as Civilian JTF.
My advise to youths
I urge youths not to join Boko Haram because they'll regret it. You can leave once you join and you won't live a normal life once you're there with them. Life there is dehumanizing and very bad. It's worse than the life of a refugee because we sleep in open places, suffering and alone in the bush. It's hellish. If I am given the opportunity, I will assist security agencies in bringing this problem of insurgency to an end. I plead with the government to forgive me and understand my predicament,because I did not join Boko Haram willingly. My brother forced me into it when he threatened to kill me if I expose him and today he is no more. He has been killed during one of our attacks. I wish I could go to school and do something positive for the society.
Breaking news:car car runs into Catholic church during service in Lagos
Four persons were injured this morning at the Church of Assumption, Agboroko, Lagos as a car lost control and rammed into the church building during the morning mass.
It was gathered that the owner of the black Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) was trying to reverse when its brake failed,broke into the church wall and headed straight to the altar.
"I am still in shock. It looks like a film to me." A church member said
at the scene of the incident.
"The mass was still on and suddenly we heard a loud noise. At first, I thought it was an explosion and when I looked back, I saw a car running towards the altar, scattering chairs and hitting worshipers."
"Many bones were broken , only God will rescue them," the source added.
It was gathered that victims were rushed to a nearby hospital, but three of them were rejected and referred to Igbobi Hospital because of the degree of the injuries.
It was gathered that the owner of the black Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) was trying to reverse when its brake failed,broke into the church wall and headed straight to the altar.
"I am still in shock. It looks like a film to me." A church member said
at the scene of the incident.
"The mass was still on and suddenly we heard a loud noise. At first, I thought it was an explosion and when I looked back, I saw a car running towards the altar, scattering chairs and hitting worshipers."
"Many bones were broken , only God will rescue them," the source added.
It was gathered that victims were rushed to a nearby hospital, but three of them were rejected and referred to Igbobi Hospital because of the degree of the injuries.
Saturday, October 26, 2013
MEND in-touch with U.S mariner kidnappers
Rebels in Nigeria's troubled and oil-rich Niger Delta said Friday they have been contacted by the kidnappers of two U.S. mariners and can help ensure their safety.
Nigerian Navy spokesman Capt. Kabir Aliyu said a rescue operation has been mounted for the men, whom U.S. officials identified as the captain and chief engineer of the U.S.-flagged C-Retriever offshore supply vessel taken in a Wednesday afternoon attack off the coast of Nigeria.
An email reportedly from the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta said Friday the Americans were captured by a "heavily armed auxiliary outfit" off the town of Brass in the Gulf of Guinea.
"The Americans will not be handed over for our direct custody but we will have the influence to visit them and ensure that they are well looked after until their subsequent release," the statement said.
Almost all foreigners kidnapped are released once ransoms are paid. A U.S. civilian kidnapped last year from Nigeria's oil-refining city of Warri was freed after a week in captivity.
The MEND statement warned such attacks are the result of "unresolved root issues" compounded by the detention of several rebels and "a monumental Niger Delta amnesty fraud," referring to a 2009 peace agreement in which several MEND leaders were bought off by the government.
Nigerian Navy spokesman Capt. Kabir Aliyu said a rescue operation has been mounted for the men, whom U.S. officials identified as the captain and chief engineer of the U.S.-flagged C-Retriever offshore supply vessel taken in a Wednesday afternoon attack off the coast of Nigeria.
An email reportedly from the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta said Friday the Americans were captured by a "heavily armed auxiliary outfit" off the town of Brass in the Gulf of Guinea.
"The Americans will not be handed over for our direct custody but we will have the influence to visit them and ensure that they are well looked after until their subsequent release," the statement said.
Almost all foreigners kidnapped are released once ransoms are paid. A U.S. civilian kidnapped last year from Nigeria's oil-refining city of Warri was freed after a week in captivity.
The MEND statement warned such attacks are the result of "unresolved root issues" compounded by the detention of several rebels and "a monumental Niger Delta amnesty fraud," referring to a 2009 peace agreement in which several MEND leaders were bought off by the government.
Breaking News: Pilgrim dies On transit to Israel
One of the Pilgrims from Niger State to this year's Holy Pilgrimage to Israel, Mr. Amos Peter has been reported dead in transit few hours to the Holy land. It was reliably gathered that first aid treatment was administered on him and later rushed to a Hospital in Turkey but was confirmed dead on arrival at the Hospital.
Head of Medical team leading the pilgrimage to the Holy land, Dr. Joseph Kolo confirmed that late Peter like other pilgrims from the state had undergone thorough medical examinations and were all certified and declared medically fit for the trip and wondered the cause of the sudden death.
Meanwhile, the corpse of the deceased is been expected back in the country and would be handed over to the family for interment.Late Peter was part of the 286 Christian pilgrims who left the state through the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport for Israel for this year's Holy pilgrimage.
Head of Medical team leading the pilgrimage to the Holy land, Dr. Joseph Kolo confirmed that late Peter like other pilgrims from the state had undergone thorough medical examinations and were all certified and declared medically fit for the trip and wondered the cause of the sudden death.
Meanwhile, the corpse of the deceased is been expected back in the country and would be handed over to the family for interment.Late Peter was part of the 286 Christian pilgrims who left the state through the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport for Israel for this year's Holy pilgrimage.
two planes colide at MMIA
There was a minor accident on Friday at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, involving a Turkish Airline aircraft and a Max Air plane. The Turkish Airline plane wings collided with that of
Max Air plane which had brought in Pilgrims from Saudi Arabia. Newsmen gathered that the Turkish Airplane had landed safely but was taxiing to stop at the airport's apron when its wing collided with that of Max Air.
The collision resulted in minor damages to both airplanes and sources said they had been taken away for repairs. Pandemonium.
Also, said the Spokesman, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Mr. Fan Ndubuoke, confirmed the incident. He however said damages to the aircraft belonging to both airlines were minor and that both planes had been taken away for repairs.
Max Air plane which had brought in Pilgrims from Saudi Arabia. Newsmen gathered that the Turkish Airplane had landed safely but was taxiing to stop at the airport's apron when its wing collided with that of Max Air.
The collision resulted in minor damages to both airplanes and sources said they had been taken away for repairs. Pandemonium.
Also, said the Spokesman, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Mr. Fan Ndubuoke, confirmed the incident. He however said damages to the aircraft belonging to both airlines were minor and that both planes had been taken away for repairs.
Friday, October 25, 2013
Breaking news: Court awards $15m Ibori bribe cash to FG
The legal battle over the controversial ‘$15m(Fifteen million US dollars) Ibori bribe money’ came to an end on Friday when an Abuja Federal High Court awarded the cash to the Federal Government after rejecting the claim to the money by Delta State Government.
The court, presided over by Justice Gabriel Kolawole, held that Delta State was not able to prove its claim that the money belonged to it.
The $15m was said to have been received by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission from an undisclosed agent of former Delta State Governor James Ibori in 2007 to compromise the agency’s probe into his handling of the state finances as the governor from 1999 to 2007.
The money was kept in the strong room of the Central Bank of Nigeria as an unclaimed property since August 2007, but a legal battle ensued over its ownership after the court, on July 24, 2012, granted an interim order forfeiting the cash to the Federal Government.
With the Federal Government, through the EFCC’s lawyer, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, asking the court for a final order of forfeiture, so that the money could be deposited in the national treasury, Delta State filed an application, claiming that the money belonged to it.
Justice Kolawole, however, maintained that there was no evidence linking the state government to the $15m.
He said, “It is not enough to depose that Delta State Government owns the money, Chief James Ibori had denied knowledge of how the money came about.
“If the claimant (Delta State) had been able to file an admissible evidence to prove that the $15m belonged to it, the court would have no option than to accept its claim.
“The Delta State Government had filed an application, asking the court to quash charges against Ibori, that was inconsistent with a government that is looking for its looted funds.
“The claimant has not been able to link the $15m to its accounts, the claimant has not been able to prove on the balance of probability that the said $15m belongs to it.”
Source :PunchNg
The court, presided over by Justice Gabriel Kolawole, held that Delta State was not able to prove its claim that the money belonged to it.
The $15m was said to have been received by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission from an undisclosed agent of former Delta State Governor James Ibori in 2007 to compromise the agency’s probe into his handling of the state finances as the governor from 1999 to 2007.
The money was kept in the strong room of the Central Bank of Nigeria as an unclaimed property since August 2007, but a legal battle ensued over its ownership after the court, on July 24, 2012, granted an interim order forfeiting the cash to the Federal Government.
With the Federal Government, through the EFCC’s lawyer, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, asking the court for a final order of forfeiture, so that the money could be deposited in the national treasury, Delta State filed an application, claiming that the money belonged to it.
Justice Kolawole, however, maintained that there was no evidence linking the state government to the $15m.
He said, “It is not enough to depose that Delta State Government owns the money, Chief James Ibori had denied knowledge of how the money came about.
“If the claimant (Delta State) had been able to file an admissible evidence to prove that the $15m belonged to it, the court would have no option than to accept its claim.
“The Delta State Government had filed an application, asking the court to quash charges against Ibori, that was inconsistent with a government that is looking for its looted funds.
“The claimant has not been able to link the $15m to its accounts, the claimant has not been able to prove on the balance of probability that the said $15m belongs to it.”
Source :PunchNg
OMG !!!! HIV Positive Doctor Rapes Female Patient In Benue State
The Benue State Police Command has arrested a doctor for raping a female patient who was on admission in a hospital where he practices.
The alleged rapist, Toi (not real name), is a medical practitioner with Tersoo Clinic in Naka town, Gwer West local government area of Benue state.
The medical personnel had reportedly tested positive to HIV/AIDs and was
receiving Anti-Retroviral (ARV) treatment at the General Hospital, Naka, before the incident occurred.
Medical sources said the female patient was brought to the clinic for emergency medical attention and after been placed on drip, recovered partially, but the doctor, who took advantage of the fact that she was unconscious, forcefully had carnal knowledge of her.
The police public relations Officer in the state, DSP Daniel Ezeala, confirmed the incident, saying, “the medical personnel has been arrested by our men in Naka and investigation on the matter is on-going.”
Source:DailyPost
The alleged rapist, Toi (not real name), is a medical practitioner with Tersoo Clinic in Naka town, Gwer West local government area of Benue state.
The medical personnel had reportedly tested positive to HIV/AIDs and was
receiving Anti-Retroviral (ARV) treatment at the General Hospital, Naka, before the incident occurred.
Medical sources said the female patient was brought to the clinic for emergency medical attention and after been placed on drip, recovered partially, but the doctor, who took advantage of the fact that she was unconscious, forcefully had carnal knowledge of her.
The police public relations Officer in the state, DSP Daniel Ezeala, confirmed the incident, saying, “the medical personnel has been arrested by our men in Naka and investigation on the matter is on-going.”
Source:DailyPost
fake born-again Boko Haram member Arrested by the SSS in Enugu state
The operatives of the State Security Service (SSS), in Enugu have arrested a 35-year-old man, who allegedly goes duping people in church with a false testimony that he was a Boko Haram member but has converted to Christianity.
Enugu State Director of SSS, Mr. Victor Duru, who addressed newsmen in Enugu yesterday, said the suspect, Daniel, aka ‘Shuaibu Shehu Rabiu’ started the deception in 2001 at the Christ Apostolic Church, Durumi, Area 1 Abuja.
He was reported to have lied to the pastors of the church that he was a Muslim, who converted to Christianity and was able to attract their sympathy and subsequent financial assistance.
On the basis of this, the suspect was said to have visited several churches sharing his false testimony and making money out of it.
The churches so far visited by the suspect, include Four Square Gospel Church, Bodeja, Glory Tabernacle, Bodeja, and End Time Awareness Church aka Wonderland, Monia, Christ Apostolic Church, Ajibode, Ibadan, all in Oyo State.
Others are Royal Church, Awka and the Spoken Word Church, Awka, Anambra State.
The SSS director said before his arrest, the suspect claimed to have been invited as a guest speaker in a youth programme by a Church in Awka Anambra State .
The suspect was also said to have claimed that while on his way back to Yola, Adamawa State, on August 21, the commercial bus he boarded broke down at 9th Mile in Enugu State. He had told his victims that because the driver of the bus refused to refund them their fares, he was stranded and that he called his host, who could not come to his aid, hence, he had to proceed to the now-demolished Mountain of Fire and Miracle Church, to solicit for help.
The Director of SSS urged Nigerians to be wary of people going about sharing bogus testimonies especially if the intention was to seek help or get money.
The 35-year-old suspect, who insisted that he was a missionary, told newsmen that he was neither a Christian nor a Muslim and that he was never a member of Boko Haram.
SOURCE: SunnewsOnline
Enugu State Director of SSS, Mr. Victor Duru, who addressed newsmen in Enugu yesterday, said the suspect, Daniel, aka ‘Shuaibu Shehu Rabiu’ started the deception in 2001 at the Christ Apostolic Church, Durumi, Area 1 Abuja.
He was reported to have lied to the pastors of the church that he was a Muslim, who converted to Christianity and was able to attract their sympathy and subsequent financial assistance.
On the basis of this, the suspect was said to have visited several churches sharing his false testimony and making money out of it.
The churches so far visited by the suspect, include Four Square Gospel Church, Bodeja, Glory Tabernacle, Bodeja, and End Time Awareness Church aka Wonderland, Monia, Christ Apostolic Church, Ajibode, Ibadan, all in Oyo State.
Others are Royal Church, Awka and the Spoken Word Church, Awka, Anambra State.
The SSS director said before his arrest, the suspect claimed to have been invited as a guest speaker in a youth programme by a Church in Awka Anambra State .
The suspect was also said to have claimed that while on his way back to Yola, Adamawa State, on August 21, the commercial bus he boarded broke down at 9th Mile in Enugu State. He had told his victims that because the driver of the bus refused to refund them their fares, he was stranded and that he called his host, who could not come to his aid, hence, he had to proceed to the now-demolished Mountain of Fire and Miracle Church, to solicit for help.
The Director of SSS urged Nigerians to be wary of people going about sharing bogus testimonies especially if the intention was to seek help or get money.
The 35-year-old suspect, who insisted that he was a missionary, told newsmen that he was neither a Christian nor a Muslim and that he was never a member of Boko Haram.
SOURCE: SunnewsOnline
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Meanwhile.................. Stella Oduah is in Isreal
The Minister of Aviation Ms Stella Oduah is currently in Israel with president Jonathan. Stella Oduah left Nigeria on Tuesday while President Jonathan left yesterday. The two are in Israel to sign the Bilateral Air Services Agreement, BASA, with the country.
#lipsealed
#lipsealed
Stella Oduah writes to the president tells her own side of the story
Minister of Aviation Stella Oduah has responded to President Jonathan's query to her to explain her role in the purchase of the controversial N225million BMW armored cars. See her response below
Executive summary on the procurement of NCAA operational vehicles
“The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, is the statutory regulator of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Industry.
Consequently, the NCAA is charged with oversight responsibilities over all civil aviation operations in the country, including safety, security and strict compliance with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices, SARPs, and Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations, NCARs.
2. Towards the effective implementation of its statutory regulatory responsibilities, therefore, it is imperative that the NCAA is fully equipped with highly specialised tools and facilities, including adequate operational vehicles to cover all 22 national airports and over 400 airstrips. In keeping with standard practice, provision is therefore made annually for the replacement of obsolete, inadequate & unreliable monitoring equipment.
3.In the 2013 budgetary appropriation, provision was made for the procurement of specialised equipment (including operational vehicles) to complement and in some cases replace obsolete ones.
Furthermore, the fact that NCAA, as the regulator of the industry, often plays host to dignitaries from ICAO, IATA, US FAA, AFRAA, AFCAC BAGASO, CANSO, ACI and a host of others makes it necessary to have specialised operational vehicles.
4.With regard to the procurement of additional operational vehicles (including BMW Security Vehicles), the following due process was observed:
(I) By letter dated April 15, 2013, NCAA officially requested authorisation from the Federal Ministry of Aviation to procure 56 operational vehicles through lease financing. This option was proposed to the ministry to enable the NCAA make 36 monthly payments based on receipts from Internally Generated Revenue, IGR.
The Ministry therefore granted due approval.
(ii)Based on the ministry’s approval, the NCAA invited Expressions of Interest from all Banks in Nigeria for the financing of the said vehicles. EOI was adopted because the procurement is two sided. First, the financier would have to be selected before the supplier is determined. This is in line with procurement best practices.
(iii) On May 24, 2013, the response received from the various banks to the Expression of Interest, EOI, request was opened publicly and minutes of the opening exercise was duly documented. During the EOI opening exercise, NCAA got commendation from one of the Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, approved by BPP who were invited for the opening exercise.
(iv) The evaluation of the expression of interests was held on May 31, 2013 during which First Bank Plc, Union Bank Plc and Stanbic IBTC emerged most responsive. On the June 10, 2013 the above three banks were invited to submit Financial Proposals. Thereafter, First Bank emerged the highest rated responsive bidder.
(v)Between June 20 and 25, 2013, invoices were received from various accredited motor vehicle dealers during which only Coscharis Motors Limited quoted for BMW Security Vehicles.
(vi) On June 28, 2013, NCAA Parastatal Tenders Board approved the selection of First Bank Ltd for the Lease Financing as well as Metropolitan Motor Vehicles and Coscharis for the supply of the vehicles. All necessary approvals were duly sought and obtained accordingly.
(vii) Between July 8, 2013 to August, 12, 2013 various meetings were held with First Bank Ltd, contract agreement was signed and necessary documentation executed.
Your Excellency is respectfully invited to note:
(i) The crucial statutory role of the NCAA in regulating civil aviation operations in the country, including safety, security and strict compliance with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) and Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (NCARs).
(ii) The need for NCAA to be fully equipped with highly specialized tools and facilities (including operational vehicles) to enable the effective implementation of its statutory functions.
(iii) The procurement of specialized operational vehicles is duly provided for in the NCAA 2p 13 (IGR) Budget and the need for adopting instalmental lease payments over36rionths.
(iii) That Due Process was followed in the procurement of the said operational vehicles.
Please your Excellency my continued loyally and esteemed regards.
Princess Stella Adaeze Oduah, OON, Honourable Minister.
Executive summary on the procurement of NCAA operational vehicles
“The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, is the statutory regulator of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Industry.
Consequently, the NCAA is charged with oversight responsibilities over all civil aviation operations in the country, including safety, security and strict compliance with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices, SARPs, and Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations, NCARs.
2. Towards the effective implementation of its statutory regulatory responsibilities, therefore, it is imperative that the NCAA is fully equipped with highly specialised tools and facilities, including adequate operational vehicles to cover all 22 national airports and over 400 airstrips. In keeping with standard practice, provision is therefore made annually for the replacement of obsolete, inadequate & unreliable monitoring equipment.
3.In the 2013 budgetary appropriation, provision was made for the procurement of specialised equipment (including operational vehicles) to complement and in some cases replace obsolete ones.
Furthermore, the fact that NCAA, as the regulator of the industry, often plays host to dignitaries from ICAO, IATA, US FAA, AFRAA, AFCAC BAGASO, CANSO, ACI and a host of others makes it necessary to have specialised operational vehicles.
4.With regard to the procurement of additional operational vehicles (including BMW Security Vehicles), the following due process was observed:
(I) By letter dated April 15, 2013, NCAA officially requested authorisation from the Federal Ministry of Aviation to procure 56 operational vehicles through lease financing. This option was proposed to the ministry to enable the NCAA make 36 monthly payments based on receipts from Internally Generated Revenue, IGR.
The Ministry therefore granted due approval.
(ii)Based on the ministry’s approval, the NCAA invited Expressions of Interest from all Banks in Nigeria for the financing of the said vehicles. EOI was adopted because the procurement is two sided. First, the financier would have to be selected before the supplier is determined. This is in line with procurement best practices.
(iii) On May 24, 2013, the response received from the various banks to the Expression of Interest, EOI, request was opened publicly and minutes of the opening exercise was duly documented. During the EOI opening exercise, NCAA got commendation from one of the Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, approved by BPP who were invited for the opening exercise.
(iv) The evaluation of the expression of interests was held on May 31, 2013 during which First Bank Plc, Union Bank Plc and Stanbic IBTC emerged most responsive. On the June 10, 2013 the above three banks were invited to submit Financial Proposals. Thereafter, First Bank emerged the highest rated responsive bidder.
(v)Between June 20 and 25, 2013, invoices were received from various accredited motor vehicle dealers during which only Coscharis Motors Limited quoted for BMW Security Vehicles.
(vi) On June 28, 2013, NCAA Parastatal Tenders Board approved the selection of First Bank Ltd for the Lease Financing as well as Metropolitan Motor Vehicles and Coscharis for the supply of the vehicles. All necessary approvals were duly sought and obtained accordingly.
(vii) Between July 8, 2013 to August, 12, 2013 various meetings were held with First Bank Ltd, contract agreement was signed and necessary documentation executed.
Your Excellency is respectfully invited to note:
(i) The crucial statutory role of the NCAA in regulating civil aviation operations in the country, including safety, security and strict compliance with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) and Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (NCARs).
(ii) The need for NCAA to be fully equipped with highly specialized tools and facilities (including operational vehicles) to enable the effective implementation of its statutory functions.
(iii) The procurement of specialized operational vehicles is duly provided for in the NCAA 2p 13 (IGR) Budget and the need for adopting instalmental lease payments over36rionths.
(iii) That Due Process was followed in the procurement of the said operational vehicles.
Please your Excellency my continued loyally and esteemed regards.
Princess Stella Adaeze Oduah, OON, Honourable Minister.
Appeal court confirms Nwoye as PDP guber candidate
The Court of Appeal, sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has upturned the Federal High Court ruling of September 17, 2013, which ordered the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to recognise Nicholas Ukachukwu, as the legitimate candidate for the November 16, 2013 governorship election in Anambra State.
It, therefore, declared Tony Nwoye, as the authentic PDP candidate in the election in the state.
Delivering judgment on the appeal filed by counsels to Nwoye, challenging decision of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, the three justices of the Court of Appeal, unanimously held that the Federal High Court overstepped its bounds in the PDP internal affairs in the state.
The presiding Judge, Justice Ejembi Eko, held that the provisions of the Electoral Act guidelines, as canvassed by Ukachukwu, was made in error, as he adequately participated in the primaries that produced Nwoye, as the candidate.
Eko further held that though the legality of the provisions of the Electoral Act was not challenged in the appeal, the issues brought before the Federal High Court was an internal party affairs and not matters for determination in the courts.
According to Justice Eko, the essence of the Electoral Act was not for contestants to go to court and upturn outcome of primary elections but to correct any deficiency.
The judge also held that the electoral screening committee had screened and resolved all issues, relating to tax-papers of Nwoye, which was why he was cleared.
The lead judge, therefore, faulted the attempt by Ukachukwu to disqualify Nwoye and make himself the party flag bearer.
He further held that the Federal High Court had no jurisdiction to entertain the matter, as issues of candidature of a party were only decided by such party.
The judges, therefore, upturned all the orders made by the Federal High Court, including the interim and interlocutory injunctions and the originating summons, adding that the judgment was entered in error.
Justice Eko, further awarded N20, 000 for each of the two appeals in favour of Nwoye.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after the judgment, counsel to Ukachukwu, Prince Nwafor Orizu, argued that the judgment was not complete and the appellant did not specifically ask the court to order INEC to put Nwoye's name in the ballot box.
Orizu said judgment, at any level in court, was correct until otherwise decided by a High Court.
He stated further that they would appeal the judgment, arguing that the candidature of the PDP was not yet settled.
Also, counsel to Nwoye, Mr. Clems Ike Ezika, lauded the judgment of the Appeal Court, saying with the pronouncement, Nwoye was now the authentic candidate of the party in Anambra State.
Also, counsel to INEC, Tochukwu Nweke, said the commission had a duty to obey the order of court and as such would put Nwoye's name, as the candidate for the governorship elections.
Ojukwu's property saga: Family wants Bianca to prove that she was legally married to Ojukwu
Some family members of the late Biafran leaders and Ikemba Nnewi, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has challenged the Nigerian Ambassador to Spain, Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu to show proof that she was legally married to the deceased.
This was the fresh twist introduced into current legal battle rocking the family of the late Ikemba of Nnewi over sharing of his estate.
In a 19-paragraph statement of defence brought by the eight defendants, through their counsel, George Uwechue, they denied that Bianca, who instituted the action on behaif of her two children, ever married to the late Biafran leader.
Listed as defendants in the suit instituted by Afamefuna and Nwachukwu, through their mother, are Ojukwu Transport Limited, Prof. Joseph Ojukwu, Mr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, Lotanna Putalora Ojukwu and Dr. Patrick Ojukwu. Others include Mr. Edward Ojukwu, Lota Akajiora Ojukwu and Mrs. Massey Udegbe (doing business under Massey Udegbe and Company).
The claimants, in suit No. LD/1539/2012, prayed the court to declare that they were entitled to the possession and occupation of the property known as No 29 Oyinkan Abayomi Street in Ikoyi, Lagos until the harmonisation of the management and administration of the assets of the first defendant (OTL).
At the resumed hearing of the matter yesterday, the absence of counsel to Bianca and her children forced the court to adjourn the suit till December 10 for adoption of written addresses.
Afamefuna and Nwachukwu had, through their lawyer, Chris Ezugwu, prayed the court to declare as illegal the threat of forceful ejection from 29, Oyinkan Abayomi Street by the defendants. They also urged the court to declare that they were entitled to possess the following property: No. 13, Hawksworth Road, Ikoyi (now known as No. 13, Ojora Road); No. 32A, Commercial Avenue, Yaba, Lagos; No. 30, Gerard Road, Ikoyi, Lagos; No. 30, McPherson Avenue, Ikoyi.
Bianca's children stated that throughout the period their father was struggling to retrieve the property from the government, the second to seventh defendants "never played any role in the struggle nor contributed financially or otherwise to the realisation of the struggle."
Besides, the claimant is asking for an order of court restraining the defendants, their agents or privies from interfering with the claimants' possession and control of the properties.
In their statement of defence, the 1st to 7th defendants, through their lawyer, George Uwechue, averred that the subscribers of the memorandum of association of Ojukwu Transport Limited (1st defendant) at incorporation in 1952 were L. P. Ojukwu and Betram Chukwuemeka Obi, adding that the late Ojukwu and one Prof. Joseph Ojukwu (2nd defendant) were later appointed as directors in 1953.
They stated that Ojukwu thereafter ceased to be a director of the company, prior to the Nigerian civil war and was reappointed as a director on December 16, 2005, while the 3rd and 4th defendants were appointed directors in 1954 and 2005 respectively.
They added that the claimants' statement of claim contained tissues of lies and distorted facts.
Besides, they stated that Ojukwu moved to Enugu State and had not lived at any of the company's property as alleged by the claimant.
They averred: "The property belongs to the first defendant (the company). The fact is that the claimants' mother felt she could hold onto the first defendant's properties. For over 12 years prior to his death, the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu moved to Enugu and since then had not lived at the first defendant's property as alleged by the claimants."
They challenged Bianca's children to show proof of any such agreement, which their late father had, from the first defendant, for him to control and/or manage the properties of the first defendant.
..... I just pray she provides the traditional wedding picture with all these people in it smiling sheepishly
This was the fresh twist introduced into current legal battle rocking the family of the late Ikemba of Nnewi over sharing of his estate.
In a 19-paragraph statement of defence brought by the eight defendants, through their counsel, George Uwechue, they denied that Bianca, who instituted the action on behaif of her two children, ever married to the late Biafran leader.
Listed as defendants in the suit instituted by Afamefuna and Nwachukwu, through their mother, are Ojukwu Transport Limited, Prof. Joseph Ojukwu, Mr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, Lotanna Putalora Ojukwu and Dr. Patrick Ojukwu. Others include Mr. Edward Ojukwu, Lota Akajiora Ojukwu and Mrs. Massey Udegbe (doing business under Massey Udegbe and Company).
The claimants, in suit No. LD/1539/2012, prayed the court to declare that they were entitled to the possession and occupation of the property known as No 29 Oyinkan Abayomi Street in Ikoyi, Lagos until the harmonisation of the management and administration of the assets of the first defendant (OTL).
At the resumed hearing of the matter yesterday, the absence of counsel to Bianca and her children forced the court to adjourn the suit till December 10 for adoption of written addresses.
Afamefuna and Nwachukwu had, through their lawyer, Chris Ezugwu, prayed the court to declare as illegal the threat of forceful ejection from 29, Oyinkan Abayomi Street by the defendants. They also urged the court to declare that they were entitled to possess the following property: No. 13, Hawksworth Road, Ikoyi (now known as No. 13, Ojora Road); No. 32A, Commercial Avenue, Yaba, Lagos; No. 30, Gerard Road, Ikoyi, Lagos; No. 30, McPherson Avenue, Ikoyi.
Bianca's children stated that throughout the period their father was struggling to retrieve the property from the government, the second to seventh defendants "never played any role in the struggle nor contributed financially or otherwise to the realisation of the struggle."
Besides, the claimant is asking for an order of court restraining the defendants, their agents or privies from interfering with the claimants' possession and control of the properties.
In their statement of defence, the 1st to 7th defendants, through their lawyer, George Uwechue, averred that the subscribers of the memorandum of association of Ojukwu Transport Limited (1st defendant) at incorporation in 1952 were L. P. Ojukwu and Betram Chukwuemeka Obi, adding that the late Ojukwu and one Prof. Joseph Ojukwu (2nd defendant) were later appointed as directors in 1953.
They stated that Ojukwu thereafter ceased to be a director of the company, prior to the Nigerian civil war and was reappointed as a director on December 16, 2005, while the 3rd and 4th defendants were appointed directors in 1954 and 2005 respectively.
They added that the claimants' statement of claim contained tissues of lies and distorted facts.
Besides, they stated that Ojukwu moved to Enugu State and had not lived at any of the company's property as alleged by the claimant.
They averred: "The property belongs to the first defendant (the company). The fact is that the claimants' mother felt she could hold onto the first defendant's properties. For over 12 years prior to his death, the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu moved to Enugu and since then had not lived at the first defendant's property as alleged by the claimants."
They challenged Bianca's children to show proof of any such agreement, which their late father had, from the first defendant, for him to control and/or manage the properties of the first defendant.
..... I just pray she provides the traditional wedding picture with all these people in it smiling sheepishly
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Watch what you wear,when you get to kano state because you just might get arrested.
According to a report by AFP, police who enforce Islamic law in Kano have arrested 150 people in the last week, including for indecent dress, as part of a crackdown on immorality.
From AFP
Some people in Nigeria’s second city have been picked up for sporting hair styles inspired by prominent international football players, said Mohammed Yusuf Yola, spokesman for Kano’s sharia police, or Hisbah. Others were thrown in jail and fined for wearing their trousers too low on their waists, mimicking a style that became prominent in the 1990s, partly through the influence of some American hip hop artists. The arrests have followed an order by Kano state Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to cleanse the city of immoral practices and the trend is set to continue in the weeks ahead, said Hisbah Director-General Abba Sufi.The Hisbah is a state police force funded by state govt and is not part of the federal police.“We have arrested 150 men and women in the past week, including prostitutes and their boyfriends, transvestites, alcoholics and those engaged in indecent dressing in contravention of the sharia legal code,” Yola told AFP.
Religion has repeatedly been used as a political issue in Kano and the governor, seen as a moderate, has been accused by rivals of lacking commitment to sharia’s guidelines.Yola insisted the operation was launched to reverse disturbing trends in the city of some five million people and is targeting people of various faiths.“Those arrested include Muslims and non-Muslims and we treat them equally because this is about morality,” he said.
Kano, like the rest of northern Nigeria, is majority Muslim, but the city has a sizeable Christian minority.
Some of those arrested have been released after paying fines ranging from 10,000 naira ($63, 46 euros) to 15,000 naira, Yola said.
“Those who could not afford the fine are being kept in prison,” he added, but he would not specify the number of people currently being held.
At the restoration of civilian rule in 1999, 12 northern states, including Kano, formally adopted sharia, but the Islamic legal system has been unevenly applied.
The Hisbah was formed in 2001, largely to enforce sharia, but the force has other duties, including some community development work and alternative dispute resolution.
The southern half of Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, is mostly Christian.
From AFP
Some people in Nigeria’s second city have been picked up for sporting hair styles inspired by prominent international football players, said Mohammed Yusuf Yola, spokesman for Kano’s sharia police, or Hisbah. Others were thrown in jail and fined for wearing their trousers too low on their waists, mimicking a style that became prominent in the 1990s, partly through the influence of some American hip hop artists. The arrests have followed an order by Kano state Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to cleanse the city of immoral practices and the trend is set to continue in the weeks ahead, said Hisbah Director-General Abba Sufi.The Hisbah is a state police force funded by state govt and is not part of the federal police.“We have arrested 150 men and women in the past week, including prostitutes and their boyfriends, transvestites, alcoholics and those engaged in indecent dressing in contravention of the sharia legal code,” Yola told AFP.
Religion has repeatedly been used as a political issue in Kano and the governor, seen as a moderate, has been accused by rivals of lacking commitment to sharia’s guidelines.Yola insisted the operation was launched to reverse disturbing trends in the city of some five million people and is targeting people of various faiths.“Those arrested include Muslims and non-Muslims and we treat them equally because this is about morality,” he said.
Kano, like the rest of northern Nigeria, is majority Muslim, but the city has a sizeable Christian minority.
Some of those arrested have been released after paying fines ranging from 10,000 naira ($63, 46 euros) to 15,000 naira, Yola said.
“Those who could not afford the fine are being kept in prison,” he added, but he would not specify the number of people currently being held.
At the restoration of civilian rule in 1999, 12 northern states, including Kano, formally adopted sharia, but the Islamic legal system has been unevenly applied.
The Hisbah was formed in 2001, largely to enforce sharia, but the force has other duties, including some community development work and alternative dispute resolution.
The southern half of Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, is mostly Christian.
Breaking news:Kwara State governor sacks all his commissioners and advisers
Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, this afternoon Wednesday October 23rd sacked all the state commissioners, his special advisers, senior special assistants, and special assistants. He basically dissolved his cabinet.
He then asked all the sacked commissioners to hand over their ministries to their respective permanent secretaries.
He then asked all the sacked commissioners to hand over their ministries to their respective permanent secretaries.
NFA must respect me with my salaries -Keshi
Super Eagles’ Head Coach Stephen Keshi on Wednesday described the seven-month salaries being owed him by the Nigeria Football Association as “the lowest point’’ of his coaching career.
Keshi said this in Abuja at the Home-based Super Eagles’ interactive session with the media ahead of the team’s upcoming international friendly with Jordan in Amman.
He spoke in reaction to a statement credited to the NFA that the allowances and bonuses the team’s coaches earn were enough to sustain them.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Keshi is being owed about N35million in salary arrears.
Keshi however said the NFA had not done him any favour with the Super Eagles’ coaching job, because he had done the job with all he had.
“The lowest point of my career is working and not being paid for seven to eight months. I have never had this kind of experience before,’’ he said.
The former Super Eagles captain recalled that he was never owed his salaries when he worked with the Malian and Togolese football federations as coach of their senior national teams.
“In Mali, they will never owe you. Your salary will hit your account before the end of every month. It was the same thing in Togo.
“Owing me up to seven months makes me feel I am not being appreciated. It is like they (my employers) think I am being favoured in what I am doing.
“I am not being favoured. Whatever I am doing here, I am doing it with everything I have and I need to be respected to be given my pay,’’ Keshi said.
He said it was unbelievable that he and his colleagues had worked without pay for about eight months out of the 24 months they have worked with the Super Eagles.
“I don’t like discussing about money issues and if there is any NFA member who said we can work for free, then I will want to speak with him face to face.
“If they say we can work for free and that they are not going to pay, so be it.
“I can’t have my family abroad and I will be in debt because I have not been paid for seven months and somebody is saying we should not complain,’’ the coach said.
He regretted that the NFA appears not to be concerned about their plight “in spite of training under rain and sun to make Nigerians happy’’.
NAN recalls that Aminu Maigari, the NFA chairman, had recently confirmed the debt owed Keshi and his colleagues.
He had however said the Nigerian football governing body could not help it as it was cash-strapped.
Maigari claimed that the situation had led to the slashing of the Eagles’ winning bonus from $10,000 to $5,000.
He also pointed out that some NFA members of staff were being owed for over a year.
Maigari had mentioned those being owed to include Musa Amadu, the Secretary-General, Mohammed Sanusi, the Director of Competitions, and Emmanuel Ikpeme, the Director of Technical.
Source:PunchNg
Keshi said this in Abuja at the Home-based Super Eagles’ interactive session with the media ahead of the team’s upcoming international friendly with Jordan in Amman.
He spoke in reaction to a statement credited to the NFA that the allowances and bonuses the team’s coaches earn were enough to sustain them.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Keshi is being owed about N35million in salary arrears.
Keshi however said the NFA had not done him any favour with the Super Eagles’ coaching job, because he had done the job with all he had.
“The lowest point of my career is working and not being paid for seven to eight months. I have never had this kind of experience before,’’ he said.
The former Super Eagles captain recalled that he was never owed his salaries when he worked with the Malian and Togolese football federations as coach of their senior national teams.
“In Mali, they will never owe you. Your salary will hit your account before the end of every month. It was the same thing in Togo.
“Owing me up to seven months makes me feel I am not being appreciated. It is like they (my employers) think I am being favoured in what I am doing.
“I am not being favoured. Whatever I am doing here, I am doing it with everything I have and I need to be respected to be given my pay,’’ Keshi said.
He said it was unbelievable that he and his colleagues had worked without pay for about eight months out of the 24 months they have worked with the Super Eagles.
“I don’t like discussing about money issues and if there is any NFA member who said we can work for free, then I will want to speak with him face to face.
“If they say we can work for free and that they are not going to pay, so be it.
“I can’t have my family abroad and I will be in debt because I have not been paid for seven months and somebody is saying we should not complain,’’ the coach said.
He regretted that the NFA appears not to be concerned about their plight “in spite of training under rain and sun to make Nigerians happy’’.
NAN recalls that Aminu Maigari, the NFA chairman, had recently confirmed the debt owed Keshi and his colleagues.
He had however said the Nigerian football governing body could not help it as it was cash-strapped.
Maigari claimed that the situation had led to the slashing of the Eagles’ winning bonus from $10,000 to $5,000.
He also pointed out that some NFA members of staff were being owed for over a year.
Maigari had mentioned those being owed to include Musa Amadu, the Secretary-General, Mohammed Sanusi, the Director of Competitions, and Emmanuel Ikpeme, the Director of Technical.
Source:PunchNg
Breaking news: Thisday foreign editor Paul Ohia found dead in his car
Thisday Foreign and Diplomatic Editor Mr. Paul Ohia, was found dead yesterday October 22nd in his official car, a white Kia Optima along Marine Road, Apapa, Lagos.
According to eyewitness reports, the deceased had parked his car for several hours by the side of the road, which aroused the suspicion of passersby, prompting them to move closer to check on him. The eyewitnesses said the deceased had reclined the driver's seat and lay on it as if he was sleeping; until they opened the car doors to find out that he was motionless and lifeless.
The sympathizers who noticed the Thisday sticker on the windshield of the car called Thisday office, informing them of the tragic incident. Thisday staff and the police moved Mr. Ohia to Lagoon Hospital in Apapa where he was confirmed dead.
Although, the hospital said an autopsy would determine the actual cause of death, the medical doctor on duty said the deceased might have died of cardiac arrest. Ohia is survived by a wife and two children. May his soul rest in peace...amen.
According to eyewitness reports, the deceased had parked his car for several hours by the side of the road, which aroused the suspicion of passersby, prompting them to move closer to check on him. The eyewitnesses said the deceased had reclined the driver's seat and lay on it as if he was sleeping; until they opened the car doors to find out that he was motionless and lifeless.
The sympathizers who noticed the Thisday sticker on the windshield of the car called Thisday office, informing them of the tragic incident. Thisday staff and the police moved Mr. Ohia to Lagoon Hospital in Apapa where he was confirmed dead.
Although, the hospital said an autopsy would determine the actual cause of death, the medical doctor on duty said the deceased might have died of cardiac arrest. Ohia is survived by a wife and two children. May his soul rest in peace...amen.
Former house of rep member Dino Melaye arrested for protesting against Stella Oduah
Former House of Reps member and Executive Director, Anti-Corruption Network, Dino Melaye was this afternoon arrested by the Nigerian police during a protest at the Federal Secretariat in Abuja.
Dino led a group of protesters to the Federal Secretariat, Abuja around noon today, calling for the sack of the Minister of Aviation, Ms. Stella Oduah, over the purchase of two BMW armoured cars.
Drama ensued during the protest as another group emerged from nowhere to stage a counter protest to drum up support for the minister.
The police led by an Assistant Commissioner of Police in the FCT, Sunday Olukoya, arrived at the scene and promptly arrested Dino Melaye's group. They were taken away in a Toyota Hilux van, marked NPS 21280 at about one this afternoon
Dino led a group of protesters to the Federal Secretariat, Abuja around noon today, calling for the sack of the Minister of Aviation, Ms. Stella Oduah, over the purchase of two BMW armoured cars.
Drama ensued during the protest as another group emerged from nowhere to stage a counter protest to drum up support for the minister.
The police led by an Assistant Commissioner of Police in the FCT, Sunday Olukoya, arrived at the scene and promptly arrested Dino Melaye's group. They were taken away in a Toyota Hilux van, marked NPS 21280 at about one this afternoon
Critics are helping to boost my profile -Rochas Okorocha
The Imo State Gov. Rochas Okorocha says his critics are boosting his profile by the day. This is contained in a statement issued by his media aide, Mr William Unadike, in Owerri.
It is said that theOkorocha-led administration was not indebted to any bank, adding that the more the governor was criticised, the more his profile kept rising.
The statement also quotes Okorocha as saying that those who had followed his administration's activities would be astonished with the achievements compared with what the state had been receiving from the federation account.
It appealed to those who engaged in destructive criticism to have a change of mind and support the administration to build a better Imo that would be a pride to the future generation.
The statement said that the governor had not committed any offence to deserve what it called the "unwarranted attacks from his detractors".
"My only crime is the refusal to allow the resources of the state to be shared by the privileged few against the interest of the majority of the people," it quotes the governor as saying.
The statement said that Gov. Okorocha was using the state resources to cater for the interest of the greater majority through the provision of social infrastructure that would guarantee improved standard of living.
It said that the governor had made personal sacrifices to ensure that every Imo child had access to education by forfeiting his security vote to finance free education in the state.
It is said that theOkorocha-led administration was not indebted to any bank, adding that the more the governor was criticised, the more his profile kept rising.
The statement also quotes Okorocha as saying that those who had followed his administration's activities would be astonished with the achievements compared with what the state had been receiving from the federation account.
It appealed to those who engaged in destructive criticism to have a change of mind and support the administration to build a better Imo that would be a pride to the future generation.
The statement said that the governor had not committed any offence to deserve what it called the "unwarranted attacks from his detractors".
"My only crime is the refusal to allow the resources of the state to be shared by the privileged few against the interest of the majority of the people," it quotes the governor as saying.
The statement said that Gov. Okorocha was using the state resources to cater for the interest of the greater majority through the provision of social infrastructure that would guarantee improved standard of living.
It said that the governor had made personal sacrifices to ensure that every Imo child had access to education by forfeiting his security vote to finance free education in the state.
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan leaves for Israel on pilgrimage, official visit today
President Goodluck Jonathan would later on today embark on a pilgrimage and official visit to Israel, the Presidency said. A statement issued on Tuesday by Dr Reuben Abati, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, stated that the President would meet with President Shimon Peres and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as part of the official visit.
Abati noted that the President would also meet with members of the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset.
He stated that the talks between the President's delegation and Israeli government officials were expected to focus on the enhancement of bilateral relations between Nigeria and Israel.
Abati said that the areas of bilateral talks between both countries include trade, economic development, infrastructure, transportation, agriculture, communications, culture, education and tourism.
The President would also meet with the President of the Palestinian National Authority, Mr Mahmoud Abbas, he added.
The special adviser noted that the President would be accompanied on the trip by Sen. Emmanuel Paulker, the Minister of Agriculture, Mr Akinwunmi Adesina, Water Resources Minister Sarah Ochekpe and Works Minister Mike Onolememen.
Also on the President's entourage are the Minister of State (Foreign Affairs), Prof Viola Onwuliri, and the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki.
Abati said that the President and the entourage would undertake a tour of some locations in Israel, revered by Christians because of their association with the earthly mission of Jesus Christ.
He added that the President might meet and interact with some Nigerians who are already on pilgrimage to Israel.
The Presidential spokesperson debunked reports in the media that the President is leading 19 state governors and about 30,000 Nigerians to Israel. ''Such reports are misrepresentation of facts.
''Irrespective of President Jonathan's visit, thousands of Nigerians visit Israel annually during the pilgrimage, which goes on for months and they will undoubtedly do so again between now and early next year.
''It is entirely fortuitous for some of these Nigerian pilgrims therefore that their visit to Israel this year will coincide with President Jonathan's,'' he said.
He said the President is expected back in Abuja early next week.
Abati noted that the President would also meet with members of the Israeli Parliament, the Knesset.
He stated that the talks between the President's delegation and Israeli government officials were expected to focus on the enhancement of bilateral relations between Nigeria and Israel.
Abati said that the areas of bilateral talks between both countries include trade, economic development, infrastructure, transportation, agriculture, communications, culture, education and tourism.
The President would also meet with the President of the Palestinian National Authority, Mr Mahmoud Abbas, he added.
The special adviser noted that the President would be accompanied on the trip by Sen. Emmanuel Paulker, the Minister of Agriculture, Mr Akinwunmi Adesina, Water Resources Minister Sarah Ochekpe and Works Minister Mike Onolememen.
Also on the President's entourage are the Minister of State (Foreign Affairs), Prof Viola Onwuliri, and the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki.
Abati said that the President and the entourage would undertake a tour of some locations in Israel, revered by Christians because of their association with the earthly mission of Jesus Christ.
He added that the President might meet and interact with some Nigerians who are already on pilgrimage to Israel.
The Presidential spokesperson debunked reports in the media that the President is leading 19 state governors and about 30,000 Nigerians to Israel. ''Such reports are misrepresentation of facts.
''Irrespective of President Jonathan's visit, thousands of Nigerians visit Israel annually during the pilgrimage, which goes on for months and they will undoubtedly do so again between now and early next year.
''It is entirely fortuitous for some of these Nigerian pilgrims therefore that their visit to Israel this year will coincide with President Jonathan's,'' he said.
He said the President is expected back in Abuja early next week.
Hilarious: Abuja Court orders man to cut grass for seven days for destroying neighbour?s TV
A Kuje Magistrates' Court, Abuja, on Tuesday ordered a 32-year-old mechanic, Johnson Ohis, to cut grass for seven days for causing mischief. The presiding judge, Okeagwu Azubike, passed the sentence after
the convict pleaded guilty to the offences of criminal trespass and mischief, and begged the court for leniency.
Mr. Azubike gave the convict an option to pay N2, 000 in fine and ordered him to pay N15, 400 in compensation to the nominal complainant for destroying her television set.
The police prosecutor, Cpl. Samuel Ocheche, told the court earlier that Hauwa Hassan of Anguwan Gade, Kuje, reported the matter at Kuje Police Station on Oct. 20.
Mr. Ocheche said the convict, who resides at the same address as the complainant, entered her room and destroyed her television set valued at N15, 400.
He said that during police interrogation, Mr. Ohis admitted to committing the offences.
the convict pleaded guilty to the offences of criminal trespass and mischief, and begged the court for leniency.
Mr. Azubike gave the convict an option to pay N2, 000 in fine and ordered him to pay N15, 400 in compensation to the nominal complainant for destroying her television set.
The police prosecutor, Cpl. Samuel Ocheche, told the court earlier that Hauwa Hassan of Anguwan Gade, Kuje, reported the matter at Kuje Police Station on Oct. 20.
Mr. Ocheche said the convict, who resides at the same address as the complainant, entered her room and destroyed her television set valued at N15, 400.
He said that during police interrogation, Mr. Ohis admitted to committing the offences.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Avaition scandal: Coscharis gave N112m kickback to aviation minister
According to new reports by Sahara Reporters, the car company that sold the two BMW armored cars to NCAA, gave N112million to aviation minister Stella Oduah as kickbacks. (Kickback is a form of negotiated bribery in which a commission is paid to the bribe-taker for services rendered)
From Sahara Reporters
Even as the minister of aviation began a new spin today that the BMW armored cars purchased by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for her use were done on "hire-purchase", SaharaReporters has unearthed new details about the $1.6 million spent by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority to purchase the armored BMW cars for Nigeria's Aviation Minister Stella Oduah.
A highly reliable source has told SaharaReporters that the shady deal for the car was done entirely between Coscharis Motors Limited, a dealership from which the cars were purchased, one of Ms. Oduah’s private firms based in Abuja, and First Bank of Nigeria.
“The NCAA was not even aware of the deal until the minister told them to sign that they had received two BMW cars,” said our source.
After inking the deal, Coscharis Motors, sellers of the highly inflated automobiles, reportedly gave the Aviation Minister more than N112 million as kickbacks. Our source added that Cosmas Maduka, who owns Coscharis Motors, pocked N60 million for each of the two BMW cars.
An official at the NCAA corroborated the information that the agency was largely kept in the dark about the transaction. “We were never privy to the transaction and had not seen the cars even though our head of transport was made to sign the delivery note,” said the source. The agency is under the Ministry of Aviation.
The source added that the agency has still not seen the cars even after the scandal escalated.
SaharaReporters was first to break the news that Ms. Oduah compelled a cash-strapped NCAA to pay for two extravagantly priced bullet-proof BMWs for her personal use. After initially denying our reports, the minister’s spokesman, Joe Obi, admitted that the transaction transpired. Mr. Obi alleged that the purchase was justified because of unspecified threats to the minister’s life. Neither Mr. Obi nor the minister has provided proof of any threats to Ms. Oduah. The minister has not addressed why the NCAA paid a price tag that auto dealers in the US and the UK described as a rip-off. US dealers said that each of the BMW cars should cost no more than $$167,000.
Last week, an official of the NCAA, Fola Akinkuotu, spoke to the media and defended the purchase of the cars. Mr. Akinkuotu said the cars were for the ministry’s protocol pool for use in transporting foreign aviation dignitaries when they visit Nigeria. His explanation conflicted with the original statement by the minister’s spokesman, Mr. Obi. A source at the NCAA disclosed that Mr. Akinkuotu felt tricked into facing the media on the scandal. “He had been told he would only appear beside the embattled minister, who was supposed to speak. Instead, he was asked to speak,” said the source.
Meanwhile, a source at the Presidency said President Goodluck Jonathan was unfazed about the fraud perpetrated by Ms. Stella Oduah, his Aviation Minister. Ms. Oduah and the late former National Security Advisor, General Owoye Azazi, had played significant roles in raising and disbursing money to rig the 2011 presidential elections for Mr. Jonathan. Mr. Jonathan will depart Abuja tomorrow on a weeklong pilgrimage to Israel.
However, SaharaReporters learnt that several ministers and diplomats have registered their displeasure at Mr. Jonathan’s continued retention of Ms. Oduah on his cabinet.
From Sahara Reporters
Even as the minister of aviation began a new spin today that the BMW armored cars purchased by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for her use were done on "hire-purchase", SaharaReporters has unearthed new details about the $1.6 million spent by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority to purchase the armored BMW cars for Nigeria's Aviation Minister Stella Oduah.
A highly reliable source has told SaharaReporters that the shady deal for the car was done entirely between Coscharis Motors Limited, a dealership from which the cars were purchased, one of Ms. Oduah’s private firms based in Abuja, and First Bank of Nigeria.
“The NCAA was not even aware of the deal until the minister told them to sign that they had received two BMW cars,” said our source.
After inking the deal, Coscharis Motors, sellers of the highly inflated automobiles, reportedly gave the Aviation Minister more than N112 million as kickbacks. Our source added that Cosmas Maduka, who owns Coscharis Motors, pocked N60 million for each of the two BMW cars.
An official at the NCAA corroborated the information that the agency was largely kept in the dark about the transaction. “We were never privy to the transaction and had not seen the cars even though our head of transport was made to sign the delivery note,” said the source. The agency is under the Ministry of Aviation.
The source added that the agency has still not seen the cars even after the scandal escalated.
SaharaReporters was first to break the news that Ms. Oduah compelled a cash-strapped NCAA to pay for two extravagantly priced bullet-proof BMWs for her personal use. After initially denying our reports, the minister’s spokesman, Joe Obi, admitted that the transaction transpired. Mr. Obi alleged that the purchase was justified because of unspecified threats to the minister’s life. Neither Mr. Obi nor the minister has provided proof of any threats to Ms. Oduah. The minister has not addressed why the NCAA paid a price tag that auto dealers in the US and the UK described as a rip-off. US dealers said that each of the BMW cars should cost no more than $$167,000.
Last week, an official of the NCAA, Fola Akinkuotu, spoke to the media and defended the purchase of the cars. Mr. Akinkuotu said the cars were for the ministry’s protocol pool for use in transporting foreign aviation dignitaries when they visit Nigeria. His explanation conflicted with the original statement by the minister’s spokesman, Mr. Obi. A source at the NCAA disclosed that Mr. Akinkuotu felt tricked into facing the media on the scandal. “He had been told he would only appear beside the embattled minister, who was supposed to speak. Instead, he was asked to speak,” said the source.
Meanwhile, a source at the Presidency said President Goodluck Jonathan was unfazed about the fraud perpetrated by Ms. Stella Oduah, his Aviation Minister. Ms. Oduah and the late former National Security Advisor, General Owoye Azazi, had played significant roles in raising and disbursing money to rig the 2011 presidential elections for Mr. Jonathan. Mr. Jonathan will depart Abuja tomorrow on a weeklong pilgrimage to Israel.
However, SaharaReporters learnt that several ministers and diplomats have registered their displeasure at Mr. Jonathan’s continued retention of Ms. Oduah on his cabinet.
THE TRUTH ABOUT GOVERNMENT’S POSITION ON ASUU STRIKE - Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
Contrary to some recent media reports, the Federal government has not adopted a take-it-or-leave-it approach in its negotiations with ASUU. Rather, the approach is focused on positive engagement and achieving sustainable solutions to the challenges facing higher education in the country. That is why President Goodluck Jonathan recently appealed to ASUU to respond to government's positive steps by calling off its strike in the interest of suffering students and parents. Despite this, for several days now, some elements in ASUU have been distributing pamphlets and flyers with abusive and inflammatory messages against the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in mosques and other places. This is taking academic unionism to a new low and infusing it with unnecessary politics. I am sure majority of ASUU members are not in support of this. These messages are directed at using falsehood to demonize the Minister as callous and unsympathetic to the plight of students and parents. The major lie being peddled in the pamphlets and flyers is that Dr Okonjo-Iweala has insisted on a "take-it-or-leave-it approach" in the negotiations with ASUU. Nothing could be further from the truth. Dr Okonjo-Iweala is the daughter of two retired professors and her father is presently a member of ASUU's Board of Trustees and has been one for a long time. She speaks with her father everyday on the issue so how can be insensitive to issues concerning the sad state of tertiary education in the country? She understands and sympathizes with the plight of both students and lecturers. She wants our children back in school as soon as possible. Remember she is a mother and two of her young relatives are sitting at home due to the strike. This is why government is working hard, under the leadership of the President, to seek practical and sustainable solutions to the challenges facing higher education in Nigeria. The President has made available N100 billion a year in the first instance to repair hostels, laboratories and classrooms and other facilities. An offer has also been made to ASUU of N30 billion towards their earned allowances. In fact, negotiations have even gone further than this. This is the first time, in years of negotiating with government, that significant sums of money have been put on the table for ASUU and universities on this particular set of issues. The Coordinating Minister is fully part of this. Against this background, ASUU elements who want the strike to continue should have a heart and rethink their current take-it-or-leave-it approach to negotiation. Government has demonstrated its commitment to improving the university system. And it is even ready to do much more going forward. ASUU should listen to the voice of reason and the yearnings of Nigerians on this issue.
Paul C Nwabuikwu
Special Adviser to the Coordinating Minister and Minister of Finance
Paul C Nwabuikwu
Special Adviser to the Coordinating Minister and Minister of Finance
Boko Haram kills 10, raze buildings in Borno villages
For the second time in two days, gunmen suspected to be members of the Boko Haram sect has invaded villages of Kawuri District and Fori of Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State. They killed 10 people, including three members of the civilian JTF.
Twenty four hours earlier, gunmen attacked border communities of Logomani villages between Dikwa ? Gamboru Ngala and Cameroon Republic, killing over 20 civilians including motorists.
Kawuri District is one of the biggest in Konduga council area, along the Maiduguri-Obama Highway which is about 60 kilometres from Maiduguri the state capital.
A woman passenger Madam Hauwa Musa said: "Yes, I was among the passengers that boarded a taxi from Mubi to Maiduguri, and when we reached the villages along the main road, we saw some buildings being set on fire as members of the Civillian JTF were fleeing into buses."
The gunmen also set ablaze some residential houses and public buildings including a clinic and a primary school.
It was gathered that the gunmen numbering about 30 and using two Hilux vehicles and motorcycles with arms and ammunition, Rocket Propel Launchers including Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), stormed the village at about 3 am and started ordering residents to come out of their houses before opening fire on them.
They also later threw explosives on some private and public structures.
Acting spokesman of the 7 Division, Nigerian Army in Maiduguri, Captain Aliyu Danja and Police spokesman Gideon Jubrin, could not be reached as at the time of this report.
Twenty four hours earlier, gunmen attacked border communities of Logomani villages between Dikwa ? Gamboru Ngala and Cameroon Republic, killing over 20 civilians including motorists.
Kawuri District is one of the biggest in Konduga council area, along the Maiduguri-Obama Highway which is about 60 kilometres from Maiduguri the state capital.
A woman passenger Madam Hauwa Musa said: "Yes, I was among the passengers that boarded a taxi from Mubi to Maiduguri, and when we reached the villages along the main road, we saw some buildings being set on fire as members of the Civillian JTF were fleeing into buses."
The gunmen also set ablaze some residential houses and public buildings including a clinic and a primary school.
It was gathered that the gunmen numbering about 30 and using two Hilux vehicles and motorcycles with arms and ammunition, Rocket Propel Launchers including Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), stormed the village at about 3 am and started ordering residents to come out of their houses before opening fire on them.
They also later threw explosives on some private and public structures.
Acting spokesman of the 7 Division, Nigerian Army in Maiduguri, Captain Aliyu Danja and Police spokesman Gideon Jubrin, could not be reached as at the time of this report.
Aviation crises: Nigerians shun domestic air travel
According to PunchNg, The crisis in Aviation industry have taken a toll on activities at the domestic terminals of the Lagos airport, with airline officials lamenting low patronage in the past few days.
Some airline officials told our correspondent in confidence on Monday, that the passengers seemed to have developed apathy towards air travel, stressing that they might have become scared of flying following recent developments in the industry.
The officials confirmed that some passengers had called in to cancel earlier bookings, while most of the aircraft taking off from both the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 and the General Aviation Terminal to various destinations in the country have had to depart with fewer passengers on board than usual.
Analysts say the development is a setback to the operators because flying with fewer passengers can make the airlines run at a loss.
An official of one of the major carriers told our correspondent that the airline has had to reschedule some of its flights in the past two weeks due to dwindling patronage and in order not to run at a total loss.
The official, who asked not to be named because of the sensitive nature of the subject, said, “Lately, activities have not been going on as usual; we have noticed a general reduction in patronage. At first, we chalked it up to the fact that the summer is over and people may be travelling less at this period; but further investigations have shown that some customers appear a bit sceptical about air travels for the time being.
“Perhaps, this is as a result of the number of mishaps that have been recorded in the Nigerian airspace in the last few weeks. As a result of this, we have had to adjust our flying times in a few cases to ensure that we are able to accommodate more passengers, while running fewer schedules, this is in an attempt to assist the management to break even.”
On Thursday, October 3, 2013, an Associated Airline plane crashed in Lagos shortly after taking off, killing 15 out of the 20 passengers on board.
Twenty-four hours after, a Kabo Airlines’ Boeing 747-400 plane carrying 512 pilgrims made an emergency landing at the Sokoto airport with deflated tyres and damaged the airport’s Instrument Landing System.
On October 7, 2013, the Federal Government suspended the operations of Dana Airlines once again, citing the need to carry out an operational audit on the carrier.
On Sunday, October 13, an IRS Airlines’ Fokker 100 plane carrying 99 passengers also made an emergency landing at the Kaduna airport after developing hydraulic problems mid air.
A passenger, Mr. Uche Igbokwe, told our correspondent at the MMA2 terminal on Monday, that he had come to see if he could get a refund for a flight he had earlier booked.
He said, “I am a businessman who lives in Lagos, but I shuttle between Abuja and Lagos two or three times every month. I actually booked a ticket for a flight to Abuja towards the end of last month to fly on Wednesday, but the air crashes and near crashes witnessed in recent times have become worrisome to me.
“My family advised me to use the road transport option for the time being, until things are a bit settled in the industry, and I seem to agree with them. So, I have come to see if I can reclaim at least some of my money. I know the road option is some distance, but I will have to manage until things improve in the aviation sector.”
An aide to a principal officer of the National Assembly, who pleaded not to be named, said he had stopped travelling by air to any destination in the country, but was now embarking on his journeys by road because of the “unsafe state of aviation” in the country.
Corroborating this, the Chief Executive Officer, Gadeshire Travels and Tours, Mr. Olugbenga Adebayo, said there had been reduced bookings for local flights by passengers.
He said, “Well, we have noticed that there is this phobia, which our customers did not use to exhibit before. It is not really that most of them do not want to fly again, but they are now being very choosy about the kind of flight they want to get on.
“If they do not see big airline carriers, they will refuse to fly and will rather take the road option. And you know that currently, we have limited carriers with big capacities in the country.
“We believe it may be as a result of all the issues we have been having in the Nigerian airspace lately, and this seems to be the little challenge that we are facing in the local aviation sector for now, but it is not affecting international travels.”
Some airline officials told our correspondent in confidence on Monday, that the passengers seemed to have developed apathy towards air travel, stressing that they might have become scared of flying following recent developments in the industry.
The officials confirmed that some passengers had called in to cancel earlier bookings, while most of the aircraft taking off from both the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 and the General Aviation Terminal to various destinations in the country have had to depart with fewer passengers on board than usual.
Analysts say the development is a setback to the operators because flying with fewer passengers can make the airlines run at a loss.
An official of one of the major carriers told our correspondent that the airline has had to reschedule some of its flights in the past two weeks due to dwindling patronage and in order not to run at a total loss.
The official, who asked not to be named because of the sensitive nature of the subject, said, “Lately, activities have not been going on as usual; we have noticed a general reduction in patronage. At first, we chalked it up to the fact that the summer is over and people may be travelling less at this period; but further investigations have shown that some customers appear a bit sceptical about air travels for the time being.
“Perhaps, this is as a result of the number of mishaps that have been recorded in the Nigerian airspace in the last few weeks. As a result of this, we have had to adjust our flying times in a few cases to ensure that we are able to accommodate more passengers, while running fewer schedules, this is in an attempt to assist the management to break even.”
On Thursday, October 3, 2013, an Associated Airline plane crashed in Lagos shortly after taking off, killing 15 out of the 20 passengers on board.
Twenty-four hours after, a Kabo Airlines’ Boeing 747-400 plane carrying 512 pilgrims made an emergency landing at the Sokoto airport with deflated tyres and damaged the airport’s Instrument Landing System.
On October 7, 2013, the Federal Government suspended the operations of Dana Airlines once again, citing the need to carry out an operational audit on the carrier.
On Sunday, October 13, an IRS Airlines’ Fokker 100 plane carrying 99 passengers also made an emergency landing at the Kaduna airport after developing hydraulic problems mid air.
A passenger, Mr. Uche Igbokwe, told our correspondent at the MMA2 terminal on Monday, that he had come to see if he could get a refund for a flight he had earlier booked.
He said, “I am a businessman who lives in Lagos, but I shuttle between Abuja and Lagos two or three times every month. I actually booked a ticket for a flight to Abuja towards the end of last month to fly on Wednesday, but the air crashes and near crashes witnessed in recent times have become worrisome to me.
“My family advised me to use the road transport option for the time being, until things are a bit settled in the industry, and I seem to agree with them. So, I have come to see if I can reclaim at least some of my money. I know the road option is some distance, but I will have to manage until things improve in the aviation sector.”
An aide to a principal officer of the National Assembly, who pleaded not to be named, said he had stopped travelling by air to any destination in the country, but was now embarking on his journeys by road because of the “unsafe state of aviation” in the country.
Corroborating this, the Chief Executive Officer, Gadeshire Travels and Tours, Mr. Olugbenga Adebayo, said there had been reduced bookings for local flights by passengers.
He said, “Well, we have noticed that there is this phobia, which our customers did not use to exhibit before. It is not really that most of them do not want to fly again, but they are now being very choosy about the kind of flight they want to get on.
“If they do not see big airline carriers, they will refuse to fly and will rather take the road option. And you know that currently, we have limited carriers with big capacities in the country.
“We believe it may be as a result of all the issues we have been having in the Nigerian airspace lately, and this seems to be the little challenge that we are facing in the local aviation sector for now, but it is not affecting international travels.”
Boko Haram:Hezbollah,Thisday bombing, Court reserves judgment
The Federal High Court, Abuja precided by Justice Adeniyi Ademola has reserved judgment in the cases involving three Lebanese and their two companies; and an alleged Boko Haram member,Mustaphar Umar. The Lebanese , Mustapha Fawaz, Abdallah Tahini, Talal Ahmad Roda ? and their companies ; Amigo Supermarket and Wonderland Amusement Park Abuja , are being tried for alleged complicity in the illegal importation and storage of prohibited arms and ammunitions.
They are being tried on a 16-count charge of terrorism and related acts in connection with the last discovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition in a residential property in Kano.
Umar on the other hand is being tried for his alleged involvement in the 2012 bombing of a building- SOJ plaza in Kaduna, which is occupied by three media houses, including Thisday, The Sun and The Moment newspapers.
Yesterday, Justice Ademola reserved judgment after parties adopted their final written addresses.
In the case involving the Lebanese, Acting Director Public Prosecution of the Federation, Simon Egede adopted for the prosecution, while Robert Clarke adopted for the defence.
Clarke argued neither Hezbollah nor its military wing, to which his clients were alleged to have belonged, has been declared a terrorist organization in the country.
He queried whether it was proper, under the court's law to try the accused in Abuja, when the evidence before this court showed that the alleged offence was committed in Kano, about 500km away.
Clarke queried "whether the mere possession of foreign currency by the 2nd accused (Tahini), without further evidence to show how he acquired the money, was sufficient to charge a person under money laundering Act".
Clarke submitted that the non physical presentation and production of the alleged cache of weapons has denied the judge the opportunity of determining whether the weapons were actually sophisticated armoury used by terrorists or mere toys.
He argued that what was tendered in evidence before the court were mere photographs, which according to him posed credibility question.
He denied the presence of the accuseds when when the photographs were taken in the house where the arms were recovered at No 3 Gaya Road Kano.
"This is a criminal trial where allegations should be proved beyond every reasonable doubt. The reason why no credibility should be attached to the photographs is that the accused persons were not around when they were taken, Clarke said.
Clarke cautioned that convicting the accused persons would pitch Nigeria against the international community, particularly Arab nations.
This, he said, was because Hezbollah is not an outlawed organisation in Nigeria and "there is no official gazette to that effect.
"Since there is no gazette before the court showing the declaration of Hezbollah as a terrorist organisation in Nigeria and your Lordship is not the President of Nigeria, the situation therefore draws the carpet for counts one to six to fail because you cannot build something on nothing.
"Before your Lordship can convict the accused persons, it is compulsory that the court will declare Hezbollah and its military wing as a terrorist organisation. But then, it is only the President of Nigeria that has the constitutional power to make such declaration" Clarke argued.
He urged the court to discharge and acquit the accuseds
Egede objected to the issue of non physical production of exhibits 7A (alleged weapons) raised by Clarke.
"It is a new issue raised this morning in court, it was not canvassed. Therefore, I urge the court to discountenance it as it was not premised on any legal authority or decision of any superior court" Egede said.
He argued that the tendering of the photographs and video CDs in evidence were supported by Section 26(1) and Section 31(3) of the Terrorism Prevention Act (TPA).
He reminded the court that the prosecution had made moves to move the court to Kano to see the recovered arms, but it declined.
On whether Hezbollah has been declared a terrorist organization in Nigeria, Egede argued that Section 40 of TPA has defined the term terrorist organization and that there was no need fro any presidential declaration or gazette in this case as far as the organisation's activities fall within the definition of terrorism act as contained in Section 40.
Egede also argued that under the new amendment, Section 19(g) of the TPA, 2013, the said Act recognised international conventions which have equally defined terrorism acts, pointing out that as signatory to the convention; the provision applies in the country.
Justifying the power of the court to hear the case, Egede argued that Section 32(1) stipulates that the Federal High Court located in Nigeria, regardless of where terrorism offence was committed shall have jurisdiction to entertain such case.
He urged the court to convict the accused persons on all charges and sentence them accordingly.
In relation to the second case, Nureini Suleiman adopted for the defence while S.M. Labaran. Adopted for the prosecution.
While Suleiman prayed the court to free his client on the ground that the prosecution was unable to prove its case, Labaran urged the court to convict as the prosecution has sufficiently proved its case.
They are being tried on a 16-count charge of terrorism and related acts in connection with the last discovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition in a residential property in Kano.
Umar on the other hand is being tried for his alleged involvement in the 2012 bombing of a building- SOJ plaza in Kaduna, which is occupied by three media houses, including Thisday, The Sun and The Moment newspapers.
Yesterday, Justice Ademola reserved judgment after parties adopted their final written addresses.
In the case involving the Lebanese, Acting Director Public Prosecution of the Federation, Simon Egede adopted for the prosecution, while Robert Clarke adopted for the defence.
Clarke argued neither Hezbollah nor its military wing, to which his clients were alleged to have belonged, has been declared a terrorist organization in the country.
He queried whether it was proper, under the court's law to try the accused in Abuja, when the evidence before this court showed that the alleged offence was committed in Kano, about 500km away.
Clarke queried "whether the mere possession of foreign currency by the 2nd accused (Tahini), without further evidence to show how he acquired the money, was sufficient to charge a person under money laundering Act".
Clarke submitted that the non physical presentation and production of the alleged cache of weapons has denied the judge the opportunity of determining whether the weapons were actually sophisticated armoury used by terrorists or mere toys.
He argued that what was tendered in evidence before the court were mere photographs, which according to him posed credibility question.
He denied the presence of the accuseds when when the photographs were taken in the house where the arms were recovered at No 3 Gaya Road Kano.
"This is a criminal trial where allegations should be proved beyond every reasonable doubt. The reason why no credibility should be attached to the photographs is that the accused persons were not around when they were taken, Clarke said.
Clarke cautioned that convicting the accused persons would pitch Nigeria against the international community, particularly Arab nations.
This, he said, was because Hezbollah is not an outlawed organisation in Nigeria and "there is no official gazette to that effect.
"Since there is no gazette before the court showing the declaration of Hezbollah as a terrorist organisation in Nigeria and your Lordship is not the President of Nigeria, the situation therefore draws the carpet for counts one to six to fail because you cannot build something on nothing.
"Before your Lordship can convict the accused persons, it is compulsory that the court will declare Hezbollah and its military wing as a terrorist organisation. But then, it is only the President of Nigeria that has the constitutional power to make such declaration" Clarke argued.
He urged the court to discharge and acquit the accuseds
Egede objected to the issue of non physical production of exhibits 7A (alleged weapons) raised by Clarke.
"It is a new issue raised this morning in court, it was not canvassed. Therefore, I urge the court to discountenance it as it was not premised on any legal authority or decision of any superior court" Egede said.
He argued that the tendering of the photographs and video CDs in evidence were supported by Section 26(1) and Section 31(3) of the Terrorism Prevention Act (TPA).
He reminded the court that the prosecution had made moves to move the court to Kano to see the recovered arms, but it declined.
On whether Hezbollah has been declared a terrorist organization in Nigeria, Egede argued that Section 40 of TPA has defined the term terrorist organization and that there was no need fro any presidential declaration or gazette in this case as far as the organisation's activities fall within the definition of terrorism act as contained in Section 40.
Egede also argued that under the new amendment, Section 19(g) of the TPA, 2013, the said Act recognised international conventions which have equally defined terrorism acts, pointing out that as signatory to the convention; the provision applies in the country.
Justifying the power of the court to hear the case, Egede argued that Section 32(1) stipulates that the Federal High Court located in Nigeria, regardless of where terrorism offence was committed shall have jurisdiction to entertain such case.
He urged the court to convict the accused persons on all charges and sentence them accordingly.
In relation to the second case, Nureini Suleiman adopted for the defence while S.M. Labaran. Adopted for the prosecution.
While Suleiman prayed the court to free his client on the ground that the prosecution was unable to prove its case, Labaran urged the court to convict as the prosecution has sufficiently proved its case.
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