The Delta State Government has revealed that there's a teenage gay cult in Warri called Yansh. The teenagers who are said to be from ages 15 to 18 reportedly live in rented apartments close to Enerhen Junction, Warri, where gay men come to sleep with them and pay them.
This was revealed by the Delta state governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan, yesterday during his Easter message to Deltans at the First Baptist Church in Warri
"These are our sons and men come to sleep with them. It is through the Edu Marshals Programme that we discovered them. We used to know about female harlots, now we have male harlots. Unfortunately they are young boys. There is much government can do, but there is more we can do as parents.” the governor said
Source: Vanguard
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Happy Easter
Here is wishing everyone a Happy Easter,May the good tidings of Easter reach You and everyone around You.
Sorry this is coming late, the network service in the village has been so bad......FYI my Traditional Marriage is coming up on the 24th of this month which is like 48 hours away. Need your Love and prayers.
And please bear with me, I am gonna be AWOL this few days, I promise to come back as soon as possible so I would continue providing you with Nigeria's freshest breaking news. I Love U all.*Mwah*
Sorry this is coming late, the network service in the village has been so bad......FYI my Traditional Marriage is coming up on the 24th of this month which is like 48 hours away. Need your Love and prayers.
And please bear with me, I am gonna be AWOL this few days, I promise to come back as soon as possible so I would continue providing you with Nigeria's freshest breaking news. I Love U all.*Mwah*
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Update:Boko Haram Leader Claims Responsibility for Abuja Nyanya Bomb Blast in new video
Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau has claimed responsibility for the Abuja bomb blast that killed at least 75 people via a video message.
“We are the ones that carried out the attack in Abuja,” Shekau said in the 28-minute video, referring to the deadliest attack ever in Nigeria’s capital which targeted Nyanya bus station packed with morning commuters.
Seated with a kalashnikov resting on his left shoulder and dressed in military uniform, the insurgent commander spoke in both Arabic and the Hausa language that is dominant in northern Nigeria. The message was delivered to AFP in a manner consistent with previous videos from Boko Haram.
Shekau indicated that Boko Haram has fighters based in the capital. Referring to President Goodluck Jonathan, he said:
“We are in your city.”
The bombing at the Nyanya bus terminal on the outskirts of Abuja was the first major attack in the capital in two years. Most of the insurgents’ violence in recent months had been concentrated in the group’s remote northeastern stronghold, where the military is waging an 11-month-old offensive.
Shekau has been declared a global terrorist by the United States, which has put a $7 million bounty (5.1 million euros) on his head.
“We are the ones that carried out the attack in Abuja,” Shekau said in the 28-minute video, referring to the deadliest attack ever in Nigeria’s capital which targeted Nyanya bus station packed with morning commuters.
Seated with a kalashnikov resting on his left shoulder and dressed in military uniform, the insurgent commander spoke in both Arabic and the Hausa language that is dominant in northern Nigeria. The message was delivered to AFP in a manner consistent with previous videos from Boko Haram.
Shekau indicated that Boko Haram has fighters based in the capital. Referring to President Goodluck Jonathan, he said:
“We are in your city.”
The bombing at the Nyanya bus terminal on the outskirts of Abuja was the first major attack in the capital in two years. Most of the insurgents’ violence in recent months had been concentrated in the group’s remote northeastern stronghold, where the military is waging an 11-month-old offensive.
Shekau has been declared a global terrorist by the United States, which has put a $7 million bounty (5.1 million euros) on his head.
President Jonathan's Easter message to the nation
Easter message from Mr President..
Dear Compatriots,
I greet you all, especially our Christian brothers and sisters who are celebrating Easter and commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ today.
As we join Christians in other countries of the world in celebrating Easter this year, I urge all Nigerians to reflect on the significance of its lessons of piety, obedience to higher authorities, self sacrifice for the good of others, redemption, salvation, deliverance, renewal and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.
These lessons of Easter and other injunctions on brotherly love, peaceful co-existence, tolerance, honesty, humility, justice, equity and fairness to all without discrimination contained in the Gospels are of particular importance to us as a nation as we continue to contend with the challenges of nation-building and development.
As our Christian compatriots celebrate the Messiah’s triumph over death and all that it connotes, let us all renew our faith and confidence in our ability as a people to overcome all obstacles, challenges and threats to national progress and well-being, including terrorism and other criminal attacks on our people in some parts of the country.
My belief in our ability to overcome all retrogressive and divisive forces in our midst and build a strong, united and prosperous nation by turning our unique diversity into a source of strength remains unshaken and we will continue to work with all interest groups and stakeholders in the country to achieve the peaceful, secure and politically stable conditions essential for rapid socio-economic development.
In spite of the evil machinations of terrorists, criminals and their collaborators, our Administration remains ardently focused on efforts to successfully execute the Federal Government’s Agenda for National Transformation and achieve sustained development.
We have already made notable advances in this regard. As a result of our efforts and those of previous administrations, the Nigeria economy is now the largest in Africa and the 26th largest in the world.
But we cannot afford to rest on our oars. Much remains to be done and we will continue to count on the patriotic support of all Nigerians as we strive to achieve more inclusive economic growth, generate more national wealth and create more employment opportunities to meet the demands of our increasingly youthful population.
I commend the leadership and delegates to the ongoing National Conference, the vast majority of who have shown a patriotic and praiseworthy commitment to national unity, peace and progress built on justice, fairness and equity for all component parts of the country.
As the Conference breaks into committees to continue its deliberations, it remains our hope and expectation that the end result will be meaningful and enduring contributions towards strengthening national unity and fulfilling our collective desire for a better and greater nation.
Once again, I extend heartfelt commiserations to all the families who have sadly lost loved relatives in recent terrorist attacks.
Our thoughts and sympathies remain with all those who have suffered injuries from the heinous attacks. We pray for their speedy recovery and shall keep on doing everything possible to assist them with required medical services and material support.
Our Armed Forces and security agencies will continue to do their very best to curb such attacks and restore full security to all parts of our beloved country.
But we must all become more alert and vigilant, and do all that we can to give them the fullest possible assistance, support and cooperation they require to achieve more effective protection of lives and property across the country.
We shall continue to count on your support and prayers for greater peace, harmony, progress and prosperity in Nigeria.
May God Almighty bless our dear nation and guide us, always.
Happy Easter to you all.
Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR
President, Federal Republic of Nigeria
Dear Compatriots,
I greet you all, especially our Christian brothers and sisters who are celebrating Easter and commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ today.
As we join Christians in other countries of the world in celebrating Easter this year, I urge all Nigerians to reflect on the significance of its lessons of piety, obedience to higher authorities, self sacrifice for the good of others, redemption, salvation, deliverance, renewal and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.
These lessons of Easter and other injunctions on brotherly love, peaceful co-existence, tolerance, honesty, humility, justice, equity and fairness to all without discrimination contained in the Gospels are of particular importance to us as a nation as we continue to contend with the challenges of nation-building and development.
As our Christian compatriots celebrate the Messiah’s triumph over death and all that it connotes, let us all renew our faith and confidence in our ability as a people to overcome all obstacles, challenges and threats to national progress and well-being, including terrorism and other criminal attacks on our people in some parts of the country.
My belief in our ability to overcome all retrogressive and divisive forces in our midst and build a strong, united and prosperous nation by turning our unique diversity into a source of strength remains unshaken and we will continue to work with all interest groups and stakeholders in the country to achieve the peaceful, secure and politically stable conditions essential for rapid socio-economic development.
In spite of the evil machinations of terrorists, criminals and their collaborators, our Administration remains ardently focused on efforts to successfully execute the Federal Government’s Agenda for National Transformation and achieve sustained development.
We have already made notable advances in this regard. As a result of our efforts and those of previous administrations, the Nigeria economy is now the largest in Africa and the 26th largest in the world.
But we cannot afford to rest on our oars. Much remains to be done and we will continue to count on the patriotic support of all Nigerians as we strive to achieve more inclusive economic growth, generate more national wealth and create more employment opportunities to meet the demands of our increasingly youthful population.
I commend the leadership and delegates to the ongoing National Conference, the vast majority of who have shown a patriotic and praiseworthy commitment to national unity, peace and progress built on justice, fairness and equity for all component parts of the country.
As the Conference breaks into committees to continue its deliberations, it remains our hope and expectation that the end result will be meaningful and enduring contributions towards strengthening national unity and fulfilling our collective desire for a better and greater nation.
Once again, I extend heartfelt commiserations to all the families who have sadly lost loved relatives in recent terrorist attacks.
Our thoughts and sympathies remain with all those who have suffered injuries from the heinous attacks. We pray for their speedy recovery and shall keep on doing everything possible to assist them with required medical services and material support.
Our Armed Forces and security agencies will continue to do their very best to curb such attacks and restore full security to all parts of our beloved country.
But we must all become more alert and vigilant, and do all that we can to give them the fullest possible assistance, support and cooperation they require to achieve more effective protection of lives and property across the country.
We shall continue to count on your support and prayers for greater peace, harmony, progress and prosperity in Nigeria.
May God Almighty bless our dear nation and guide us, always.
Happy Easter to you all.
Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR
President, Federal Republic of Nigeria
Update: Doyin Okupe takes responsiblity for misinformation on abducted girls
Mr Doyin Okupe, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, yesterday took full responsibility for the misinformation on the 100+ abducted Government Girls Secondary students who were taken from their hostel on Monday 14th in Chibok, Borno state by Boko Haram men. He had issued a statement saying the military had released the girls. It was later found to be false. The girls are still missing.
Nigerian Military Retracts Claim It Freed 107 Abducted Schoolgirls
The Nigerian military on Thursday backtracked on its claim that it freed majority of the 129 female students of the Government Girls’ Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, abducted on Monday night by suspected Boko Haram members.
The spokesperson of the Defence Headquarters, DHQ, Chris Olukolade, had said 107 of the girls were freed in addition to the 14 that escaped from their abductors.
Mr. Olukolade claimed that following the rescue, only eight of the girls were still held captive by the insurgents.
But shortly after Mr. Olukolade’s statement was published, the principal of the affected school, Asabe Kwambura, as well as officials of the Borno state government, said the claims were untrue and that majority of the girls were still missing.
“There is nothing in the military statement that is true about our abducted girls,” Mrs. Kwambura had said. “Up till now we are still waiting and praying for the safe return of the students; all I know is that we have only 14 of them, and the security people especially the Vigilante and the well meaning volunteers of Gwoza are still out searching for them.”
Mrs. Kwambura’s claim portrayed the military in bad light and angered several Nigerians, with some accusing the military and the Nigerian government of playing politics with the lives of the abducted girls.
Apparently rattled by the denial of its claim, the military on Thursday night issued a statement, saying it was deferring to the principal of the school and the Borno government on the correct number of girls that have so far been freed.
“In the light of the denial by the principal of the school, the Defence Headquarters wishes to defer to the school principal and Governor’s statement on the number of students still missing and retract that aspect of earlier statement while the search continues,” Mr. Olukolade said in a statement.
The defence spokesperson denied the military was playing politics with the rescue operation, saying the information he provided on Thursday was sourced from the field.
“There was no reason to doubt this official channel, hence the information was released to the public immediately,” Mr. Olukolade explained. “Surprisingly however, the school principal, one of the sources quoted in the report has denied all that was attributed to her for whatever reasons. This is an unfortunate development indeed, yet the Defence Headquarters would not want to join issues with anyone.”
He added, “It has to be reaffirmed however, that the report forwarded to the public on this issue was in good faith and not intended to deceive the public as is being interpreted following the denials by the School principal and Government of Borno State.
“Like all other citizens, the military is deeply concerned to ensure that the students are safe and freed alive. There is indeed no reason to play politics with the precious lives of the students. The number of those still missing is not the issue now as the life of every Nigerian is very precious.”
Read Mr. Olukolade’s full statement below.
Joint Information Centre
Counter Terrorism Campaign
North-East Nigeria
c/o Defence Headquarters
ABUJA
JIC/CTC/NE/14 17 April 2014
PRESS RELEASE
UPDATE ON THE ABDUCTED STUDENTS OF GOVERNMENT GIRLS’ SECONDARY SCHOOL CHIBOK
The controversy that has been generated around the efforts at securing the lives of the abducted students of Government Girls’ Secondary School, Chibok is unfortunate. The ongoing frantic efforts of security forces along with vigilante groups including hunters working to locate and free the abducted students have continued to be keenly monitored at the Operation Centre of the Defence and Army Headquarters as regular progress reports are being received from troops on the ground.
In this regard, a report was filed in from the field indicating that a major breakthrough had been recorded in the search. There was no reason to doubt this official channel, hence the information was released to the public immediately. Surprisingly however, the school principal, one of the sources quoted in the report has denied all that was attributed to her for whatever reasons. This is an unfortunate development indeed, yet the Defence Headquarters would not want to join issues with anyone.
It has to be reaffirmed however, that the report forwarded to the public on this issue was in good faith and not intended to deceive the public as is being interpreted following the denials by the School principal and Government of Borno State. Like all other citizens, the military is deeply concerned to ensure that the students are safe and freed alive. There is indeed no reason to play politics with the precious lives of the students. The number of those still missing is not the issue now as the life of every Nigerian is very precious.
In the light of the denial by the principal of the school, the Defence Headquarters wishes to defer to the school principal and Governor’s statement on the number of students still missing and retract that aspect of earlier statement while the search continues.
CHRIS OLUKOLADE
Major General
Director Defence Information/Coordinator
Source: Premium Times
The spokesperson of the Defence Headquarters, DHQ, Chris Olukolade, had said 107 of the girls were freed in addition to the 14 that escaped from their abductors.
Mr. Olukolade claimed that following the rescue, only eight of the girls were still held captive by the insurgents.
But shortly after Mr. Olukolade’s statement was published, the principal of the affected school, Asabe Kwambura, as well as officials of the Borno state government, said the claims were untrue and that majority of the girls were still missing.
“There is nothing in the military statement that is true about our abducted girls,” Mrs. Kwambura had said. “Up till now we are still waiting and praying for the safe return of the students; all I know is that we have only 14 of them, and the security people especially the Vigilante and the well meaning volunteers of Gwoza are still out searching for them.”
Mrs. Kwambura’s claim portrayed the military in bad light and angered several Nigerians, with some accusing the military and the Nigerian government of playing politics with the lives of the abducted girls.
Apparently rattled by the denial of its claim, the military on Thursday night issued a statement, saying it was deferring to the principal of the school and the Borno government on the correct number of girls that have so far been freed.
“In the light of the denial by the principal of the school, the Defence Headquarters wishes to defer to the school principal and Governor’s statement on the number of students still missing and retract that aspect of earlier statement while the search continues,” Mr. Olukolade said in a statement.
The defence spokesperson denied the military was playing politics with the rescue operation, saying the information he provided on Thursday was sourced from the field.
“There was no reason to doubt this official channel, hence the information was released to the public immediately,” Mr. Olukolade explained. “Surprisingly however, the school principal, one of the sources quoted in the report has denied all that was attributed to her for whatever reasons. This is an unfortunate development indeed, yet the Defence Headquarters would not want to join issues with anyone.”
He added, “It has to be reaffirmed however, that the report forwarded to the public on this issue was in good faith and not intended to deceive the public as is being interpreted following the denials by the School principal and Government of Borno State.
“Like all other citizens, the military is deeply concerned to ensure that the students are safe and freed alive. There is indeed no reason to play politics with the precious lives of the students. The number of those still missing is not the issue now as the life of every Nigerian is very precious.”
Read Mr. Olukolade’s full statement below.
Joint Information Centre
Counter Terrorism Campaign
North-East Nigeria
c/o Defence Headquarters
ABUJA
JIC/CTC/NE/14 17 April 2014
PRESS RELEASE
UPDATE ON THE ABDUCTED STUDENTS OF GOVERNMENT GIRLS’ SECONDARY SCHOOL CHIBOK
The controversy that has been generated around the efforts at securing the lives of the abducted students of Government Girls’ Secondary School, Chibok is unfortunate. The ongoing frantic efforts of security forces along with vigilante groups including hunters working to locate and free the abducted students have continued to be keenly monitored at the Operation Centre of the Defence and Army Headquarters as regular progress reports are being received from troops on the ground.
In this regard, a report was filed in from the field indicating that a major breakthrough had been recorded in the search. There was no reason to doubt this official channel, hence the information was released to the public immediately. Surprisingly however, the school principal, one of the sources quoted in the report has denied all that was attributed to her for whatever reasons. This is an unfortunate development indeed, yet the Defence Headquarters would not want to join issues with anyone.
It has to be reaffirmed however, that the report forwarded to the public on this issue was in good faith and not intended to deceive the public as is being interpreted following the denials by the School principal and Government of Borno State. Like all other citizens, the military is deeply concerned to ensure that the students are safe and freed alive. There is indeed no reason to play politics with the precious lives of the students. The number of those still missing is not the issue now as the life of every Nigerian is very precious.
In the light of the denial by the principal of the school, the Defence Headquarters wishes to defer to the school principal and Governor’s statement on the number of students still missing and retract that aspect of earlier statement while the search continues.
CHRIS OLUKOLADE
Major General
Director Defence Information/Coordinator
Source: Premium Times
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Reasons Why Jonathan Attended Political Rally in Kano While Nigerians Mourned Abuja Bomb Victims- Information Minister, Labaran Maku Responds
Few days ago, Nigerians condemned Jonathan's visit to Kano State for a political rally. Well The Federal Government has come out in staunch defence of President Goodluck Jonathan for attending and indeed dancing at a politically rally while Nigerians mourned victims of the Monday morning Abuja bomb explosion.
At least 75 people died and over 100 injured when a bomb exploded in a crowded park in Nyanya, Abuja on Monday, with witnesses saying the casualty was much more than the official figures.
A day after the Nyanya bomb blast, Mr. Jonathan went to Kano State for a Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, politically rally. The president danced as he and hundreds of the party’s supporters welcomed Ibrahim Shekarau, a former governor of the state, to the PDP. This led to criticisms from several Nigerians and the opposition party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, who accused him of insensitivity to the plight of the blast victims.
However, at the end of the weekly Executive Council of the Federation, FEC, meeting on Wednesday, the federal government defended Mr. Jonathan’s actions.
The Information Minister, Labaran Maku, who briefed journalists after the FEC meeting, said the President had to attend the rally to prove to the terrorists that they cannot cripple the activities of government which, he said, was their fundamental aim.
“This president has suffered psychologically as a result of this criminality,” Mr. Maku said. “I think going to Kano was a statement, a loud statement that terrorism will not stop the administration of this country”.
“For someone to go round and say that the President is not sensitive is not correct.
“You will remember that the President called off his trip to Ibadan(which he attended the next day) for the centenary church celebration of the Olubadan of Ibadan who was exactly 100 years old that time.
“He personally visited the scene and called on all the security operatives to provide support. There also he called on the nation to be more united even as he reassured the nation that government will not surrender to the antics of the terrorists,” he added.
The Information Minister said the criticisms of the president’s actions were coming from politicians “trying to exploit the issue to score cheap political points.”
“I think that this is very bad… We should not be exploiting the emotion of citizens for a cheap political point,” he said.
Mr. Maku also said the government had also ensured that the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, was strengthened enough to respond promptly to such attacks.
He added that government was doing everything possible to ensure that anywhere Nigerians are attacked, relief items are provided promptly.
.
“We must be united in condemning terrorism and make sure that Nigerians are committed to kicking out terrorism from our country.
The minister also criticised media reportage of the blast. He said members of the FEC were disturbed about the way the gory pictures of the blast were published and called for restrains in reporting such incidents.
“Yes, we must report, but in reporting, we must be sensitive to the psychological state of our people.
“We noticed that throughout the 911 incidence, we notice that hardly was pictures of any of those who died were shown,” he said.
Mr. Maku urged Nigerians not to allow the current spate of terrorism dampen their spirit, saying Nigeria is not a nation of terrorists.
“Terrorism is not our way of life; it is not part of the mentality of any ordinary Nigerian that is why Nigerians are united against the issue of terror”.
He also assured that Nigeria will continue to work against terrorism with its neighbours including Cameroon, Chad, and Niger.
Mr. Maku said the President has directed the FCT Minister to begin surveillance and provision of security around the Nigerian capital, Abuja.
In his statement, the Abuja Minister, Bala Mohammed, said 75 victims of the blast died while 171 others were currently receiving treatments in various hospitals.
He also announced that the FCT will foot the bills of those under treatments in the various hospitals, adding that the Abuja administration is fully prepared to close the gaps in the security system
“We will make it very difficult for people with bad intensions to penetrate our parks. Certainly, we are going to bring bomb detectors and we are going to work with our security to guide us on how to make our schools, parks, markets and other public places safe for our people,” he said.
He disclosed that the FCT will bring in about 100 high capacity new buses so that the Nyanya incident does not affect the movements of people and goods, adding that government cannot source all the buses from the country.
He also disclosed that the Abuja administration will install metal detection devices inside the new buses being purchased.
“We have noticed that these people have changed their strategies and we also have to change our strategies to protect our people,” Mr. Mohammed said.
He said 47 motorcycles and 27 mass transit buses were destroyed during the Monday bomb blast.
In his statement, the Minister of State for Health said the major challenge is getting blood for the injured victims. He also said permission has been given to relatives of victims to collect the corpses of their loved ones, adding that government is doing everything to ensure that the information given out about the dead victims was accurate.
Source: Premium Times
At least 75 people died and over 100 injured when a bomb exploded in a crowded park in Nyanya, Abuja on Monday, with witnesses saying the casualty was much more than the official figures.
A day after the Nyanya bomb blast, Mr. Jonathan went to Kano State for a Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, politically rally. The president danced as he and hundreds of the party’s supporters welcomed Ibrahim Shekarau, a former governor of the state, to the PDP. This led to criticisms from several Nigerians and the opposition party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, who accused him of insensitivity to the plight of the blast victims.
However, at the end of the weekly Executive Council of the Federation, FEC, meeting on Wednesday, the federal government defended Mr. Jonathan’s actions.
The Information Minister, Labaran Maku, who briefed journalists after the FEC meeting, said the President had to attend the rally to prove to the terrorists that they cannot cripple the activities of government which, he said, was their fundamental aim.
“This president has suffered psychologically as a result of this criminality,” Mr. Maku said. “I think going to Kano was a statement, a loud statement that terrorism will not stop the administration of this country”.
“For someone to go round and say that the President is not sensitive is not correct.
“You will remember that the President called off his trip to Ibadan(which he attended the next day) for the centenary church celebration of the Olubadan of Ibadan who was exactly 100 years old that time.
“He personally visited the scene and called on all the security operatives to provide support. There also he called on the nation to be more united even as he reassured the nation that government will not surrender to the antics of the terrorists,” he added.
The Information Minister said the criticisms of the president’s actions were coming from politicians “trying to exploit the issue to score cheap political points.”
“I think that this is very bad… We should not be exploiting the emotion of citizens for a cheap political point,” he said.
Mr. Maku also said the government had also ensured that the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, was strengthened enough to respond promptly to such attacks.
He added that government was doing everything possible to ensure that anywhere Nigerians are attacked, relief items are provided promptly.
.
“We must be united in condemning terrorism and make sure that Nigerians are committed to kicking out terrorism from our country.
The minister also criticised media reportage of the blast. He said members of the FEC were disturbed about the way the gory pictures of the blast were published and called for restrains in reporting such incidents.
“Yes, we must report, but in reporting, we must be sensitive to the psychological state of our people.
“We noticed that throughout the 911 incidence, we notice that hardly was pictures of any of those who died were shown,” he said.
Mr. Maku urged Nigerians not to allow the current spate of terrorism dampen their spirit, saying Nigeria is not a nation of terrorists.
“Terrorism is not our way of life; it is not part of the mentality of any ordinary Nigerian that is why Nigerians are united against the issue of terror”.
He also assured that Nigeria will continue to work against terrorism with its neighbours including Cameroon, Chad, and Niger.
Mr. Maku said the President has directed the FCT Minister to begin surveillance and provision of security around the Nigerian capital, Abuja.
In his statement, the Abuja Minister, Bala Mohammed, said 75 victims of the blast died while 171 others were currently receiving treatments in various hospitals.
He also announced that the FCT will foot the bills of those under treatments in the various hospitals, adding that the Abuja administration is fully prepared to close the gaps in the security system
“We will make it very difficult for people with bad intensions to penetrate our parks. Certainly, we are going to bring bomb detectors and we are going to work with our security to guide us on how to make our schools, parks, markets and other public places safe for our people,” he said.
He disclosed that the FCT will bring in about 100 high capacity new buses so that the Nyanya incident does not affect the movements of people and goods, adding that government cannot source all the buses from the country.
He also disclosed that the Abuja administration will install metal detection devices inside the new buses being purchased.
“We have noticed that these people have changed their strategies and we also have to change our strategies to protect our people,” Mr. Mohammed said.
He said 47 motorcycles and 27 mass transit buses were destroyed during the Monday bomb blast.
In his statement, the Minister of State for Health said the major challenge is getting blood for the injured victims. He also said permission has been given to relatives of victims to collect the corpses of their loved ones, adding that government is doing everything to ensure that the information given out about the dead victims was accurate.
Source: Premium Times
The Military Lied About Rescue Of Abducted School Girls " - Borno Government Officials, Principal
The claim by military officials in Abuja on Wednesday that 107 abducted girls of Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS) Chibok were freed is a huge lie, Borno government officials, the management of the school and residents have said.
The Principal of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Asabe Kwambura, told PREMIUM TIMES Thursday morning that the military’s claim was false.
“There is nothing in the military statement that is true about our abducted girls,” Mrs. Kwambura said. “Up till now we are still waiting and praying for the safe return of the students; all I know is that we have only 14 of them, and the security people especially the Vigilante and the well meaning volunteers of Gwoza are still out searching for them.”
She continued, ”The military people too are in the bush searching. So we have not received any information that they have gotten the students yet. So let it be clear that all the information passed on the media by the military concerning 107 girls is not true.
“I, as the principal did not tell any body any figure on released students other than what our Governor, His Excellency Kashim Shettima had informed the media.”
The Principal said she was contacted by the military headquarters in Abuja yesterday and some person was asking her to confirm the number of girls released.
”I told them that I don’t want to be seen to be contradicting myself on that because what the governor said was what we know about; and I told them there may be additional rescue of the girls, but up to this moment we have not received any of them apart from what we had before,” the principal said.
” What the governor said is still the true picture of the whole issue and that information given by the military is totally wrong.”
The military spokesperson at the Defence Headquarters, Major General Chris Olukolade, had Wednesday issued a statement claiming that 107 abducted girls were freed; adding that only eight of the girls were still missing and the military was searching for them.
He also claimed that a member of the Boko Haram sect that participated in the abduction was also nabbed by the military.
Borno state Governor, ashim Shettima was also quoted by the BBC Hausa service this morning faulting the claims of the military.
He reportedly said, “We have recovered 14 of the girls and we have announced a N50 million reward for any credible information that will help us get our girls released and rejoined with their families.”
A female senior Civil Servant with the Borno state government, who requested not to be named said, “What kind of nonsense is this for God sake? Why are they playing politics with the lives of these innocent girls; I had just called some of my relatives in Chibok and they told me none of the girls had been released apart from the 14 that escaped back to town. We hope the military is not doing some thing funny with this very sensitive issue”.
When contacted late last night, Mr. Olukolade insisted it was the principal of the school who told the military that only eight girls were now missing.
.....I just wish they should stop confusing us
The Principal of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Asabe Kwambura, told PREMIUM TIMES Thursday morning that the military’s claim was false.
“There is nothing in the military statement that is true about our abducted girls,” Mrs. Kwambura said. “Up till now we are still waiting and praying for the safe return of the students; all I know is that we have only 14 of them, and the security people especially the Vigilante and the well meaning volunteers of Gwoza are still out searching for them.”
She continued, ”The military people too are in the bush searching. So we have not received any information that they have gotten the students yet. So let it be clear that all the information passed on the media by the military concerning 107 girls is not true.
“I, as the principal did not tell any body any figure on released students other than what our Governor, His Excellency Kashim Shettima had informed the media.”
The Principal said she was contacted by the military headquarters in Abuja yesterday and some person was asking her to confirm the number of girls released.
”I told them that I don’t want to be seen to be contradicting myself on that because what the governor said was what we know about; and I told them there may be additional rescue of the girls, but up to this moment we have not received any of them apart from what we had before,” the principal said.
” What the governor said is still the true picture of the whole issue and that information given by the military is totally wrong.”
The military spokesperson at the Defence Headquarters, Major General Chris Olukolade, had Wednesday issued a statement claiming that 107 abducted girls were freed; adding that only eight of the girls were still missing and the military was searching for them.
He also claimed that a member of the Boko Haram sect that participated in the abduction was also nabbed by the military.
Borno state Governor, ashim Shettima was also quoted by the BBC Hausa service this morning faulting the claims of the military.
He reportedly said, “We have recovered 14 of the girls and we have announced a N50 million reward for any credible information that will help us get our girls released and rejoined with their families.”
A female senior Civil Servant with the Borno state government, who requested not to be named said, “What kind of nonsense is this for God sake? Why are they playing politics with the lives of these innocent girls; I had just called some of my relatives in Chibok and they told me none of the girls had been released apart from the 14 that escaped back to town. We hope the military is not doing some thing funny with this very sensitive issue”.
When contacted late last night, Mr. Olukolade insisted it was the principal of the school who told the military that only eight girls were now missing.
.....I just wish they should stop confusing us
There’ll Be More Bomb Blasts + Jonathan Knows These Terrorists But He’s Scared To Prosecute Them —Primate Ayodele
Founder, Inri Evangelical Spiritual Church, Oke Afa, Isolo, Lagos, Primate Ayodele speaks with Oluwole Adeboye on the state of the nation. This interview is shocking and thought provoking, read details below:
You predicted the bomb explosion in Abuja and it came to pass. What can we do to avert more of these ugly incidents?
There are moles in the Presidency, the Senate, House Of Representatives, SSS, Nigeria Police Force, the Army, Air Force and the Navy who give information to these terrorists and President Goodluck Jonathan knows them too well but he is afraid to face them because of his second term ambition to rule the country. These people are also targeting shopping malls and markets.
Can’t prayers solve the menace of Boko Haram?
Why not? With prayers these problems could be solved but our leaders have soiled their hands in evil acts. Most of them derive joy in seeing blood. If Jonathan comes back 100 times to rule this country, he won’t be able to solve the problems. He does not listen to the voice of God, flattery and deceit are good music to him. When you praise him he is always happy. Most of the pastors he goes to are afraid to tell him the truth. There is red signal all over the country.
What is your assessment of the ongoing confab?
The confab will speak the mind of the people but the government will not make use of the recommendations.
What are your views on the prevailing political situation?
The leadership of All Progressives Congress are not ripe for the presidency. APC members will defect to the PDP before the 2015 elections and if APC refuses to give Muhammadu Buhari the ticket to contest the presidency he will quit. And there will be no election in some states.
The Minister Of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Minister of Petroleum, Mrs. Diezani Allison-Maduekwe will face probes and challenges. All governors should pray so as not to lose four of their own to the cold hands of death.
We have not prayed enough, security intelligence does not recognise prophecy, bloodletting will continue.
On the abducted students, they will come out unhurt. On Nollywood, actors and actresses must pray against death. On the Lagos Ibadan expressway, prayers should be made to avert accidents which could claim scores of lives
As the World Cup kicks off in June in Brazil, can the Super Eagle win the cup?
They will try but they won’t get to the semi-final. Coach Stephen Keshi will quit coaching the Super Eagles after the World Cup. The Nigeria Football Supporters Club will have serious problems to contend with.
What can you say about the missing Malaysian aircraft?
The Malaysian government should be held responsible because they know its whereabouts.
You predicted the bomb explosion in Abuja and it came to pass. What can we do to avert more of these ugly incidents?
There are moles in the Presidency, the Senate, House Of Representatives, SSS, Nigeria Police Force, the Army, Air Force and the Navy who give information to these terrorists and President Goodluck Jonathan knows them too well but he is afraid to face them because of his second term ambition to rule the country. These people are also targeting shopping malls and markets.
Can’t prayers solve the menace of Boko Haram?
Why not? With prayers these problems could be solved but our leaders have soiled their hands in evil acts. Most of them derive joy in seeing blood. If Jonathan comes back 100 times to rule this country, he won’t be able to solve the problems. He does not listen to the voice of God, flattery and deceit are good music to him. When you praise him he is always happy. Most of the pastors he goes to are afraid to tell him the truth. There is red signal all over the country.
What is your assessment of the ongoing confab?
The confab will speak the mind of the people but the government will not make use of the recommendations.
What are your views on the prevailing political situation?
The leadership of All Progressives Congress are not ripe for the presidency. APC members will defect to the PDP before the 2015 elections and if APC refuses to give Muhammadu Buhari the ticket to contest the presidency he will quit. And there will be no election in some states.
The Minister Of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Minister of Petroleum, Mrs. Diezani Allison-Maduekwe will face probes and challenges. All governors should pray so as not to lose four of their own to the cold hands of death.
We have not prayed enough, security intelligence does not recognise prophecy, bloodletting will continue.
On the abducted students, they will come out unhurt. On Nollywood, actors and actresses must pray against death. On the Lagos Ibadan expressway, prayers should be made to avert accidents which could claim scores of lives
As the World Cup kicks off in June in Brazil, can the Super Eagle win the cup?
They will try but they won’t get to the semi-final. Coach Stephen Keshi will quit coaching the Super Eagles after the World Cup. The Nigeria Football Supporters Club will have serious problems to contend with.
What can you say about the missing Malaysian aircraft?
The Malaysian government should be held responsible because they know its whereabouts.
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Boko Haram: Jonathan summons governors & members of National Security Council
The State House issued a press release few hours ago.
Read below...
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has summoned members of the National Security Council to a meeting tomorrow at the Presidential Villa against the background of recent events and developments in the country.
The meeting which will be presided over by President Jonathan is scheduled for 1100 hours.
Those expected at the meeting include Vice President Namadi Sambo, the Minister of Defence, Lt.-Gen Aliyu Gusau, the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd.), the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the State Security Services and the Director-General of National Intelligence Agency.
The meeting of the National Security Council will be followed at 1300 Hours by an enlarged meeting on security developments in the country to which President Jonathan has invited State Governors.
President Jonathan, members of the National Security Council and the state governors will review the security situation in the country as well as ongoing national security measures and operations with a view to determining the best way forward.
President Jonathan reassures all Nigerians and persons living in the country that the Federal Government remains very mindful of its responsibility for the safety of their lives and properties in all parts of Nigeria and will continue to do everything possible to protect them from the scourge of terrorism and insecurity.
The President is particularly concerned about the plight of the young Senior Secondary School girls who were reportedly abducted from their school in Borno State on Monday night and has ordered the military and national security agencies to deploy maximum efforts towards rescuing all of the girls and returning them safely to their parents. He welcomes reports that the military and security agencies have already rescued some of the girls.
President Jonathan deeply regrets the pain, sorrow and anguish brought upon many Nigerian families in recent days as a consequence of recurring security challenges which the nation is contending with.
The President remains convinced that with the patriotic commitment and support of all Nigerians, the country will ultimately overcome its present challenges and move forward in unity and strength.
In this regard, President Jonathan will be pleased to see all politicians in the country exhibiting greater responsibility and patriotism by doing more to support his administration’s sincere efforts to enhance national security rather than trying to build political capital out of the pain and misery of their compatriots.
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
April 16, 2014
Read below...
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has summoned members of the National Security Council to a meeting tomorrow at the Presidential Villa against the background of recent events and developments in the country.
The meeting which will be presided over by President Jonathan is scheduled for 1100 hours.
Those expected at the meeting include Vice President Namadi Sambo, the Minister of Defence, Lt.-Gen Aliyu Gusau, the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd.), the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the State Security Services and the Director-General of National Intelligence Agency.
The meeting of the National Security Council will be followed at 1300 Hours by an enlarged meeting on security developments in the country to which President Jonathan has invited State Governors.
President Jonathan, members of the National Security Council and the state governors will review the security situation in the country as well as ongoing national security measures and operations with a view to determining the best way forward.
President Jonathan reassures all Nigerians and persons living in the country that the Federal Government remains very mindful of its responsibility for the safety of their lives and properties in all parts of Nigeria and will continue to do everything possible to protect them from the scourge of terrorism and insecurity.
The President is particularly concerned about the plight of the young Senior Secondary School girls who were reportedly abducted from their school in Borno State on Monday night and has ordered the military and national security agencies to deploy maximum efforts towards rescuing all of the girls and returning them safely to their parents. He welcomes reports that the military and security agencies have already rescued some of the girls.
President Jonathan deeply regrets the pain, sorrow and anguish brought upon many Nigerian families in recent days as a consequence of recurring security challenges which the nation is contending with.
The President remains convinced that with the patriotic commitment and support of all Nigerians, the country will ultimately overcome its present challenges and move forward in unity and strength.
In this regard, President Jonathan will be pleased to see all politicians in the country exhibiting greater responsibility and patriotism by doing more to support his administration’s sincere efforts to enhance national security rather than trying to build political capital out of the pain and misery of their compatriots.
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
April 16, 2014
Breaking News: 80 Out Of the over 100 Schoolgirls Kidnapped by Boko Haram Escape
About 80 students of the Government Girls’ Secondary School in Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State, kidnapped Monday evening by heavily armed Boko Haram Islamists have escaped from the custody of their abductors.
According to various reports, the girls fled when a truck conveying them to Boko Haram camp broke down on the way. The lucky girls reportedly jumped off the broken down truck, escaped into the bush and made their way to safety.
Father of one of the rescued girls Malam Ali Iliya, said his daughter told him when the trailer got stuck, some of the girls jumped out and ran for their lives.
They were scattered in the bush when the vigilante and local hunters found them. Some of them were wounded, some were with fracture, which I believe was as a result of jumping from the high vehicle, but we are happy that our children have been rescued. Now we are praying for those who are still with the Boko Haram; our prayer is that every father will have his child back”, he said.
He added that his daughter Hajara was sound and healthy but weak stressing that:
“our children told us that when they started running, the insurgents didn’t shoot them. They allowed those who could run to go but those who could not run either as a result of fear or wound are still with them in the bush. My daughter said the abductors were over one hundred and that the girls were 243; she said the insurgents asked them to count themselves”.
According to various reports, the girls fled when a truck conveying them to Boko Haram camp broke down on the way. The lucky girls reportedly jumped off the broken down truck, escaped into the bush and made their way to safety.
Father of one of the rescued girls Malam Ali Iliya, said his daughter told him when the trailer got stuck, some of the girls jumped out and ran for their lives.
They were scattered in the bush when the vigilante and local hunters found them. Some of them were wounded, some were with fracture, which I believe was as a result of jumping from the high vehicle, but we are happy that our children have been rescued. Now we are praying for those who are still with the Boko Haram; our prayer is that every father will have his child back”, he said.
He added that his daughter Hajara was sound and healthy but weak stressing that:
“our children told us that when they started running, the insurgents didn’t shoot them. They allowed those who could run to go but those who could not run either as a result of fear or wound are still with them in the bush. My daughter said the abductors were over one hundred and that the girls were 243; she said the insurgents asked them to count themselves”.
Breaking News: 80 Out Of the over 100 Schoolgirls Kidnapped by Boko Haram Escape
About 80 students of the Government Girls’ Secondary School in Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State, kidnapped Monday evening by heavily armed Boko Haram Islamists have escaped from the custody of their abductors.
According to various reports, the girls fled when a truck conveying them to Boko Haram camp broke down on the way. The lucky girls reportedly jumped off the broken down truck, escaped into the bush and made their way to safety.
Father of one of the rescued girls Malam Ali Iliya, said his daughter told him when the trailer got stuck, some of the girls jumped out and ran for their lives.
They were scattered in the bush when the vigilante and local hunters found them. Some of them were wounded, some were with fracture, which I believe was as a result of jumping from the high vehicle, but we are happy that our children have been rescued. Now we are praying for those who are still with the Boko Haram; our prayer is that every father will have his child back”, he said.
He added that his daughter Hajara was sound and healthy but weak stressing that:
“our children told us that when they started running, the insurgents didn’t shoot them. They allowed those who could run to go but those who could not run either as a result of fear or wound are still with them in the bush. My daughter said the abductors were over one hundred and that the girls were 243; she said the insurgents asked them to count themselves”.
According to various reports, the girls fled when a truck conveying them to Boko Haram camp broke down on the way. The lucky girls reportedly jumped off the broken down truck, escaped into the bush and made their way to safety.
Father of one of the rescued girls Malam Ali Iliya, said his daughter told him when the trailer got stuck, some of the girls jumped out and ran for their lives.
They were scattered in the bush when the vigilante and local hunters found them. Some of them were wounded, some were with fracture, which I believe was as a result of jumping from the high vehicle, but we are happy that our children have been rescued. Now we are praying for those who are still with the Boko Haram; our prayer is that every father will have his child back”, he said.
He added that his daughter Hajara was sound and healthy but weak stressing that:
“our children told us that when they started running, the insurgents didn’t shoot them. They allowed those who could run to go but those who could not run either as a result of fear or wound are still with them in the bush. My daughter said the abductors were over one hundred and that the girls were 243; she said the insurgents asked them to count themselves”.
National Confab': List of committee members released
The ongoing National Conference has released the members of its committees. According to the list, no youth delegate represented in the Committee for devolution of power.
All the committees except three have 24 members each. The Committees on Devolution of Powers and Political Restructuring, and Forms of Government have 28 members each while that on Religion has 18 members.
The committees are Devolution of Powers; Political Restructuring and Forms of Government; National Security; Environment; Politics and Governance; Law, Judiciary; Human Rights and Legal Reform; Social Welfare; and Transportation.
Others are Science, Technology and Development; Agriculture; Civil Society, Labour and Sports; Public Service; Electoral Matters; Foreign Policy and Diaspora Matters; Land Tenure Matters and National Boundary; Trade and Investment; Energy; Religion; Public Finance and Revenue Generation; and Immigration and Related Matters.
Source:nan
All the committees except three have 24 members each. The Committees on Devolution of Powers and Political Restructuring, and Forms of Government have 28 members each while that on Religion has 18 members.
The committees are Devolution of Powers; Political Restructuring and Forms of Government; National Security; Environment; Politics and Governance; Law, Judiciary; Human Rights and Legal Reform; Social Welfare; and Transportation.
Others are Science, Technology and Development; Agriculture; Civil Society, Labour and Sports; Public Service; Electoral Matters; Foreign Policy and Diaspora Matters; Land Tenure Matters and National Boundary; Trade and Investment; Energy; Religion; Public Finance and Revenue Generation; and Immigration and Related Matters.
Source:nan
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Shocking: Boko Haram kidnaps 103 girls from Secondary School in Chibok,Borno state
This got to be the most shocking news ever,I just feel like rolling on the floor and wailing. This got to stop, its high time the relevant authorities stand up and confront this menace toe to toe abi shoulder to shoulder.
Well,according to reports, 103 girls were kidnapped after an attack on a Girls Secondary School located in Chibok, a town on the border of Adamawa and Borno state last night April 14th.
Gunmen reportedly arrived at the school in Chibok around 9pm, killed the soldier stationed to protect the students and took 103 out of the 250 girls that make up the school. The men took the girls away in four lorries. BBC Africa reports that the number of girls abducted is as high as 200.
Residents of the area say the raid, which lasted from 9pm-3am, saw the destruction of several properties as the men overpowered the residents who put up initial defense.
Police Commissioner in Borno state, Lawan Tanko confirmed the incident to reporters in the state.
May God help us all. #GodBlessNigeria
Well,according to reports, 103 girls were kidnapped after an attack on a Girls Secondary School located in Chibok, a town on the border of Adamawa and Borno state last night April 14th.
Gunmen reportedly arrived at the school in Chibok around 9pm, killed the soldier stationed to protect the students and took 103 out of the 250 girls that make up the school. The men took the girls away in four lorries. BBC Africa reports that the number of girls abducted is as high as 200.
Residents of the area say the raid, which lasted from 9pm-3am, saw the destruction of several properties as the men overpowered the residents who put up initial defense.
Police Commissioner in Borno state, Lawan Tanko confirmed the incident to reporters in the state.
May God help us all. #GodBlessNigeria
Abuja Bomb Explosion: How the Bomb was Planted + Survivors Recount Their Experience- The Vanguard Report
Survivours of yesterday Abuja bomb blast and eyewitnesses have been recounting their experiences.
‘Mummy, mummy, don’t let me die’, the agonising cry of a 15-year-old boy, whose legs were shattered and holding on to his mother trailed the deafening bomb explosion reverberating through the Federal Capital City. A woman was lying face down without limbs while another who was surrounded by her children, struggled for life before giving up in their arms.
Several other corpses littered the ground in the midst of the injured, following the massive bomb blast that rocked the crowded Nyanya Bus Terminus, at 6.45 am yesterday. No less than 88 residents of the densely populated slum located at the suburb of the Federal Capital City were killed while over 200 sustained various degrees of injuries.
Some of the dead were burnt beyond recognition, while others were blown into pieces as only their severed parts were packed into bags by rescue workers. Over 40 vehicles were also destroyed.
Although Police Spokesman, Mr. Frank Mba, put the death toll at 71 and 124 injured, eye witnesses and hospital sources said that the dead were far more than the official figure. An eyewitness who simply identified himself as Romanus said pieces of human flesh were flung to different parts of the motor park and beyond.
When Vanguard visited the scene of the blast, there were pools of fresh human blood which emitted a very strong smell. The explosion caused extensive damage at the park.
Charred remains of at least seven cars, as well as six buses were seen at the scene of the incident as a joint team of different security forces battled to evacuate the dead and injured.
How the bomb was planted
According to eye witnesses, a man drove a red Volkswagen space bus into the premises of the big capacity bus terminus popularly called El Rufai Buses and parked in front of two of the buses which were loaded with passengers and almost moving to the city centre.
Vanguard gathered that upon protest from drivers of the buses that he was obstructing their exit, the driver who allegedly came with four other passengers reportedly said he was going to get some lower denominations of money to settle his ‘passengers’. It was learnt that just about five minutes after the driver and the passengers left the Volkswagen bus, it exploded, killing everyone near it.
Relatives recount losses
A relative of one of the dead victims, Sadiat, who could not hold back tears, told Vanguard that his nephew was to travel to Taraba and left home about to 5 am in spite of the fact that they live not far away from the park just for him to catch the first bus since Taraba is far.
“Only for me to hear deafening sound of a blast and rushed to the scene. It took quite some time before I could locate my nephew’s charred body and identified him with his cloth. I could only identify the boy with torn cloth he wore”, she said as she wept sorely.
At the Asokoro General Hospital, relatives of the victims gathered in different corners, waiting to identify their relatives, who were probably involved in the bomb blast.
Miss Adigun Bidemi who was looking for her brother, Mr. Gbenga Oladele an architect said:
“My mother called me to tell me of the blast and that my brother used to join the high capacity buses to work. My mother and my brother left home together this morning but parted ways at the park shortly before the explosion and we have not been able to contact the young man who headed for the high capacity bus. My mum called me and said that there was a bomb blast at Nyanya, so we went there but we could not find him, we had gone to the National Hospital but we did not see him, so that is why we are here to check on him, but they did not allow us in to check”
Lucky survivors’ accounts
One of the victims admitted at the Wuse General Hospital who gave his name as Cosmas Ugwuanyi from Enugu State told Vanguard that he was on queue to enter the El-Rufai bus when the blast occurred. Though, Mr. Ugwuanyi’s case was not so critical, the blast affected his eardrum and he was having difficulties hearing what people were saying. Another survivor of the blast who escaped unscathed, said his survival without a scratch was because of providence. The victim, who was still in shock as at the time he was responding to questions said he was grateful to God for being gracious to him.Narrating what he witnessed, the victim who wouldn’t mention his name said:
“I went to Nyanya to pick my friends. I was under the Nyanya Bridge to pick them, one person sat with me in the front, while the other three people sat at the back. I had to enter the Park to pick them because the Task Force would not allow people to pick passengers under the Bridge.
We all saw the commotion that was happening as a car drove into the park and the people were complaining about the driver. The last person entering my car shut the door and I tried to move the car and everything went blank. The explosion threw me far away and scattered my car while all the four people with me in the car died.
I really can’t say what happened, I just saw myself here, they kept me on a wheel chair, but I got up to call my people.”
As he turned round, some of his relatives arrived the hospital, jubilated with him, but the medical personnel took him in for further medical investigations.
An eye witness, Michael Chuks said:
“Our vehicle just left the park and we have not even left that junction close to the park when we heard loud noise, some people said it was a burst tyre but we knew that the noise was more than burst tyre so we parked and the next we saw were plenty of dead bodies on ground.
The blast affected more than four el-Rufai buses already loaded with passengers. There were more than 500 people. Very soon now the government will tell us that two or three people died.”
Narrating his ordeal, a survivor, James Igwe said a driver drove into the park and parked in front of the already loaded high capacity buses and disappeared before the explosion.
According to him:
“A vehicle came in and parked and the driver disappeared from the vehicle, there were many people inside all those long buses you are seeing now, this bomb exploded and everybody was running, some people were seriously injured and we were calling for help but nobody came, because some people were still unconscious and they were on the ground.
A food vendor who identified herself as Chinenye Emeka, was grateful to God for sparing her life as the explosion occurred immediately she stepped outside her shop and walked across the road to buy polythene bags with which to sell her snacks. She, however, regretted that many other food vendors at the park died in the explosion.
Her account:
“The vehicle just drove in at a point where two “El-Rufai” buses which were full of passengers were about moving while many passengers were on queue struggling to board other vehicles.
I saw a red-coloured space wagon going inside the park as I was trying to cross the road back to where I kept my bread and other things which I sell but while waiting to make sure there was no traffic on the road before I crossed over, I heard a loud sound. I fell down but by the time I got up, there was thick smoke all over the place. I tried running but I couldn’t and when the smoke could clear a bit, I saw many people lying down dead while many vehicles were already on fire”.
Displaying his bruised body to Vanguard, Ofem insisted:
“Those who planted the vehicle may have driven it to the place earlier and left. I believe they detonated the bomb through the use of a remote control as no one was inside the vehicle.”
How Alomo bitters saved my life
Though he was aware that driving under the influence of alcohol was a crime that could earn him either imprisonment or a fine if caught by law enforcement agents, Timothy Eze Okorie was grateful for yesterday’s decision to buy a bottle of Alomo, a local alcoholic bitters popular with artisans and commercial vehicle drivers across the country before beginning his job as a commercial bus driver.
Narrating his experience to Vanguard at the scene of the incidence, Mr. Okorie who was visibly shaken said he could not explain why he took the decision to buy the bitters rather than go back to Masaka to bring back passengers to the bus terminus when the bomb blast took place.
According to him:
‘I Left my House at about six in the morning to bring passengers from Masaka, Mararaba, One Man Village and Ado to the Nyanya bus Terminus where they will board El-Rufai bus to the city centre. I dropped the last passenger under the Nyanya Bridge and was supposed to enter the park to carry passengers back to Masaka. Strangely, I had this sudden and strong feeling to drink before beginning the day’s job. So rather than enter the park, I took the next turn, went round the bridge and headed towards Jukwoyi to buy a bottle of Alomo”.
That decision turned out to be his saving grace as less than three minutes after he left the bus park, a huge explosion occured.
What will I tell our parents, cries Francis Alozie
“My sister, Miriam Edozie Chinyere, left this early around 6.30 in the morning to catch up with their staff bus which normally waits for them at Nyanya Bridge.
Unfortunately, when I heard about this bomb issue I tried calling her but her number was not going through, all the two numbers were switched off. And it is not as if the battery was down because I was the one that charged the battery of the two phones for her. She is my cousin, we live together at Kurudu, she works at the Airport.
I went to Nyanya Hospital first and they said that only one female patient was kept there. They said they had the list where all female patients were compiled.
I tried to see the names and I did not see anywhere they listed names and here too I did not see any names I am just confused. I don’t know what to do. If our parents start calling now, what will I tell them?
I passed out — Abdullahi
One of the victims, who identified himself as Yaro Inusa Abdulahi, an Okada rider from Kano State, said, the blast occurred when he was trying to cross the road to see somebody when he heard a blast.
Abdulahi, who lives at national headquarters lodge, Karu, said:
“I heard a big blast and fainted, when I opened my eyes, I saw wounds all over my hands, legs and head. About five El-Rufai buses were loading at the scene of the incident.”
Another victim who spoke to our reporter, Daniel Job, who lives in Mararaba said:
“I came with my brother to board a bus to town, and because there was no motor from Mararaba to town, I decided to enter a bike from Maraba to Nyanya, so that we could board a bus to town. After buying the ticket at Nyanya motor park, I discovered that the first bus had got filled up and we were asked to enter the second one, on our way to enter the next bus, that was when I heard the bomb explosion.
After the explosion, I discovered that I just had a little injury and started looking for my brother and sister, who were already inside the bus I missed.”
The worst hit
The worst hit were inter-state commuters going to the Northern states of Benue, Bauchi, Nassarawa, Gombe, Tarraba, as well as, workers leaving the park to the city centre. Others were: Petty traders, food vendors, Okada riders, tea brewers popularly called Mai-Shai and vehicles conveying passengers to various locations within and outside the FCT.
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, has urged the citizens and the international community to remain calm and vigilant saying the Police and other security agencies were stepping up measures to uncover the authors of the crime and avoid a reoccurrence of this unfortunate incident.
‘Mummy, mummy, don’t let me die’, the agonising cry of a 15-year-old boy, whose legs were shattered and holding on to his mother trailed the deafening bomb explosion reverberating through the Federal Capital City. A woman was lying face down without limbs while another who was surrounded by her children, struggled for life before giving up in their arms.
Several other corpses littered the ground in the midst of the injured, following the massive bomb blast that rocked the crowded Nyanya Bus Terminus, at 6.45 am yesterday. No less than 88 residents of the densely populated slum located at the suburb of the Federal Capital City were killed while over 200 sustained various degrees of injuries.
Some of the dead were burnt beyond recognition, while others were blown into pieces as only their severed parts were packed into bags by rescue workers. Over 40 vehicles were also destroyed.
Although Police Spokesman, Mr. Frank Mba, put the death toll at 71 and 124 injured, eye witnesses and hospital sources said that the dead were far more than the official figure. An eyewitness who simply identified himself as Romanus said pieces of human flesh were flung to different parts of the motor park and beyond.
When Vanguard visited the scene of the blast, there were pools of fresh human blood which emitted a very strong smell. The explosion caused extensive damage at the park.
Charred remains of at least seven cars, as well as six buses were seen at the scene of the incident as a joint team of different security forces battled to evacuate the dead and injured.
How the bomb was planted
According to eye witnesses, a man drove a red Volkswagen space bus into the premises of the big capacity bus terminus popularly called El Rufai Buses and parked in front of two of the buses which were loaded with passengers and almost moving to the city centre.
Vanguard gathered that upon protest from drivers of the buses that he was obstructing their exit, the driver who allegedly came with four other passengers reportedly said he was going to get some lower denominations of money to settle his ‘passengers’. It was learnt that just about five minutes after the driver and the passengers left the Volkswagen bus, it exploded, killing everyone near it.
Relatives recount losses
A relative of one of the dead victims, Sadiat, who could not hold back tears, told Vanguard that his nephew was to travel to Taraba and left home about to 5 am in spite of the fact that they live not far away from the park just for him to catch the first bus since Taraba is far.
“Only for me to hear deafening sound of a blast and rushed to the scene. It took quite some time before I could locate my nephew’s charred body and identified him with his cloth. I could only identify the boy with torn cloth he wore”, she said as she wept sorely.
At the Asokoro General Hospital, relatives of the victims gathered in different corners, waiting to identify their relatives, who were probably involved in the bomb blast.
Miss Adigun Bidemi who was looking for her brother, Mr. Gbenga Oladele an architect said:
“My mother called me to tell me of the blast and that my brother used to join the high capacity buses to work. My mother and my brother left home together this morning but parted ways at the park shortly before the explosion and we have not been able to contact the young man who headed for the high capacity bus. My mum called me and said that there was a bomb blast at Nyanya, so we went there but we could not find him, we had gone to the National Hospital but we did not see him, so that is why we are here to check on him, but they did not allow us in to check”
Lucky survivors’ accounts
One of the victims admitted at the Wuse General Hospital who gave his name as Cosmas Ugwuanyi from Enugu State told Vanguard that he was on queue to enter the El-Rufai bus when the blast occurred. Though, Mr. Ugwuanyi’s case was not so critical, the blast affected his eardrum and he was having difficulties hearing what people were saying. Another survivor of the blast who escaped unscathed, said his survival without a scratch was because of providence. The victim, who was still in shock as at the time he was responding to questions said he was grateful to God for being gracious to him.Narrating what he witnessed, the victim who wouldn’t mention his name said:
“I went to Nyanya to pick my friends. I was under the Nyanya Bridge to pick them, one person sat with me in the front, while the other three people sat at the back. I had to enter the Park to pick them because the Task Force would not allow people to pick passengers under the Bridge.
We all saw the commotion that was happening as a car drove into the park and the people were complaining about the driver. The last person entering my car shut the door and I tried to move the car and everything went blank. The explosion threw me far away and scattered my car while all the four people with me in the car died.
I really can’t say what happened, I just saw myself here, they kept me on a wheel chair, but I got up to call my people.”
As he turned round, some of his relatives arrived the hospital, jubilated with him, but the medical personnel took him in for further medical investigations.
An eye witness, Michael Chuks said:
“Our vehicle just left the park and we have not even left that junction close to the park when we heard loud noise, some people said it was a burst tyre but we knew that the noise was more than burst tyre so we parked and the next we saw were plenty of dead bodies on ground.
The blast affected more than four el-Rufai buses already loaded with passengers. There were more than 500 people. Very soon now the government will tell us that two or three people died.”
Narrating his ordeal, a survivor, James Igwe said a driver drove into the park and parked in front of the already loaded high capacity buses and disappeared before the explosion.
According to him:
“A vehicle came in and parked and the driver disappeared from the vehicle, there were many people inside all those long buses you are seeing now, this bomb exploded and everybody was running, some people were seriously injured and we were calling for help but nobody came, because some people were still unconscious and they were on the ground.
A food vendor who identified herself as Chinenye Emeka, was grateful to God for sparing her life as the explosion occurred immediately she stepped outside her shop and walked across the road to buy polythene bags with which to sell her snacks. She, however, regretted that many other food vendors at the park died in the explosion.
Her account:
“The vehicle just drove in at a point where two “El-Rufai” buses which were full of passengers were about moving while many passengers were on queue struggling to board other vehicles.
I saw a red-coloured space wagon going inside the park as I was trying to cross the road back to where I kept my bread and other things which I sell but while waiting to make sure there was no traffic on the road before I crossed over, I heard a loud sound. I fell down but by the time I got up, there was thick smoke all over the place. I tried running but I couldn’t and when the smoke could clear a bit, I saw many people lying down dead while many vehicles were already on fire”.
Displaying his bruised body to Vanguard, Ofem insisted:
“Those who planted the vehicle may have driven it to the place earlier and left. I believe they detonated the bomb through the use of a remote control as no one was inside the vehicle.”
How Alomo bitters saved my life
Though he was aware that driving under the influence of alcohol was a crime that could earn him either imprisonment or a fine if caught by law enforcement agents, Timothy Eze Okorie was grateful for yesterday’s decision to buy a bottle of Alomo, a local alcoholic bitters popular with artisans and commercial vehicle drivers across the country before beginning his job as a commercial bus driver.
Narrating his experience to Vanguard at the scene of the incidence, Mr. Okorie who was visibly shaken said he could not explain why he took the decision to buy the bitters rather than go back to Masaka to bring back passengers to the bus terminus when the bomb blast took place.
According to him:
‘I Left my House at about six in the morning to bring passengers from Masaka, Mararaba, One Man Village and Ado to the Nyanya bus Terminus where they will board El-Rufai bus to the city centre. I dropped the last passenger under the Nyanya Bridge and was supposed to enter the park to carry passengers back to Masaka. Strangely, I had this sudden and strong feeling to drink before beginning the day’s job. So rather than enter the park, I took the next turn, went round the bridge and headed towards Jukwoyi to buy a bottle of Alomo”.
That decision turned out to be his saving grace as less than three minutes after he left the bus park, a huge explosion occured.
What will I tell our parents, cries Francis Alozie
“My sister, Miriam Edozie Chinyere, left this early around 6.30 in the morning to catch up with their staff bus which normally waits for them at Nyanya Bridge.
Unfortunately, when I heard about this bomb issue I tried calling her but her number was not going through, all the two numbers were switched off. And it is not as if the battery was down because I was the one that charged the battery of the two phones for her. She is my cousin, we live together at Kurudu, she works at the Airport.
I went to Nyanya Hospital first and they said that only one female patient was kept there. They said they had the list where all female patients were compiled.
I tried to see the names and I did not see anywhere they listed names and here too I did not see any names I am just confused. I don’t know what to do. If our parents start calling now, what will I tell them?
I passed out — Abdullahi
One of the victims, who identified himself as Yaro Inusa Abdulahi, an Okada rider from Kano State, said, the blast occurred when he was trying to cross the road to see somebody when he heard a blast.
Abdulahi, who lives at national headquarters lodge, Karu, said:
“I heard a big blast and fainted, when I opened my eyes, I saw wounds all over my hands, legs and head. About five El-Rufai buses were loading at the scene of the incident.”
Another victim who spoke to our reporter, Daniel Job, who lives in Mararaba said:
“I came with my brother to board a bus to town, and because there was no motor from Mararaba to town, I decided to enter a bike from Maraba to Nyanya, so that we could board a bus to town. After buying the ticket at Nyanya motor park, I discovered that the first bus had got filled up and we were asked to enter the second one, on our way to enter the next bus, that was when I heard the bomb explosion.
After the explosion, I discovered that I just had a little injury and started looking for my brother and sister, who were already inside the bus I missed.”
The worst hit
The worst hit were inter-state commuters going to the Northern states of Benue, Bauchi, Nassarawa, Gombe, Tarraba, as well as, workers leaving the park to the city centre. Others were: Petty traders, food vendors, Okada riders, tea brewers popularly called Mai-Shai and vehicles conveying passengers to various locations within and outside the FCT.
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, has urged the citizens and the international community to remain calm and vigilant saying the Police and other security agencies were stepping up measures to uncover the authors of the crime and avoid a reoccurrence of this unfortunate incident.
Monday, April 14, 2014
PDP National Secretariat guts down by fire,last night.
The headquarter of the PDP, Wadata House in Wuse Zone 2 Abuja was gutted by fire around 8.15pm last night. A section of the building, which the party uses as its press center, was completely razed.
The National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Olisah Metuh, who confirmed the incident has however ruled out any form of sabotage, but said the fire was caused by an electrical fault. He said the fire started from an air-conditioning unit in one of the cabins and had been put under control by men of the Federal Fire Service.
“The PDP rules out any form of sabotage or attack and hereby wishes to inform all our members and teeming supporters that the fire has since been put under control,’’ Metuh said in a short statement.
The National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Olisah Metuh, who confirmed the incident has however ruled out any form of sabotage, but said the fire was caused by an electrical fault. He said the fire started from an air-conditioning unit in one of the cabins and had been put under control by men of the Federal Fire Service.
“The PDP rules out any form of sabotage or attack and hereby wishes to inform all our members and teeming supporters that the fire has since been put under control,’’ Metuh said in a short statement.
PDP blames APC For Abuja Bomb Explosion
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has been blamed for the explosion that rocked a busy bus stop in Nyanya, an Abuja suburb, on Monday in which over 71 persons were killed and 124 injured
......seriously,I was hoping it wouldn't come to this. This is the time all hands should be on deck to tackle the security situation of this country and not apportioning blames. Do we have to play politics with the lives that has been lost this morning? Its really disheartening ..
Continue........
Apportioning the blame in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) condemned the bomb explosion as barbaric, monstrous and extremely wicked.
The party said the blasts could not be justified under any guise, insisting that they were politically motivated and can be traced to the utterances and comments of desperate persons, especially in the opposition, who seek to undermine and discredit the present administration and make the nation ungovernable for President Goodluck Jonathan by creating an atmosphere of terror against the people.
The statement said: “We stand by our earlier statements that these attacks on our people are politically motivated by unpatriotic persons, especially those in the All Progressives Congress (APC) who have been making utterances and comments, promoting violence and blood-letting as a means of achieving political control.
“Nigerians are also aware of utterances by certain APC governors which have been aimed at undermining our security forces and emboldening insurgents against the people.
“Those who have been promoting violence through their utterances can now see the monster they have created. They can now see the end product of their comments; a country flowing daily with the blood of the innocent.
“The question is; how do they feel when they see the mangled and blood-soaked bodies of their victims? How do they feel when they hear the voices of the dying and the injured?
“Of course they feel nothing. Their hearts have been hardened and they are embittered by the fact that they have been rejected by the people. They are bitter because the people have chosen to rally round the government they love and voted for; but must they choose the path of violence and bloodletting as a response to the wishes and aspirations of the people?”
The ruling party said it was shocked and grief- stricken since it received the news of the gruesome attacks and killing of Nigerians pursuing their legitimate endeavors.
“The PDP weeps. We are indeed grief-stricken. Our hearts go out to the bereaved, especially those who have been orphaned and widowed and those now deprived of their bread winners by this evil act”
Source : Information Nigeria
......seriously,I was hoping it wouldn't come to this. This is the time all hands should be on deck to tackle the security situation of this country and not apportioning blames. Do we have to play politics with the lives that has been lost this morning? Its really disheartening ..
Continue........
Apportioning the blame in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) condemned the bomb explosion as barbaric, monstrous and extremely wicked.
The party said the blasts could not be justified under any guise, insisting that they were politically motivated and can be traced to the utterances and comments of desperate persons, especially in the opposition, who seek to undermine and discredit the present administration and make the nation ungovernable for President Goodluck Jonathan by creating an atmosphere of terror against the people.
The statement said: “We stand by our earlier statements that these attacks on our people are politically motivated by unpatriotic persons, especially those in the All Progressives Congress (APC) who have been making utterances and comments, promoting violence and blood-letting as a means of achieving political control.
“Nigerians are also aware of utterances by certain APC governors which have been aimed at undermining our security forces and emboldening insurgents against the people.
“Those who have been promoting violence through their utterances can now see the monster they have created. They can now see the end product of their comments; a country flowing daily with the blood of the innocent.
“The question is; how do they feel when they see the mangled and blood-soaked bodies of their victims? How do they feel when they hear the voices of the dying and the injured?
“Of course they feel nothing. Their hearts have been hardened and they are embittered by the fact that they have been rejected by the people. They are bitter because the people have chosen to rally round the government they love and voted for; but must they choose the path of violence and bloodletting as a response to the wishes and aspirations of the people?”
The ruling party said it was shocked and grief- stricken since it received the news of the gruesome attacks and killing of Nigerians pursuing their legitimate endeavors.
“The PDP weeps. We are indeed grief-stricken. Our hearts go out to the bereaved, especially those who have been orphaned and widowed and those now deprived of their bread winners by this evil act”
Source : Information Nigeria
Breaking news: Bomb blast at Abuja bus station
Two blasts occurred this morning at the Nyanya Motor Park on the outskirts of Abuja this morning April 14th has killed several people with many injured.
The blast occurred at the crowded bus station around 6.30am today during rush hour as commuters were about to board buses and taxis to go to work in central Abuja. Two buses full of people were struck. It is believed that one of the buses, which was parked overnight at the motor park, was loaded with the bomb that went off this morning.
The explosion occurred in a section of Nyanya park allocated to luxury buses. An eyewitness said he saw at least 50 bodies being removed from the scene..
"This morning there was an explosion at the Nyanya Motor Park," Manzo Ezekiel of the National Emergency Management Agency said. "Rescue teams are on the ground"
Meanwhile,President Goodluck Jonathan has condemned the bombing and has promised heightened security in and around the Federal Capital Territory
The blast occurred at the crowded bus station around 6.30am today during rush hour as commuters were about to board buses and taxis to go to work in central Abuja. Two buses full of people were struck. It is believed that one of the buses, which was parked overnight at the motor park, was loaded with the bomb that went off this morning.
The explosion occurred in a section of Nyanya park allocated to luxury buses. An eyewitness said he saw at least 50 bodies being removed from the scene..
"This morning there was an explosion at the Nyanya Motor Park," Manzo Ezekiel of the National Emergency Management Agency said. "Rescue teams are on the ground"
Meanwhile,President Goodluck Jonathan has condemned the bombing and has promised heightened security in and around the Federal Capital Territory
Sunday, April 13, 2014
The effects of GDP Rebasing on Nigeria/Nigerians
Jide Ogunsanwo, a data and analysis guru, believes that a simple approach should be used to explain complex things. I met with him and this is how he simply broke down the GDP rebasing saga.
1. A higher GDP means that Nigeria would get mentioned a lot of times on many international newspapers and television stations. Certainly, this would attract more interest in Nigeria; especially from foreign businessmen. The lesson here is that we should all get ready to see more Chinese looking men and of course Chinese restaurants. Continue...
2. Lesson 2: Now that we are No.1 in Africa, maybe some Presidents that had shunned us would have a re-think. We could (may be o) soon sight Barrack Obama near Aso-Rock.
3. Every parent wants their child to come first in school. As long as you are number one, you would get admired. If you disagree, ask Messi, Ronaldo or Tuface . Sadly, terrorists also prefer to operate in countries that are ranked number 1. Why? It makes their evil actions get more news coverage. Our national defense team need to now be more vigilant.
4. I’m sure you know that the prettiest ladies in the world get the highest number of male visitors. Being the winner of ‘The Biggest country in Africa in 2014’ means that our airports would get more visitors. What do you think would soon happen to vehicle traffic around the international airports? However, I see better days ahead for hotel operators and every other 'business' that happens outside the hotels (especially at night)
5. I’m sorry, but GDP rebasing would not make your bank account fatter. You still need to work hard to get money. In Naija, you need more than hard work. Don’t ask me what you need?
6. Before you get tired of reading, you need to know that the recalculated GDP reminds the Government that a lot of us do not pay tax. Now that the Government desperately needs money, what are they likely to do? Your guess is as good as mine.
Finally, the price of rice, garri, beans and pure water would not go down.
Personal regards,
J.O
twitter: @ogunsanwojide
1. A higher GDP means that Nigeria would get mentioned a lot of times on many international newspapers and television stations. Certainly, this would attract more interest in Nigeria; especially from foreign businessmen. The lesson here is that we should all get ready to see more Chinese looking men and of course Chinese restaurants. Continue...
2. Lesson 2: Now that we are No.1 in Africa, maybe some Presidents that had shunned us would have a re-think. We could (may be o) soon sight Barrack Obama near Aso-Rock.
3. Every parent wants their child to come first in school. As long as you are number one, you would get admired. If you disagree, ask Messi, Ronaldo or Tuface . Sadly, terrorists also prefer to operate in countries that are ranked number 1. Why? It makes their evil actions get more news coverage. Our national defense team need to now be more vigilant.
4. I’m sure you know that the prettiest ladies in the world get the highest number of male visitors. Being the winner of ‘The Biggest country in Africa in 2014’ means that our airports would get more visitors. What do you think would soon happen to vehicle traffic around the international airports? However, I see better days ahead for hotel operators and every other 'business' that happens outside the hotels (especially at night)
5. I’m sorry, but GDP rebasing would not make your bank account fatter. You still need to work hard to get money. In Naija, you need more than hard work. Don’t ask me what you need?
6. Before you get tired of reading, you need to know that the recalculated GDP reminds the Government that a lot of us do not pay tax. Now that the Government desperately needs money, what are they likely to do? Your guess is as good as mine.
Finally, the price of rice, garri, beans and pure water would not go down.
Personal regards,
J.O
twitter: @ogunsanwojide
Friday, April 11, 2014
Yee haa!!! Anambra To Begin Oil Refining In Nine Month
The Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano has revealed that the state would soon be refining petroleum products in the next nine months. He made this disclosure during an interactive session with journalists on Wednesday night.
He said that since he had adopted development of the oil and gas sector as one of the cardinal pillars of his administration, he would work hard to ensure that in the next nine months, Orient Petroleum would begin to refine petroleum deposits in the state.
He said, “for now, Orient Petroleum is the only company handling that, but we are stepping in to ensure that they start refining petroleum products in the nine months time.
“When we do this, we are sure that more oil and gas based industries will follow and jobs will be provided”.
Obiano said he was going to pursue aggressively an increase in the internal revenue of the state, and that he had appointed an expert in the person of Mr Okey Muoka as his special adviser on internal revenue.
The governor also disclosed that he had appointed the son of the late leader of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Jnr as the sole administrator of Nnewi North Local Government Area.
He said his action was predicated on the fact that local council election was not conducted in Nnewi North in the last local government election as a result of fracas, and needed to be overseen by someone.
He sought the partnership and cooperation of media practitioners in Anambra State, saying that the main aim of his organising the interactive session was to assure journalists that he was still ready to deliver on his promises and to also introduce his media handlers, whom he said he had instructed to ensure they always meet the needs of journalists in information sourcing to avoid giving way for speculations.
He said that since he had adopted development of the oil and gas sector as one of the cardinal pillars of his administration, he would work hard to ensure that in the next nine months, Orient Petroleum would begin to refine petroleum deposits in the state.
He said, “for now, Orient Petroleum is the only company handling that, but we are stepping in to ensure that they start refining petroleum products in the nine months time.
“When we do this, we are sure that more oil and gas based industries will follow and jobs will be provided”.
Obiano said he was going to pursue aggressively an increase in the internal revenue of the state, and that he had appointed an expert in the person of Mr Okey Muoka as his special adviser on internal revenue.
The governor also disclosed that he had appointed the son of the late leader of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Jnr as the sole administrator of Nnewi North Local Government Area.
He said his action was predicated on the fact that local council election was not conducted in Nnewi North in the last local government election as a result of fracas, and needed to be overseen by someone.
He sought the partnership and cooperation of media practitioners in Anambra State, saying that the main aim of his organising the interactive session was to assure journalists that he was still ready to deliver on his promises and to also introduce his media handlers, whom he said he had instructed to ensure they always meet the needs of journalists in information sourcing to avoid giving way for speculations.
Football: Nigeria Moves Up In Fifa Ranking , Now Ranked 6th In Africa
The Super Eagles are now 45th in the latest FIFA rankings released by the world football body on Thursday. The team moved up two places despite losing six points in the log.
The rankings placed Nigeria as Africa’s sixth best just above Tunisia which dropped five places to 49th in the world courtesy of their 44 points loss.
Ahead of Nigeria in the Africa sub-group are Cote d’Ivoire (21st), Egypt (24th), Algeria (25th), Ghana (38th) and Cape Verde (42nd).
Cameroon (50th), Guinea (51st) and Mali (59th) complete Africa’s top 10 in the April rankings.
Nigeria’s Group F World Cup opponents are well above the African champions in the rankings. Argentina dropped three places to sixth, just as Bosnia-Herzegovia went down to 25th after losing four places. Iran are still the top rated team in Asia, moving up five places to 37th after gaining 23 points.
The top three in the rankings are Spain, Germany and Portugal. They are followed by four South American sides – Colombia, Uruguay and fierce rivals Argentina and Brazil. Just 12 points separate this quartet.
FIFA said only six matches were played over the past month and that no team broke into the top 50.
The six matches played brought the total number evaluated so far this year to 128.
The rankings placed Nigeria as Africa’s sixth best just above Tunisia which dropped five places to 49th in the world courtesy of their 44 points loss.
Ahead of Nigeria in the Africa sub-group are Cote d’Ivoire (21st), Egypt (24th), Algeria (25th), Ghana (38th) and Cape Verde (42nd).
Cameroon (50th), Guinea (51st) and Mali (59th) complete Africa’s top 10 in the April rankings.
Nigeria’s Group F World Cup opponents are well above the African champions in the rankings. Argentina dropped three places to sixth, just as Bosnia-Herzegovia went down to 25th after losing four places. Iran are still the top rated team in Asia, moving up five places to 37th after gaining 23 points.
The top three in the rankings are Spain, Germany and Portugal. They are followed by four South American sides – Colombia, Uruguay and fierce rivals Argentina and Brazil. Just 12 points separate this quartet.
FIFA said only six matches were played over the past month and that no team broke into the top 50.
The six matches played brought the total number evaluated so far this year to 128.
FG files 9 Fresh Charges against Mohammed Abacha
The Federal Government, had yesterday entered fresh nine-count criminal charge against the eldest son of the late military dictator, Mohammed Abacha, following allegation that he unlawfully hid about N446.3 billion allegedly stolen from the national treasury between 1995 and 1998.
Mohammed was accused of receiving the stolen money from his late father, General Sani Abacha, and concealed same.
Specifically, the Federal Government alleged that Mohammed “dishonestly received stolen property and voluntarily assisted in concealing money.”
The charge, according to government, replaced an earlier 121 criminal counts in which Mohammed was sued alongside one of his alleged accomplice, Atiku Bagudu.
The government excluded Bagudu in the fresh charge, even as investigations yesterday revealed that FG intend to use him as a witness against Mohammed.
According to the new charge marked CR.21 24/2008, the stolen money allegedly received by Mohammed, included 141,100,000 Pound Sterling and 384,353,000 US dollars, made up of cash and travellers cheques.
A private prosecutor, Mr. Daniel Enwelum, has been hired by the government to prosecute the case to its logical conclusion.
Meanwhile, attempt to arraign Mohammed before Justice Mamman Kolo of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory yesterday proved abortive owing to his absence.
Enwelum told the court that even when Mohammed had been served with the charge, with evidence to that effect contained in a sworn affidavit by the court’s bailiff, the accused person refused to present himself for arraignment.
He said the new charge against Mohammed was filed pursuant to Section 181 of the Criminal Procedure Code, CPC.
Enwelum urged the court to accept the fresh charge and deem the receipt of the charge by the defence lawyer on behalf of the accused person, as proper service.
He said Mohammed’s lawyer, Abdulllahi Haruna had received the charge on his behalf.
However, Haruna told the court that Mohammed was absent owing to the fact that he was yet to receive a copy of the fresh charge.
He, therefore, urged the court to adjourn the case to a further date to enable his client to appear for arraignment.
Meantime, counsel to Bagudu, Mr. Rickey Tarfa (SAN), urged the court to grant an order discharging his client from the charge in view of the prosecution’s decision to exclude him from the new charge.
The government did not oppose the application, even as Justice Kolo accordingly discharged the 2nd accused person, Bagudu.
Subsequently, the court, yesterday, fixed April 29 to take Mohammed Abacha’s plea.
Mohammed was accused of receiving the stolen money from his late father, General Sani Abacha, and concealed same.
Specifically, the Federal Government alleged that Mohammed “dishonestly received stolen property and voluntarily assisted in concealing money.”
The charge, according to government, replaced an earlier 121 criminal counts in which Mohammed was sued alongside one of his alleged accomplice, Atiku Bagudu.
The government excluded Bagudu in the fresh charge, even as investigations yesterday revealed that FG intend to use him as a witness against Mohammed.
According to the new charge marked CR.21 24/2008, the stolen money allegedly received by Mohammed, included 141,100,000 Pound Sterling and 384,353,000 US dollars, made up of cash and travellers cheques.
A private prosecutor, Mr. Daniel Enwelum, has been hired by the government to prosecute the case to its logical conclusion.
Meanwhile, attempt to arraign Mohammed before Justice Mamman Kolo of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory yesterday proved abortive owing to his absence.
Enwelum told the court that even when Mohammed had been served with the charge, with evidence to that effect contained in a sworn affidavit by the court’s bailiff, the accused person refused to present himself for arraignment.
He said the new charge against Mohammed was filed pursuant to Section 181 of the Criminal Procedure Code, CPC.
Enwelum urged the court to accept the fresh charge and deem the receipt of the charge by the defence lawyer on behalf of the accused person, as proper service.
He said Mohammed’s lawyer, Abdulllahi Haruna had received the charge on his behalf.
However, Haruna told the court that Mohammed was absent owing to the fact that he was yet to receive a copy of the fresh charge.
He, therefore, urged the court to adjourn the case to a further date to enable his client to appear for arraignment.
Meantime, counsel to Bagudu, Mr. Rickey Tarfa (SAN), urged the court to grant an order discharging his client from the charge in view of the prosecution’s decision to exclude him from the new charge.
The government did not oppose the application, even as Justice Kolo accordingly discharged the 2nd accused person, Bagudu.
Subsequently, the court, yesterday, fixed April 29 to take Mohammed Abacha’s plea.
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Warning!!!!!Nigeria at risk of Ebola Virus - FG
Health Minister, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, has said that Nigeria is now at risk of contacting the deadly Ebola virus which has been spreading across neighboring West African countries in recent times. The virus which first broke out in Guinea in January this year, is said to have no vaccine at the moment and has killed a total of 87 people with 137 cases reported since the outbreak.
Ghana recently reported a case of Ebola Virus Disease.
Facts about Ebola Virus Disease -:
-Its a viral disease that has no cure and no vaccine
- Affects mostly Africans
- It kills very fast
-It is transmitted by direct contact with infected blood or body fluid or via reuse of infested hospital injections
-Symptoms of infection includes........ fever with chills, joint pain, muscle pain, and chest pain,abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, respiratory tract disorder such as sore throat, cough, hiccups, impaired circulatory system symptomology, discharge of blood from nose, vagina, gingiva(gum), rash all over the body.
- It takes 13 days for the symptoms to manifest after contacting the virus.
-Prevention is first by Quarantine, that is, the separation of infected person from the public to forestall the spread of their infected body fluid and blood. Animal products such as meat should be thoroughly cooked before consumption. Constant washing of hands after each activity, avoiding eating of fruits without washing, as well as non consumption of fruits that have been eaten by bats
Ghana recently reported a case of Ebola Virus Disease.
Facts about Ebola Virus Disease -:
-Its a viral disease that has no cure and no vaccine
- Affects mostly Africans
- It kills very fast
-It is transmitted by direct contact with infected blood or body fluid or via reuse of infested hospital injections
-Symptoms of infection includes........ fever with chills, joint pain, muscle pain, and chest pain,abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, respiratory tract disorder such as sore throat, cough, hiccups, impaired circulatory system symptomology, discharge of blood from nose, vagina, gingiva(gum), rash all over the body.
- It takes 13 days for the symptoms to manifest after contacting the virus.
-Prevention is first by Quarantine, that is, the separation of infected person from the public to forestall the spread of their infected body fluid and blood. Animal products such as meat should be thoroughly cooked before consumption. Constant washing of hands after each activity, avoiding eating of fruits without washing, as well as non consumption of fruits that have been eaten by bats
Lettergate: An Open Letter To Delegates At The National Conference—-By Chief Chris Maduike
Dear delegates
As you settle down for the national conference I will like you to consider the following proposals as you discuss the issues affecting our country.
1. One of the political problems that divide this nation into ethic line is the issue where the president will come from and that have been with us for a long time, now that we have the opportunity to talk to our selves. Let’s use this opportunity to restructure our presidential system to suit our political environment.
I am proposing a six man presidential team that will be nominated by all parties for election and each from the six geo political zone for a six years term to be rotated among themselves yearly for six years as president and five vice presidents, with above, the issue of marginalization, non inclusion, north south/ minority agitation for presidency will be a thing of the past and everybody will have a sense of belonging.
2. That the federal government shall not have more than 25% of revenue allocation.
3. That the national assembly members should be paid by their states to make them carry their constituencies along in their legislative functions. The federal government will only be responsible for funding their secretariat. While the state pay their salary according to their income.
4. That 80% of all revenue from the federation account to the federal, states and local government should be tied to specific projects and only 20% should be allowed for overhead experience.
Above will enable the states to look inwards to develop their resources and increase revenue instead of depending on federation allocation to survive.
5. That the national uniform wages should be abolished to enable states pay according to their revenue and cost of living within their state.
6. That the excess crude account should not be shared but should be build up to at list 100 billion dollars and reserved for the future generation of Nigerians, we have been sharing and sharing everything we have made and nothing to show for it without thinking of our children’s future.
This funds should not be used as collateral for any loan or used for any other reason except with the approval of another national confab.
7. Some sections of NNPC should be privatized or taking off civil service control for efficiency and accountability and actual fuel subsidy should be removed as this has led to too many corruption controversies.
8. As a matter of national emergency, that all states in Nigeria to be linked with rail lines as most part of the world. Abuja Lagos express rail road. Lagos Port Harcourt rail road, Abuja Kano rail road etc. should be given urgent attention. Above will reduce our national fuel consumption to about 50% and reduce pressure on housing across the country as people can live anywhere and work anywhere, transportation will be cheap, our roads will last. While we will be saving hundreds of billions of Naira spent annually for road maintenance due to over use and poor construction work by contractors.
9. The Federal police should remain as it is as it gives all Nigerians confident to walk into any police station anywhere in Nigeria no matter how remote and expect justice.
10. That one the problems of this country is religion and I suggest that the Federal Government should Hands off all religious matters for interest of peace and unity including organizing Christian and Muslim pilgrimage and allow Islamic and Christian organizations to organize.
11. That the ministry of Niger delta should be operating from the Niger Delta region. While a Niger Delta city should be built in the Niger Delta region as part of the ongoing development in the Niger Delta.
12. That to honour our heroes and those who sacrificed their lives in service of this country.
The former national stadium in Lagos should be named Sam Okwaraji stadium in honour of the young man who was one of the few playing football in England many years ago with high prospects that answered the national call when others were declining only to collapse and die in the heat of action in the eyes of millions of Nigerians who watched the march live both in the stadium and television in a world cup qualifier with Angola at the mainbowl of the national stadium Lagos. This will encourage other Nigerians to give out their best in service of this country. Not to wait until a big politician dies on his own and the stadium will be named after him.
Hope you find these proposals very useful.
Chief Chris Maduike
mchrislg@yahoo.com
234 8033302274.
As you settle down for the national conference I will like you to consider the following proposals as you discuss the issues affecting our country.
1. One of the political problems that divide this nation into ethic line is the issue where the president will come from and that have been with us for a long time, now that we have the opportunity to talk to our selves. Let’s use this opportunity to restructure our presidential system to suit our political environment.
I am proposing a six man presidential team that will be nominated by all parties for election and each from the six geo political zone for a six years term to be rotated among themselves yearly for six years as president and five vice presidents, with above, the issue of marginalization, non inclusion, north south/ minority agitation for presidency will be a thing of the past and everybody will have a sense of belonging.
2. That the federal government shall not have more than 25% of revenue allocation.
3. That the national assembly members should be paid by their states to make them carry their constituencies along in their legislative functions. The federal government will only be responsible for funding their secretariat. While the state pay their salary according to their income.
4. That 80% of all revenue from the federation account to the federal, states and local government should be tied to specific projects and only 20% should be allowed for overhead experience.
Above will enable the states to look inwards to develop their resources and increase revenue instead of depending on federation allocation to survive.
5. That the national uniform wages should be abolished to enable states pay according to their revenue and cost of living within their state.
6. That the excess crude account should not be shared but should be build up to at list 100 billion dollars and reserved for the future generation of Nigerians, we have been sharing and sharing everything we have made and nothing to show for it without thinking of our children’s future.
This funds should not be used as collateral for any loan or used for any other reason except with the approval of another national confab.
7. Some sections of NNPC should be privatized or taking off civil service control for efficiency and accountability and actual fuel subsidy should be removed as this has led to too many corruption controversies.
8. As a matter of national emergency, that all states in Nigeria to be linked with rail lines as most part of the world. Abuja Lagos express rail road. Lagos Port Harcourt rail road, Abuja Kano rail road etc. should be given urgent attention. Above will reduce our national fuel consumption to about 50% and reduce pressure on housing across the country as people can live anywhere and work anywhere, transportation will be cheap, our roads will last. While we will be saving hundreds of billions of Naira spent annually for road maintenance due to over use and poor construction work by contractors.
9. The Federal police should remain as it is as it gives all Nigerians confident to walk into any police station anywhere in Nigeria no matter how remote and expect justice.
10. That one the problems of this country is religion and I suggest that the Federal Government should Hands off all religious matters for interest of peace and unity including organizing Christian and Muslim pilgrimage and allow Islamic and Christian organizations to organize.
11. That the ministry of Niger delta should be operating from the Niger Delta region. While a Niger Delta city should be built in the Niger Delta region as part of the ongoing development in the Niger Delta.
12. That to honour our heroes and those who sacrificed their lives in service of this country.
The former national stadium in Lagos should be named Sam Okwaraji stadium in honour of the young man who was one of the few playing football in England many years ago with high prospects that answered the national call when others were declining only to collapse and die in the heat of action in the eyes of millions of Nigerians who watched the march live both in the stadium and television in a world cup qualifier with Angola at the mainbowl of the national stadium Lagos. This will encourage other Nigerians to give out their best in service of this country. Not to wait until a big politician dies on his own and the stadium will be named after him.
Hope you find these proposals very useful.
Chief Chris Maduike
mchrislg@yahoo.com
234 8033302274.
Finally!!!! Senate passes 2014 Budget
Sorry this is coming a little late,I know most of you must have known by now.
Well for the benefit of who are not aware yet, The Senate on the 9th April(yesterday) passed the 2014 budget totalling N4.695tr, an amount which is N52.2bn higher than the N4.642trl which was submitted by President Goodluck Jonathan to the National Assembly on December 19, 2013, through the Co-ordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
Highlights of the 2014 budget as approved by the senate are, Statutory Transfers (N408,687,801,891), Debts Service (N712,000,000,000), Recurrent Expenditure (N2,454,887,566,702), Capital Expenditure (N1,119,614,631,407) while the Aggregate Expenditure is N4,695,190,000,000.
Credit: (Punch)
Well for the benefit of who are not aware yet, The Senate on the 9th April(yesterday) passed the 2014 budget totalling N4.695tr, an amount which is N52.2bn higher than the N4.642trl which was submitted by President Goodluck Jonathan to the National Assembly on December 19, 2013, through the Co-ordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
Highlights of the 2014 budget as approved by the senate are, Statutory Transfers (N408,687,801,891), Debts Service (N712,000,000,000), Recurrent Expenditure (N2,454,887,566,702), Capital Expenditure (N1,119,614,631,407) while the Aggregate Expenditure is N4,695,190,000,000.
Credit: (Punch)
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Breaking news:FG to introduce herbal medicine course in varsities
The Minister of Health, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu, has said the federal government has concluded plans to introduce herbal medicine studies in universities.
Prof. Chukwu revealed this at the 3rd Annual Guest Lecture organized by Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, MHWUN, in Abuja.
He said: “ They say we cannot achieve universal health coverage unless herbal medicine practitioners are involved. But I say they must be trained.
“Finally, a committee has submitted a curriculum which we are going to take to the National Council on Health, NCH, very beautiful curriculum. We are taking herbal medicine to the university.
”Without it, there is no integration. This is because if you are a herbal practitioner, you are a doctor. A herbalist is a doctor. But the first function of a doctor is to take a diagnosis.
“Is it Lassa fever or Ebola? Or is it Dengue or is it malaria or typhoid? You have to get the answer before you begin to give that herb
“ You cannot do that unless you learn those sciences that will enable you get the results- physiology, pharmacology, pathology, anatomy, biochemistry and all others. If you don’t learn them, you will not know anything about the human body.
“The herbal practitioners are working with me because they saw what we are doing. Hopefully, once the NCH approved it, it is possible that by next year, in Joint Admission Matriculation Examinations, JAMB, some people may be filling to read herbal medicine.”
Chukwu further argued that for the health sector to attain the desired progress, there was need for dominance and high participation of non-government practitioners in the sector.
Source: Vanguard
Prof. Chukwu revealed this at the 3rd Annual Guest Lecture organized by Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, MHWUN, in Abuja.
He said: “ They say we cannot achieve universal health coverage unless herbal medicine practitioners are involved. But I say they must be trained.
“Finally, a committee has submitted a curriculum which we are going to take to the National Council on Health, NCH, very beautiful curriculum. We are taking herbal medicine to the university.
”Without it, there is no integration. This is because if you are a herbal practitioner, you are a doctor. A herbalist is a doctor. But the first function of a doctor is to take a diagnosis.
“Is it Lassa fever or Ebola? Or is it Dengue or is it malaria or typhoid? You have to get the answer before you begin to give that herb
“ You cannot do that unless you learn those sciences that will enable you get the results- physiology, pharmacology, pathology, anatomy, biochemistry and all others. If you don’t learn them, you will not know anything about the human body.
“The herbal practitioners are working with me because they saw what we are doing. Hopefully, once the NCH approved it, it is possible that by next year, in Joint Admission Matriculation Examinations, JAMB, some people may be filling to read herbal medicine.”
Chukwu further argued that for the health sector to attain the desired progress, there was need for dominance and high participation of non-government practitioners in the sector.
Source: Vanguard
Article: Reno Omokri's take On Fashola’s Theory of Leadership and Church Attendance.
For those that don't know him,Reno Omokri is the Special Assistant on News Media to President Goodluck Jonathan. In this article,he shares his thought on the statement the Governor of Lagos state made concerning the President's recent visit to churches.
Excerpt.......
I was stunned when I read the various headlines about the comments made by Governor Raji Fashola regarding the President and his habit of worshipping at a church every Sunday. There were various headlines, but the one by one newspaper best captures the sentiments expressed by Fashola. It ran thus ‘Jonathan is Busy Going to Church Instead of Leading the Country-Fashola’.
The governor was further quoted as saying “I know that we have employed somebody for the top job in this country but when we asked him about his qualifications and experience, he said he had no shoes. You must decide whether you want someone who spends most of his time in church or mosque, or the man who is ready to spend his time on the job”.
I cannot really understand the governor’s rationale for making such a comment given that the President attends regular church services in fulfillment of his own personal convictions as a Christian especially as The Holy Bible says “let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another” (Hebrews 10:25).
It is also a fact that regular Friday mosque attendance is obligatory in Islam. Qur’an, Sura 62, āyāt 9 says “O you who have believed, when [the adhan] is called for the prayer on the day of Jumu'ah [Friday], then proceed to the remembrance of Allah and leave trade. That is better for you, if you only knew”.
President Goodluck Jonathan did not just pick up the habit of regular Sunday worship in church with other believers. This has been a life time habit for him and many others and I have a hard time understanding why this should attract criticism from the governor of a metropolitan state like Lagos who was voted in by both Christians and Muslims.
Is governor Fashola saying that the administration of Nigeria suffers just because the President attends a 90 minute service every Sunday and short devotions every morning before work?
I am sure that governor Fashola is conversant with the life and times of American Presidents including Presidents Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman. Both of these men led America during the Second World War and both attended services during the pendency of the war.
John F. Kennedy was also a U.S. President who led America during the heady days of the Cold War when America almost went into nuclear conflict with the then Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, USSR, as a result of the Cuban Missile Crisis. It is on record that Kennedy never missed any church service during his presidency. According to a CNN biography on his life, President Kennedy “faithfully attended Mass once a week, wherever he happened to be” (please see http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/11/23/how-catholic-was-john-f-kennedy/).
The current President, Barrack Obama not only attends church services, but he also has devotionals at the White House. In fact, once when he was attending church service at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Washington DC on the 27th of October 2013, he refused to answer a question about governance stating to the reporters present “come on guys, I am going to church”.
In England, both the Head of State, Queen Elizabeth the Second, and the Prime Minister, David Cameron, attend church services every Sunday, yet no one has used this against them or accused them of abandoning the ship of state.
It is also on record that the Presidents of The Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Mamnoon Hussain, and The Republic of Indonesia, Susilo Yudhoyono, the two largest Muslim nations in the world regularly attend mosque services on Friday as well as perform daily prayers and are seen to be better leaders because of these actions by their own people and the world at large.
Given this historical account, I wonder why governor Fashola chose to hit at the President the way he did.
Leadership is more than going to the office and attending meetings. A leader must identify with his people. This is why President Jonathan celebrates when Nigerians are celebrating and mourns when they are mourning.
Every year, the President fasts when the Islamic Ummah is fasting as well as when the Body of Christ is fasting. He does not publicize this, but it shows that he has a connection with the people that he leads.
If a person does not have a moral core which can only come by an attachment to a faith which promotes virtues, I do not see how such a person can even begin to be a good leader.
The problems of Nigerians in 2014 are not whether or not a leader attends church or mosque services. Their issue is that they want leaders who can improve on their Standard of Living and who can facilitate the education of their children and who can ensure that they have hope for the future and can independently pursue their own happiness.
These have been the focus of President Jonathan and that focus is sharpened rather than diverted by the little time he spends attending weekly church services and regular daily devotion at home.
If the Per Capita Income of the average Nigerian has increased from $1091 in 2007 to $1721 in 2014, I do not think that is a sign of failure to lead. If the travel time between Lagos to Benin has reduced from eight hours in 2009 to three hours today, I do not think that is a sign that the nation is not under a good leader. If Almajiris are now going to school in one of the 125 Almajiri Model Schools built by the Jonathan administration, I don’t think they would complain that he attends church every Sunday.
I am sure many Lagosians and indeed Nigerians have demanding jobs that require leadership skills. I do not think that this critical mass of highly effective and employed Nigerians would choose to stop going to regular church or mosque services because of the leadership expected of them at their jobs.
In fact, if I am to hazard an educated guess, I would wager that it is precisely because of the demands of their jobs that they would attend regular services at their mosques and church because some leadership challenges require divine intervention.
Many world leaders have written biographies after their times in office and have in those works suggested that it is difficult if not impossible to have any sense of personal accomplishment, successful personal and inter personal relationships, peace of mind and hope for the future without a regular habit of faith.
Perhaps this is why leaders are either sworn into office on The Holy Bible or Qur’an. This action at the beginning of the tenure suggests that the framers of the Constitution and the people who elected them expect them to draw inspiration from their faith which in most cases would flow from The Holy Bible or Qur’an, both of which require that believers attend regular worship services. In fact, how can such inspiration come if you do not perform one of the core expectations of the faith which is to fellowship regularly with other believers?
I understand that some governors and other elected officials regularly go to their leader’s house even more than they go to their places of worship. While this may be the practice of some, it is the practice of others to worship God either at the mosque or the church. I encourage those who prefer the latter to allow those who prefer the latter to worship as they please. After all Nigeria’s Constitution allows for freedom of religion.
Finally, let me say to governor Fashola and others who may not understand why it is necessary to obey the dictates of one’s professed faith. Reason is for your intellect, while faith is for your spirit.
Attempting to use your intellect to lead without sharpening it with your spirit inspired by your faith is like attempting to cut down a tree with a blunt knife. It is better to stop and have that knife sharpened than to keep cutting with a dull knife. This is the difference between those who work hard and those who work smart.
It takes a lot of hard work to lead a state like Lagos, but I am sure that that hard work will go further if smart work is added to it.
God has given too much to Governor Fashola for him to have made the comments he made. Fortunately for him God gives and forgives, but unfortunately for Lagosians, men get and forget!
Reno Omokri
Excerpt.......
I was stunned when I read the various headlines about the comments made by Governor Raji Fashola regarding the President and his habit of worshipping at a church every Sunday. There were various headlines, but the one by one newspaper best captures the sentiments expressed by Fashola. It ran thus ‘Jonathan is Busy Going to Church Instead of Leading the Country-Fashola’.
The governor was further quoted as saying “I know that we have employed somebody for the top job in this country but when we asked him about his qualifications and experience, he said he had no shoes. You must decide whether you want someone who spends most of his time in church or mosque, or the man who is ready to spend his time on the job”.
I cannot really understand the governor’s rationale for making such a comment given that the President attends regular church services in fulfillment of his own personal convictions as a Christian especially as The Holy Bible says “let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another” (Hebrews 10:25).
It is also a fact that regular Friday mosque attendance is obligatory in Islam. Qur’an, Sura 62, āyāt 9 says “O you who have believed, when [the adhan] is called for the prayer on the day of Jumu'ah [Friday], then proceed to the remembrance of Allah and leave trade. That is better for you, if you only knew”.
President Goodluck Jonathan did not just pick up the habit of regular Sunday worship in church with other believers. This has been a life time habit for him and many others and I have a hard time understanding why this should attract criticism from the governor of a metropolitan state like Lagos who was voted in by both Christians and Muslims.
Is governor Fashola saying that the administration of Nigeria suffers just because the President attends a 90 minute service every Sunday and short devotions every morning before work?
I am sure that governor Fashola is conversant with the life and times of American Presidents including Presidents Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman. Both of these men led America during the Second World War and both attended services during the pendency of the war.
John F. Kennedy was also a U.S. President who led America during the heady days of the Cold War when America almost went into nuclear conflict with the then Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, USSR, as a result of the Cuban Missile Crisis. It is on record that Kennedy never missed any church service during his presidency. According to a CNN biography on his life, President Kennedy “faithfully attended Mass once a week, wherever he happened to be” (please see http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/11/23/how-catholic-was-john-f-kennedy/).
The current President, Barrack Obama not only attends church services, but he also has devotionals at the White House. In fact, once when he was attending church service at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Washington DC on the 27th of October 2013, he refused to answer a question about governance stating to the reporters present “come on guys, I am going to church”.
In England, both the Head of State, Queen Elizabeth the Second, and the Prime Minister, David Cameron, attend church services every Sunday, yet no one has used this against them or accused them of abandoning the ship of state.
It is also on record that the Presidents of The Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Mamnoon Hussain, and The Republic of Indonesia, Susilo Yudhoyono, the two largest Muslim nations in the world regularly attend mosque services on Friday as well as perform daily prayers and are seen to be better leaders because of these actions by their own people and the world at large.
Given this historical account, I wonder why governor Fashola chose to hit at the President the way he did.
Leadership is more than going to the office and attending meetings. A leader must identify with his people. This is why President Jonathan celebrates when Nigerians are celebrating and mourns when they are mourning.
Every year, the President fasts when the Islamic Ummah is fasting as well as when the Body of Christ is fasting. He does not publicize this, but it shows that he has a connection with the people that he leads.
If a person does not have a moral core which can only come by an attachment to a faith which promotes virtues, I do not see how such a person can even begin to be a good leader.
The problems of Nigerians in 2014 are not whether or not a leader attends church or mosque services. Their issue is that they want leaders who can improve on their Standard of Living and who can facilitate the education of their children and who can ensure that they have hope for the future and can independently pursue their own happiness.
These have been the focus of President Jonathan and that focus is sharpened rather than diverted by the little time he spends attending weekly church services and regular daily devotion at home.
If the Per Capita Income of the average Nigerian has increased from $1091 in 2007 to $1721 in 2014, I do not think that is a sign of failure to lead. If the travel time between Lagos to Benin has reduced from eight hours in 2009 to three hours today, I do not think that is a sign that the nation is not under a good leader. If Almajiris are now going to school in one of the 125 Almajiri Model Schools built by the Jonathan administration, I don’t think they would complain that he attends church every Sunday.
I am sure many Lagosians and indeed Nigerians have demanding jobs that require leadership skills. I do not think that this critical mass of highly effective and employed Nigerians would choose to stop going to regular church or mosque services because of the leadership expected of them at their jobs.
In fact, if I am to hazard an educated guess, I would wager that it is precisely because of the demands of their jobs that they would attend regular services at their mosques and church because some leadership challenges require divine intervention.
Many world leaders have written biographies after their times in office and have in those works suggested that it is difficult if not impossible to have any sense of personal accomplishment, successful personal and inter personal relationships, peace of mind and hope for the future without a regular habit of faith.
Perhaps this is why leaders are either sworn into office on The Holy Bible or Qur’an. This action at the beginning of the tenure suggests that the framers of the Constitution and the people who elected them expect them to draw inspiration from their faith which in most cases would flow from The Holy Bible or Qur’an, both of which require that believers attend regular worship services. In fact, how can such inspiration come if you do not perform one of the core expectations of the faith which is to fellowship regularly with other believers?
I understand that some governors and other elected officials regularly go to their leader’s house even more than they go to their places of worship. While this may be the practice of some, it is the practice of others to worship God either at the mosque or the church. I encourage those who prefer the latter to allow those who prefer the latter to worship as they please. After all Nigeria’s Constitution allows for freedom of religion.
Finally, let me say to governor Fashola and others who may not understand why it is necessary to obey the dictates of one’s professed faith. Reason is for your intellect, while faith is for your spirit.
Attempting to use your intellect to lead without sharpening it with your spirit inspired by your faith is like attempting to cut down a tree with a blunt knife. It is better to stop and have that knife sharpened than to keep cutting with a dull knife. This is the difference between those who work hard and those who work smart.
It takes a lot of hard work to lead a state like Lagos, but I am sure that that hard work will go further if smart work is added to it.
God has given too much to Governor Fashola for him to have made the comments he made. Fortunately for him God gives and forgives, but unfortunately for Lagosians, men get and forget!
Reno Omokri
Monday, April 7, 2014
Announcement: President Jonathan's Message to Nigerians On Our Becoming Africa's Biggest Economy
Yesterday, Nigeria was declared Africa's biggest economy by officials. Even though this means little or nothing for most Nigerians as rate of unemployment continue to be on the rise,little or no support for local industries coupled with low or no supply of power(electricity) but then it gives us continental bragging rights and our dear President Jonathan took to his Facebook page to make this announcement.
Excerpts....
Yesterday, our Gross Domestic Product was rebased to give an accurate picture of where we are as a nation. I am glad to report to you that Nigeria is officially the largest economy in Africa with a Gross Domestic Product of $510 billion which also places us as the 26th largest economy in the world.
This feat is a collective achievement of all Nigerians particularly when you take into
account the fact that our Per Capita Income had increased by over 60% from $1091 in 2009 to $1700 in 2013, prior to the rebasing.
While this calls for celebration, I personally cannot celebrate until all Nigerians can feel the positive impact of our growth. There are still too many of our citizens living in poverty.
Three years ago, I was asked to define Transformation and I said "Transformation in my view simply means taking what you have and making the best of it and in so doing produce results that can bring about a paradigm shift". That positive paradigm shift, as occurred yesterday, is still a work in progress.
Regardless of our present challenges, our place as a nation at the table of greatness is assured. GEJ.
Excerpts....
Yesterday, our Gross Domestic Product was rebased to give an accurate picture of where we are as a nation. I am glad to report to you that Nigeria is officially the largest economy in Africa with a Gross Domestic Product of $510 billion which also places us as the 26th largest economy in the world.
This feat is a collective achievement of all Nigerians particularly when you take into
account the fact that our Per Capita Income had increased by over 60% from $1091 in 2009 to $1700 in 2013, prior to the rebasing.
While this calls for celebration, I personally cannot celebrate until all Nigerians can feel the positive impact of our growth. There are still too many of our citizens living in poverty.
Three years ago, I was asked to define Transformation and I said "Transformation in my view simply means taking what you have and making the best of it and in so doing produce results that can bring about a paradigm shift". That positive paradigm shift, as occurred yesterday, is still a work in progress.
Regardless of our present challenges, our place as a nation at the table of greatness is assured. GEJ.
Breaking: Soldier alleges that some Military commanders are aiding Boko Haram,
There are things you get to hear these days and can't help but wonder.......
According to a report by Punch, a Nigerian soldier who was a guest on the Voice of America Hausa Service has claimed that some military chiefs are aiding the men of the dreaded Islamic sect, Boko Haram.
The soldier who did not reveal his identity, told VON Hausa Service, that sometime ago, while serving in Bama Unit in Borno state, a commander from a nearby unit got in contact with his own commandant and asked for backup.
He said when he and the soldiers were to meet with the soldiers from the other commandant, they discovered they were given different uniforms and in the brink of launching the attack on the insurgent group, the soldiers from the other unit were withdrawn by their commandant leaving them to face the men of the Islamic sect alone with light arms. He also claimed that some of the insurgents they killed were officers that conducted training in military base in Kontagora near Abuja.
"We had only light arms and our men were being picked off one after the other. We realised that some of them were actually mercenaries from the Nigerian army… hired to fight us,” he said....hmmmmm
Continue...
The unidentified soldier said that most of his colleagues are silently putting their arms down and leaving the army due to the frustrations they experienced and what he termed the politicizing of the war against the Islamic sect
"“I swear by Allah, there are soldiers who are coming out of the forest after they were abandoned; several of them dropped their weapons and just went home. There were more than 20 of them from this battalion in Kwanduga. Even me that is talking to you now, I am preparing to leave. I just want to tell the world so that they will know what is happening. These people are doing this secretly.” he said
His claim on some military personnel being recruited by the sect group seem to have been confirmed as some Military high command on Sunday launched an investigation into claims of a lance corporal who was said to be killed by the Special Forces during an encounter with insurgents in Borno State. The Lance Corporal according to a source told Punch that he was a trusted trainer of Special Forces at the Nigerian Army Training Centre, Kontagora.
"A soldier who trains Special Forces at the Nigerian Army Training Centre in Kontagora, Niger State, was among those who were killed. The man was not among the Special Forces; he was obviously leading the attack for the insurgents but he got killed. It was one of the soldiers that identified him as somebody from his unit in Kotangora. The soldier called attention to the man’s corpse and when the commander said he should be searched, they recovered a current pass authorizing him to leave Kotangora and his Army identity card from him".
Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen Chris Olukolade in response to the soldiers claims said they were all not true and that the unidentified soldier could be a Boko Haram sect member who was disguising as a Soldier.
"The person that granted that interview on the VOA; we believe he is not a soldier, he could just be one of those simulated on the other side to give some false impression to support the insurgents.” He refused to comment on the story about the killed lance corporal who is alleged to have been working for the sect members
According to a report by Punch, a Nigerian soldier who was a guest on the Voice of America Hausa Service has claimed that some military chiefs are aiding the men of the dreaded Islamic sect, Boko Haram.
The soldier who did not reveal his identity, told VON Hausa Service, that sometime ago, while serving in Bama Unit in Borno state, a commander from a nearby unit got in contact with his own commandant and asked for backup.
He said when he and the soldiers were to meet with the soldiers from the other commandant, they discovered they were given different uniforms and in the brink of launching the attack on the insurgent group, the soldiers from the other unit were withdrawn by their commandant leaving them to face the men of the Islamic sect alone with light arms. He also claimed that some of the insurgents they killed were officers that conducted training in military base in Kontagora near Abuja.
"We had only light arms and our men were being picked off one after the other. We realised that some of them were actually mercenaries from the Nigerian army… hired to fight us,” he said....hmmmmm
Continue...
The unidentified soldier said that most of his colleagues are silently putting their arms down and leaving the army due to the frustrations they experienced and what he termed the politicizing of the war against the Islamic sect
"“I swear by Allah, there are soldiers who are coming out of the forest after they were abandoned; several of them dropped their weapons and just went home. There were more than 20 of them from this battalion in Kwanduga. Even me that is talking to you now, I am preparing to leave. I just want to tell the world so that they will know what is happening. These people are doing this secretly.” he said
His claim on some military personnel being recruited by the sect group seem to have been confirmed as some Military high command on Sunday launched an investigation into claims of a lance corporal who was said to be killed by the Special Forces during an encounter with insurgents in Borno State. The Lance Corporal according to a source told Punch that he was a trusted trainer of Special Forces at the Nigerian Army Training Centre, Kontagora.
"A soldier who trains Special Forces at the Nigerian Army Training Centre in Kontagora, Niger State, was among those who were killed. The man was not among the Special Forces; he was obviously leading the attack for the insurgents but he got killed. It was one of the soldiers that identified him as somebody from his unit in Kotangora. The soldier called attention to the man’s corpse and when the commander said he should be searched, they recovered a current pass authorizing him to leave Kotangora and his Army identity card from him".
Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen Chris Olukolade in response to the soldiers claims said they were all not true and that the unidentified soldier could be a Boko Haram sect member who was disguising as a Soldier.
"The person that granted that interview on the VOA; we believe he is not a soldier, he could just be one of those simulated on the other side to give some false impression to support the insurgents.” He refused to comment on the story about the killed lance corporal who is alleged to have been working for the sect members
Friday, April 4, 2014
National or food confab??? as delegates disagree on food
Most times I wonder if these delegates actually know what they are there for,do they even know the reason for the confab at all? First of all,it was the issue of a raise in the allowance,now its food matter.
Haba,delegates make una no dey fall our hands na,people are watching us...there are things that should be over looked....you guys are being paid N12 million for what you should have done for free,seeing it as a service to your father's land,please let's try and conduct ourselves in a responsible manner.
Enough of my talk,abi?
Anyway,according to reports Delegates participating in the ongoing National Conference were on Thursday in Abuja divided over the feeding arrangement by the leadership of the confab.
While some of them expressed disappointment about the poor quality of food, others said they wanted the food to be monetised to enable them to source for food outside the conference venue.
This led to a heated argument. Tempers flew when a delegate from the South South, Mr. J.I Ebinum, moved a motion to stop the secretariat from the provision of lunch for the delegates.
His motion, which came shortly before the delegates took their break for lunch, was rejected by other delegates who shouted “No” to the request.
Ebinum had argued that the caterer handling the feeding services had failed to make enough food available despite complaints to that effect.
However, when the Chairman of the conference, Justice Idris Kutigi, put the matter to vote, the delegates rejected the motion and trooped out to the restaurant to eat.
When Kutigi tried to bring up the matter again towards the close of the sitting, another commotion ensued as delegates expressed reservations over the request.
A former Minister of Women Affairs and delegate representing elder statesmen, Mrs. Josephine Anenih, stood up to explain that the delegates were not asking for the stoppage of food supply “because things have improved.”
She said, “For the past two days we have been eating Chinese food, that was why they are all very happy. Delegates are complaining that the food has not been enough because other staffers of the National Judicial Institute, venue of the confab, have been joining in sharing the food meant for only 492 delegates.”
Another delegate from the South-West, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, also supported her, saying the conference should continue to provide the food but should try and improve on the quality.
He said, “We don’t want monetisation of the food, but what we are saying is that they should improve on the quality of food being served.”
Haba,delegates make una no dey fall our hands na,people are watching us...there are things that should be over looked....you guys are being paid N12 million for what you should have done for free,seeing it as a service to your father's land,please let's try and conduct ourselves in a responsible manner.
Enough of my talk,abi?
Anyway,according to reports Delegates participating in the ongoing National Conference were on Thursday in Abuja divided over the feeding arrangement by the leadership of the confab.
While some of them expressed disappointment about the poor quality of food, others said they wanted the food to be monetised to enable them to source for food outside the conference venue.
This led to a heated argument. Tempers flew when a delegate from the South South, Mr. J.I Ebinum, moved a motion to stop the secretariat from the provision of lunch for the delegates.
His motion, which came shortly before the delegates took their break for lunch, was rejected by other delegates who shouted “No” to the request.
Ebinum had argued that the caterer handling the feeding services had failed to make enough food available despite complaints to that effect.
However, when the Chairman of the conference, Justice Idris Kutigi, put the matter to vote, the delegates rejected the motion and trooped out to the restaurant to eat.
When Kutigi tried to bring up the matter again towards the close of the sitting, another commotion ensued as delegates expressed reservations over the request.
A former Minister of Women Affairs and delegate representing elder statesmen, Mrs. Josephine Anenih, stood up to explain that the delegates were not asking for the stoppage of food supply “because things have improved.”
She said, “For the past two days we have been eating Chinese food, that was why they are all very happy. Delegates are complaining that the food has not been enough because other staffers of the National Judicial Institute, venue of the confab, have been joining in sharing the food meant for only 492 delegates.”
Another delegate from the South-West, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, also supported her, saying the conference should continue to provide the food but should try and improve on the quality.
He said, “We don’t want monetisation of the food, but what we are saying is that they should improve on the quality of food being served.”
Breaking news: Nigeria, and 5 other countries, have largest numbers of extremely poor people
This revelation was made by the World Bank President, Jim Yong Kim, while addressing participants at the Council on Foreign Relations, CFR, meeting in New York on Tuesday April 1st. He said five countries, including Nigeria, make up two-thirds of the world's extremely poor people.
“The fact is that two-thirds of the world’s extreme poor are concentrated in just five countries – India, China, Nigeria, Bangladesh, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. If you add another five countries — Indonesia, Pakistan, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Kenya – the total grows to 80 percent of the extreme poor.”
“By extremely poor, we mean people living on less than $1.25 a day. And more than a billion people in the world live on less than that each day.”
Seriously,I find it disturbing. Reason is, we are supposedly the richest country in the world, Oh yes we have it all...and I heard the Cordinating minister this morning saying its normal that its expectant of a growing economy to have poor people among them citing India,Brazil and China as an example.
Anyway,whatever is the case I believe we can do/be better than this....we have been like this for decades and I refuse to accept its normal....it can be for other countries but that excuse is not acceptable here.
To whom it may concern,please do the needfull.
“The fact is that two-thirds of the world’s extreme poor are concentrated in just five countries – India, China, Nigeria, Bangladesh, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. If you add another five countries — Indonesia, Pakistan, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Kenya – the total grows to 80 percent of the extreme poor.”
“By extremely poor, we mean people living on less than $1.25 a day. And more than a billion people in the world live on less than that each day.”
Seriously,I find it disturbing. Reason is, we are supposedly the richest country in the world, Oh yes we have it all...and I heard the Cordinating minister this morning saying its normal that its expectant of a growing economy to have poor people among them citing India,Brazil and China as an example.
Anyway,whatever is the case I believe we can do/be better than this....we have been like this for decades and I refuse to accept its normal....it can be for other countries but that excuse is not acceptable here.
To whom it may concern,please do the needfull.
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Civil Defense Agents Assaults and Beats Up Peaceful Protesters In Abuja
Four people who were among the youths protesting the NIS recruitment exercise that went awry few weeks ago,were arrested for attempting to dump nine coffins at the headquarters of the Ministry of Interior in Abuja on Wednesday(yesterday).
The security operatives, who were alerted in advance of the plan by some youths under the aegis of the Concerned Nigerian Unemployed Youths, also foiled attempts by angry youths to demonstrate at the ministry and the official residence of the Minister of Interior, Mr. Abba Moro, in Abuja.
It was learnt that the four leaders of the angry youths were picked up when they allegedly defied security instruction to leave the area.
The members of the group who gathered at the Area 1 Roundabout, were met with more than what they had bargained for. Eyewitnesses say the overzealous officers of the Corps had swooped down on them, confronted them and began asking them to leave. There was no permit issued from the police officials in respect to their protest.
The Leader of the group, Japhet Omojunwua, reportedly told the security agents that it was a peaceful protest, as the death of one of their colleagues still remains fresh in their memory. That explanation did not go down well with the law enforcement agents. Witnesses say one officer had slapped the leader of the group in the face several times, and then began kicking him to the ground. Within minutes, other security agents joined-in, numbering over twenty officers. It was a brutal attack.
After a thorough beating lasting over 15 minutes, Japhet Omojunwua was then pushed, and dragged to the security agents’ waiting Hilux Patrol Van, along other three members of the group. They were then all taken to an unknown location.
The Leader of the security squad who refused to identify himself, quickly removed his name tag shortly after the beating on Japhet Omojunwua. According to eyewitnesses the security squad leader then seized the iPads and cameras of some nearby journalists who were covering the protest.
A female security officer later identified as Rose Mary Inuwa, was the first to assault the protest group leader, according to eyewitnesses, before she was joined by others officers in the beating.
It was further learnt that the driver of a Pickup van, who was hired to drop the coffins at the ministry, escaped when the four leaders were arrested.
Meanwhile, an outrage followed the arrest of the protesters on Wednesday as many Nigerians said the clampdown on protesters amounted to a breach on constitutionally guaranteed freedom of peaceful protest.
A former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, while demanding the immediate release of the arrested persons, described their arrest as an attempt to gag the citizens from exercising their rights to peaceful protest.
“Learning to bear the pain of citizens’ protest is the hallmark of democratic maturity. Our government must learn this. You can’t gag citizens. I expect that officials of the Department of State Services have acute sense of how angry citizens are, about the immigration tragedy, and so will nip anything that fuels it more!” she wrote on her Twitter page.
Also, ex-minister of the Federal Capital Territory and Aviation, Nasir el-Rufai and Femi Fani-Kayode, also flayed the arrest of the protesters on Twitter.
“I call on the government to release Omojuwa. He is one of the most forthright voices in the land and he cannot be silenced,” Fani-Kayode said.
Omojuwa and three others arrested with him have however been released at the time of this report.
The security operatives, who were alerted in advance of the plan by some youths under the aegis of the Concerned Nigerian Unemployed Youths, also foiled attempts by angry youths to demonstrate at the ministry and the official residence of the Minister of Interior, Mr. Abba Moro, in Abuja.
It was learnt that the four leaders of the angry youths were picked up when they allegedly defied security instruction to leave the area.
The members of the group who gathered at the Area 1 Roundabout, were met with more than what they had bargained for. Eyewitnesses say the overzealous officers of the Corps had swooped down on them, confronted them and began asking them to leave. There was no permit issued from the police officials in respect to their protest.
The Leader of the group, Japhet Omojunwua, reportedly told the security agents that it was a peaceful protest, as the death of one of their colleagues still remains fresh in their memory. That explanation did not go down well with the law enforcement agents. Witnesses say one officer had slapped the leader of the group in the face several times, and then began kicking him to the ground. Within minutes, other security agents joined-in, numbering over twenty officers. It was a brutal attack.
After a thorough beating lasting over 15 minutes, Japhet Omojunwua was then pushed, and dragged to the security agents’ waiting Hilux Patrol Van, along other three members of the group. They were then all taken to an unknown location.
The Leader of the security squad who refused to identify himself, quickly removed his name tag shortly after the beating on Japhet Omojunwua. According to eyewitnesses the security squad leader then seized the iPads and cameras of some nearby journalists who were covering the protest.
A female security officer later identified as Rose Mary Inuwa, was the first to assault the protest group leader, according to eyewitnesses, before she was joined by others officers in the beating.
It was further learnt that the driver of a Pickup van, who was hired to drop the coffins at the ministry, escaped when the four leaders were arrested.
Meanwhile, an outrage followed the arrest of the protesters on Wednesday as many Nigerians said the clampdown on protesters amounted to a breach on constitutionally guaranteed freedom of peaceful protest.
A former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, while demanding the immediate release of the arrested persons, described their arrest as an attempt to gag the citizens from exercising their rights to peaceful protest.
“Learning to bear the pain of citizens’ protest is the hallmark of democratic maturity. Our government must learn this. You can’t gag citizens. I expect that officials of the Department of State Services have acute sense of how angry citizens are, about the immigration tragedy, and so will nip anything that fuels it more!” she wrote on her Twitter page.
Also, ex-minister of the Federal Capital Territory and Aviation, Nasir el-Rufai and Femi Fani-Kayode, also flayed the arrest of the protesters on Twitter.
“I call on the government to release Omojuwa. He is one of the most forthright voices in the land and he cannot be silenced,” Fani-Kayode said.
Omojuwa and three others arrested with him have however been released at the time of this report.
FG sued Over Anti-gay Law
An Abuja Federal High Court has been asked to stop the Federal Government from enforcing the ban on same-sex marriage and gay relationships in the country.
The Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, 2013, which criminalised the practice, was recently signed into law by President Goodluck Jonathan.
The development drew the ire of the international community, with the United Kingdom, the United States and several other countries condemning the law while asking the Federal Government to reverse it.
The United Nations also frowned at the law, and in a recent visit to Nigeria, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Navi Pillay, spoke against the anti-gay law and tried to get the Federal Government to reconsider it.
The Federal Government had stood its ground, insisting that there was no going back on the law.
But a Nigerian citizen, Mr. Teriah Joseph Ebah, who described himself as “a happily married man with a son,” has dragged the Federal Government to court to challenge the law.
In the suit with number FHC/ABJ/CS/197/2014, the plaintiff, through his lawyer, Mike Enahoro Ebah, asked the court to declare that the provisions of the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, 2013, particularly sections 1 (1) (a) (b), 2 (1) (2) and 3 violated the fundamental rights of Nigerian citizens as enshrined and protected in section 42 (1) (a) (b) and 2 of the 1999 Constitution, as well as articles of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap A9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Asking the court to declare the anti-gay law as unconstitutional, null and void, the plaintiff equally asked the court to make an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Federal Government “from further enforcing the provisions of the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, 2013, particularly sections 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 of the said Act.”
The court was asked to determine whether the law did not violate and contravene the fundamental rights of Nigerian citizens, and also, whether it was not an impediment to the freedom provided for Nigerians in the 1999 Constitution, and therefore inconsistent with the intentions of the Constitution.
He explained that he holds a BA degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Derby, UK, as well as a Masters degree in Strategic Financial Management from the same institution, and is also a registered member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accounting of Britain.
Ebah further explained that he is currently working with the Department for Works and Pension under the employment of the British Government.
According to him, his close relationship with Nigerians at home and in the UK had given him an insight into the worrisome plight and predicament the anti-gay law “has brought to bear on these citizens.”
He noted that while while there is no law that stops a citizen of Nigeria from registering an association to protect the interests of animals in the country, the anti-gay law prohibits the registration of a union to fight for the rights of Nigerians who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender.
Ebah informed the court that he was aware of the fact that, since the signing of the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, 2014, about 32 persons have been arrested in different parts of the country on the basis of their sexual orientation.
He described the arrest and prosecution of the suspected gays as genetic genocide.
The Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, 2013, which criminalised the practice, was recently signed into law by President Goodluck Jonathan.
The development drew the ire of the international community, with the United Kingdom, the United States and several other countries condemning the law while asking the Federal Government to reverse it.
The United Nations also frowned at the law, and in a recent visit to Nigeria, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Navi Pillay, spoke against the anti-gay law and tried to get the Federal Government to reconsider it.
The Federal Government had stood its ground, insisting that there was no going back on the law.
But a Nigerian citizen, Mr. Teriah Joseph Ebah, who described himself as “a happily married man with a son,” has dragged the Federal Government to court to challenge the law.
In the suit with number FHC/ABJ/CS/197/2014, the plaintiff, through his lawyer, Mike Enahoro Ebah, asked the court to declare that the provisions of the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, 2013, particularly sections 1 (1) (a) (b), 2 (1) (2) and 3 violated the fundamental rights of Nigerian citizens as enshrined and protected in section 42 (1) (a) (b) and 2 of the 1999 Constitution, as well as articles of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap A9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Asking the court to declare the anti-gay law as unconstitutional, null and void, the plaintiff equally asked the court to make an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Federal Government “from further enforcing the provisions of the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, 2013, particularly sections 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 of the said Act.”
The court was asked to determine whether the law did not violate and contravene the fundamental rights of Nigerian citizens, and also, whether it was not an impediment to the freedom provided for Nigerians in the 1999 Constitution, and therefore inconsistent with the intentions of the Constitution.
He explained that he holds a BA degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Derby, UK, as well as a Masters degree in Strategic Financial Management from the same institution, and is also a registered member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accounting of Britain.
Ebah further explained that he is currently working with the Department for Works and Pension under the employment of the British Government.
According to him, his close relationship with Nigerians at home and in the UK had given him an insight into the worrisome plight and predicament the anti-gay law “has brought to bear on these citizens.”
He noted that while while there is no law that stops a citizen of Nigeria from registering an association to protect the interests of animals in the country, the anti-gay law prohibits the registration of a union to fight for the rights of Nigerians who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender.
Ebah informed the court that he was aware of the fact that, since the signing of the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, 2014, about 32 persons have been arrested in different parts of the country on the basis of their sexual orientation.
He described the arrest and prosecution of the suspected gays as genetic genocide.
Yee haa!!! Court orders Sanusi’s passport released, awards N50m damages
According to Punch New Online, The Federal High Court in Lagos retrains police, DSS from arresting Lamido Sanusi, suspended CBN Governor, orders his passport released immediately, awards him N50m exemplary damages.
More details later..........
More details later..........
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
544 Nigerians `voluntarily’ return from Switzerland
The Swiss Federal Office of Migration (FOM) says a total of 544 Nigerian nationals previously living in Switzerland returned home in 2013 under its Voluntary Return and Reintegration Programme (VRRP).
This is contained in a statement issued by the FOM at the end the 5th Meeting of the Technical Committee for the Swiss-Nigerian migration partnership on Tuesday in Abuja.
According to the statement, Nigeria is the third main country of origin for asylum seekers in Switzerland in 2013 with 1,764 asylum applications.
On the number of Nigerians who voluntarily left the country, the FOM noted that in 2012 it supervised the departure of 441 Nigerians from the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria’s delegation to the meeting was led by Amb. Abdulaziz Dankano, the under-secretary in charge of Economy and Consular, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Dankano expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far since the last meeting of the Nigerian-Swiss migration partnership in June 2013 in Berne.
He said that the returnees would have something to fall back on upon their return to Nigeria.
Make I ask ooo,do you think this people (returnee) really wanted to come back??? Just asking sha
Keshi disagrees With NFF Over Eagles World Cup List.
There are strong indications that the Nigeria Football Federation and national team coach Stephen Keshi are headed on a collision course over the release of a provisional list for the pre-World Cup camp. The camp opens in London on May 26, two days before a friendly match against Scotland at Craven Cottage.
The technical Committee of the NFF which met in Abuja last week is demanding for the immediate release of a 35-man list from the coach. But Keshi is insisting he is not in a hurry to release the provisional list, adding that he was being put under undue pressure by the technical committee.
The coach was said to have accused the NFF of not passing through the right channel as he has only been reading on the pages of newspapers that he was to submit a 35-man provisional list.
“I am not in a hurry to submit the list. First, the report was that I was to submit 40 names. Now I am hearing it is 35 players. I will only submit a list of 30 players when I am ready,” he insisted yesterday
The federation was hoping to announce this provisional list of 35 players for the World Cup by the end of the week.
Relations between Keshi and the federation became frosty last week when Keshi was queried for attending a sponsor’s event in Lagos on the day he had an appointment with the technical committee.
He was also accused of embarking on an unapproved vacation in America.
Sources at the NFF disclosed last night that Keshi had also failed to reply to the issues raised in the query by the Chris Green-led committee.
After the May 28 friendly against Scotland, the Eagles will play two more friendly matches against USA and Greece in America before leaving for Brazil on June.11.
The technical Committee of the NFF which met in Abuja last week is demanding for the immediate release of a 35-man list from the coach. But Keshi is insisting he is not in a hurry to release the provisional list, adding that he was being put under undue pressure by the technical committee.
The coach was said to have accused the NFF of not passing through the right channel as he has only been reading on the pages of newspapers that he was to submit a 35-man provisional list.
“I am not in a hurry to submit the list. First, the report was that I was to submit 40 names. Now I am hearing it is 35 players. I will only submit a list of 30 players when I am ready,” he insisted yesterday
The federation was hoping to announce this provisional list of 35 players for the World Cup by the end of the week.
Relations between Keshi and the federation became frosty last week when Keshi was queried for attending a sponsor’s event in Lagos on the day he had an appointment with the technical committee.
He was also accused of embarking on an unapproved vacation in America.
Sources at the NFF disclosed last night that Keshi had also failed to reply to the issues raised in the query by the Chris Green-led committee.
After the May 28 friendly against Scotland, the Eagles will play two more friendly matches against USA and Greece in America before leaving for Brazil on June.11.
"We would not resign"- 37 Defected Reps Members
Yesterday,the 37 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members of the House of Representatives, who defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC, appealed Justice Adeniyi Ademola’s ruling that they illegally left the PDP for the APC and, therefore, should resign.
Describing the ruling as a miscarriage of justice, the lawmakers vowed not to vacate their seats because there is no court judgment in the House of Representatives directing them to do so.
In the appeal papers filed on their behalf by M. A. Mahmud, SAN & Co, which have been sent to Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, the applicants said the trial judge erred in law when he dismissed the appellants’ preliminary objection on grounds that the suit was not competent.
They listed particulars of error to include:
The judge did not advert his mind to provisions of Section 4 of the Nigerian Constitution; failed to reckon his mind with the provisions of Section 60 and failed to follow the decisions in the cases of Attorney General of the Federation and 22 others.
They also contended that the judge erred when he refused to hold that the first respondent does not have the locus standi to institute the suit, when he granted the reliefs of the first respondent and went further to hold that the 1st -39th respondents ought to have resigned their seats.
That the first respondent’s suit was predicated upon speculations and that the reliefs sought were not justifiable, unknown to law and do not disclose any cause of action against the appellants.
In all, the defected members mentioned seven particulars of error and sought an order setting aside the decision of the Federal High Court as well as an order allowing the appeal.
“At best, the judgment has turned law on its head and cannot stand. Our colleagues have taken steps to appeal the judgment and we are confident that justice will prevail. In the meantime, we want to assure members of the public that there is no court judgment before the House directing any member of the APC to vacate his or her seat.
“In any event, Section 68 (2) of the 1999 Constitution makes it clear that satisfactory evidence must be presented to the House before any of the provisions of S.68 (1) can become applicable.
“At the moment, the APC in the House remains strong and focused on the need to provide necessary checks and balances to the rudderlessness of the ship of state as being piloted by the ruling party in this country today.
“Nigerians, we know, cannot succumb to the shenanigans of the ruling party that has plundered this nation for 15 years. The House of Representatives remains the bastion of hope of the traumatized and pauperized Nigerians and we shall not give in to the attempt by some of our PDP colleagues in collusion with a certain judge to turn facts and law on its head to achieve some sinister ends.
“Finally for the avoidance of doubt, let me state unequivocally on behalf of our members that the import of yesterday (Monday) ruling was that our 37 members cannot participate in the removal of Principal Officers of the House. Nothing more, nothing less.
“Every other pronouncements by the judge as to the status of our 37 members of the House were mere opinion. In any event, this judgment was given in vain and in ignorance of the House rules which governs the appointment of party leaders in the parliament. It is also an attempt by the court to meddle into the internal affairs of the parliament.
“This certainly is not the import of the doctrine of judicial review. As we speak, our colleagues have appealed the vexatious ruling and we hope to get justice soon. We believe the House of Representatives will take due notice of the appeal in this case.”
Describing the ruling as a miscarriage of justice, the lawmakers vowed not to vacate their seats because there is no court judgment in the House of Representatives directing them to do so.
In the appeal papers filed on their behalf by M. A. Mahmud, SAN & Co, which have been sent to Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, the applicants said the trial judge erred in law when he dismissed the appellants’ preliminary objection on grounds that the suit was not competent.
They listed particulars of error to include:
The judge did not advert his mind to provisions of Section 4 of the Nigerian Constitution; failed to reckon his mind with the provisions of Section 60 and failed to follow the decisions in the cases of Attorney General of the Federation and 22 others.
They also contended that the judge erred when he refused to hold that the first respondent does not have the locus standi to institute the suit, when he granted the reliefs of the first respondent and went further to hold that the 1st -39th respondents ought to have resigned their seats.
That the first respondent’s suit was predicated upon speculations and that the reliefs sought were not justifiable, unknown to law and do not disclose any cause of action against the appellants.
In all, the defected members mentioned seven particulars of error and sought an order setting aside the decision of the Federal High Court as well as an order allowing the appeal.
“At best, the judgment has turned law on its head and cannot stand. Our colleagues have taken steps to appeal the judgment and we are confident that justice will prevail. In the meantime, we want to assure members of the public that there is no court judgment before the House directing any member of the APC to vacate his or her seat.
“In any event, Section 68 (2) of the 1999 Constitution makes it clear that satisfactory evidence must be presented to the House before any of the provisions of S.68 (1) can become applicable.
“At the moment, the APC in the House remains strong and focused on the need to provide necessary checks and balances to the rudderlessness of the ship of state as being piloted by the ruling party in this country today.
“Nigerians, we know, cannot succumb to the shenanigans of the ruling party that has plundered this nation for 15 years. The House of Representatives remains the bastion of hope of the traumatized and pauperized Nigerians and we shall not give in to the attempt by some of our PDP colleagues in collusion with a certain judge to turn facts and law on its head to achieve some sinister ends.
“Finally for the avoidance of doubt, let me state unequivocally on behalf of our members that the import of yesterday (Monday) ruling was that our 37 members cannot participate in the removal of Principal Officers of the House. Nothing more, nothing less.
“Every other pronouncements by the judge as to the status of our 37 members of the House were mere opinion. In any event, this judgment was given in vain and in ignorance of the House rules which governs the appointment of party leaders in the parliament. It is also an attempt by the court to meddle into the internal affairs of the parliament.
“This certainly is not the import of the doctrine of judicial review. As we speak, our colleagues have appealed the vexatious ruling and we hope to get justice soon. We believe the House of Representatives will take due notice of the appeal in this case.”
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