Nigerian military, NEMA submit contradictory reports to Jonathan on Baga casualty
The content of the interim reports were disclosed by Reuben Abati.
Nigeria’s aid agency and the Nigerian military on Tuesday submitted two contradictory reports to President Goodluck on the civilian casualty in Baga, Borno State, a statement by presidential spokesperson, Reuben Abati, showed.
About 200 people were feared killed two weeks ago during a clash between insurgents and security officials in Baga, a border town near to Lake Chad.
Mr. Abati, in a statement sent to journalists on Tuesday evening, said President Jonathan commended the two government organs for their submitted interim reports.
The Nigeria Defence Headquarters, DHQ, in its report insisted on its earlier claims that after its top officials visited Baga, it found out that only six civilians were killed. It also claimed that the bodies were probably not burnt in the inferno, but ‘recovered in Lake Chad.’
“That whereas it was alleged that 185 people were killed by the soldiers of the MNJTF (Multi-National Joint Task Force) in Baga, Borno state; the assessment team received a briefing from the Commander of the MNJTF on April 24, 2013, during which he stated that 30 terrorists were killed in action. However, six bodies were recovered in Lake Chad about 3 km away from the action spot,” Mr. Abati quoted the DHQ as saying, adding that the incident happened on April 16 and not April 19 as reported.
The military also denied reports of mass graves claiming that it did not see any and neither the locals in Baga, nor the chairman of Kukawa Local Government could confirm the existence of such.
While the Nigerian military could not see any graves, the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, said in its report, according to Mr. Abati, that it saw 32 fresh graves in two graveyards, implying that at least 32 people were buried after the incident.
“The NEMA team visited the two graveyards in the town, and could only identify in both places, a total of 32 fresh graves,” Mr. Abati quotes the agency as saying; although it could not confirm the number of corpses buried in each grave.
Both agencies also admitted the burning of several buildings although they claimed in their reports that the number was fewer than the 2,000 reported.
“The media also announced that about 3, 000 houses were burnt. However on the spot assessment revealed that though some houses were burnt, but they were certainly not up to the number quoted.
“It is pertinent to note that the houses in question are mostly thatched roof houses that could easily catch fire. It is on record that the terrorists employ the tactics of arson wherever they attack,” the Nigerian Army stated implying that the fire was caused by the insurgents contrary to the claims of the residents of Baga.
NEMA also said in its report to the president that “a number of buildings and business premises were destroyed in the affected area, but the total number of houses in the town is far less than 1,000.”
The contents of the two reports differs from the statements of residents of the community and a Nigerian Senator representing the area.
Residents of the community had told the Borno State Governor and journalists that visited the area that they buried 185 people days after the incident, while about two thousand houses, most that-roof buildings, were destroyed.
The Senator representing Borno North in the Nigerian Senate, Maina Lawan, after spending two days in Baga said 220 people were eventually buried after the incident and about 4,000 households displaced by the fire.
“At one of the three graveyards called Makabartar Waya, 130 graves of victims were counted; in another graveyard called Makabartar Arewa, 60 graves were counted; then in Budumari graveyard another 30 graves of victims were counted. And inside the town, the aid agencies said they buried eight corpses which could not be evacuated to the graveyards,” Mr. Lawan said.
The Nigeria Human Rights Agency has pledged to carry out an independent review of the incident, a move which has been commended by Mr. Jonathan.
Premium Times
Tuesday, 30 April 2013
Court grants leave for hearing on APC acronym
THE Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, Tuesday, granted leave for commencement of hearing on the suit brought before it by African Peoples Congress, APC, seeking judicial review of decision of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, not to register it as a political party.
African Peoples Congress is a political association that had applied to INEC for registration with the acronym APC, but the electoral umpire rejected the application, alleging that it did not supply the residential addresses of its national officers in the form filled with the commission.
The ruling appears to have created tension and uncertainty within the ranks of the merging political parties, under the aegis of All Progressives Alliance, APC, because of its implication.
It was gathered that the application which was granted yesterday by Justice Gabriel Kolawole of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has now opened the door for full legal battle which may shape the road to 2015 general elections.
The legal implication of this ruling, which is a fundamental step towards the full blown trial and adjudication on the APC acronym battle, has seemingly placed a big hurdle on the path of the merging parties, as the real owner of the APC franchise can only be determined by the court of law
vanguard
THE Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, Tuesday, granted leave for commencement of hearing on the suit brought before it by African Peoples Congress, APC, seeking judicial review of decision of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, not to register it as a political party.
African Peoples Congress is a political association that had applied to INEC for registration with the acronym APC, but the electoral umpire rejected the application, alleging that it did not supply the residential addresses of its national officers in the form filled with the commission.
The ruling appears to have created tension and uncertainty within the ranks of the merging political parties, under the aegis of All Progressives Alliance, APC, because of its implication.
It was gathered that the application which was granted yesterday by Justice Gabriel Kolawole of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has now opened the door for full legal battle which may shape the road to 2015 general elections.
The legal implication of this ruling, which is a fundamental step towards the full blown trial and adjudication on the APC acronym battle, has seemingly placed a big hurdle on the path of the merging parties, as the real owner of the APC franchise can only be determined by the court of law
vanguard
NCC bids to regulate management of telcos
FROM today, the Nigerian Communications Commission decidedly is moving into management regulation of telcos operating in the country, following its resolution to “immediately enforce and implement Accounting Separation on the dominant operator.”
Not only that, the telecoms regulator bids to fix prices in some segments of the telecoms market by requiring operators to set tariffs within a price cap and price floor to be determined by the regulator.
At the weekend, NCC designated MTN Nigeria as the dominant operator in the Mobile Voice segment of the nation’s telecommunications market, which the regulator also said is “not effectively competitive.”
In a document, Determination of Dominance in Selected Communications Markets in Nigeria, posted on its website, the telecom regulator noted that “the mobile voice market is not effectively competitive and is still highly concentrated with an HHI (Herfindahl Hirschman Index) of 3063. MTN has a 44% market share of subscribers within this market. There is also a wide differential (of about 300%) between on net and off net calls and this is indicative of the likely establishment of a calling club for MTN subscribers.”
As a result of this, the NCC resolved that the Dominant Operator in the Mobile Voice market, in this case, MTN Nigeria, shall be required to adhere to the following obligations:
a) Accounting Separation: The Commission will immediately enforce and implement Accounting Separation on the dominant operator;
b) Collapse of On-net and Off-net Retail Tariffs: The differential between the on–net and off net retail tariffs will be immediately collapsed. The tariff for on net and off-net will be the same, and subject to periodic review; and
c) Submission of Required Details: The Commission may require the dominant operator to submit details on specific aspects of its operations from time to time as the need arises.
To curtail dominance by another operator, the regulator informed all and sundry in the document that it “shall make a determination of pricing principle to address the rates charged for on_net and off_net voice calls for all other operators.”
Similarly, in the upstream segment of the market (comprising spectrum, tower sites, network Equipment, Wholesale Broadband/ Internet Access, and Wholesale Leased Lines and Transmission Capacity), the regulator noted that “ MTN and Glo jointly control about 62% of the public terrestrial transmission infrastructure which is a bottleneck resource in the provision of voice and data services. There are concerns that operators playing in the wholesale and retail sub segments of these markets have the leverage to “squeeze” the margins of their competitors who are also their customers.”
As a result, NCC designated GLO and MTN “as joint dominant Operators in the Wholesale leased lines and transmission capacity sub segment of this market.”
In respect of this, both GLO and MTN shall be required to comply with the following:
a) Price Cap//Price Floor: The Commission will come up with a price cap for wholesale services and price floor for retail services, and subject to periodic review.
b) Accounting Separation: The Commission will immediately enforce and implement Accounting Separation on the joint dominant operators.
c) Submission of Required Details: The Commission may require any of the joint dominant operators too submit details on specific aspects of its operations from time to time ass the need arises.
Vanguard
FROM today, the Nigerian Communications Commission decidedly is moving into management regulation of telcos operating in the country, following its resolution to “immediately enforce and implement Accounting Separation on the dominant operator.”
Not only that, the telecoms regulator bids to fix prices in some segments of the telecoms market by requiring operators to set tariffs within a price cap and price floor to be determined by the regulator.
At the weekend, NCC designated MTN Nigeria as the dominant operator in the Mobile Voice segment of the nation’s telecommunications market, which the regulator also said is “not effectively competitive.”
In a document, Determination of Dominance in Selected Communications Markets in Nigeria, posted on its website, the telecom regulator noted that “the mobile voice market is not effectively competitive and is still highly concentrated with an HHI (Herfindahl Hirschman Index) of 3063. MTN has a 44% market share of subscribers within this market. There is also a wide differential (of about 300%) between on net and off net calls and this is indicative of the likely establishment of a calling club for MTN subscribers.”
As a result of this, the NCC resolved that the Dominant Operator in the Mobile Voice market, in this case, MTN Nigeria, shall be required to adhere to the following obligations:
a) Accounting Separation: The Commission will immediately enforce and implement Accounting Separation on the dominant operator;
b) Collapse of On-net and Off-net Retail Tariffs: The differential between the on–net and off net retail tariffs will be immediately collapsed. The tariff for on net and off-net will be the same, and subject to periodic review; and
c) Submission of Required Details: The Commission may require the dominant operator to submit details on specific aspects of its operations from time to time as the need arises.
To curtail dominance by another operator, the regulator informed all and sundry in the document that it “shall make a determination of pricing principle to address the rates charged for on_net and off_net voice calls for all other operators.”
Similarly, in the upstream segment of the market (comprising spectrum, tower sites, network Equipment, Wholesale Broadband/ Internet Access, and Wholesale Leased Lines and Transmission Capacity), the regulator noted that “ MTN and Glo jointly control about 62% of the public terrestrial transmission infrastructure which is a bottleneck resource in the provision of voice and data services. There are concerns that operators playing in the wholesale and retail sub segments of these markets have the leverage to “squeeze” the margins of their competitors who are also their customers.”
As a result, NCC designated GLO and MTN “as joint dominant Operators in the Wholesale leased lines and transmission capacity sub segment of this market.”
In respect of this, both GLO and MTN shall be required to comply with the following:
a) Price Cap//Price Floor: The Commission will come up with a price cap for wholesale services and price floor for retail services, and subject to periodic review.
b) Accounting Separation: The Commission will immediately enforce and implement Accounting Separation on the joint dominant operators.
c) Submission of Required Details: The Commission may require any of the joint dominant operators too submit details on specific aspects of its operations from time to time ass the need arises.
Vanguard
Bloated wage bill: Rivers uncovers N1.8bn excess payment
A glut of over N1.8 billion has been discovered in the monthly wage bill of Rivers State public service.
Chairman, Rivers State Council of Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, Mr. Chris Oruge, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on Labour’s preparedness to celebrate today’s Labour Day in the state.
He said the excess payment was discovered by a Joint Labour/Government Investigation Committee from a misguided implementation of the special salary scheme for medical health professionals in the state.
He said following government’s complaint of an overbearing wage bill, which had made it clash with labour over non-implementation of certain workers’ incentives and entitlements, the committee discovered that many persons were earning undeserved stuffed salaries.
“This is not even the issue of ghost workers. You know that medical health professionals earn special salaries. But we have a situation where anybody who works in the ministries employing these health professionals now enjoys this higher pay.
“As a result, we have a worrisome drift of civil servants into these ministries, such that an accountant, administation officer or secretary working in say, the Ministry of Health, earns three times or more than his counterpart in other ministries. The policy does not say anybody working in health ministry must earn bigger. The special salary is for only health professional only,” he added.
He said the committee had already taken steps to resolve the issue, adding that “in the next couple of months, the irregularities would be addressed, so that government can better address the lingering wage issue that affects the generality of workers.”
Vanguard
A glut of over N1.8 billion has been discovered in the monthly wage bill of Rivers State public service.
Chairman, Rivers State Council of Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, Mr. Chris Oruge, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on Labour’s preparedness to celebrate today’s Labour Day in the state.
He said the excess payment was discovered by a Joint Labour/Government Investigation Committee from a misguided implementation of the special salary scheme for medical health professionals in the state.
He said following government’s complaint of an overbearing wage bill, which had made it clash with labour over non-implementation of certain workers’ incentives and entitlements, the committee discovered that many persons were earning undeserved stuffed salaries.
“This is not even the issue of ghost workers. You know that medical health professionals earn special salaries. But we have a situation where anybody who works in the ministries employing these health professionals now enjoys this higher pay.
“As a result, we have a worrisome drift of civil servants into these ministries, such that an accountant, administation officer or secretary working in say, the Ministry of Health, earns three times or more than his counterpart in other ministries. The policy does not say anybody working in health ministry must earn bigger. The special salary is for only health professional only,” he added.
He said the committee had already taken steps to resolve the issue, adding that “in the next couple of months, the irregularities would be addressed, so that government can better address the lingering wage issue that affects the generality of workers.”
Vanguard
Nigerian docked over acid attack on another Nigerian in London
After a young Nigerian woman, Naomi Oni’s face was left severely scarred by acid thrown on her in east London in December, police have charged another Nigerian woman, Mary Konye, over the incident.
Naomi Oni, 21, was partially blinded and needed skin grafts after acid was thrown on her by a person wearing a veil after the Victoria’s Secret shop assistant got off a bus on Lodge Avenue in Dagenham, east London in the early hours of December 30.
Mary Konye, a Nigerian also 21, from Canning Town, east London, was last Friday charged with throwing or casting a corrosive fluid with intent to burn, maim, disfigure, disable or do grievous bodily harm at Oni.
Konye will appear in custody at Redbridge Magistrates’ Court today. Police had previously arrested a 28-year-old male but he was released without any further action.
Naomi suffered horrific burns to her face, leg, arm and head and was left partially blind after a person dressed in a niqab threw acid over her as she returned to her home in Dagenham, following a shift at the Victoria’s Secret store in the Westfield Shopping Centre in Stratford.
She also lost her hair and eyelashes in the incident and had undergone several operations since.
Doctors had feared that she would be permanently blinded, but after intensive treatment at a specialist burns unit, she recovered sight in her left eye and partial sight in her right eye.
Vanguard
After a young Nigerian woman, Naomi Oni’s face was left severely scarred by acid thrown on her in east London in December, police have charged another Nigerian woman, Mary Konye, over the incident.
Naomi Oni, 21, was partially blinded and needed skin grafts after acid was thrown on her by a person wearing a veil after the Victoria’s Secret shop assistant got off a bus on Lodge Avenue in Dagenham, east London in the early hours of December 30.
Mary Konye, a Nigerian also 21, from Canning Town, east London, was last Friday charged with throwing or casting a corrosive fluid with intent to burn, maim, disfigure, disable or do grievous bodily harm at Oni.
Konye will appear in custody at Redbridge Magistrates’ Court today. Police had previously arrested a 28-year-old male but he was released without any further action.
Naomi suffered horrific burns to her face, leg, arm and head and was left partially blind after a person dressed in a niqab threw acid over her as she returned to her home in Dagenham, following a shift at the Victoria’s Secret store in the Westfield Shopping Centre in Stratford.
She also lost her hair and eyelashes in the incident and had undergone several operations since.
Doctors had feared that she would be permanently blinded, but after intensive treatment at a specialist burns unit, she recovered sight in her left eye and partial sight in her right eye.
Vanguard
9,660 tested HIV positive in Lagos within one year – Govt
THE Lagos State Government, yesterday. disclosed that 9, 660 residents of the state tested positive to HIV virus of the 102,279 patients examined in the last one year.
The government also said 431 healthcare facilities across the state would be shut for contravening the state healthcare standards.
The state government, however, said it was impossible to guarantee total free healthcare services for the over 18 million residents of the state, noting: “There is no adequate fund to provide the services.”
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, who disclosed these during the 2013 ministerial briefing on the activities of his ministry to commemorate the sixth year of Governor Babatunde Fashola’s administration, said to prevent the increase in HIV virus, the state government through the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency, LASACA, distributed 520,000 male and female condoms across the state.
The commissioner also saidthe state government has established HIV/AIDS counselling and testing centres in health facilities across the state, a measure to check the prevalence of the scourge within the state.
He explained: “These centres provide clients with all they need on HIV/AIDS, counselling, treatment and others. It is another of our strategy, among so many to check the problem.”
Kidnapping”ll end in Lagos soon, govt assures
Meantime, the state government, yesterday, assured residents that cases of kidnapping and terrorism would end very soon in the state.
Special Adviser to Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State,on Political and Legislative and Power Bureau, Mr. Teslim Folami, gave the assurance during the 2013 ministerial briefing on the activities of his ministry to commemorate the sixth year of the governor’s administration.
Folami said it was very unfortunate that such cases were beginning to be noticed in the state, rated as the safest in West Africa.
He said: “We realised that corruption cases, extra-judicial killing and others were increasing daily. And when one walks or drives in the street, you will be panicking not to be kidnapped.
“We know that it is the sole responsibility of the Federal Government to address such cases but since they are not forthcoming, the Lagos State government will not sit back and watch its citizens kidnapped.
“That was why we have sent the anti-terrorism bill to the state House of Assembly for passage into law and immediately it is passed, cases of kidnapping would be nipped in the bud.”
vanguard
THE Lagos State Government, yesterday. disclosed that 9, 660 residents of the state tested positive to HIV virus of the 102,279 patients examined in the last one year.
The government also said 431 healthcare facilities across the state would be shut for contravening the state healthcare standards.
The state government, however, said it was impossible to guarantee total free healthcare services for the over 18 million residents of the state, noting: “There is no adequate fund to provide the services.”
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, who disclosed these during the 2013 ministerial briefing on the activities of his ministry to commemorate the sixth year of Governor Babatunde Fashola’s administration, said to prevent the increase in HIV virus, the state government through the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency, LASACA, distributed 520,000 male and female condoms across the state.
The commissioner also saidthe state government has established HIV/AIDS counselling and testing centres in health facilities across the state, a measure to check the prevalence of the scourge within the state.
He explained: “These centres provide clients with all they need on HIV/AIDS, counselling, treatment and others. It is another of our strategy, among so many to check the problem.”
Kidnapping”ll end in Lagos soon, govt assures
Meantime, the state government, yesterday, assured residents that cases of kidnapping and terrorism would end very soon in the state.
Special Adviser to Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State,on Political and Legislative and Power Bureau, Mr. Teslim Folami, gave the assurance during the 2013 ministerial briefing on the activities of his ministry to commemorate the sixth year of the governor’s administration.
Folami said it was very unfortunate that such cases were beginning to be noticed in the state, rated as the safest in West Africa.
He said: “We realised that corruption cases, extra-judicial killing and others were increasing daily. And when one walks or drives in the street, you will be panicking not to be kidnapped.
“We know that it is the sole responsibility of the Federal Government to address such cases but since they are not forthcoming, the Lagos State government will not sit back and watch its citizens kidnapped.
“That was why we have sent the anti-terrorism bill to the state House of Assembly for passage into law and immediately it is passed, cases of kidnapping would be nipped in the bud.”
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SHOCKER: Pastor proviides gun for our operations – Kidnap suspects
Solomon Eze, a 30-year-old pastor, who is currently cooling off at the dreaded cell of the special anti-robbery squad, SARS, Ikeja, Lagos over an alleged case of armed robbery and kidnapping is finding it difficult to maintain his innocence.
The Abia State-born suspect, who was arrested with an Ak 47 rifle, told Crime Alert that he is a deliverance minister at The Bride Assembly, a Church located at Ijesha area of the State. He explained further that the rifle found in his possession belongs to a friend he met at Ikire prayer mountain in Osun State.
However, police sources intimated Crime Alert that Eze was arrested during investigations into the gruesome murder of a police corporal, Iweka Ramat, at kirikiri area of Lagos State. Sources said Eze and one of his colleagues were accosted inside a taxi cab by a police patrol team at Berger axis of kirikiri Town in February 2013 and while the police attempted to search them, they bolted out of the cab and the policemen went after them. The police officer, Ramat, who went after Eze was later found dead in an isolated part of the area after a deafening sound of gunfire was heard.
The taxi driver was taken into custody and later transferred to the SARS where he was interrogated. It was gathered at that point that Eze contacted the taxi driver on the phone before he picked them. “We retrieved the phone number from the taxi driver and we contacted the network provider who furnished us with Eze’s home address. On April 4, 2013 the officer in charge of SARS, Sp Abba Kyari led a team of crack operatives to Eze’ s apartment at No.113, Idowu Street, Olodi Apapa, Lagos, around 2 am in the morning where they apprehended him.
He later took the operatives to an apartment in Ikorodu area of the state where they recovered an Ak 47 rifle with number 6090. When we interrogated him further, Eze led us to arrest six other members of his gang identified as Sunday James, 29; Emmanuel Iloakazi, 26; Ikechukwu Okafor aka Osuofia I, 37; Obinna Egbugha, 26; Ikechukwu Chedom, and Christian Ezinkwo aka Alhaji, 3, while two additional AK47 rifles, 11 Ak47 magazines loaded with 30 rounds of live ammunition, were recovered from them,”the source added.
When Crime Alert spoke with Eze who hails from Osisioma village, Abia State, he said the AK 47 rifle belongs to his friend Uchenna. According to him “On October 15, 2012, I met a brother, Uchenna where I used to pray for people – Mountain of Mercy, Ikoyi, Osun State. After three days’ prayer, he started calling me. He asked me where I live and do prayer. I told him that I live in the Leadway Estate, Eruwe.
He later came with one Ogonna on January 2. Ogonna collected my number and left. I did not see him for more than a month until I was about traveling to Anambra for a church programme. I left them in Ikorodu and travelled to Anambra. I was there when my brother, Kingsley called me that the police had arrested him because of me. I was arrested and brought to SARS. Uchenna told me that his brother used to bring cars from abroad and asked me to follow him to bring them. We went and brought a Toyota Camry car. He gave me N30, 000.
“I only prayed for Uchenna before my encounter with them. I am married. My wife sells fruits and she is carrying a seven-month pregnancy. It was James that put me into trouble because I arrested him. I did not participate in four armed robbery and kidnap operations as he is claiming. I don’t even know that I was arrested for belonging to a robbery/kidnapping gang. It is a surprise to me because I have never been involved in this type of case.”
Sunday James who is the second in command to the gang said “ I am from Ebonyi State but I live in Coker, Orile, Lagos. I was introduced to the gang by Victor Emmanuel, who is the leader of the gang.
In January, Emmanuel rented an apartment in Ajah area and in February, we started the business fully. Whenever we kidnap, we take the victim to the apartment. We have kidnapped four people so far.
“The first person we kidnapped paid N1m ransom and my share was N100,000. Emmanuel received N200,000 since he was the leader. The second victim paid N1m and we shared the money in the same manner.” The suspect however added that they later increased their ransoms for subsequent operations. “We later started demanding N2m as ransom.
After our last operation, we bought a jeep for N1.5m and the remaining money was shared equally. I got N70,000 and that was the last time I saw the gang,” he said. The suspect said the gang was much organized as every member had his own role to play.
According to him, a gang member had a duty of feeding and looking after victims while in captivity. He said, “Emmanuel was the one responsible for spotting people that we will kidnap. He was the one who usually contacted the families of victims and he also collected the ransom.“Pastor’s job is to provide the guns that the gang will use. I only follow the gang but I don’t carry guns.”
Kidnap of a prominent person
When asked how the gang usually picked its victims, the suspect said anyone seen in a flashy car was a potential victim. He said, “Emmanuel usually sits on the passenger side and anytime he spots someone in a flashy car, we trail the person and then grab him or her. We then dump the victim’s vehicle somewhere before contacting the family. We have never kidnapped a prominent person.”
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Umar Manko, told newsmen while parading the suspects that, “ in our efforts to rid the state of kidnapping, we were able to identify two groups of kidnappers, we have been able to uproot one group and we believe that the other group is responsible for the kidnap of the LCDA boss. We also sealed off two of the kidnapper’s dens located at Ikorodu and Ibeju-Lekki and a storey-building belonging to one of the kidnappers located at Ajangbadi area of Lagos.
vanguard
Solomon Eze, a 30-year-old pastor, who is currently cooling off at the dreaded cell of the special anti-robbery squad, SARS, Ikeja, Lagos over an alleged case of armed robbery and kidnapping is finding it difficult to maintain his innocence.
The Abia State-born suspect, who was arrested with an Ak 47 rifle, told Crime Alert that he is a deliverance minister at The Bride Assembly, a Church located at Ijesha area of the State. He explained further that the rifle found in his possession belongs to a friend he met at Ikire prayer mountain in Osun State.
However, police sources intimated Crime Alert that Eze was arrested during investigations into the gruesome murder of a police corporal, Iweka Ramat, at kirikiri area of Lagos State. Sources said Eze and one of his colleagues were accosted inside a taxi cab by a police patrol team at Berger axis of kirikiri Town in February 2013 and while the police attempted to search them, they bolted out of the cab and the policemen went after them. The police officer, Ramat, who went after Eze was later found dead in an isolated part of the area after a deafening sound of gunfire was heard.
The taxi driver was taken into custody and later transferred to the SARS where he was interrogated. It was gathered at that point that Eze contacted the taxi driver on the phone before he picked them. “We retrieved the phone number from the taxi driver and we contacted the network provider who furnished us with Eze’s home address. On April 4, 2013 the officer in charge of SARS, Sp Abba Kyari led a team of crack operatives to Eze’ s apartment at No.113, Idowu Street, Olodi Apapa, Lagos, around 2 am in the morning where they apprehended him.
He later took the operatives to an apartment in Ikorodu area of the state where they recovered an Ak 47 rifle with number 6090. When we interrogated him further, Eze led us to arrest six other members of his gang identified as Sunday James, 29; Emmanuel Iloakazi, 26; Ikechukwu Okafor aka Osuofia I, 37; Obinna Egbugha, 26; Ikechukwu Chedom, and Christian Ezinkwo aka Alhaji, 3, while two additional AK47 rifles, 11 Ak47 magazines loaded with 30 rounds of live ammunition, were recovered from them,”the source added.
When Crime Alert spoke with Eze who hails from Osisioma village, Abia State, he said the AK 47 rifle belongs to his friend Uchenna. According to him “On October 15, 2012, I met a brother, Uchenna where I used to pray for people – Mountain of Mercy, Ikoyi, Osun State. After three days’ prayer, he started calling me. He asked me where I live and do prayer. I told him that I live in the Leadway Estate, Eruwe.
He later came with one Ogonna on January 2. Ogonna collected my number and left. I did not see him for more than a month until I was about traveling to Anambra for a church programme. I left them in Ikorodu and travelled to Anambra. I was there when my brother, Kingsley called me that the police had arrested him because of me. I was arrested and brought to SARS. Uchenna told me that his brother used to bring cars from abroad and asked me to follow him to bring them. We went and brought a Toyota Camry car. He gave me N30, 000.
“I only prayed for Uchenna before my encounter with them. I am married. My wife sells fruits and she is carrying a seven-month pregnancy. It was James that put me into trouble because I arrested him. I did not participate in four armed robbery and kidnap operations as he is claiming. I don’t even know that I was arrested for belonging to a robbery/kidnapping gang. It is a surprise to me because I have never been involved in this type of case.”
Sunday James who is the second in command to the gang said “ I am from Ebonyi State but I live in Coker, Orile, Lagos. I was introduced to the gang by Victor Emmanuel, who is the leader of the gang.
In January, Emmanuel rented an apartment in Ajah area and in February, we started the business fully. Whenever we kidnap, we take the victim to the apartment. We have kidnapped four people so far.
“The first person we kidnapped paid N1m ransom and my share was N100,000. Emmanuel received N200,000 since he was the leader. The second victim paid N1m and we shared the money in the same manner.” The suspect however added that they later increased their ransoms for subsequent operations. “We later started demanding N2m as ransom.
After our last operation, we bought a jeep for N1.5m and the remaining money was shared equally. I got N70,000 and that was the last time I saw the gang,” he said. The suspect said the gang was much organized as every member had his own role to play.
According to him, a gang member had a duty of feeding and looking after victims while in captivity. He said, “Emmanuel was the one responsible for spotting people that we will kidnap. He was the one who usually contacted the families of victims and he also collected the ransom.“Pastor’s job is to provide the guns that the gang will use. I only follow the gang but I don’t carry guns.”
Kidnap of a prominent person
When asked how the gang usually picked its victims, the suspect said anyone seen in a flashy car was a potential victim. He said, “Emmanuel usually sits on the passenger side and anytime he spots someone in a flashy car, we trail the person and then grab him or her. We then dump the victim’s vehicle somewhere before contacting the family. We have never kidnapped a prominent person.”
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Umar Manko, told newsmen while parading the suspects that, “ in our efforts to rid the state of kidnapping, we were able to identify two groups of kidnappers, we have been able to uproot one group and we believe that the other group is responsible for the kidnap of the LCDA boss. We also sealed off two of the kidnapper’s dens located at Ikorodu and Ibeju-Lekki and a storey-building belonging to one of the kidnappers located at Ajangbadi area of Lagos.
vanguard
DELSU student hacks into Uduaghan’s phone
Asks VC to upgrade exam scores
A 400-level medical student of Delta State University, DELSU, Abraka, in Delta State, has been arrested by the police for allegedly hacking into Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s phone.
The student, who failed in pharmacology and pathology course sent a text message, purportedly from the governor, to the Vice Chancellor, Prof Eric Arubayi, requesting him to upgrade his scores.
Vanguard gathered that enraged Govenor Uduaghan asked the vice chancellor to report the matter to the police and ensure the student was arrested when the matter was brought to his knowledge, as he never sent such message.
The affected student in a statement to the police, however, denied the allegation.
Investigation by Vanguard showed that the matter was causing ripples in the university, as the university authorities, apparently responding to the request, upgraded the score of the student in pharmacology.
The poser by concerned stakeholders is: Assuming, but not conceding that the text message emanated from the governor, should the vice chancellor have altered the scores of a student that failed his examination?”
This is, however, not the first time the governor’s phone had been hacked into by fraudsters. They had hacked into his Airtel and MTN phone numbers in the past as well as his email address.
The first text message to the vice chancellor on July 24 reads: “My able VC, Chief Tony Anenih called me in respect of one boy that just wrote pathology and pharmacology exam in 400 level Medicine. My able Prof, I want you to ensure that boy passes, you know I cannot afford to disappoint Chief Tony Anenih. Am in a meeting. These are the details. CHS/04/05/88406.”
Thinking that the text message was actually from the governor, as it came from the number with which he saved the governor’s name, Uduaghan 1 in his phone, Prof Arubayi replied, asking for the student’s name to which the hacker replied: “His name is Imala W. Kelly. My able VC, all I want is the boy to pass. Chief Tony Anenih has been calling.”
DELSU vice chancellor, Prof Arubayi, confirmed to Vanguard in his office, Monday, that he, in fact, received the said text message and contacted the governor after the scores of students who scored between 48-49 in pharmacology was upgraded to 50 based on standing regulation of the university, “but he denied ever sending me such a text message.”
He said the Academic Board of the College of Health Sciences had met and approved the scores in pathology, which the student scored 46, and there was nothing that could be done about it, other than for the affected person to go for a resit, adding: “That is what I advised the governor.”
Prof Arubayi told Vanguard that it was the Provost of the College of Sciences, Dr. John Ohaju-Obodo, that drew his attention about a week after that a text message, purportedly from the governor, appointing him chairman of a juicy government committee was received by him, but when he contacted the governor, he told him it was a scam.
He said he wasted no time when he confirmed the truth from the governor in summoning the student and handing him over to the police for cyber crime.
“I am even surprised that the police have not charged him to court, as far as I am concerned, this is an EFCC case,” he said.
He said the student was currently facing a disciplinary panel for breach of matriculation oath, but lamented that he had not appeared before the panel.
A university source said the student had been suspended, but as at Monday, he was seen attending lectures and had refused to vacate his room despite orders to that effect from the authorities.
Prof Arubayi laughed when told by Vanguard that he was being accused of examination malpractice, saying, “Did the student give me money to change his scores or is he a girl to say that she is my girlfriend, what was done was based on the regulation of the school,”
Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof Chukwuemeka Peter Aloamaka and provost, Dr Ohaju –Obodo told Vanguard that no unilateral decision was taken by the vice chancellor, as the appropriate organ looked into the matter before upgrading the scores of five to six students based on the institution’s regulation.
vanguard
Asks VC to upgrade exam scores
A 400-level medical student of Delta State University, DELSU, Abraka, in Delta State, has been arrested by the police for allegedly hacking into Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s phone.
The student, who failed in pharmacology and pathology course sent a text message, purportedly from the governor, to the Vice Chancellor, Prof Eric Arubayi, requesting him to upgrade his scores.
Vanguard gathered that enraged Govenor Uduaghan asked the vice chancellor to report the matter to the police and ensure the student was arrested when the matter was brought to his knowledge, as he never sent such message.
The affected student in a statement to the police, however, denied the allegation.
Investigation by Vanguard showed that the matter was causing ripples in the university, as the university authorities, apparently responding to the request, upgraded the score of the student in pharmacology.
The poser by concerned stakeholders is: Assuming, but not conceding that the text message emanated from the governor, should the vice chancellor have altered the scores of a student that failed his examination?”
This is, however, not the first time the governor’s phone had been hacked into by fraudsters. They had hacked into his Airtel and MTN phone numbers in the past as well as his email address.
The first text message to the vice chancellor on July 24 reads: “My able VC, Chief Tony Anenih called me in respect of one boy that just wrote pathology and pharmacology exam in 400 level Medicine. My able Prof, I want you to ensure that boy passes, you know I cannot afford to disappoint Chief Tony Anenih. Am in a meeting. These are the details. CHS/04/05/88406.”
Thinking that the text message was actually from the governor, as it came from the number with which he saved the governor’s name, Uduaghan 1 in his phone, Prof Arubayi replied, asking for the student’s name to which the hacker replied: “His name is Imala W. Kelly. My able VC, all I want is the boy to pass. Chief Tony Anenih has been calling.”
DELSU vice chancellor, Prof Arubayi, confirmed to Vanguard in his office, Monday, that he, in fact, received the said text message and contacted the governor after the scores of students who scored between 48-49 in pharmacology was upgraded to 50 based on standing regulation of the university, “but he denied ever sending me such a text message.”
He said the Academic Board of the College of Health Sciences had met and approved the scores in pathology, which the student scored 46, and there was nothing that could be done about it, other than for the affected person to go for a resit, adding: “That is what I advised the governor.”
Prof Arubayi told Vanguard that it was the Provost of the College of Sciences, Dr. John Ohaju-Obodo, that drew his attention about a week after that a text message, purportedly from the governor, appointing him chairman of a juicy government committee was received by him, but when he contacted the governor, he told him it was a scam.
He said he wasted no time when he confirmed the truth from the governor in summoning the student and handing him over to the police for cyber crime.
“I am even surprised that the police have not charged him to court, as far as I am concerned, this is an EFCC case,” he said.
He said the student was currently facing a disciplinary panel for breach of matriculation oath, but lamented that he had not appeared before the panel.
A university source said the student had been suspended, but as at Monday, he was seen attending lectures and had refused to vacate his room despite orders to that effect from the authorities.
Prof Arubayi laughed when told by Vanguard that he was being accused of examination malpractice, saying, “Did the student give me money to change his scores or is he a girl to say that she is my girlfriend, what was done was based on the regulation of the school,”
Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof Chukwuemeka Peter Aloamaka and provost, Dr Ohaju –Obodo told Vanguard that no unilateral decision was taken by the vice chancellor, as the appropriate organ looked into the matter before upgrading the scores of five to six students based on the institution’s regulation.
vanguard
Ghanaian urinates in court over N550,000 theft charge
A Ghanaian, who was charged with theft of motorcycle spare parts valued N550,000, on Monday urinated in court when a two-count of offence of conspiracy and stealing was read to him.
Mohammed Daniel, 34, whose address is unknown, sells pastries (puff-puff).
The edgy accused urinated on the floor of the Ebute Meta Magistrates’ Court as he was docked.
Daniel immediately pleaded guilty to the charges.
Earlier, the prosecutor, Cpl. Iyobosa Onaiwu said the offences were committed on March 25 at 12.15 p.m. at No. 23, Coate St., Ebute Meta.
She said the accused went into the shop of one Mr Silva Chinemadu and stole the spare parts.
Onaiwu noted that the offences contravened Section 285 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.
The accused may be sentenced to three years imprisonment, if convicted, under Section 285, while conspiracy attracts a two-year jail term.
The Magistrate, Mr F. J. Adefioye, adjourned the case to May 6 for fact and sentence.
(NAN)
*
A Ghanaian, who was charged with theft of motorcycle spare parts valued N550,000, on Monday urinated in court when a two-count of offence of conspiracy and stealing was read to him.
Mohammed Daniel, 34, whose address is unknown, sells pastries (puff-puff).
The edgy accused urinated on the floor of the Ebute Meta Magistrates’ Court as he was docked.
Daniel immediately pleaded guilty to the charges.
Earlier, the prosecutor, Cpl. Iyobosa Onaiwu said the offences were committed on March 25 at 12.15 p.m. at No. 23, Coate St., Ebute Meta.
She said the accused went into the shop of one Mr Silva Chinemadu and stole the spare parts.
Onaiwu noted that the offences contravened Section 285 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.
The accused may be sentenced to three years imprisonment, if convicted, under Section 285, while conspiracy attracts a two-year jail term.
The Magistrate, Mr F. J. Adefioye, adjourned the case to May 6 for fact and sentence.
(NAN)
*
Cristiano Ronaldo to Manchester United deal to be sponsored
Manchester United feel they may finally have the financial package to force Real Madrid’s hand over a summer move for Cristiano Ronaldo, ESPN understands. Ronaldo been heavily linked with a sensational move to Old Trafford after his contract talks with Real Madrid stalled. The Portuguese star been reported as keen to find a new club and Manchester United is on top of his list as he still loves the club, fans and mostly manager Sir Alex Ferguson. The only stumbling block in the transfer is Ronaldo’s wages and fee as it could cost United between £50 million – £70 million to resign their star player. However United have approached their main commercial partners about funding a bid with Nike declined but Chevrolet remain interested, the American based car dealers are keen to appoint Ronaldo as their brand ambassador which could be a major boost for their brand globally. And United could finally make a bid to re-sign Ronaldo this summer after reports suggests that Ligue 1 club Paris St.Germain have contacted Real Madrid with a ‘substantial offer’ for the former Old Trafford idol. According to the Sun, a United source said :
“United are not happy now PSG have made their move with a substantial offer. They will not give up, however, and have told Ronaldo’s agent of their intent.”
*
Manchester United feel they may finally have the financial package to force Real Madrid’s hand over a summer move for Cristiano Ronaldo, ESPN understands. Ronaldo been heavily linked with a sensational move to Old Trafford after his contract talks with Real Madrid stalled. The Portuguese star been reported as keen to find a new club and Manchester United is on top of his list as he still loves the club, fans and mostly manager Sir Alex Ferguson. The only stumbling block in the transfer is Ronaldo’s wages and fee as it could cost United between £50 million – £70 million to resign their star player. However United have approached their main commercial partners about funding a bid with Nike declined but Chevrolet remain interested, the American based car dealers are keen to appoint Ronaldo as their brand ambassador which could be a major boost for their brand globally. And United could finally make a bid to re-sign Ronaldo this summer after reports suggests that Ligue 1 club Paris St.Germain have contacted Real Madrid with a ‘substantial offer’ for the former Old Trafford idol. According to the Sun, a United source said :
“United are not happy now PSG have made their move with a substantial offer. They will not give up, however, and have told Ronaldo’s agent of their intent.”
*
Quick intervention of doctors save cocaine smuggler’s life at Lagos Airport
Two suspected drug traffickers have tested positive for narcotic ingestion at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.
Officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency said that one of the suspects inserted four wraps of cocaine, weighing 210 grammes, in his anus while another ingested 67 wraps, also of cocaine, weighing 1.085kg.
NDLEA Airport Commander, Hamza Umar, said tension was high when one of the suspects, Onedigbo Chibueze Emmanuel, 28, apprehended during the screening on a Qatar Airline flight going to Pakistan,could not expel one wrap of cocaine.
“While Akwaeze Anthony successfully expelled all 67 wraps of cocaine he ingested without assistance, the case of Onedigbo Chibueze Emmanuel, who inserted four wraps of cocaine in his anus, was different,” he said
“He was unable to expel one of the wraps until medical doctors came to his rescue.
“We were disturbed because his life was in danger.”
Preliminary investigation revealed that Onedigbo Chibueze Emmanuel is an unrepentant drug trafficker who was recently deported from Thailand after serving a three-year jail term over drug related offences.
According to Onedigbo who hails from Okija in Anambra State: “It is true that I was deported in February 2013 after serving three years jail term in Thailand.
“I went back into drug smuggling because there was nothing for me to sustain myself.
“My desire was to get some money from the drug deal and establish a business that can help me prepare for my future. “I feel so sad that it turned out this way.”
In his confessional statement, Akwaeze Anthony Obinna said that he was enticed by an offer of N1 million.
He said: “I am a trader at Ahiaohuru Market, Aba where I sell textiles.
“My business has suffered huge losses and I wanted to use the N1 million they promised to pay me in strengthening my business.
“I never thought of arrest because my mind was focussed on how to revive my business. It is hardship that led me into drug trafficking.I am from a poor family.
“Things are bad that I had to abandon my Guidance and Counselling studies at 200 level at Abia State University.”
The suspect who hails from Umunya, Anambra State, said he is a 2001 graduate of Giant Steps International Secondary School, Ogbor Hill, Aba in Abia State.
The Chairman/Chief Exercutive of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, described the suspects’ action as sad.
“It is very sad that a drug convict is involved in drug trafficking few months after his release and deportation.
“This shows that he is not remorsefu “I urge members of the public to resist any temptation to smuggle drugs. You do not need to be involved in crime to be successful.
“It will tarnish your good name and lead to frustration.”
The suspects will soon be charged to court
Daily post
Two suspected drug traffickers have tested positive for narcotic ingestion at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.
Officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency said that one of the suspects inserted four wraps of cocaine, weighing 210 grammes, in his anus while another ingested 67 wraps, also of cocaine, weighing 1.085kg.
NDLEA Airport Commander, Hamza Umar, said tension was high when one of the suspects, Onedigbo Chibueze Emmanuel, 28, apprehended during the screening on a Qatar Airline flight going to Pakistan,could not expel one wrap of cocaine.
“While Akwaeze Anthony successfully expelled all 67 wraps of cocaine he ingested without assistance, the case of Onedigbo Chibueze Emmanuel, who inserted four wraps of cocaine in his anus, was different,” he said
“He was unable to expel one of the wraps until medical doctors came to his rescue.
“We were disturbed because his life was in danger.”
Preliminary investigation revealed that Onedigbo Chibueze Emmanuel is an unrepentant drug trafficker who was recently deported from Thailand after serving a three-year jail term over drug related offences.
According to Onedigbo who hails from Okija in Anambra State: “It is true that I was deported in February 2013 after serving three years jail term in Thailand.
“I went back into drug smuggling because there was nothing for me to sustain myself.
“My desire was to get some money from the drug deal and establish a business that can help me prepare for my future. “I feel so sad that it turned out this way.”
In his confessional statement, Akwaeze Anthony Obinna said that he was enticed by an offer of N1 million.
He said: “I am a trader at Ahiaohuru Market, Aba where I sell textiles.
“My business has suffered huge losses and I wanted to use the N1 million they promised to pay me in strengthening my business.
“I never thought of arrest because my mind was focussed on how to revive my business. It is hardship that led me into drug trafficking.I am from a poor family.
“Things are bad that I had to abandon my Guidance and Counselling studies at 200 level at Abia State University.”
The suspect who hails from Umunya, Anambra State, said he is a 2001 graduate of Giant Steps International Secondary School, Ogbor Hill, Aba in Abia State.
The Chairman/Chief Exercutive of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, described the suspects’ action as sad.
“It is very sad that a drug convict is involved in drug trafficking few months after his release and deportation.
“This shows that he is not remorsefu “I urge members of the public to resist any temptation to smuggle drugs. You do not need to be involved in crime to be successful.
“It will tarnish your good name and lead to frustration.”
The suspects will soon be charged to court
Daily post
Okorocha gives N.2m to driver that hit him
The driver of the Mercedes Banz 200 saloon car, Mr. Osita Nnewuihe, who allegedly rammed his vehicle into the staff car of Imo State governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha, was yesterday given N200,000 cash to repair his car.
Doling out the money, yesterday, at Government House, Owerri, Chief Okorocha said Nnewuihe was a former councillor in Oru East Local Council Area of the state.
He thanked God that nothing serious happened to the young man, stressing that he ran into the governor’s convoy unknowingly.
“The young man was arrested and detained by the police for about one week before I gave an order that he should be released from detention,” Okorocha said.
The governor said he was “back, strong and healthy” and thanked Imo people for remaining peaceful and prayerful since he left the country for medical treatment oversea.
He called on road users to be very careful about the way they drove and declared that Nnewuihe had become his personal friend.
Speaking also, Mr. Nnewuihe expressed happiness that nothing serious happened to the governor and wished him well.
Vanguard
The driver of the Mercedes Banz 200 saloon car, Mr. Osita Nnewuihe, who allegedly rammed his vehicle into the staff car of Imo State governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha, was yesterday given N200,000 cash to repair his car.
Doling out the money, yesterday, at Government House, Owerri, Chief Okorocha said Nnewuihe was a former councillor in Oru East Local Council Area of the state.
He thanked God that nothing serious happened to the young man, stressing that he ran into the governor’s convoy unknowingly.
“The young man was arrested and detained by the police for about one week before I gave an order that he should be released from detention,” Okorocha said.
The governor said he was “back, strong and healthy” and thanked Imo people for remaining peaceful and prayerful since he left the country for medical treatment oversea.
He called on road users to be very careful about the way they drove and declared that Nnewuihe had become his personal friend.
Speaking also, Mr. Nnewuihe expressed happiness that nothing serious happened to the governor and wished him well.
Vanguard
Infrastructure Bank to fund N400bn Lagos rail project
Vice Chairman, Infrastructure Bank, Mr Jonan Kruger, yesterday, disclosed that the Lagos light rail project from Marina, through Iddo to Agbado, would cost about N400 billion. The project, tagged ‘Redline Light Rail Project’, would be funded by the bank and managed by Marina Express Consortium, a consulting firm.
According to Kruger, the ‘Redline’ project would complement the on-going ‘Blueline’ rail project. He said the Redline project was designed to be funded by the private sector to ease transportation problems in Lagos. Kruger said the bank had entered into negotiation with the Lagos State government to ensure that the project was profitable.
“The Redline is one of the rail lines that Lagos has designed to solve the traffic problems in the state, “ he said. Mr Adekunle Oyinloye, the Managing Director of the bank, said the Redline would take-off in Marina and join Iddo to meet the Nigerian Railway corridor up to Agbado. Oyinloye said that residents along Ikeja, Agege, Agbado and Ifo could be transported up to Agbado. He said issues relating to the rights of way had been resolved, adding that the state government did well to have approached the private sector to help it to fund the project.
The Infrastructure Bank, which was opened in 1992, was initially named Urban Development Bank. The bank was established to bankroll infrastructure development in Nigeria. Meanwhile, an engineer with Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) revealed that the first phase of the Lagos light rail project will be ready for commuters’ use by the end of June, this year. The engineer, who preferred anonymity, said: “The work is in three phases.
Phase one is what we are doing presently, which is from the National Theater to Mile 2, and should be completed between June and July, this year, and then people will be able to make use of it.” He explained that the two other phases would commence once the first phase has been completed “The second phase is from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko, which is to commence immediately after the completion of the first phase, at the end of which the third phase, which is from the National Theater to Marina, would commence.
I cannot speculate on the completion time for the entire project, but then I must tell you that it will be sooner than people think,” he added. The engineer who said people should not worry about the locomotive seen along Mile 2 and Orile axis of the rail track , adding, Lagosians should not think that the project is being delayed since it will be delivered sooner than expected.
“There is no cause for alarm about that locomotive there. It is a light rail project that the people asked for and I can assure you, we cannot give something lees. And work is moving, there has never been a time when we stopped working and for the contractors, they are doing the best they could to ensure that the project is delivered for use as soon as possible. They work from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm. So people should stop thinking that the work is being delayed,” he explained
the Sun
Vice Chairman, Infrastructure Bank, Mr Jonan Kruger, yesterday, disclosed that the Lagos light rail project from Marina, through Iddo to Agbado, would cost about N400 billion. The project, tagged ‘Redline Light Rail Project’, would be funded by the bank and managed by Marina Express Consortium, a consulting firm.
According to Kruger, the ‘Redline’ project would complement the on-going ‘Blueline’ rail project. He said the Redline project was designed to be funded by the private sector to ease transportation problems in Lagos. Kruger said the bank had entered into negotiation with the Lagos State government to ensure that the project was profitable.
“The Redline is one of the rail lines that Lagos has designed to solve the traffic problems in the state, “ he said. Mr Adekunle Oyinloye, the Managing Director of the bank, said the Redline would take-off in Marina and join Iddo to meet the Nigerian Railway corridor up to Agbado. Oyinloye said that residents along Ikeja, Agege, Agbado and Ifo could be transported up to Agbado. He said issues relating to the rights of way had been resolved, adding that the state government did well to have approached the private sector to help it to fund the project.
The Infrastructure Bank, which was opened in 1992, was initially named Urban Development Bank. The bank was established to bankroll infrastructure development in Nigeria. Meanwhile, an engineer with Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) revealed that the first phase of the Lagos light rail project will be ready for commuters’ use by the end of June, this year. The engineer, who preferred anonymity, said: “The work is in three phases.
Phase one is what we are doing presently, which is from the National Theater to Mile 2, and should be completed between June and July, this year, and then people will be able to make use of it.” He explained that the two other phases would commence once the first phase has been completed “The second phase is from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko, which is to commence immediately after the completion of the first phase, at the end of which the third phase, which is from the National Theater to Marina, would commence.
I cannot speculate on the completion time for the entire project, but then I must tell you that it will be sooner than people think,” he added. The engineer who said people should not worry about the locomotive seen along Mile 2 and Orile axis of the rail track , adding, Lagosians should not think that the project is being delayed since it will be delivered sooner than expected.
“There is no cause for alarm about that locomotive there. It is a light rail project that the people asked for and I can assure you, we cannot give something lees. And work is moving, there has never been a time when we stopped working and for the contractors, they are doing the best they could to ensure that the project is delivered for use as soon as possible. They work from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm. So people should stop thinking that the work is being delayed,” he explained
the Sun
Obama Renews Vow to Close Guantanamo
BBC
US President Barack Obama has pledged a new push to close the prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, amid a growing prisoner hunger strike there.
At the White House, Obama said the detention centre was "contrary to who we are" and harmful to US interests.
He cited recent convictions of terror suspects to argue the civilian justice system was adequate for such trials.
Congress has blocked efforts to close the prison, but Obama said he would renew discussions with lawmakers, reports the BBC.
Obama told reporters he had asked a team of officials to review operations at Guantanamo Bay and said he was not surprised there were problems there.
"It is inefficient, it hurts us in terms of our international standing, it lessens co-operation with our allies on counter-terrorism efforts, it is a recruitment tool for extremists, it needs to be closed," Obama said.
The BBC's Jonathan Beale said there are no signs the prison camp will be closed down
He described the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay as a "lingering problem" that would worsen if it remained open.
"I think it is critical for us to understand that Guantanamo is not necessary to keep America safe," Obama told reporters.
Obama added that with the war in Iraq ended and detention authority in Afghanistan transferred to Afghan forces, the facility in Cuba should also close.
He also said he would need the help of Congress to devise a long-term legal solution to the prosecution of detainees.
The president's comments come amid a hunger strike that has spread in recent weeks to include more than 100 of the 166 inmates at the facility.
They are protesting against their indefinite detention. Most are being held without charge.
In his remarks, the president seemed to support the US practice of force-feeding some hunger-strikers.
"I don't want these individuals to die," he said. "Obviously the Pentagon is trying to manage the situation as best we can."
The US has had to reinforce medical staff at Guantanamo Bay, with about 40 nurses and other specialists arriving at the weekend, according to a camp spokesman.
The strike began in February but spread in recent weeks to include more than 100 of the 166 people held at the facility.
Guantanamo officials deny claims that the strike began after copies of the Koran were mishandled during searches of prisoners' cells.
*
BBC
US President Barack Obama has pledged a new push to close the prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, amid a growing prisoner hunger strike there.
At the White House, Obama said the detention centre was "contrary to who we are" and harmful to US interests.
He cited recent convictions of terror suspects to argue the civilian justice system was adequate for such trials.
Congress has blocked efforts to close the prison, but Obama said he would renew discussions with lawmakers, reports the BBC.
Obama told reporters he had asked a team of officials to review operations at Guantanamo Bay and said he was not surprised there were problems there.
"It is inefficient, it hurts us in terms of our international standing, it lessens co-operation with our allies on counter-terrorism efforts, it is a recruitment tool for extremists, it needs to be closed," Obama said.
The BBC's Jonathan Beale said there are no signs the prison camp will be closed down
He described the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay as a "lingering problem" that would worsen if it remained open.
"I think it is critical for us to understand that Guantanamo is not necessary to keep America safe," Obama told reporters.
Obama added that with the war in Iraq ended and detention authority in Afghanistan transferred to Afghan forces, the facility in Cuba should also close.
He also said he would need the help of Congress to devise a long-term legal solution to the prosecution of detainees.
The president's comments come amid a hunger strike that has spread in recent weeks to include more than 100 of the 166 inmates at the facility.
They are protesting against their indefinite detention. Most are being held without charge.
In his remarks, the president seemed to support the US practice of force-feeding some hunger-strikers.
"I don't want these individuals to die," he said. "Obviously the Pentagon is trying to manage the situation as best we can."
The US has had to reinforce medical staff at Guantanamo Bay, with about 40 nurses and other specialists arriving at the weekend, according to a camp spokesman.
The strike began in February but spread in recent weeks to include more than 100 of the 166 people held at the facility.
Guantanamo officials deny claims that the strike began after copies of the Koran were mishandled during searches of prisoners' cells.
*
Alleged felony: Leadership reporters get N1m bail
The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, Tuesday, allowed two Leadership Newspaper reporters, Tony Amokeodo and Chibuzor Ukaibe, accused of forging a document purported to have emanated from the Presidency, to go home after they deposited N1million.
They were released on bail after they pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge that was preferred against them by the Federal Government.
Aside depositing N500, 000 each, trial Justice Ademola Adeniyi ordered the accused persons to provide two sureties who must not only be an owner of a verifiable landed property in Abuja, but must swear an affidavit of means.
The Federal Government had alleged that the accused persons who it charged alongside the media outfit, committed felony to wit: “forging of document titled Bromide of the Presidential Directive and place same on the front page of Leadership Newspaper of April 3, 2013.”
It told the court that they knew that the said document was false, but published same, “with the intent that it may be used or acted upon as genuine and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 467 of the Criminal Code Act Cap ‘C’ 38 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.”
Besides, it alleged that the accused persons conspired amongst themselves and committed felony by forging/making of a false document, having on it the seal, signet or sign manual which purports that it was a presidential directive from the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Though the Federal Government, hitherto, listed four accused persons in the previous charge it filed against the Newspaper house , however, it eventually de-listed the 3rd accused, Taiwo Omilani, who it said was at large.
Meantime, the newspaper organization which was represented by one of the Group Executive Directors, Dr Mike Okpere, denied the allegation, just as counsel to the company, Mr Femi Falana, SAN, challenged the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the suit.
Hearing on the substantive case was adjourned to May 16.
vanguard
The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, Tuesday, allowed two Leadership Newspaper reporters, Tony Amokeodo and Chibuzor Ukaibe, accused of forging a document purported to have emanated from the Presidency, to go home after they deposited N1million.
They were released on bail after they pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge that was preferred against them by the Federal Government.
Aside depositing N500, 000 each, trial Justice Ademola Adeniyi ordered the accused persons to provide two sureties who must not only be an owner of a verifiable landed property in Abuja, but must swear an affidavit of means.
The Federal Government had alleged that the accused persons who it charged alongside the media outfit, committed felony to wit: “forging of document titled Bromide of the Presidential Directive and place same on the front page of Leadership Newspaper of April 3, 2013.”
It told the court that they knew that the said document was false, but published same, “with the intent that it may be used or acted upon as genuine and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 467 of the Criminal Code Act Cap ‘C’ 38 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.”
Besides, it alleged that the accused persons conspired amongst themselves and committed felony by forging/making of a false document, having on it the seal, signet or sign manual which purports that it was a presidential directive from the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Though the Federal Government, hitherto, listed four accused persons in the previous charge it filed against the Newspaper house , however, it eventually de-listed the 3rd accused, Taiwo Omilani, who it said was at large.
Meantime, the newspaper organization which was represented by one of the Group Executive Directors, Dr Mike Okpere, denied the allegation, just as counsel to the company, Mr Femi Falana, SAN, challenged the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the suit.
Hearing on the substantive case was adjourned to May 16.
vanguard
Grounded aircraft: Reps condemn action; say it’s witch-hunt of political opponents
The House of Representatives, yesterday, condemned the grounding of an aircraft, a Bombardier BD 700 Global Express jet, belonging to the Rivers State Government by the National Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, describing it as “witch-hunt” of “perceived political opponents”.
This was as the Rivers State Government expressed dismay over allegations of illegality and abuse of process by officials of different agencies in the aviation sector on the status of the aircraft.
The House of Representatives which condemned the grounding of the aircraft following a motion sponsored by Ahmed Idris, representing Wase federal constituency in Plateau State, said the incident “raises serious issues as to the abuse of powers by the executive and the use of state machinery to with-hunt perceived political opponents”.
Leading the motion under matters of urgent national importance, Idris, who is also the chairman of the House Committee on Federal Character, said the action of the agency smacked of “impunity, lawlessness and political vendetta”.
The Speaker Aminu Tambuwal who criticised the executive arm for the action, described it as “detrimental to any democracy and tends towards dictatorship and draconian tendencies typical of the military era.”
He, therefore, mandated the House committees on Justice and Aviation to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident
Action dictatorial, smack of impunity, lawlessness and political vendetta — Reps
Adopting the motion, the House directed the two committees to “investigate the justification and circumstances surrounding the grounding of the Rivers State aircraft and report back to the House within two weeks”.
The BD 700 Global Express aircraft which was conveying Governor Rotimi Amaechi and Aminu Tambuwal was last week grounded by NAMA for what the agency called non-compliance with the aviation regulations as regards maintenance of aircraft.
Full story of our aircraft — Rivers State govt
Meanwhile, Rivers State Government, yesterday, expressed dismay at the statement attributed to officials of different agencies in the aviation sector on the status of the aircraft, insisting that the said aircraft was owned by the state government.
The state Commissioner of Information and Communications, Mrs Ibim Semenitari said, “It is pertinent to note that all of the information and queries about this aircraft have only been through the media.
Rivers State Government had not received any communication from the Ministry of Aviation or any of its agencies querying the status of its aircraft even up till this moment.
“ Rivers State Government is surprised to read about matters of administrative procedure and allegations of illegality and abuse of process in the media. The state government wishes to note that this press briefing and the various issues raised arose only after the embarrassing incident of a delay of the aircraft and its passengers at Akure on April 26, 2013
“The state government wishes to note also that the issues raised in this press briefing will be the third reason adduced for the delay of the Rivers State Government’s aircraft in Akure.
However, for purposes of clarification and in keeping with its policy of rendering “transparent and accountable stewardship” to Rivers people, we would wish to state the following for the avoidance of doubt, that the Aircraft N 566 RS arrived Nigeria and has been operating since October 2012.
It was bought by Rivers State Government and registered as a US Aircraft in the first instance, to preserve value and provide ease of operation and sourcing of available pilots.
“To qualify for N registration, operator must be a US citizen hence RVSG entered into a trust with Bank of Utah Inc, a bank that specialises in aircraft trust.
The relationship between the state government and Bank of Utah is that of a trustor and trustee. All N registered Aircrafts enjoy the privileges of a US citizen. Trust agreement for the purpose of N registration is common in the aviation industry.
“It is important to state that there are other aircraft owners in Nigeria with N registered aircraft. This practice is because of the ease of movement that N registered aircraft are privileged to enjoy.
We do not therefore understand why Rivers State Government has been singled out. The clearance referred to was PH-Accra- PH and not Accra-PH-Accra as stated. The aircraft was being operated through a local operator, Caverton Helicopters, pending approval of importation licence by Minister of Aviation.
“Request for this licence was filed by the operator on behalf of the Rivers State government and this was expressly stated in the request filed on August 27, 2012 and received in the Minister’s office on September 4,2012.
Rivers State Government is a responsible sub national and guardian of the resources of its people. It will at all times and in all circumstances act within the confines of the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Vanguard
The House of Representatives, yesterday, condemned the grounding of an aircraft, a Bombardier BD 700 Global Express jet, belonging to the Rivers State Government by the National Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, describing it as “witch-hunt” of “perceived political opponents”.
This was as the Rivers State Government expressed dismay over allegations of illegality and abuse of process by officials of different agencies in the aviation sector on the status of the aircraft.
The House of Representatives which condemned the grounding of the aircraft following a motion sponsored by Ahmed Idris, representing Wase federal constituency in Plateau State, said the incident “raises serious issues as to the abuse of powers by the executive and the use of state machinery to with-hunt perceived political opponents”.
Leading the motion under matters of urgent national importance, Idris, who is also the chairman of the House Committee on Federal Character, said the action of the agency smacked of “impunity, lawlessness and political vendetta”.
The Speaker Aminu Tambuwal who criticised the executive arm for the action, described it as “detrimental to any democracy and tends towards dictatorship and draconian tendencies typical of the military era.”
He, therefore, mandated the House committees on Justice and Aviation to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident
Action dictatorial, smack of impunity, lawlessness and political vendetta — Reps
Adopting the motion, the House directed the two committees to “investigate the justification and circumstances surrounding the grounding of the Rivers State aircraft and report back to the House within two weeks”.
The BD 700 Global Express aircraft which was conveying Governor Rotimi Amaechi and Aminu Tambuwal was last week grounded by NAMA for what the agency called non-compliance with the aviation regulations as regards maintenance of aircraft.
Full story of our aircraft — Rivers State govt
Meanwhile, Rivers State Government, yesterday, expressed dismay at the statement attributed to officials of different agencies in the aviation sector on the status of the aircraft, insisting that the said aircraft was owned by the state government.
The state Commissioner of Information and Communications, Mrs Ibim Semenitari said, “It is pertinent to note that all of the information and queries about this aircraft have only been through the media.
Rivers State Government had not received any communication from the Ministry of Aviation or any of its agencies querying the status of its aircraft even up till this moment.
“ Rivers State Government is surprised to read about matters of administrative procedure and allegations of illegality and abuse of process in the media. The state government wishes to note that this press briefing and the various issues raised arose only after the embarrassing incident of a delay of the aircraft and its passengers at Akure on April 26, 2013
“The state government wishes to note also that the issues raised in this press briefing will be the third reason adduced for the delay of the Rivers State Government’s aircraft in Akure.
However, for purposes of clarification and in keeping with its policy of rendering “transparent and accountable stewardship” to Rivers people, we would wish to state the following for the avoidance of doubt, that the Aircraft N 566 RS arrived Nigeria and has been operating since October 2012.
It was bought by Rivers State Government and registered as a US Aircraft in the first instance, to preserve value and provide ease of operation and sourcing of available pilots.
“To qualify for N registration, operator must be a US citizen hence RVSG entered into a trust with Bank of Utah Inc, a bank that specialises in aircraft trust.
The relationship between the state government and Bank of Utah is that of a trustor and trustee. All N registered Aircrafts enjoy the privileges of a US citizen. Trust agreement for the purpose of N registration is common in the aviation industry.
“It is important to state that there are other aircraft owners in Nigeria with N registered aircraft. This practice is because of the ease of movement that N registered aircraft are privileged to enjoy.
We do not therefore understand why Rivers State Government has been singled out. The clearance referred to was PH-Accra- PH and not Accra-PH-Accra as stated. The aircraft was being operated through a local operator, Caverton Helicopters, pending approval of importation licence by Minister of Aviation.
“Request for this licence was filed by the operator on behalf of the Rivers State government and this was expressly stated in the request filed on August 27, 2012 and received in the Minister’s office on September 4,2012.
Rivers State Government is a responsible sub national and guardian of the resources of its people. It will at all times and in all circumstances act within the confines of the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Vanguard
Kwara doctors on streets to protest insecurity
The Nigerian Medical Association, Kwara State chapter on Tuesday in Ilorin protested peacefully over armed attacks, and general insecurity in Nigeria.
The protest was also over the killing of the state's immediate past Vice Chairman of the Medical Dental Association of Nigeria, Dr. Ariyo Adewunmi,
The doctors numbering no fewer than 130 from public and private institutions matched from their Secretariat at Government Reservation Area, Ilori through the Government House Road, to the Police Headquarters, Kwara State Command, to Challenge Junction and back to the Government House Road.
They ended the protest at the Ministry of Health where they were received by the Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Kayode Issah, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour Matters, Mr. Bisi Fakayode.
The chapter Chairman, Prof. Mikhail Buhari, said the lives and properties of health workers in the state were threatened.
He called on the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, and the Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed ,to improve security in the nation and Kwara State respectively.
Issah said the state government was saddened over the death of Adewunmi.
Noting that the state is one of the safest states in the country, he, however said the state government had invigorated mechanisms to improve on the security of lives and properties in the state.
Punch
The Nigerian Medical Association, Kwara State chapter on Tuesday in Ilorin protested peacefully over armed attacks, and general insecurity in Nigeria.
The protest was also over the killing of the state's immediate past Vice Chairman of the Medical Dental Association of Nigeria, Dr. Ariyo Adewunmi,
The doctors numbering no fewer than 130 from public and private institutions matched from their Secretariat at Government Reservation Area, Ilori through the Government House Road, to the Police Headquarters, Kwara State Command, to Challenge Junction and back to the Government House Road.
They ended the protest at the Ministry of Health where they were received by the Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Kayode Issah, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour Matters, Mr. Bisi Fakayode.
The chapter Chairman, Prof. Mikhail Buhari, said the lives and properties of health workers in the state were threatened.
He called on the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, and the Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed ,to improve security in the nation and Kwara State respectively.
Issah said the state government was saddened over the death of Adewunmi.
Noting that the state is one of the safest states in the country, he, however said the state government had invigorated mechanisms to improve on the security of lives and properties in the state.
Punch
Family sells off Goldie's belongings today
The family of late Big Brother Africa housemate and Hip hop star, Goldie Harvey will on Wednesday auction all her belongings. The family said this in a statement on Tuesday.
The statement signed by the family representative, Deji Adetayo, stated that although the singer did not leave a will, she had had an agreement with her husband, Leonard Harvey to auction her remaining items.
Adetayo said the proceeds from the sales would be donated to charity
Adetayo said, "There will be a garage sale at Goldie's house located at 30B, Ologunkutere Street, Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos on May 1, 2013.
Punch
The family of late Big Brother Africa housemate and Hip hop star, Goldie Harvey will on Wednesday auction all her belongings. The family said this in a statement on Tuesday.
The statement signed by the family representative, Deji Adetayo, stated that although the singer did not leave a will, she had had an agreement with her husband, Leonard Harvey to auction her remaining items.
Adetayo said the proceeds from the sales would be donated to charity
Adetayo said, "There will be a garage sale at Goldie's house located at 30B, Ologunkutere Street, Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos on May 1, 2013.
Punch
Okada rider sentenced to death for robbery
A High court of Justice sitting at Isiokolo, Delta State has sentenced Etanuwoma Ogheneoro, a 25- year old commercial motorcycle, otherwise known as ‘okada’ rider, to death for robbing a fellow okada rider.
Prosecution had told the court that the convicted armed robber, in connivance with others at large on the 30th of January 2010 at Kokori within the Isiokolo judicial division robbed a fellow okada man, Felix Itirikpe of an undisclosed amount and other valuables, thereby “thereby committed an offence punishable under section 6 (b) and 1 (2) (a) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act Cap R11 Volume 14 laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2004”.
Prosecution led by Mrs. C.E. Eronmwon, deputy Director Ministry of Justice called two witnesses to prove its case while the convict called no witness but testified for himself.
According to prosecution, “the convict abandoned his own okada and boarded another while pretending to a passenger but half way into the journey at a lonely path he signaled to his gang members who came out from hideout and they disposed their victim of the said motorcycle”.
He was however arrested with the aid of the local vigilante and later handed over to the police and was equally identified in court by the said victim during trial.
The trial judge, Justice A.O. Omamogho in delivering judgment Tuesday stated that “prosecution has proved beyond reasonable doubt ingredients of the offence against the accused.
“I disbelieved the evidence of the accused while I hold that prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt ingredients of the offence of conspiracy against the accused the convict with two others now at large robbed their victim of a SkyGo motorcycle while armed”.
vanguard
A High court of Justice sitting at Isiokolo, Delta State has sentenced Etanuwoma Ogheneoro, a 25- year old commercial motorcycle, otherwise known as ‘okada’ rider, to death for robbing a fellow okada rider.
Prosecution had told the court that the convicted armed robber, in connivance with others at large on the 30th of January 2010 at Kokori within the Isiokolo judicial division robbed a fellow okada man, Felix Itirikpe of an undisclosed amount and other valuables, thereby “thereby committed an offence punishable under section 6 (b) and 1 (2) (a) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act Cap R11 Volume 14 laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2004”.
Prosecution led by Mrs. C.E. Eronmwon, deputy Director Ministry of Justice called two witnesses to prove its case while the convict called no witness but testified for himself.
According to prosecution, “the convict abandoned his own okada and boarded another while pretending to a passenger but half way into the journey at a lonely path he signaled to his gang members who came out from hideout and they disposed their victim of the said motorcycle”.
He was however arrested with the aid of the local vigilante and later handed over to the police and was equally identified in court by the said victim during trial.
The trial judge, Justice A.O. Omamogho in delivering judgment Tuesday stated that “prosecution has proved beyond reasonable doubt ingredients of the offence against the accused.
“I disbelieved the evidence of the accused while I hold that prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt ingredients of the offence of conspiracy against the accused the convict with two others now at large robbed their victim of a SkyGo motorcycle while armed”.
vanguard
Transformation agenda not about me – Jonathan
PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan Tuesday told his critics and the opposition that the present ongoing implementation of the transformation agenda he was embarking on was not about him, but about the survival of Nigeria as a country.
President Jonathan however warned that “as actors, no Nigerian should attempt to destroy the stage or he would be left with nowhere else to perform.”
Speaking at a one-day workshop on “Effective Information Management and Public Communication” organized by the office of the Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe in Abuja on Tuesday, Okupe told the participants that when he asked the president over breakfast what message he would like he (Okupe) to pass to Nigerians during his recent media outreach, “the President dropped his spoon and for three to four minutes, he did not say anything. I was wondering whether I have goofed. Those three or four minutes felt like four years.
“Then he said, ‘it is not about me, it is about Nigeria. I may be here tomorrow, I may not be here but at the end of the day, Nigeria will remain,’” he quoted Jonathan as saying.
Meanwhile, chairman, Board of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, Mr. Ben Murray Bruce has urged media practitioners who work with politicians to be brave enough and tell them the truth, adding that they must also protect their bosses in the course of carrying out their jobs.
The former Director- General, Nigeria Television Authority, NTA who noted that the nature of the media has changed over the years, however called on government image managers to as a matter of importance keep themselves abreast of government activities and continuously update their knowledge to be successful in their assignments.
Speaking further, Okupe who noted that the workshop was organized for media managers in government, said that it was necessary “in order for us not to become accomplices to our destruction,” adding, ” as government functionaries saddled with the responsibility of communicating with the public, they must understand the role they are supposed to play.
In his remarks at the workshop, Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim noted that in spite of deliberate efforts by the opposition to misinform the public, President Jonathan would not be distracted from fulfilling his obligation to the people.
Represented by his Special Assistant, Ferdinand Agu, Anyim said, “President Jonathan’s commitment to transform this country remains unshaken despite the growing tendency of the opposition to misinform the public,” he noted, advising the workshop participants to “stem this unwholesome trend.”
While urging the participants to “make deliberate efforts to debunk the misinformation and campaigns of calumny against government,” he stressed that the present administration remained committed to its duties and pledges to the Nigerian people as well as its international obligations.
“It is for this reason that the present administration under President Goodluck Jonathan has taken a number of steps aimed at ensuring that as much as possible, the conduct of government business is made transparent and members of the public wishing to know what government is doing on their behalf are furnished with necessary information.”
According to him, the signing of the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act into law by the president was borne out of this need to remove the veil of secrecy that had for several years in the country shrouded governance, adding, “and which had unfortunately encouraged the thinking that government was a cult which the people were excluded.”
vanguard
PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan Tuesday told his critics and the opposition that the present ongoing implementation of the transformation agenda he was embarking on was not about him, but about the survival of Nigeria as a country.
President Jonathan however warned that “as actors, no Nigerian should attempt to destroy the stage or he would be left with nowhere else to perform.”
Speaking at a one-day workshop on “Effective Information Management and Public Communication” organized by the office of the Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe in Abuja on Tuesday, Okupe told the participants that when he asked the president over breakfast what message he would like he (Okupe) to pass to Nigerians during his recent media outreach, “the President dropped his spoon and for three to four minutes, he did not say anything. I was wondering whether I have goofed. Those three or four minutes felt like four years.
“Then he said, ‘it is not about me, it is about Nigeria. I may be here tomorrow, I may not be here but at the end of the day, Nigeria will remain,’” he quoted Jonathan as saying.
Meanwhile, chairman, Board of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, Mr. Ben Murray Bruce has urged media practitioners who work with politicians to be brave enough and tell them the truth, adding that they must also protect their bosses in the course of carrying out their jobs.
The former Director- General, Nigeria Television Authority, NTA who noted that the nature of the media has changed over the years, however called on government image managers to as a matter of importance keep themselves abreast of government activities and continuously update their knowledge to be successful in their assignments.
Speaking further, Okupe who noted that the workshop was organized for media managers in government, said that it was necessary “in order for us not to become accomplices to our destruction,” adding, ” as government functionaries saddled with the responsibility of communicating with the public, they must understand the role they are supposed to play.
In his remarks at the workshop, Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim noted that in spite of deliberate efforts by the opposition to misinform the public, President Jonathan would not be distracted from fulfilling his obligation to the people.
Represented by his Special Assistant, Ferdinand Agu, Anyim said, “President Jonathan’s commitment to transform this country remains unshaken despite the growing tendency of the opposition to misinform the public,” he noted, advising the workshop participants to “stem this unwholesome trend.”
While urging the participants to “make deliberate efforts to debunk the misinformation and campaigns of calumny against government,” he stressed that the present administration remained committed to its duties and pledges to the Nigerian people as well as its international obligations.
“It is for this reason that the present administration under President Goodluck Jonathan has taken a number of steps aimed at ensuring that as much as possible, the conduct of government business is made transparent and members of the public wishing to know what government is doing on their behalf are furnished with necessary information.”
According to him, the signing of the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act into law by the president was borne out of this need to remove the veil of secrecy that had for several years in the country shrouded governance, adding, “and which had unfortunately encouraged the thinking that government was a cult which the people were excluded.”
vanguard
N43bn subsidy scam: EFCC arrests Ubah, granted bail
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Tuesday, arrested the Managing Director of Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited, Mr. Ifeanyi Ubah, for allegedly defrauding the Federal Government of over N43 billion under the fuel subsidy fund.
He was later released on administrative bail. Ubah, who spoke with Vanguard on telephone, denied the incident, saying that his detractors cooked up the story to tarnish his hard-earned reputation.
A security source told Vanguard that Ubah was picked up from his Maitama mansion in Abuja and taken to EFCC’s head office, where he made a written statement before being released on bail later in the evening.
It was routine invitation— Ubah
Ubah said: “The invitation by EFCC is routine and there is nothing wrong about that. I drove them in my car to their office and we exchanged pleasantries and it lasted for more than 30 minutes and I left.
“So anybody who is claiming that I was arrested is only trying to smear my image and tell white lies. Those who have nothing doing dwell in rumours and hearsay and it does not speak well of them.
“I went there and they asked of the subsidy matter, in which the police and the court had cleared me and you know that the court ordered that I should be paid compensation for damages. So after that I left. Does that mean that I was arrested?”
He then urged his supporters and the people of Anambra State not be cowed by what he called the antics of enemies of the people, adding that no amount of intimidation would stop him from rendering selfless services to the people.
This was even as a member of the House of Representatives from Jigawa State, Abubakar Bwari, was, yesterday, summoned by the court following the failure of the former Jigawa Governor, Saminu Turaki, to appear in court and stand trial over his alleged stealing of N36 billion of state funds.
Bwari reportedly stood surety for Turaki in court.
Why he was arrested— Source
At EFCC, a source said the commission moved against Ubah following his failure to honour earlier invitations to answer questions on the subsidy fraud.
According to information, Ubah was first invited to meet with the operatives on April 11, but he failed, necessitating another invitation on April 19, which he also allegedly spurned.
At the time of filing the report, Ubah was said to be answering questions from the operatives at the Abuja office of the commission.
The arrest is believed to be part of ongoing investigation and prosecution of persons and organisations that allegedly defrauded the Federal Government of about N1.7 trillion in dubious subsidy claim for the importation of premium motor spirit.
At the last count, more than 40 persons and organisations had been arraigned in court by EFCC for their involvement in the scam.
Wilson Uwujaren, spokesperson of the Commission confirmed the arrest but declined further comments.
Accusation
When his firm was accused of taking money through fraudulent means last year, Ubah had accused the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on the Verification of Subsidy Claims, Mr. Aig Imoukhuede, of bias and witch-hunting, following what he called ‘failed business deal’ they had together.
However, a 23-page report released by the Special Fraud Unit of the Police on November 5, 2012, alleged that Capital Oil and Gas received N43,291 billion for the importation of 538.74 millions litres of fuel through forged documents.
The SFU report detailed how top government officials in the Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulating Agency, Nigerian Ports Authority, Department of Petroleum Resources and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency colluded with the firm to cook up documents.
*
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Tuesday, arrested the Managing Director of Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited, Mr. Ifeanyi Ubah, for allegedly defrauding the Federal Government of over N43 billion under the fuel subsidy fund.
He was later released on administrative bail. Ubah, who spoke with Vanguard on telephone, denied the incident, saying that his detractors cooked up the story to tarnish his hard-earned reputation.
A security source told Vanguard that Ubah was picked up from his Maitama mansion in Abuja and taken to EFCC’s head office, where he made a written statement before being released on bail later in the evening.
It was routine invitation— Ubah
Ubah said: “The invitation by EFCC is routine and there is nothing wrong about that. I drove them in my car to their office and we exchanged pleasantries and it lasted for more than 30 minutes and I left.
“So anybody who is claiming that I was arrested is only trying to smear my image and tell white lies. Those who have nothing doing dwell in rumours and hearsay and it does not speak well of them.
“I went there and they asked of the subsidy matter, in which the police and the court had cleared me and you know that the court ordered that I should be paid compensation for damages. So after that I left. Does that mean that I was arrested?”
He then urged his supporters and the people of Anambra State not be cowed by what he called the antics of enemies of the people, adding that no amount of intimidation would stop him from rendering selfless services to the people.
This was even as a member of the House of Representatives from Jigawa State, Abubakar Bwari, was, yesterday, summoned by the court following the failure of the former Jigawa Governor, Saminu Turaki, to appear in court and stand trial over his alleged stealing of N36 billion of state funds.
Bwari reportedly stood surety for Turaki in court.
Why he was arrested— Source
At EFCC, a source said the commission moved against Ubah following his failure to honour earlier invitations to answer questions on the subsidy fraud.
According to information, Ubah was first invited to meet with the operatives on April 11, but he failed, necessitating another invitation on April 19, which he also allegedly spurned.
At the time of filing the report, Ubah was said to be answering questions from the operatives at the Abuja office of the commission.
The arrest is believed to be part of ongoing investigation and prosecution of persons and organisations that allegedly defrauded the Federal Government of about N1.7 trillion in dubious subsidy claim for the importation of premium motor spirit.
At the last count, more than 40 persons and organisations had been arraigned in court by EFCC for their involvement in the scam.
Wilson Uwujaren, spokesperson of the Commission confirmed the arrest but declined further comments.
Accusation
When his firm was accused of taking money through fraudulent means last year, Ubah had accused the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on the Verification of Subsidy Claims, Mr. Aig Imoukhuede, of bias and witch-hunting, following what he called ‘failed business deal’ they had together.
However, a 23-page report released by the Special Fraud Unit of the Police on November 5, 2012, alleged that Capital Oil and Gas received N43,291 billion for the importation of 538.74 millions litres of fuel through forged documents.
The SFU report detailed how top government officials in the Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulating Agency, Nigerian Ports Authority, Department of Petroleum Resources and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency colluded with the firm to cook up documents.
*
We will help Nigeria defeat terrorism – EU
The European Union on Tuesday said it would continue to support Nigeria “until terrorism is defeated” in the country.
Dr David MacRae, the Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the EU to Nigeria and ECOWAS, said this at a media luncheon hosted by the commission in Abuja.
MacRae, however, said that terrorism should be tackled within the ambit of the rule of law.
He commended the Federal Government for its recent initiatives in addressing the issue.
“We welcome recent steps taken by government in recent weeks towards addressing insecurity in parts of the north, including the creation of two committees with the mandate to take a holistic look on radicalisation and factors that fuel it.
“The EU is convinced that a comprehensive approach based on security, good governance, development and improvement of social conditions is key to fighting terrorism and radicalisation”, he said.
The EU Ambassador also condemned the killing in Baga, Borno, adding that measures should be put in place by the government to protect the lives and property of citizens.
He stated that those responsible for the action should be brought to justice accordingly.
“EU welcomes the decision of the Nigerian authorities to launch a full scale investigation into the Baga incident and is looking forward to thorough inquiry and bringing to justice anyone who may be responsible for any unlawful killings and conduct,” he added.
MacRae also reiterated that the EU had agreed to finance the African-led International Support Mission to Mali (AFISMA) till the end of June.
“By July AFISMA will become a UN Peacekeeping Force and as far as elections are concerned there is a roadmap which the government is expected to adhere to towards constitutional reform,” he said.
Also speaking, Mrs Belen Calvo-Uyarra, Head of Political Section of the EU Commission, said the EU had been working with the Malian government to help it regain its constitutional rule.
“We have resumed our cooperation with Mali based on the roadmap established by the Interim President of Mali with the support of the National Assembly of Mali.
“There are discussions ongoing by the temporary government to see to the possibility of election being held and it is for the EU to support this process,” she said. (NAN)
vanguard
The European Union on Tuesday said it would continue to support Nigeria “until terrorism is defeated” in the country.
Dr David MacRae, the Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the EU to Nigeria and ECOWAS, said this at a media luncheon hosted by the commission in Abuja.
MacRae, however, said that terrorism should be tackled within the ambit of the rule of law.
He commended the Federal Government for its recent initiatives in addressing the issue.
“We welcome recent steps taken by government in recent weeks towards addressing insecurity in parts of the north, including the creation of two committees with the mandate to take a holistic look on radicalisation and factors that fuel it.
“The EU is convinced that a comprehensive approach based on security, good governance, development and improvement of social conditions is key to fighting terrorism and radicalisation”, he said.
The EU Ambassador also condemned the killing in Baga, Borno, adding that measures should be put in place by the government to protect the lives and property of citizens.
He stated that those responsible for the action should be brought to justice accordingly.
“EU welcomes the decision of the Nigerian authorities to launch a full scale investigation into the Baga incident and is looking forward to thorough inquiry and bringing to justice anyone who may be responsible for any unlawful killings and conduct,” he added.
MacRae also reiterated that the EU had agreed to finance the African-led International Support Mission to Mali (AFISMA) till the end of June.
“By July AFISMA will become a UN Peacekeeping Force and as far as elections are concerned there is a roadmap which the government is expected to adhere to towards constitutional reform,” he said.
Also speaking, Mrs Belen Calvo-Uyarra, Head of Political Section of the EU Commission, said the EU had been working with the Malian government to help it regain its constitutional rule.
“We have resumed our cooperation with Mali based on the roadmap established by the Interim President of Mali with the support of the National Assembly of Mali.
“There are discussions ongoing by the temporary government to see to the possibility of election being held and it is for the EU to support this process,” she said. (NAN)
vanguard
West African Gas Pipeline misses another resumption deadline
The West African Gas Pipeline project under which Nigeria is to supply Ghana, Togo and Benin with natural gas, will miss another deadline to resume supplies on Tuesday.
The West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo) had said it would resume transportation of gas to the three countries on April, 30 after completion of repairs to its damaged pipe in Togo.
However, the company has said in a statement that it’s “schedule had slipped because of two main challenges contracting and line cleaner defect”.
Ghana, which has been suffering serious power shortage because Sunon Asogli, a company which generates 200 megawatts of power using gas, which has been out of business since August last year, has expressed “great concern” about the development.
The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum noted in a statement in Accra on Monday that this was not the first time WAPCo was failing to deliver on its promise of resuming gas transportation to Ghana since the damage to the gas pipeline on Aug. 28, 2012.
The Ministry, however, gave the assurance that the load shedding in the country would end by the first week of
May because two projects would add 265 megawatts to generation.
“Indeed, in the past few months we have been able to bring on stream 132MW from the Takoradi 3 Thermal Power
Plant (T3) on May 3, 2013, His Excellency the President of the Republic, John Dramani Mahama, will officially
inaugurate one of the units of the Bui Hydro Project which expected to 133MW.
“This means that we have been able to add to our installed generation capacity a total of 265 MW. This sufficiently t akes care of the 200MW that was taken off as a result of Sunon Asogli not running because of lack of natural gas.’’
The government said this would be achieved at “a very high operational cost” due to crude oil purchase as it cost government at least 50 million dollars every 20 days to purchase light crude oil for the Volta River Authority (VRA) to generate power.
The ministry said the government was working assiduously to ensure that 5,000 megawatts of power is generated by 2015.
The current power rationing is a huge political issue in Ghana apart from its debilitating effects on industry,
vanguard
The West African Gas Pipeline project under which Nigeria is to supply Ghana, Togo and Benin with natural gas, will miss another deadline to resume supplies on Tuesday.
The West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo) had said it would resume transportation of gas to the three countries on April, 30 after completion of repairs to its damaged pipe in Togo.
However, the company has said in a statement that it’s “schedule had slipped because of two main challenges contracting and line cleaner defect”.
Ghana, which has been suffering serious power shortage because Sunon Asogli, a company which generates 200 megawatts of power using gas, which has been out of business since August last year, has expressed “great concern” about the development.
The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum noted in a statement in Accra on Monday that this was not the first time WAPCo was failing to deliver on its promise of resuming gas transportation to Ghana since the damage to the gas pipeline on Aug. 28, 2012.
The Ministry, however, gave the assurance that the load shedding in the country would end by the first week of
May because two projects would add 265 megawatts to generation.
“Indeed, in the past few months we have been able to bring on stream 132MW from the Takoradi 3 Thermal Power
Plant (T3) on May 3, 2013, His Excellency the President of the Republic, John Dramani Mahama, will officially
inaugurate one of the units of the Bui Hydro Project which expected to 133MW.
“This means that we have been able to add to our installed generation capacity a total of 265 MW. This sufficiently t akes care of the 200MW that was taken off as a result of Sunon Asogli not running because of lack of natural gas.’’
The government said this would be achieved at “a very high operational cost” due to crude oil purchase as it cost government at least 50 million dollars every 20 days to purchase light crude oil for the Volta River Authority (VRA) to generate power.
The ministry said the government was working assiduously to ensure that 5,000 megawatts of power is generated by 2015.
The current power rationing is a huge political issue in Ghana apart from its debilitating effects on industry,
vanguard
Wizkid, EME back in business
After a renegotiation of contracts, Wizkid and Empire Mates Entertainment (EME) are back together.
Wizkid has been seen with label mates, Shaydee and DJ Xclusive in Benin Republic where they all performed at a show early this month and then Banky W had been called on stage by Wizkid at a recently held Five Star Music Festival event put together by another Pop singer KCEE.
Wizkid will however go on with his Star Boy label as he has announced the signing of two different production units – UK based Nigeiran Maleek Berry and Lagos based duo Legendury Beatz.
Vanguard
After a renegotiation of contracts, Wizkid and Empire Mates Entertainment (EME) are back together.
Wizkid has been seen with label mates, Shaydee and DJ Xclusive in Benin Republic where they all performed at a show early this month and then Banky W had been called on stage by Wizkid at a recently held Five Star Music Festival event put together by another Pop singer KCEE.
Wizkid will however go on with his Star Boy label as he has announced the signing of two different production units – UK based Nigeiran Maleek Berry and Lagos based duo Legendury Beatz.
Vanguard
Africans stand to lose as US axes visa lottery
Africans could be the big losers as the United States reforms its immigration laws and eliminates the green card lottery, of which Africans are the main beneficiaries.
Half of the 50,000 residence permits handed out at random each year are earmarked for Africans. It is a hugely popular program that has allowed hundreds of thousands of Africans to settle in America since the mid 1990s.
But the ambitious reform project under debate now in Washington, which would provide papers for million undocumented immigrants, contains a clause that would do away with the lottery.
In its place would be a more selective immigration system based on skills, career and family ties.
For years the lottery has been in the crosshairs of Republicans, who control the House of Representatives and say it adds no value to the American economy.
“It’s clear that there are better ways to allocate visas than to randomly give them out through a lottery system,” said Bob Goodlatte, the Republican who leads the House Judiciary Committee. “Our immigration laws shouldn’t be based on the luck of the draw; rather, they should be designed strategically to benefit our country.”
The ‘diversity visa,’ as it is known formally, is set aside for people from countries that do not experience a lot of emigration. So Mexicans, Chinese and Filipinos, for instance, are not eligible. Africans quickly became the main ones to cash in.
All applicants need is a high school diploma or two years of work experience.
Between 2010 and 2012, one in five Africans who came to the United States to stay did so through the lottery. That made it the third most common method, at 21 percent of the total, after family reunification (43%) and refugee status or asylum seekers (23%).
By comparison, in the same period only 10 percent of Europeans who became permanent residents and 3% of Asians did so through the lottery.
“It has proven to be a way of helping those who come from the continent of Africa, those who come from a number of other areas where it is very difficult to get a visa,” said Sheila Jackson Lee, a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, whose members are all Democrats.
But in an effort to preserve the comprehensive reform being negotiated for months by the two parties, the Democrats and President Barack Obama agreed to ditch the lottery.
Representative Charles Schumer, who authored the program in 1990, said it was impossible to keep it.
Schumer said the system that will replace it in 2017 is merit-based and will also give Africans a chance. On average they are more educated than people from other continents. And English-speaking Africans would get a boost because of that language skill.
But Michael Fix of the Migration Policy Institute said, “It really probably won’t admit enough people to offset the effects of the loss of the diversity visa for some years after that. It’s a long time away. It won’t be immediately offset by any means.”
The diversity visas would vanish starting next year under the reform being negotiated.
Only four percent of African immigrants — compared to 21 percent of Asians and 22 percent of Europeans — received a green card for employment reasons in 2012.
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People says the number of African immigrants will go down even with the merit-based system.
“In essence, we’re concerned,” said Hilary Shelton, the NAACP Washington bureau director.
Dame Babou, who hosts a radio show that caters to Senegalese people in New York, said the scrapping of the lottery is disheartening for Africans.
“Every year many people thought this was going to be their year,” Babou said. “Again, what is being eliminated is hope.”(AFP)
*
Africans could be the big losers as the United States reforms its immigration laws and eliminates the green card lottery, of which Africans are the main beneficiaries.
Half of the 50,000 residence permits handed out at random each year are earmarked for Africans. It is a hugely popular program that has allowed hundreds of thousands of Africans to settle in America since the mid 1990s.
But the ambitious reform project under debate now in Washington, which would provide papers for million undocumented immigrants, contains a clause that would do away with the lottery.
In its place would be a more selective immigration system based on skills, career and family ties.
For years the lottery has been in the crosshairs of Republicans, who control the House of Representatives and say it adds no value to the American economy.
“It’s clear that there are better ways to allocate visas than to randomly give them out through a lottery system,” said Bob Goodlatte, the Republican who leads the House Judiciary Committee. “Our immigration laws shouldn’t be based on the luck of the draw; rather, they should be designed strategically to benefit our country.”
The ‘diversity visa,’ as it is known formally, is set aside for people from countries that do not experience a lot of emigration. So Mexicans, Chinese and Filipinos, for instance, are not eligible. Africans quickly became the main ones to cash in.
All applicants need is a high school diploma or two years of work experience.
Between 2010 and 2012, one in five Africans who came to the United States to stay did so through the lottery. That made it the third most common method, at 21 percent of the total, after family reunification (43%) and refugee status or asylum seekers (23%).
By comparison, in the same period only 10 percent of Europeans who became permanent residents and 3% of Asians did so through the lottery.
“It has proven to be a way of helping those who come from the continent of Africa, those who come from a number of other areas where it is very difficult to get a visa,” said Sheila Jackson Lee, a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, whose members are all Democrats.
But in an effort to preserve the comprehensive reform being negotiated for months by the two parties, the Democrats and President Barack Obama agreed to ditch the lottery.
Representative Charles Schumer, who authored the program in 1990, said it was impossible to keep it.
Schumer said the system that will replace it in 2017 is merit-based and will also give Africans a chance. On average they are more educated than people from other continents. And English-speaking Africans would get a boost because of that language skill.
But Michael Fix of the Migration Policy Institute said, “It really probably won’t admit enough people to offset the effects of the loss of the diversity visa for some years after that. It’s a long time away. It won’t be immediately offset by any means.”
The diversity visas would vanish starting next year under the reform being negotiated.
Only four percent of African immigrants — compared to 21 percent of Asians and 22 percent of Europeans — received a green card for employment reasons in 2012.
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People says the number of African immigrants will go down even with the merit-based system.
“In essence, we’re concerned,” said Hilary Shelton, the NAACP Washington bureau director.
Dame Babou, who hosts a radio show that caters to Senegalese people in New York, said the scrapping of the lottery is disheartening for Africans.
“Every year many people thought this was going to be their year,” Babou said. “Again, what is being eliminated is hope.”(AFP)
*
Pastor in court for allegedly raping 3 pupils
Emmauel Matthew (50) was yesterday, arraigned before Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf of the FCT High Court for alleged rape of three pupils in his school.
Mathew, who is the pastor and General Overseer of The Choice Bible Church, Mpape, and proprietor of the primary school where his victims attended, was arraigned on a six-count charge of rape.
He was accused of having carnal knowledge of two seven-year-old pupils and a nine-year-old on different occasions in his school office without their consent, thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 283 of the Penal Code.
Mathew pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge, while the presiding judge ordered the prosecuting counsel to amend the remaining three-count charge against the accused.
The prosecutor, Stalley Nwodo, urged the court to fix a date for the amendment of charges.
Baba-Yusuf granted the prosecutor’s application and adjourned the matter to May 8 for amendment of charges and re-arraignment of the accused.
Vanguard
Emmauel Matthew (50) was yesterday, arraigned before Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf of the FCT High Court for alleged rape of three pupils in his school.
Mathew, who is the pastor and General Overseer of The Choice Bible Church, Mpape, and proprietor of the primary school where his victims attended, was arraigned on a six-count charge of rape.
He was accused of having carnal knowledge of two seven-year-old pupils and a nine-year-old on different occasions in his school office without their consent, thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 283 of the Penal Code.
Mathew pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge, while the presiding judge ordered the prosecuting counsel to amend the remaining three-count charge against the accused.
The prosecutor, Stalley Nwodo, urged the court to fix a date for the amendment of charges.
Baba-Yusuf granted the prosecutor’s application and adjourned the matter to May 8 for amendment of charges and re-arraignment of the accused.
Vanguard
EFCC suffers set-back in Gov Lamido’s son’s trial
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Tuesday, suffered a set-back in its bid to convict the eldest son of Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State, Alhaji Aminu Sule, over alleged money laundering offences.
This was because the exhibit form containing graphic details of the hard currency allegedly recovered from Sule at the point of arrest last year was not duly signed, forcing the Presiding Judge, Fatu Riman of Federal High Court, Kano, to throw out a vital exhibit filed by the EFCC.
The Defence Counsel, Offiong Offiong had challenged the propriety of the exhibit, stressing that “the document cannot stand as exhibit in that the process contradicts several provisions of the Evidence Act.”
Ruling on the issue, the judge said, ‘’the court is not a play ground that anything would go; as such the document brought by the EFCC lacks basic requirements to be accepted as an evidence”, and I have no choice than to throw it out,” and adjourned the matter till May 27 and 28 for continuation and further hearings of other evidences.
vanguard
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Tuesday, suffered a set-back in its bid to convict the eldest son of Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State, Alhaji Aminu Sule, over alleged money laundering offences.
This was because the exhibit form containing graphic details of the hard currency allegedly recovered from Sule at the point of arrest last year was not duly signed, forcing the Presiding Judge, Fatu Riman of Federal High Court, Kano, to throw out a vital exhibit filed by the EFCC.
The Defence Counsel, Offiong Offiong had challenged the propriety of the exhibit, stressing that “the document cannot stand as exhibit in that the process contradicts several provisions of the Evidence Act.”
Ruling on the issue, the judge said, ‘’the court is not a play ground that anything would go; as such the document brought by the EFCC lacks basic requirements to be accepted as an evidence”, and I have no choice than to throw it out,” and adjourned the matter till May 27 and 28 for continuation and further hearings of other evidences.
vanguard
Notore, foreign firm to build 500MW plant
Notore Power Limited (Notore Power), an indigenous independent power producer (IPP), has just signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ContourGlobal to develop, construct, finance and operate a gas-fired power station. The plant would have an available capacity of 500 MW at its existing facility at the Notore Industrial Complex in Onne, Rivers State, Nigeria.
The plan is to sell the electricity generated by the plant to the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading PLC. The signing took place in Abuja.
ContourGlobal is an international power generation company with power generating assets of more than 3000 MW in operations or under construction in 15 countries on four continents.
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Notore Power , Mr Femi Solebo, expressed delight at the official commencement of the project through the signing ceremony.
He said: “We are delighted at today’s event. This marks the commencement of change in Nigeria. We are committed to enhancing the quality of lives of Nigerians and electrical power is definitely of serious need in our nation today. We are happy to be partnering with ContourGlobal, a world-acclaimed and trusted organisation and we are confident that this project would be delivered as promised”.
President and Chief Executive Officer of ContourGlobal, Mr Joseph C. Brandt, Said:”ContourGlobal has always given special consideration to Africa since its creation in 2006.”
[The Nation]
*
Notore Power Limited (Notore Power), an indigenous independent power producer (IPP), has just signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ContourGlobal to develop, construct, finance and operate a gas-fired power station. The plant would have an available capacity of 500 MW at its existing facility at the Notore Industrial Complex in Onne, Rivers State, Nigeria.
The plan is to sell the electricity generated by the plant to the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading PLC. The signing took place in Abuja.
ContourGlobal is an international power generation company with power generating assets of more than 3000 MW in operations or under construction in 15 countries on four continents.
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Notore Power , Mr Femi Solebo, expressed delight at the official commencement of the project through the signing ceremony.
He said: “We are delighted at today’s event. This marks the commencement of change in Nigeria. We are committed to enhancing the quality of lives of Nigerians and electrical power is definitely of serious need in our nation today. We are happy to be partnering with ContourGlobal, a world-acclaimed and trusted organisation and we are confident that this project would be delivered as promised”.
President and Chief Executive Officer of ContourGlobal, Mr Joseph C. Brandt, Said:”ContourGlobal has always given special consideration to Africa since its creation in 2006.”
[The Nation]
*
Danish scientists on the brink of HIV cure
Danish scientists are expecting results that will show that 'finding a mass-distributable and affordable cure to HIV is possible'.
They are conducting clinical trials to test a 'novel strategy' in which the HIV virus is stripped from human DNA and destroyed permanently by the immune system.
The move would represent a dramatic step forward in the attempt to find a cure for the virus, which causes AIDS.
Telegraph.co.uk reports that the scientists are currently conducting human trials on their treatment, in the hope of proving that it is effective. It has already been found to work in laboratory tests.
The technique involves releasing the HIV virus from 'reservoirs' it forms inside DNA, bringing it to the surface of the cells. Once it comes to the surface, the body's natural immune system can kill the virus through being boosted by a 'vaccine'.
In vitro studies -- those that use human cells in a laboratory -- of the new technique proved so successful that in January, the Danish Research Council awarded the team 12 million Danish kroner (£1.5m) to pursue their findings in clinical trials with human subjects.
These are now under way, and according to Dr Ole Søgaard, a senior researcher at the Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark and part of the research team, the early signs are 'promising'.
"I am almost certain that we will be successful in releasing the reservoirs of HIV," he said.
"The challenge will be getting the patients' immune system to recognise the virus and destroy it. This depends on the strength and sensitivity of individual immune systems."
Fifteen patients are currently taking part in the trials, and if any of them are found to have successfully been cured of HIV, the 'cure' will be tested on a wider scale, aided by an immune system booster.
Søgaard stressed that a cure is not the same as a preventative vaccine, and that raising awareness of unsafe behaviour, including unprotected sex and sharing needles, remains of paramount importance in combating HIV.
With modern HIV treatment, a patient can live an almost normal life, even into old age, with limited side effects.
However, if medication is stopped, HIV reservoirs become active and start to produce more of the virus, meaning that symptoms can reappear within two weeks.
Punch
Danish scientists are expecting results that will show that 'finding a mass-distributable and affordable cure to HIV is possible'.
They are conducting clinical trials to test a 'novel strategy' in which the HIV virus is stripped from human DNA and destroyed permanently by the immune system.
The move would represent a dramatic step forward in the attempt to find a cure for the virus, which causes AIDS.
Telegraph.co.uk reports that the scientists are currently conducting human trials on their treatment, in the hope of proving that it is effective. It has already been found to work in laboratory tests.
The technique involves releasing the HIV virus from 'reservoirs' it forms inside DNA, bringing it to the surface of the cells. Once it comes to the surface, the body's natural immune system can kill the virus through being boosted by a 'vaccine'.
In vitro studies -- those that use human cells in a laboratory -- of the new technique proved so successful that in January, the Danish Research Council awarded the team 12 million Danish kroner (£1.5m) to pursue their findings in clinical trials with human subjects.
These are now under way, and according to Dr Ole Søgaard, a senior researcher at the Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark and part of the research team, the early signs are 'promising'.
"I am almost certain that we will be successful in releasing the reservoirs of HIV," he said.
"The challenge will be getting the patients' immune system to recognise the virus and destroy it. This depends on the strength and sensitivity of individual immune systems."
Fifteen patients are currently taking part in the trials, and if any of them are found to have successfully been cured of HIV, the 'cure' will be tested on a wider scale, aided by an immune system booster.
Søgaard stressed that a cure is not the same as a preventative vaccine, and that raising awareness of unsafe behaviour, including unprotected sex and sharing needles, remains of paramount importance in combating HIV.
With modern HIV treatment, a patient can live an almost normal life, even into old age, with limited side effects.
However, if medication is stopped, HIV reservoirs become active and start to produce more of the virus, meaning that symptoms can reappear within two weeks.
Punch
N-Delta students demand N150,000 annual assistance
COALITION of Niger Delta Students, CONDS, weekend, demanded that students of the region in tertiary institution across the country, who scored a minimum grade point average of 2.5 be paid N150,000 annually by the Ministry of Niger Affairs as Students’ Special Assistance Scheme, SSAS.
The student body, in a statement at the end of its quarterly joint executive meeting at Delta State University, Abraka, said the scheme, if introduced, “will go a long way to alleviate the sufferings of students from the Niger Delta region in their academic pursuits.”
CONDS, in the statement by its National President, Mr. Israel Uwejeyan and three others, said, “it will also clear the popular belief that it was only by carrying arms that one can get recognised or share from the common wealth of the Niger Delta region.
“If ex-militants in the region can receive like sum or more on a monthly basis, Niger Delta students see no reason why students who have struggled to achieve the 2.5 grade point in tertiary institutions, despite the harsh economic situation amidst the rich natural endowment of the region, should not be given a minimum of N150,000 annually.
“The leadership and students of the Niger Delta region in tertiary institutions across the nation are willing, prepared and capable to pursue this resolve peacefully and legally to a favourable conclusion as we are tired of sitting and watching while only the violent are rewarded from the common wealth of the region.”
Vanguard
COALITION of Niger Delta Students, CONDS, weekend, demanded that students of the region in tertiary institution across the country, who scored a minimum grade point average of 2.5 be paid N150,000 annually by the Ministry of Niger Affairs as Students’ Special Assistance Scheme, SSAS.
The student body, in a statement at the end of its quarterly joint executive meeting at Delta State University, Abraka, said the scheme, if introduced, “will go a long way to alleviate the sufferings of students from the Niger Delta region in their academic pursuits.”
CONDS, in the statement by its National President, Mr. Israel Uwejeyan and three others, said, “it will also clear the popular belief that it was only by carrying arms that one can get recognised or share from the common wealth of the Niger Delta region.
“If ex-militants in the region can receive like sum or more on a monthly basis, Niger Delta students see no reason why students who have struggled to achieve the 2.5 grade point in tertiary institutions, despite the harsh economic situation amidst the rich natural endowment of the region, should not be given a minimum of N150,000 annually.
“The leadership and students of the Niger Delta region in tertiary institutions across the nation are willing, prepared and capable to pursue this resolve peacefully and legally to a favourable conclusion as we are tired of sitting and watching while only the violent are rewarded from the common wealth of the region.”
Vanguard
FG faults state of origin in VCs, rectors' appointments
Federal Government has said the appointments of vice-chancellors, rectors and provosts will be on merit.
Education Minister, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufai, who stated this on Monday, also said henceforth, no polytechnic would run a post-graduate programme.
The minister spoke in Abuja while inaugurating the governing councils of 15 federal polytechnics, 19 federal colleges of education, National Teachers Institute and the National Education Research Development and Council.
According to her, the idea that principal officers of tertiary institutions should come from the locality is alien to the system that considers merit as its operational watchword.
She said, "Councils should not allow themselves to be embroiled in primordial sentiments but rather make due process their guiding principle in all appointments.
"Position of rectors/provosts and other principal officers should be open to all qualified Nigerians irrespective of where they come from."
Rufai, who frowned on the arbitrary conferment of fellowship awards by many tertiary institutions, also noted that academic convocation had become "carnivals of sorts" in recent time in the country.
She said, "The governing councils should not be lured to turn the prestigious fellowship awards to chieftaincy title affairs. The image and integrity of the institution should be foremost in deciding who should be conferred with these awards. Also convocation should not be looked as a form of social gathering or carnival but purely an academic event."
To address the problem, the minister said there would be no convocation in institutions that failed to issue certificates to graduating students.
Punch
Federal Government has said the appointments of vice-chancellors, rectors and provosts will be on merit.
Education Minister, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufai, who stated this on Monday, also said henceforth, no polytechnic would run a post-graduate programme.
The minister spoke in Abuja while inaugurating the governing councils of 15 federal polytechnics, 19 federal colleges of education, National Teachers Institute and the National Education Research Development and Council.
According to her, the idea that principal officers of tertiary institutions should come from the locality is alien to the system that considers merit as its operational watchword.
She said, "Councils should not allow themselves to be embroiled in primordial sentiments but rather make due process their guiding principle in all appointments.
"Position of rectors/provosts and other principal officers should be open to all qualified Nigerians irrespective of where they come from."
Rufai, who frowned on the arbitrary conferment of fellowship awards by many tertiary institutions, also noted that academic convocation had become "carnivals of sorts" in recent time in the country.
She said, "The governing councils should not be lured to turn the prestigious fellowship awards to chieftaincy title affairs. The image and integrity of the institution should be foremost in deciding who should be conferred with these awards. Also convocation should not be looked as a form of social gathering or carnival but purely an academic event."
To address the problem, the minister said there would be no convocation in institutions that failed to issue certificates to graduating students.
Punch
Primark, Loblaw To Compensate Victims Of Bangladesh Disaster
Two Western retailers have promised to compensate families of garment workers killed while making their clothes in a Bangladesh factory building that collapsed last week in the country’s worst industrial accident.
The pledge from Britain’s Primark and Canada’s Loblaw came after the owner of the collapsed Rana Plaza was brought before a court in Dhaka on Monday, where lawyers and protesters chanted “hang him, hang him”.
At least 385 people were killed in the disaster, the latest incident to raise serious questions about worker safety and low wages in the poor South Asian country that relies on garments for 80 percent of its exports.
With almost no hope left of finding further survivors, heavy machinery has been brought in to start clearing the mass of concrete and debris from the site in the commercial suburb of Savar, about 30 km (20 miles) from the capital Dhaka.
Eight people have been arrested – four factory bosses, two engineers, building owner Mohammed Sohel Rana and his father, Abdul Khalek. Police are looking for a fifth factory boss, Spanish citizen David Mayor, although it was unclear whether he was in Bangladesh at the time of the accident.
There were angry scenes as Rana, a local leader of the ruling Awami League’s youth front, was led into court on Monday wearing a helmet and protective police jacket, witnesses said.
“Put the killer on the gallows, he is not worth any mercy or lenient penalty,” one onlooker outside the court shouted.
Rana, who was arrested on Sunday by the elite Rapid Action Battalion apparently trying to flee to India, was ordered to be held on remand for 15 days for interrogation.
Khalek, who officials said was named in documents as a legal owner of the Rana Plaza building, was arrested in Dhaka on Monday. Those being held face charges of faulty construction and causing unlawful death.
Bangladesh does carry out the death penalty for murder and for most serious categories of manslaughter.
About 2,500 people have been rescued from the wrecked building, which housed several factories on the upper floors, but hundreds of the mostly female workers who are thought to have been inside remain unaccounted for.
THIRD MAJOR ACCIDENT IN FIVE MONTHS
The collapse was the third major industrial incident in five months in Bangladesh, the second-largest exporter of garments in the world behind China. In November, a fire at the Tazreen Fashion factory in a suburb of Dhaka killed 112 people.
The industry employs about 3.6 million people, most of them women, some of whom earn as little as $38 a month.
Anger over the disaster has sparked days of protests and clashes. Many factories remained closed on Monday due to labor unrest and police used tear-gas to quell demonstrations.
Primark, which was supplied by one of the factories operating at Rana Plaza, said on Monday that it was working with a local NGO to help victims of the disaster.
“Primark will pay compensation to the victims of this disaster who worked for its supplier,” said the company, owned by FTSE 100-listed Associated British Foods.
“This will include the provision of long-term aid for children who have lost parents, financial aid for those injured and payments to the families of the deceased.”
Loblaw Companies Ltd, which had some of its Joe Fresh clothing line manufactured at Rana Plaza, said it too was offering compensation.
“We are working to ensure that we will deliver support in the best and most meaningful way possible, and with the goal of ensuring that victims and their families receive benefits now and in the future,” said spokeswoman Julija Hunter in an email.
Primark and Loblaw operate under codes of conduct aimed at ensuring products are made in good working conditions.
Spain’s fashion label Mango told its followers on Facebook at the weekend that it had not carried out a “social audit” of Mayor’s company Phantom-Tak, with which it had an unfilled sample order, but would have done so had it gone on to place a full order.
The International Labour Organisation (ILO), an agency of the United Nations, said it was sending a high-level mission to Bangladesh in the coming days.
“Horror and regret must translate into firm action,” said ILO Director-General Guy Ryder in a statement. “Action now can prevent further tragedy.”
Officials in Bangladesh have said the eight-storey complex had been built on swampy ground without the correct permits, and more than 3,000 workers – most of them young women – entered the building on Wednesday morning despite warnings that it was structurally unsafe.
A bank and shops in the building closed after a jolt was felt and cracks were noticed on some pillars on Tuesday.
Channels Tv
Two Western retailers have promised to compensate families of garment workers killed while making their clothes in a Bangladesh factory building that collapsed last week in the country’s worst industrial accident.
The pledge from Britain’s Primark and Canada’s Loblaw came after the owner of the collapsed Rana Plaza was brought before a court in Dhaka on Monday, where lawyers and protesters chanted “hang him, hang him”.
At least 385 people were killed in the disaster, the latest incident to raise serious questions about worker safety and low wages in the poor South Asian country that relies on garments for 80 percent of its exports.
With almost no hope left of finding further survivors, heavy machinery has been brought in to start clearing the mass of concrete and debris from the site in the commercial suburb of Savar, about 30 km (20 miles) from the capital Dhaka.
Eight people have been arrested – four factory bosses, two engineers, building owner Mohammed Sohel Rana and his father, Abdul Khalek. Police are looking for a fifth factory boss, Spanish citizen David Mayor, although it was unclear whether he was in Bangladesh at the time of the accident.
There were angry scenes as Rana, a local leader of the ruling Awami League’s youth front, was led into court on Monday wearing a helmet and protective police jacket, witnesses said.
“Put the killer on the gallows, he is not worth any mercy or lenient penalty,” one onlooker outside the court shouted.
Rana, who was arrested on Sunday by the elite Rapid Action Battalion apparently trying to flee to India, was ordered to be held on remand for 15 days for interrogation.
Khalek, who officials said was named in documents as a legal owner of the Rana Plaza building, was arrested in Dhaka on Monday. Those being held face charges of faulty construction and causing unlawful death.
Bangladesh does carry out the death penalty for murder and for most serious categories of manslaughter.
About 2,500 people have been rescued from the wrecked building, which housed several factories on the upper floors, but hundreds of the mostly female workers who are thought to have been inside remain unaccounted for.
THIRD MAJOR ACCIDENT IN FIVE MONTHS
The collapse was the third major industrial incident in five months in Bangladesh, the second-largest exporter of garments in the world behind China. In November, a fire at the Tazreen Fashion factory in a suburb of Dhaka killed 112 people.
The industry employs about 3.6 million people, most of them women, some of whom earn as little as $38 a month.
Anger over the disaster has sparked days of protests and clashes. Many factories remained closed on Monday due to labor unrest and police used tear-gas to quell demonstrations.
Primark, which was supplied by one of the factories operating at Rana Plaza, said on Monday that it was working with a local NGO to help victims of the disaster.
“Primark will pay compensation to the victims of this disaster who worked for its supplier,” said the company, owned by FTSE 100-listed Associated British Foods.
“This will include the provision of long-term aid for children who have lost parents, financial aid for those injured and payments to the families of the deceased.”
Loblaw Companies Ltd, which had some of its Joe Fresh clothing line manufactured at Rana Plaza, said it too was offering compensation.
“We are working to ensure that we will deliver support in the best and most meaningful way possible, and with the goal of ensuring that victims and their families receive benefits now and in the future,” said spokeswoman Julija Hunter in an email.
Primark and Loblaw operate under codes of conduct aimed at ensuring products are made in good working conditions.
Spain’s fashion label Mango told its followers on Facebook at the weekend that it had not carried out a “social audit” of Mayor’s company Phantom-Tak, with which it had an unfilled sample order, but would have done so had it gone on to place a full order.
The International Labour Organisation (ILO), an agency of the United Nations, said it was sending a high-level mission to Bangladesh in the coming days.
“Horror and regret must translate into firm action,” said ILO Director-General Guy Ryder in a statement. “Action now can prevent further tragedy.”
Officials in Bangladesh have said the eight-storey complex had been built on swampy ground without the correct permits, and more than 3,000 workers – most of them young women – entered the building on Wednesday morning despite warnings that it was structurally unsafe.
A bank and shops in the building closed after a jolt was felt and cracks were noticed on some pillars on Tuesday.
Channels Tv
Young Jobless Man Sets Self-Ablaze
A young jobless man set himself ablaze and was seriously wounded on Sunday in front of the town hall of Sidi Bouzid, birthplace of Tunisia's 2011 revolution, witnesses said.
Brahim Slimani, 23, doused himself with petrol and set himself alight in front of the closed town hall, to the alarm of passers-by who rushed to his rescue.
He was taken to the local hospital where doctors said he had third degree burns over three-quarters of his body.
Witnesses said the man did not utter a word before his action but a friend said that he was unemployed and living in poverty.
The number of people committing suicide or trying to take their own lives has multiplied since a young Tunisian street vendor set himself on fire on December 17, 2010, in a drastic act of protest against police harassment.
Mohamed Bouazizi's death ignited a mass uprising that toppled ex-dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali the following month and touched off the Arab Spring.
Limited economic prospects, especially in the neglected interior, were key factors behind Tunisia's revolution. Two years on, nearly a quarter of the population lives in poverty, with unemployment at around 18 percent.
Naij
A young jobless man set himself ablaze and was seriously wounded on Sunday in front of the town hall of Sidi Bouzid, birthplace of Tunisia's 2011 revolution, witnesses said.
Brahim Slimani, 23, doused himself with petrol and set himself alight in front of the closed town hall, to the alarm of passers-by who rushed to his rescue.
He was taken to the local hospital where doctors said he had third degree burns over three-quarters of his body.
Witnesses said the man did not utter a word before his action but a friend said that he was unemployed and living in poverty.
The number of people committing suicide or trying to take their own lives has multiplied since a young Tunisian street vendor set himself on fire on December 17, 2010, in a drastic act of protest against police harassment.
Mohamed Bouazizi's death ignited a mass uprising that toppled ex-dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali the following month and touched off the Arab Spring.
Limited economic prospects, especially in the neglected interior, were key factors behind Tunisia's revolution. Two years on, nearly a quarter of the population lives in poverty, with unemployment at around 18 percent.
Naij
Navy inaugurates website on crude oil theft
Following increased pipeline vandalism and oil theft in the Niger Delta, the Nigerian Navy has inaugurated a website on crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
A statement by Commodore Kabiru Aliyu, Director of Naval Information, said: “This is in furtherance of the directive of President Goodluck Jonathan to the Nigerian Navy to ensure that crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism are wiped out from the nation’s maritime environment.
The website, www.cot.navy.mil.ng provides details relating to exploration, nominations, approvals, movement and trans shipment of petroleum products as promulgated by relevant authorities.”
vanguard
Following increased pipeline vandalism and oil theft in the Niger Delta, the Nigerian Navy has inaugurated a website on crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
A statement by Commodore Kabiru Aliyu, Director of Naval Information, said: “This is in furtherance of the directive of President Goodluck Jonathan to the Nigerian Navy to ensure that crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism are wiped out from the nation’s maritime environment.
The website, www.cot.navy.mil.ng provides details relating to exploration, nominations, approvals, movement and trans shipment of petroleum products as promulgated by relevant authorities.”
vanguard
FG offers N25,000 reward for reports of verifiable Guinea worm cases
AHEAD of Nigeria’s certification as a guinea worm free nation by the World Health Organisation, WHO, in June 2013, the Federal government is offering a cash reward of N25,000 for every report of authentic new guineaworm cases in any part of the country. In 2011, a N10,000 reward was offered for a similar report.
Nigeria has maintained a zero-case status for 52 months, as there has been no case of gunea worm reported to date in any part of the country.
The last verifiable guineaworm case reported in Nigeria was in November 2008, putting it on target to meet international certification for eradication.
Already, an International Certification Team from the WHO is expected to visit Nigeria as from June for an assessment of the country’s certification drive and to confirm whether the country retains a strong surveillance system to ensure any possible case is caught and reported early.
Disclosing the cash reward initiative in Lagos during a roundtable on Media and Advocacy for guinea worm disease eradication pre-certification activities, Assistant National Coordinator of the National Steering Committee of the Nigeria Guineaworm Eradication Programme, NIGEP, Mr. Babatunde Tokoya, said the reward motive was to sensitise the entire populace about the importance of gunea worm certification.
“Any suspected case of guineaworm disease is to be reported to the nearest health facility and if it is confirmed, the reporter will be given a cash reward of N25,000. All suspected cases can be reported through a toll free line 08001001000,” Tokoya affirmed.
He noted that between 2009 to date there have been 545 rumour cases of guineaworm out of which 21 were recorded between January and March 2013.
“Before Nigeria can be certified guineaworm free, we must meet four distinct criteria. We must have at least 85 percent timely monthly reporting from all health facilities, public and private primary, secondary and tertiary health facilities in the the 774 LGAs across the country. Currently we have attained 57 percent.
Further, he said there must be at least 80 percent monthly reporting from all 774 LGAs in the states. “Currently we are at 83 percent completeness but 51 percent reported timely.
“We must have at least 80 percent monthly reporting from all 774 LGAs and at least 80 per cent of the general public in rural and urban areas knowing about the reward, and all health facility staff at national, State, LGA and health facility level must know about the case definition of guineaworm and appropriate response to the cases. Currently we have attained 32 percent.
“All guineaworm disease rumours must be investigated immediately, within 24 hours of receiving the verbal or written report. Currently we are at 82 percent.
Further, Tokoya said adequate safe water supply and management in villages at risk must be maintained. “Currently we are at 97 percent.
There has been no confirmed case of the disease in Nigeria since the reported 38 cases in 2008, down from over 653,000 cases at the start of Guinea Worm Disease eradication campaign in 1987. Guineaworm eradication efforts, have been pushed by the NIGEP, focusing on surveillance, integrating guinea worm watch into other immunisation programmes and conscious efforts to improve water and sanitation in the 5,879 affected villages identified by NIGEP in 1998.
Member of the Steering Committee, Mr. Buki Ponle, said the roundtable was to discuss, among others, specific roles expected of the media and also to unfold plans for a Media Merit Award which will climax media activities on guineaworm eradication.
Guineaworm is infection with Dracunculus medinensis, a nematode worm. It is caused by drinking water containing water fleas habouring Dracunculus larvae.
There are no drugs for treatment but it can be prevented by protecting water sources and filtering potentially contaminated water.
Vanguard
AHEAD of Nigeria’s certification as a guinea worm free nation by the World Health Organisation, WHO, in June 2013, the Federal government is offering a cash reward of N25,000 for every report of authentic new guineaworm cases in any part of the country. In 2011, a N10,000 reward was offered for a similar report.
Nigeria has maintained a zero-case status for 52 months, as there has been no case of gunea worm reported to date in any part of the country.
The last verifiable guineaworm case reported in Nigeria was in November 2008, putting it on target to meet international certification for eradication.
Already, an International Certification Team from the WHO is expected to visit Nigeria as from June for an assessment of the country’s certification drive and to confirm whether the country retains a strong surveillance system to ensure any possible case is caught and reported early.
Disclosing the cash reward initiative in Lagos during a roundtable on Media and Advocacy for guinea worm disease eradication pre-certification activities, Assistant National Coordinator of the National Steering Committee of the Nigeria Guineaworm Eradication Programme, NIGEP, Mr. Babatunde Tokoya, said the reward motive was to sensitise the entire populace about the importance of gunea worm certification.
“Any suspected case of guineaworm disease is to be reported to the nearest health facility and if it is confirmed, the reporter will be given a cash reward of N25,000. All suspected cases can be reported through a toll free line 08001001000,” Tokoya affirmed.
He noted that between 2009 to date there have been 545 rumour cases of guineaworm out of which 21 were recorded between January and March 2013.
“Before Nigeria can be certified guineaworm free, we must meet four distinct criteria. We must have at least 85 percent timely monthly reporting from all health facilities, public and private primary, secondary and tertiary health facilities in the the 774 LGAs across the country. Currently we have attained 57 percent.
Further, he said there must be at least 80 percent monthly reporting from all 774 LGAs in the states. “Currently we are at 83 percent completeness but 51 percent reported timely.
“We must have at least 80 percent monthly reporting from all 774 LGAs and at least 80 per cent of the general public in rural and urban areas knowing about the reward, and all health facility staff at national, State, LGA and health facility level must know about the case definition of guineaworm and appropriate response to the cases. Currently we have attained 32 percent.
“All guineaworm disease rumours must be investigated immediately, within 24 hours of receiving the verbal or written report. Currently we are at 82 percent.
Further, Tokoya said adequate safe water supply and management in villages at risk must be maintained. “Currently we are at 97 percent.
There has been no confirmed case of the disease in Nigeria since the reported 38 cases in 2008, down from over 653,000 cases at the start of Guinea Worm Disease eradication campaign in 1987. Guineaworm eradication efforts, have been pushed by the NIGEP, focusing on surveillance, integrating guinea worm watch into other immunisation programmes and conscious efforts to improve water and sanitation in the 5,879 affected villages identified by NIGEP in 1998.
Member of the Steering Committee, Mr. Buki Ponle, said the roundtable was to discuss, among others, specific roles expected of the media and also to unfold plans for a Media Merit Award which will climax media activities on guineaworm eradication.
Guineaworm is infection with Dracunculus medinensis, a nematode worm. It is caused by drinking water containing water fleas habouring Dracunculus larvae.
There are no drugs for treatment but it can be prevented by protecting water sources and filtering potentially contaminated water.
Vanguard
NCC orders MTN to collapse rates
TELECOMMUNICATIONS regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission, has ordered MTN Nigeria to collapse the rates for its on-net and off-net voice services, which it said has a 300 per cent differential with effect from tomorrow, May 1.
The NCC, in a report titled, ‘Determination of dominance in selected communications markets in Nigeria,” signed by Mr. Eugene Juwah, Executive Vice Chairman, NCC, said it plans to make a determination of pricing principle to address the rates charged for on-net and off-net voice calls for all other operators, to manage dominance in the market.
The NCC also disclosed that competition in the Nigerian mobile voice market is not highly competitive, and using what it called the HHI, said MTN with 44 percent of the market share has emerged the dominant operator in the mobile voice segment.
According to Juwah, an industry review showed phone calls between MTN customers cost three times lower than calls to other networks, indicative of the likely establishment of a calling club for MTN subscribers.
Juwah said, “As a result of the determination outlined above, the Commission has resolved to immediately enforce and implement accounting separation on the dominant operator; ensure that the differential between the on-net and off-net retail tariffs will immediately collapsed, while the tariff for on-net and off-net will be the same and subject to periodic review.
“The Commission may require the dominant operator to submit details on specific aspects of its operations from time as the need arises.”
Continuing, in the wholesale Leased Lines and Transmission Capacity market, which are in the upstream segment of the telecoms market, the NCC said the dominant operators, MTN and Glo jointly control 62 per cent of the market, and they shall be required to adhere to the following obligations as the Commission will come up with a price cap for wholesale services and price floor for retail services, and subject to periodic review.
“The Commission will immediately enforce and implement account separation on the joint dominant operators.
“The commission may require any of the joint dominant operators to submit details on specific aspects of its operations from time to time as the need arises.
“The determination shall take effect from 1st May 2013 and remain valid and binding on Licenses for the services specified in relevant market segments of the section, until further reviewed by the Commission.”
NCC said there are about 113 million mobile phone subscribers at the end of 2012, with MTN Nigeria leading with 47 million lines.
Globacom followed with 24 million users, Bharti Airtel had 23 million customers while Etisalat, had 14 million.
Vanguard
TELECOMMUNICATIONS regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission, has ordered MTN Nigeria to collapse the rates for its on-net and off-net voice services, which it said has a 300 per cent differential with effect from tomorrow, May 1.
The NCC, in a report titled, ‘Determination of dominance in selected communications markets in Nigeria,” signed by Mr. Eugene Juwah, Executive Vice Chairman, NCC, said it plans to make a determination of pricing principle to address the rates charged for on-net and off-net voice calls for all other operators, to manage dominance in the market.
The NCC also disclosed that competition in the Nigerian mobile voice market is not highly competitive, and using what it called the HHI, said MTN with 44 percent of the market share has emerged the dominant operator in the mobile voice segment.
According to Juwah, an industry review showed phone calls between MTN customers cost three times lower than calls to other networks, indicative of the likely establishment of a calling club for MTN subscribers.
Juwah said, “As a result of the determination outlined above, the Commission has resolved to immediately enforce and implement accounting separation on the dominant operator; ensure that the differential between the on-net and off-net retail tariffs will immediately collapsed, while the tariff for on-net and off-net will be the same and subject to periodic review.
“The Commission may require the dominant operator to submit details on specific aspects of its operations from time as the need arises.”
Continuing, in the wholesale Leased Lines and Transmission Capacity market, which are in the upstream segment of the telecoms market, the NCC said the dominant operators, MTN and Glo jointly control 62 per cent of the market, and they shall be required to adhere to the following obligations as the Commission will come up with a price cap for wholesale services and price floor for retail services, and subject to periodic review.
“The Commission will immediately enforce and implement account separation on the joint dominant operators.
“The commission may require any of the joint dominant operators to submit details on specific aspects of its operations from time to time as the need arises.
“The determination shall take effect from 1st May 2013 and remain valid and binding on Licenses for the services specified in relevant market segments of the section, until further reviewed by the Commission.”
NCC said there are about 113 million mobile phone subscribers at the end of 2012, with MTN Nigeria leading with 47 million lines.
Globacom followed with 24 million users, Bharti Airtel had 23 million customers while Etisalat, had 14 million.
Vanguard
UCH NMA, Allied Healthcare workers’ crisis deepens
The face-off between medical doctors and Nigerian Union of Allied Healthcare Professionals at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, worsened yesterday, as the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, declared that if laboratory technologists were allowed to coordinate medical laboratory science, it would amount to giving the work of a pilot to a carpenter.
Chairman of NMA in Oyo State, Professor Adefolarin Malomo, said this while speaking with newsmen at the NMA house in Ibadan.
The health professionals, comprising pharmacists, radiographers, dieticians, medical laboratory technologists and physiotherapists, last week, gave a May 2 deadline to the Federal Government to intervene in the perceived marginalisation, failing which, activities in the teaching hospitals would be paralysed.
NMA said it had kept quiet all this while because it did not want to join issues with the allied workers.
The NMA said: “When the designation, medical laboratory technologist, was changed to medical laboratory scientist, in Nigeria, without retraining, we restrained ourselves from pointing out the embarrassing anomaly. Names can have some psychological effects, as it is turning out now. The world over, scientists become independent practitioners only after a minimum of PhD and internship through post doctoral fellowship.”
Advising them to go for programmes or positions they were clamouring for, Prof. Malomo said, “those of them who wish to practise science should go ahead brilliantly to undertake Masters’ and doctoral degrees, join universities where they can practise science and reach the peak of a science careers.
The professionals had called on President Goodluck Jonathan to take urgent steps that would prevent innocent patients from suffering in hospitals.
The National President of the health professionals, Felix Faniran said they wanted to be appointed Chief Medical Director of UCH, and that Deputy Chief Medical Advisory Council on Energy, Special Duties, Dentistry, Laboratory and others should be scrapped.
vanguard
The face-off between medical doctors and Nigerian Union of Allied Healthcare Professionals at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, worsened yesterday, as the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, declared that if laboratory technologists were allowed to coordinate medical laboratory science, it would amount to giving the work of a pilot to a carpenter.
Chairman of NMA in Oyo State, Professor Adefolarin Malomo, said this while speaking with newsmen at the NMA house in Ibadan.
The health professionals, comprising pharmacists, radiographers, dieticians, medical laboratory technologists and physiotherapists, last week, gave a May 2 deadline to the Federal Government to intervene in the perceived marginalisation, failing which, activities in the teaching hospitals would be paralysed.
NMA said it had kept quiet all this while because it did not want to join issues with the allied workers.
The NMA said: “When the designation, medical laboratory technologist, was changed to medical laboratory scientist, in Nigeria, without retraining, we restrained ourselves from pointing out the embarrassing anomaly. Names can have some psychological effects, as it is turning out now. The world over, scientists become independent practitioners only after a minimum of PhD and internship through post doctoral fellowship.”
Advising them to go for programmes or positions they were clamouring for, Prof. Malomo said, “those of them who wish to practise science should go ahead brilliantly to undertake Masters’ and doctoral degrees, join universities where they can practise science and reach the peak of a science careers.
The professionals had called on President Goodluck Jonathan to take urgent steps that would prevent innocent patients from suffering in hospitals.
The National President of the health professionals, Felix Faniran said they wanted to be appointed Chief Medical Director of UCH, and that Deputy Chief Medical Advisory Council on Energy, Special Duties, Dentistry, Laboratory and others should be scrapped.
vanguard
Community Battle Lagos Church Over Noise Pollution
There seems to be no end in sight to the feud between residents of Mojisola Street, Ifako-Ijaiye, Lagos State and Evangelical Apostolic Church.
The residents are accusing the church, owned by Prophet Olatunji Talabi, aka Lesekese, of causing noise pollution in the area anytime it holds its services.
They said the noise emanating from speakers at the church, which was under construction, was "deafening".
It was learnt that a number of petitions had been sent to the state government over the issue.
In one of the petitions signed by Olusegun Olomofe, and sent to Governor Babatunde Fashola, the residents stated that government agency in charge of controlling such excesses was incapable of performing its statutory function..
The petition reads in part, "Since Evangelical Apostolic Church moved into the neighbourhood, its activities have been inimical to the general well-being of the residents and the noise level unbearable.
"Many elderly residents are not able to sleep whenever their service is in session."
The Chairman, MEGA Community Development Association, Mr. A.A. Bilesanmi, also showed our correspondent some letters of complaint written by the association to the police, Lagos State Environment Protection Agency and the Lagos State Government.
The MEGA CDA is made up of upper and lower Mojisola Street; Emmanuel Olorunfemi Street; Alimi Ogunyemi Street; Prince Ajenifuja Street and Gbagba Crescent.
PUNCH Metro learnt that the government initially replied the residents of the street.
The environmental protection agency wrote to the Chairman of the Mojisola Street Residents Association, Mr. Oye Balogun, saying the church had agreed to stop using external speakers; loud musical instruments, microphones and drums except on Sundays.
The letter by LASEPA said, "Sunday services should hold between 8am and 1pm. Evening services, including Sundays, should not exceed 8pm. Vigils should be reduced to once a month and must be without loudspeakers and musical instruments. The church is to ensure good neighbourliness with residents in the area."
However residents complained that nothing had changed.
Balogun, an 81-year-old retiree, said, "I am a retiree and I am old; all I want to do at this age is to eat and rest since I am not working anymore; but the level of the noise makes that difficult.
"We can't say that they shouldn't worship because freedom of worship is entrenched in the constitution of this country but the freedom to make noise is not allowed. We have been to the Ministry of the Environment but no action was taken. There was a time that LASEPA locked up the church but it was only for a few hours."
There was a service going on when PUNCH Metro visited the church on Wednesday morning and observed that, indeed, the noise from the church was deafening.
One of the church's pastors, Ilesanmi Oluwasakin, who spoke with our correspondent, said the church was being antagonised by the some Muslims in the executive of the CDA.
He said, "It is because three out of the executive members are Muslims, that's why they want the church shut down. After they reported, LASEPA came to investigate and closed the church. But when they realised that there was no problem, they allowed us to reopen.
"We have reduced the number of speakers we use. And after the residents started deflating the tires of vehicles belonging to our congregants, we bought a space for parking. We only have vigils once a month."
The General Manager of LASEPA, Mr. Rashees Shabi, said the noise pollution made by EAC ahd been reported to his office.
He said, "After the complaints were made, we shut down the church twice. The last time we closed it down was in May 2012. For us to open it again, an agreement was reached between all parties, including LASEPA.
"We decided that there shouldn't be external loud speakers and no vigil until the church building is completed. That agreement was signed by the complainants and the church.
"So when the executive members of Mojisola Street saw that EAC had breached the terms of the agreement, why didn't they report to LASEPA?
"If the residents report and we found that the church still pollutes the environment with noise, LASEPA would shut down the church indefinitely."
Related News
punch
There seems to be no end in sight to the feud between residents of Mojisola Street, Ifako-Ijaiye, Lagos State and Evangelical Apostolic Church.
The residents are accusing the church, owned by Prophet Olatunji Talabi, aka Lesekese, of causing noise pollution in the area anytime it holds its services.
They said the noise emanating from speakers at the church, which was under construction, was "deafening".
It was learnt that a number of petitions had been sent to the state government over the issue.
In one of the petitions signed by Olusegun Olomofe, and sent to Governor Babatunde Fashola, the residents stated that government agency in charge of controlling such excesses was incapable of performing its statutory function..
The petition reads in part, "Since Evangelical Apostolic Church moved into the neighbourhood, its activities have been inimical to the general well-being of the residents and the noise level unbearable.
"Many elderly residents are not able to sleep whenever their service is in session."
The Chairman, MEGA Community Development Association, Mr. A.A. Bilesanmi, also showed our correspondent some letters of complaint written by the association to the police, Lagos State Environment Protection Agency and the Lagos State Government.
The MEGA CDA is made up of upper and lower Mojisola Street; Emmanuel Olorunfemi Street; Alimi Ogunyemi Street; Prince Ajenifuja Street and Gbagba Crescent.
PUNCH Metro learnt that the government initially replied the residents of the street.
The environmental protection agency wrote to the Chairman of the Mojisola Street Residents Association, Mr. Oye Balogun, saying the church had agreed to stop using external speakers; loud musical instruments, microphones and drums except on Sundays.
The letter by LASEPA said, "Sunday services should hold between 8am and 1pm. Evening services, including Sundays, should not exceed 8pm. Vigils should be reduced to once a month and must be without loudspeakers and musical instruments. The church is to ensure good neighbourliness with residents in the area."
However residents complained that nothing had changed.
Balogun, an 81-year-old retiree, said, "I am a retiree and I am old; all I want to do at this age is to eat and rest since I am not working anymore; but the level of the noise makes that difficult.
"We can't say that they shouldn't worship because freedom of worship is entrenched in the constitution of this country but the freedom to make noise is not allowed. We have been to the Ministry of the Environment but no action was taken. There was a time that LASEPA locked up the church but it was only for a few hours."
There was a service going on when PUNCH Metro visited the church on Wednesday morning and observed that, indeed, the noise from the church was deafening.
One of the church's pastors, Ilesanmi Oluwasakin, who spoke with our correspondent, said the church was being antagonised by the some Muslims in the executive of the CDA.
He said, "It is because three out of the executive members are Muslims, that's why they want the church shut down. After they reported, LASEPA came to investigate and closed the church. But when they realised that there was no problem, they allowed us to reopen.
"We have reduced the number of speakers we use. And after the residents started deflating the tires of vehicles belonging to our congregants, we bought a space for parking. We only have vigils once a month."
The General Manager of LASEPA, Mr. Rashees Shabi, said the noise pollution made by EAC ahd been reported to his office.
He said, "After the complaints were made, we shut down the church twice. The last time we closed it down was in May 2012. For us to open it again, an agreement was reached between all parties, including LASEPA.
"We decided that there shouldn't be external loud speakers and no vigil until the church building is completed. That agreement was signed by the complainants and the church.
"So when the executive members of Mojisola Street saw that EAC had breached the terms of the agreement, why didn't they report to LASEPA?
"If the residents report and we found that the church still pollutes the environment with noise, LASEPA would shut down the church indefinitely."
Related News
punch
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