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Tuesday, 27 May 2014

Sanusi’s Suit Against FG Transferred To Industrial Court

The suit filed by the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, against the Federal Government of Nigeria, challenging his suspension from office, has been transferred from the Federal High Court to the National Industrial Court of Nigeria.


The transfer made known to reporters on Tuesday, followed the ruling of Justice Gabriel Kolawole, who last week Tuesday declined jurisdiction over the case and ordered the transfer on the grounds that it was a labour related matter.


Following an enquirer by Channels Television’s judiciary correspondent, Shola Soyele, about the status of the case, the Public affairs & Protocol Officer of the National Industrial Court, Mr Oladapo Obisesan, on Tuesday, sent out a statement confirming that the case file was received at the National Industrial Court, Abuja Division on Friday, 23 May, 2014.


The suit is now before the President of the court, Hon Justice Babatunde Adejumo, sitting in Court 1.


The suit comes up for hearing on Friday, 30 May.


Hearing notices have since been issued and served on the parties and counsel in the suit.


Mr Sanusi was suspended on allegation of financial recklessness.  He denies the allegation.

AMCON Insists It Can Sell Mainstream Bank To Willing Buyers

The planned sale of Mainstream Bank by the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) has continued to generate controversy, with AMCON saying that it reserves the right to sell the bank to willing buyers.


The shareholders of the defunct Afribank, now Mainstreet Bank, had placed a cavear emptor on AMCON’s invitation for expression of interest for the acquisition of AMCON’S shares in Mainstreet Bank Limited.


The Managing Director of the AMCON, Mr Mustapha Chike Obi, on Tuesday reacted to the publication, insisting that the supposed shareholders had no right to write such publication as AMCON was the sole owner of the financial institution.


“There is only one share holder of Mainstream Bank and that is AMCON. The old Afribank has been grounded legally by the court, so Afribank no longer exists. When you say shareholders of Mainstream Bank it is only AMCON.


He said that AMCON took over the bank when it provided 450 billion Naira to ensure that the depositors with Afribank did not lose their funds.


“Anyone willing to give back that money to AMCON can have the bank back,” Mr Chike Obi said, stressing the need for AMCON to recoup its funds.


He said that the decisions of the acclaimed shareholders over the planned sales was wrong as the owners of the bank had destroyed the banks and decided to have the bank back at no cost.


Chike-Obi, who was our guest on our business programme business morning on Tuesday, insisted that there was no case in court that prevents AMCON from selling Mainstreet Bank limited.


According to him the sale of the bank had been muted for over a year now and everything has been done transparently.


He confirmed that 25 investors had responded to the expression of interest request so far and the process was still ongoing.

Toybat Nursery and Primary School Emerge Champions of Channels National Kids Cup 2014

It was a dramatic end to the 2014 edition of the Channels National Kids Cup with Toybat Primary School, Gbagada, Lagos, emerging champions 8-7 on penalties.


It was tough for the kids after the game ended in a 0-0 score line and it dawned on the players that they were heading for penalties and all their efforts during regulation would not count anymore if they failed to convert their penalties.


Both teams converted 3 of their 5 regular spot kicks and it was an avalanche of nerves for the players, their coaching crew and spectators when it became a sudden death situation.


The Toybat goalkeeper produced moments of heroics, denying the boys from Ebutte Meta from clinching the glory twice when they had the opportunity to seal it.


In tears their both teams’ supporters prayed, yelled and mustered the little energy left in them to encourage their players to go for it, but in the end, after looking dead and buried on two occasions, Toybat Primary School got lucky with the final pair of spot kicks.


“With faith there is no mountain that cannot be moved” were the words of an elated Toybat Coach, Godwin Peters, who had earlier predicted a regulation time victory for his team during the half time.


Likening them to the Rock of Gibraltar, he admitted that the Ebutte Metta Primary School boys were indeed hard nuts to crack, as both teams played quality football but divine help brought the victory.


Ibukun Adetoro of Dr Teslim Elias Primary School emerged as the Golden Boot winner, while the Most Valuable Player was Ayomide Adesina of IMG Primary School from Oyo State.


Other individual awards were also presented to outstanding talents during the tournament with Jude Ibe of 12 Apostles Primary School from Ebonyi State emerging as the Best Goalkeeper and the Coach of IMG Primary School, Seyi Adewunmi, deservedly named Coach of the Tournament.


The Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, and his Delta State counterpart, Emmanuel Uduaghan were present at the stadium to support the kids, alongside the Initiator of the competition, the Chairman of Channels Television, Mr John Momoh.


Other State Governors were also represented at the event with several dignitaries from the public and private sector showing their support for the developmental project.


The Channels National Kids Cup competition is sponsored by Channels Television, with the support of the Lagos Football Association, the Delta State Government and Golden Penny, a pasta company.

FG debunks alleged plans to spend 800 million dollars to the image of money laundering

The Federal Government of Nigeria says there is no plan to spend $ 800 million to image money laundering such as the top priority now for reasons of national security, not Public Relations.


The Presidency, in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati &, stated that in domestic and foreign media reports that the Federal Government currently in the process of recruiting an International Public Relations firm "counter mounting criticism both inside and outside the country" completely false and unfounded.


The statement read: "the suggestion that the Federal Government plans to spend a staggering amount of $ 800 million to the phantom Public Relations efforts to ' increasing pressure over its response to the kidnapping of more than 200 college girls to relieve ' is also completely false.


"Coming as they, on a very difficult and sensitive time for the whole nation, the Federal Government considers the reports of a drive to recruit consultants to wash its image very insensitive, regrettable, absurd and very harmful.


"The Federal Government's top priority for now is not money laundering but for reasons of national security or Public Relations image and the ongoing effort to ensure the safe return of the kidnapped college girls."


The statement condemned the rumors, refer to it as "an attempt by vendors of fake reports to call of the Nigerian population against the Federal Government by the movement of falsehoods."

Boko Haram Attack Kills At Least 24 Nigerian Security Personnel

AppId is over the quota AppId is over the quota

Gunmen of the Boko Haram Islamist sect have killed over 10 soldiers, including several civilians during an attack on a military base in Buni Yadi, Yobe State on Monday.


Insurgents stormed the military base on Monday evening and opened fire on the soldiers without provocation.


The military were said to have engaged the insurgents in a gunfight that lasted well into the night, with the insurgent perceived to have been successfully repelled and resulting in them retreating.


They, however, stormed the village and the nearby Police Station with heavy arms – several Toyota Hilux vans as well as armoured personnel carriers – disguised in Army uniforms. They burnt down the Divisional Police headquarters, palace of the district head and court.


Security personnel from the Army, including the Divisional Police Officer, Divisional Crime Officer and at least 12 other policemen were reportedly killed in the attack.


The Yobe State Commissioner of Police Mr. Markus Danladi, who confirmed the attack, said that he has just visited the side of the attack but could not give casualty figures.


The attack occurred not far from The Federal Government College, where sect members killed 59 students in February 2014.


Buni Yadi is located in the Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.

Chibok Girls Located By Military, What Next?

AppId is over the quota AppId is over the quota

A public affairs analyst, Mr Chris Maduka, has stressed the need for Nigerians to be patient with the military to ensure that efforts being made are not be truncated by increasing pressure to rescue the girls.


All Nigerians have to do now is to support the military and the government as they make effort to rescue the girls alive.


On Channels Television’s programme, Sunrise Daily on Tuesday, he further stressed the need for the Nigerian government to put structures in place that would guard against free flow of persons into Nigeria through the northern borders.


The public affairs analyst said that some borders in Nigeria were better policed than some other parts of the country.


Mr Maduka also emphasised the need for Nigerians to begin to take security issues serious and provide security personnel with relevant information that could help them tackle the insurgency.


“The army the police belong to families too and some of them are being killed. We should give them the support that they need and not castigate them. No matter the tribe, political affiliation, Nigerians should begin to show sincerity and ask what future they want their kids to have,” he said.

Cameroon Sends Troops To Nigeria Border To Tackle Boko Haram

Cameroon has deployed about 1,000 troops and armoured vehicles to its border region with Nigeria as it steps up its military presence to counter a rising threat from Boko Haram Islamist militants.


Spokesman of the Cameroonian Ministry of Defence, Lieutenant-Colonel Didier Badjeck, said that about 1,000 Special Forces of Cameroon’s Rapid Intervention Brigade (BIR) left the capital on Monday.


Lieutenant Badjeck added that several new generation armored vehicles were deployed three days earlier.


The Cameroon Defence Spokesman added that their mission would be to carry out reconnaissance and be ready to respond with enough fire power.


According to Lieutenant Badjeck, the deployment is part of Cameroon’s effort to increase its military presence in the border region.


The Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, had flown to Pretoria, South Africa on Friday, May 23 for high-level discussions with other African Heads of State and Government on combating terrorism in Africa.


The Government has been under pressure from Nigerians seeking a solution to the state of insecurity in the country, particularly since the abduction of over 200 schoolgirls from Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State by the Boko Haram sect.


The abduction of the schoolgirls has drawn wide condemnation from the international community, with some countries offering support in the search for the girls.

Edo APC Elects State Executives

New members of the Executive Council of the State of the all progressive Congress have emerged after the State Congress of the Party held in Edo State.


Former Commissioner for information, Barrister Ojezua, Anselm was elected State Chairman of the party, while Osaro Idah Vice-President and Amegor Gentleman arise as Secretary.


Thousands of delegates gathered In the premises on the Indoor Sports Hall of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium where only recognized State delegates.


A total of 52 persons had keen interest in different positions, but some for other candidates to step down before the vote started.


After votes were counted and the chosen executives were announced, notes some party leaders that the party, which does not reset its Executive a sign of internal democracy in the game was.


The new Chairman of the party, Barrister Anselm Ojezua, expressing gratitude to the deputies and his supporters. He assured the party faithful of transparency in the pursuit of the business of the party.


The party leadership reassured members and the public that the party one indivisible unit despite recent defections of some of its members.


The Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, in his speech, praised the peaceful conduct of the elections, adding that the duration of the delegates and their peaceful behavior was an indication that the party members who left would not be missed.


The next stop for the delegates is Abuja in about two weeks where the National Congress of the party is expected to be carried out.

Toybat Goalkeeper Produces Heroics As They Won 8-7 On Penalties

AppId is over the quota AppId is over the quota

It was a dramatic end to the 2014 edition of the Channels National Kids Cup with Toybat Primary School, Lagos, emerging champions 8-7 on penalties.


It was tough for the kids after the game ended in a 0-0 score line and it dawned on the players that they were heading for penalties and all their efforts during regulation would not count anymore.


Both teams converted 3 of their 5 regular spot kicks and it was an avalanche of nerves for the players, their coaching crew and spectators when it became a sudden death situation.


The Toybat goalkeeper produced moments of heroics, denying the boys from Ebutte Meta from clinching the glory twice when they had the opportunity to seal it.


More details here.

Ontvoering van Chibok meisjes een aanval op alle Nigerianen – Amosun

The Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, has described the kidnapping of female students of the Government High School, Chibok, Borno State by the Boko Haram sect as an attack on every Nigerian.


Speaking at an Inter-denominational prayer session organized by the State for the release of the kidnapped students to mark the 2014 children's Day, the Governor also said that the continued abduction of girls was unacceptable.


The State Government, which had said that the children's Day celebration would not be marked with the usual fanfare, collected children and religious leaders at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta Kuto, to offer prayers for the release of the girls.


Touched as he watched the kids screaming to God, Amosun concern about long-term kidnapping of girls on event tagged ' Praying children's Day ', and the dastardly Act of the sect described as an attempt to "the future of Nigeria hold" to ransom.


' These children have looked here today with the talents and skills that they have shown here today, I wonder how can anybody against these children? "he said.


The Governor praised the efforts of the security services to ensure the freedom of the girls, adding that although there were still many challenges to handle, they need the support of the leaders and every Nigerian.


He assured the citizens of the State, in particular the children that his Government would continue to ensure their safety, advise the children to all forms of social vices and actions capable of discredit the State and nation are eschew.


For its part, assured the wife of the Governor, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, but regrets that the fun and warmth that is characteristic of the children's Day Chibok girls affected by the kidnapping of the painful, the children that mothers would pray and continue to support the necessary quick release of would help their fellow man.


Also the speaker of Parliament children, Miss Seun Jayeola, calls on the President and the Governments of the States to do everything within their powers to ensure the safe release of the kidnapped girls and also give priority to child education and of human rights in Nigeria.

Chibok girls located by soldiers, now what?

A public affairs analyst, Mr Chris Maduka, has identified the need for Nigerians as patient with the army to ensure that efforts are not clipped by increasing pressure to rescue the girls.


All Nigerians need to do now is to support the army and the Government as they do to rescue the girls alive.


On channels television program, daily Sunrise on Tuesday, he stresses the need for the Nigerian Government to create structures against free movement of persons in Nigeria by the northern border would protect.


The public affairs analyst said some limits in Nigeria better than some other parts of the country were controlled.


Mr Maduka also stressed the need for Nigerians to begin to take serious safety problems and providing security personnel with relevant information that can help them deal with the rebellion.


"The military police are also among families and some of them have been killed. We must give them the support that they need and not castigate them. No matter the tribe, political opinion, Nigerians should begin to show sincerity and ask what kind of future they want their children to have, "he said.

AMCON insists It Can Sell Mainstream Bank to willing buyers

Mustapha Chike ObiThe planned sale by Mainstream Bank by the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) has continued to generate controversy, with AMCON say it reserves the right to sell the bank to willing buyers.

The shareholders of Mainstreet Bank, Afribank, now the disabled had a cavear emptor posted on AMCON the invitation for expression of interest for the acquisition of shares in AMCON Mainstreet Bank Limited.

The Managing Director of the AMCON, Mr Mustapha Chike Obi, on Tuesday responded to the publication, insisting that the supposed shareholders had no right to write this publication AMCON was the sole owner of the financial institution.

"There is only one shareholder of Mainstream Bank and that is AMCON. The old Afribank has legally grounded by the judge, so that Afribank no longer exists. If you are shareholders of Mainstream Bank says it is only AMCON.

He said that when the bank took over the AMCON 450 billion Naira to ensure that depositors with Afribank not lose their resources.

"Anyone willing to give that money back to the bank have back AMCON," said Mr. Chike Obi, stressing the need for AMCON to recoup its money.

He said that the decisions of the famed shareholders about the planned sale was wrong as the owners of the bank had destroyed by the banks and decided to back the bank at no cost.

CHIKE-Obi, which our guest on our business program business morning on Tuesday, maintained that there was no case in Court that prevents sell AMCON Mainstreet Bank Limited.

According to him, the sale of the bank is muted for over a year now and everything has done in a transparent manner.

He confirmed that 25 investors had responded to the expression of interest request so far and the process was not yet completed.


View the original article here

Edo APC Elects State Executives

New members of the Executive Council of the State of the all progressive Congress have emerged after the State Congress of the Party held in Edo State.


Former Commissioner for information, Barrister Ojezua, Anselm was elected State Chairman of the party, while Osaro Idah Vice-President and Amegor Gentleman arise as Secretary.


Thousands of delegates gathered In the premises on the Indoor Sports Hall of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium where only recognized State delegates.


A total of 52 persons had keen interest in different positions, but some for other candidates to step down before the vote started.


After votes were counted and the chosen executives were announced, notes some party leaders that the party, which does not reset its Executive a sign of internal democracy in the game was.


The new Chairman of the party, Barrister Anselm Ojezua, expressing gratitude to the deputies and his supporters. He assured the party faithful of transparency in the pursuit of the business of the party.


The party leadership reassured members and the public that the party one indivisible unit despite recent defections of some of its members.


The Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, in his speech, praised the peaceful conduct of the elections, adding that the duration of the delegates and their peaceful behavior was an indication that the party members who left would not be missed.


The next stop for the delegates is Abuja in about two weeks where the National Congress of the party is expected to be carried out.

The Sanusi suit against FG transferred to Industrial Court

The suit filed by the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, against the Federal Government of Nigeria, challenging his suspension from office, of the Federal Supreme Court transferred to the National Industrial Court of Nigeria.


The transfer announced to reporters on Tuesday, followed the judgment of Justice Gabriel Kolawole, who last week Tuesday declined jurisdiction over the case and ordered the transfer on the grounds that it was a labor related topic.


Televisions channels after a telegraph sent by judiciary correspondent, Shola Soyele, about the status of the case, the Public affairs Officer of the National Industrial Court & Protocol, Obisesan, Mr O'sullivan on Tuesday, a certificate stating that the file was received on the National Industrial Court, Abuja Division on Friday, May 23, 2014.


The suit is now for the President of the Court, Hon Justice B Adejumo, sitting in Court 1.


The suit comes up for hearing on Friday, 30 May.


Hearing announcements since then have been issued and served on the parties and counsel in the costume.


Mr Sanusi was suspended on charges of financial recklessness.  He denies the allegation.

Boko Haram attack kills at least 24 Nigerian security personnel

Boko HaramArmed men of the Boko Haram Islamic sect have killed more than 10 soldiers, including several civilians during an attack on a military base in Miguel Asogwa, Yobe State on Monday.

Insurgents stormed the military base on Monday evening and opened fire on the soldiers without provocation.

The army was said to have the insurgents involved in a firefight that lasted into the night, with the rebel to have been observed successfully repulsed and resulting in them retires.

They, however, stormed the village and the nearby police station with heavy weapons – various Toyota Hilux vans as well as armored personnel carriers-disguised in army uniforms. They are largely burned down by the divisional police stations, the district's main Palace and Court.

Security personnel from the army, including the divisional police officer, divisional crime Officer and at least 12 other policemen were reportedly killed in the attack.

The Yobe State Commissioner of police Mr. Markus Danladi, which confirmed the attack, saying he has just visited the side of the attack but could not give figures accident.

The attack took place not far from the Federal Government College, where cultists 59 students killed in February 2014.

Buni Gujba local government Miguel is located in the area of Yobe State.


View the original article here

Kidnapping of Chibok girls an attack on all Nigerians – Amosun


The Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, has described the kidnapping of female students of the Government High School, Chibok, Borno State by the Boko Haram sect as an attack on every Nigerian.


Speaking at an Inter-denominational prayer session organized by the State for the release of the kidnapped students to mark the 2014 children's Day, the Governor also said that the continued abduction of girls was unacceptable.


The State Government, which had said that the children's Day celebration would not be marked with the usual fanfare, collected children and religious leaders at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta Kuto, to offer prayers for the release of the girls.


Touched as he watched the kids screaming to God, Amosun concern about long-term kidnapping of girls on event tagged ' Praying children's Day ', and the dastardly Act of the sect described as an attempt to "the future of Nigeria hold" to ransom.


' These children have looked here today with the talents and skills that they have shown here today, I wonder how can anybody against these children? "he said.


The Governor praised the efforts of the security services to ensure the freedom of the girls, adding that although there were still many challenges to handle, they need the support of the leaders and every Nigerian.


He assured the citizens of the State, in particular the children that his Government would continue to ensure their safety, advise the children to all forms of social vices and actions capable of discredit the State and nation are eschew.


For its part, assured the wife of the Governor, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, but regrets that the fun and warmth that is characteristic of the children's Day Chibok girls affected by the kidnapping of the painful, the children that mothers would pray and continue to support the necessary quick release of would help their fellow man.


Also the speaker of Parliament children, Miss Seun Jayeola, calls on the President and the Governments of the States to do everything within their powers to ensure the safe release of the kidnapped girls and also give priority to child education and of human rights in Nigeria.

Toybat keeper produces exploits as they Won 8-7 on penalties

It was a dramatic end to the 2014 Edition of the national channels Kids Cup with Toybat Primary School, Lagos, emerging champions 8-7 on penalties.

It was hard for the children after the match ended in a 0-0 score line and it dawned on the players that they were heading for penalties and all their efforts during the regulation no longer would count.
Both teams converted 3 of their 5 regularly spot kicks and it was an avalanche of nerves for the players, their coaching crew and spectators when it was the situation of sudden death.

The goalkeeper Toybat produced moments of heroics, deny the boys of Ebutte Meta of the placement of the glory twice when they have the opportunity to seal it.

Cameroon sends troops to border to tackle Nigeria Boko Haram

Cameroon has about 1,000 troops and armored vehicles to its border area with Nigeria as it steps its military presence to an increasing threat of Boko Haram Islamic militants.

Spokesman for the Cameroonian Ministry of Defense, Lt. Col. Didier Badjeck, said that about 1,000 Special Forces of Cameroon the rapid reaction Brigade (BIR) left the capital on Monday.
Lieutenant Badjeck added that several new generation of armoured vehicles were deployed three days earlier.

The Cameroon defence spokesman added that their mission would do reconnaissance and ready to respond with enough firepower.
According to Lieutenant Badjeck is the implementation part of Cameroon the effort for its military presence in the border area.

Nigeria's President, Goodluck Jonathan, had flown to Pretoria, South Africa on Friday, May 23 for high level discussions with other African heads of State on combating terrorism in Africa.
The Government has been under pressure from Nigerians search for a solution to the State of insecurity in the country, especially since the kidnapping of over 200 schoolgirls from Government High School, Chibok, Borno State by the Boko Haram sect.

The kidnapping has drawn wide condemnation of school girls by the international community, with some countries provides support in the search for the girls.

Sudanese woman faces death for apostasy gives birth

A Sudanese woman awaiting the death penalty to let go her religious faith gave birth in prison near the capital Khartoum.
Mack Hanan Ibrahim Ishag married a Christian man and was sentenced to death for apostasy earlier in April after refusing to give up Christianity.
She is allowed to nurse her baby girl for two years before the sentence is carried out.
Born to a Muslim father, she was sentenced by a Shariah Court.
Mrs Ibrahim was also convicted of adultery on the grounds that her marriage to a Christian man from South Sudan Sudan void under version of Islamic law, which says of the Muslim women may not marry non-Muslims.
For this condemned the judge her to 100 lashes, which would reportedly run when she is recovered from childbirth.
Mrs Ibrahim was brought up as an Orthodox Christian, her mother religion, because her father, a Muslim, allegedly was absent during her childhood.
Sudan has a majority Muslim population, which is governed by Islamic law.

Toybat kindergarten and elementary school emerge champions of national channels Kids Cup 2014

It was a dramatic end to the 2014 Edition of the National Cup children of the channels with Toybat Primary School, Gbagada, Lagos, emerging champions 8-7 on penalties.
It was hard for the children after the match ended in a 0-0 score line and it dawned on the players that they were heading for penalties and all their efforts during the regulation would no longer count as they failed to convert their penalties.
Both teams converted 3 of their 5 regularly spot kicks and it was an avalanche of nerves for the players, their coaching crew and spectators when it was the situation of sudden death.
The goalkeeper Toybat produced moments of heroics, deny the boys of Ebutte Meta of the placement of the glory twice when they have the opportunity to seal it.
Both of their teams supporters In tears and shouted prayers, little energy left in them to encourage players to go for the re-entry ban, but in the end, after looking dead and buried on two occasions, Toybat Primary School got lucky with the last couple of spot kicks.
"With faith there is no mountain that cannot be moved" were the words of a delighted Coach, Godwin Toybat Peters, previously a regulation time win for his team during half the time had predicted.
Liking them to the top of the rock of Gibraltar, he conceded that Ebutte-Metta elementary school boys were indeed hard nuts to crack, but both teams played quality football victory brought divine assistance.
Dr. Akram Adetoro Teslim Elias Primary School emerged as the Golden Boot winner, while One of the most valuable player Ayomide IMG Primary School of Oyo State was.
Other individual awards were also presented to outstanding talents during the tournament with Jude Ibe of 12 Apostles elementary school of Ebonyi State emerging as the best goalie and the Coach of IMG Primary School, Seyi Adewunmi, appointed Coach of the tournament to go.
The Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola and its counterpart Delta State, Emmanuel Uduaghan were present in the stadium to support the children, in addition to the initiator of the competition, the Chairman of television channels, Mr John Momoh.
Other State governors were also represented at the event with different public and private sector dignitaries show their support for the development project.
The Cup is sponsored by national children's channels television channels, with the support of the Lagos Football Association, the Delta State Government and the Golden penny, a pasta company.

FG debunks alleged plans to spend 800 million dollars to the image of money laundering

The Federal Government of Nigeria says there is no plan to spend $ 800 million to image money laundering such as the top priority now for reasons of national security, not Public Relations.
The Presidency, in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati &, stated that in domestic and foreign media reports that the Federal Government currently in the process of recruiting an International Public Relations firm "counter mounting criticism both inside and outside the country" completely false and unfounded.
The statement read: "the suggestion that the Federal Government plans to spend a staggering amount of $ 800 million to the phantom Public Relations efforts to ' increasing pressure over its response to the kidnapping of more than 200 college girls to relieve ' is also completely false.
"Coming as they, on a very difficult and sensitive time for the whole nation, the Federal Government considers the reports of a drive to recruit consultants to wash its image very insensitive, regrettable, absurd and very harmful.
"The Federal Government's top priority for now is not money laundering but for reasons of national security or Public Relations image and the ongoing effort to ensure the safe return of the kidnapped college girls."
The statement condemned the rumors, refer to it as "an attempt by vendors of fake reports to call of the Nigerian population against the Federal Government by the movement of falsehoods."

Suspected kidnapper nabbed with stolen baby in Ijebu-Ode


ABEOKUTA — A middle‑aged woman, on Sunday evening, escaped death by the whiskers after she was caught with a baby she allegedly stole at Temidire Street, off Old Ondo Road, Ijebu‑Ode Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The suspected kidnapper, who was said to have sneaked into the mother of the baby's room at Temidire area, around 3:00 pm, allegedly carried the two‑month‑old baby and was about to abscond before she was caught and beaten comatose by a mob.

A traffic gridlock along the busy Old Ondo Road ensued, and lasted almost six hours as a result of the activities of the crowd that gathered around the suspect.

An eyewitness said:

"I have been hearing about kidnappers, Soka forest and others, I did not believe until today when I saw this.

"I returned from church and wanted to relax before going to the stadium to see a football match. Suddenly, I heard noise and I rushed out and to my surprise, I saw the woman holding a baby in a shawl and we asked her what she was doing with the shawl, she said she wanted to change her clothes inside the room and we enquired if she knew anybody in the house, to which she did not reply.

"It was in the process of questioning her that she confessed and pleaded that we should deal with her gently. She said she was ready to co-operate with us and promised to reveal her group to us. She even mentioned some names and was even trying to give us some phone numbers so that we could contact them .

"She mentioned one Mr and Mrs Lawal, But no further details about them was given. But, the impatience of our people made us not to get more information from her as they descended on her and beat up."

Vanguard, however, gathered that Policemen from Igbeba division arrived the scene and rescued the woman from the mob.

PDP youths back Jonathan for 2015


By Samuel Oyadongha

Yenagoa— The Youth Leader of Bayelsa State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Mr. Donald Daunemigha, has reiterated the support of the people of the Niger Delta for President Goodluck Jonathan and called on him to contest the 2015 poll.

Daunemigha, in an interview in Yenagoa, lauded the PDP governors in the region and others, who against all odds stood behind the President and urged them to continue to support the President to realise his transformation agenda.

He said the people of the Niger Delta were behind the President come 2015 and urged him to declare his intention to contest.

According to him, President Jonathan who is from the zone that has contributed immensely to the commonwealth of Nigeria through its resources, has the constitutional right to contest in 2015, insisting that nobody has the power to deprive him of that right.

He said: "President Jonathan has done creditably well in terms of providing infrastructure across the country.
"He has done better than his predecessors and so deserves the respect and appreciation of all for his untiring efforts at pulling the country out of the woods."

On the PDP led administration in Bayelsa State, he described Governor Seriake Dickson as a focused leader that has achieved so much in the last two years.

Policing the Nigeria of our dream


THERE is no form of government that does not need a police organization in its administration. The oligarchy, the monarchy, and the republican governments of yesteryears, the socialist regimes, ancient and modern, all ran and still run their governments with the active support and participation of the police. Dictatorships, totalitarian, and even military regimes do accept the help of police forces.
These governments require the police to keep them in power and frequently use them for personal protection, and for the protection of specific interests associated with the maintenance of their pomp, power, and even their vanity.
Some of the earliest forms of policing in Nigeria were found among the many servants used as palace officials, especially in the central emirates of Northern Nigeria, and the Edo and Yoruba kingdoms of the defunct Western Region of Nigeria. They were appointed by the kings to whom they were responsible, and for whom they combined the roles of bodyguards, messengers, and at times, those of executioners.
Their duties increased, as time passed, with the development of community police functions to apprehend and discipline offenders, and guard the towns during which they were also expected to prevent crimes from being committed.
They were effectively used as instruments of their masters for legitimate oppression. This reputation has grown with them as they developed into modernity, and it has become a feature which the modern police force in Nigeria has found difficult to shed.
The need for police to protect rather than oppress citizens has been appropriately established in the legal instruments setting up the modern police force in Nigeria expressed in section 214 of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for
•Prevention and detection of crime; •Preservation and upholding of law and order; •Apprehension and prosecution of offenders; •Protection of life and property; •Due enforcement of all laws and regulations with which they are directly charged, and, •performance of such military duties within and outside Nigeria as may be required of them under the authority of this   constitutional provision and any other laws.
The general administration of the police force and the organization of its logistics rest with the Inspector-General of Police, with specific aspects of their administration held by the Police Service Commission and the Ministry of Police Affairs for the President under whose overall powers the force is run.

Everyday Is Children’s Day


WE delight in ceremonies. We also like the headlines. The vogue is support for the abducted school girls of Chibok. Once they are released, Nigerians would relapse to the child abuse mode the country runs on full time.

Nowhere is the hypocrisy of Nigerian governments more prominent than in the abuse of the child. Our attention for children consists of saying a few "right words" at the "right occasions". We would hear the empty words today to Children's Day.

Does anyone mention the rights of our children – our future – as debates rage about the future of Nigeria? Nothing shows the neglect of the future better than the reluctance of some States to implement the Child Rights Act, CRA, 11 years after it became law.

The illegality of various State Houses of Assembly having to pass or reject a federal law is one case our fiery lawyers shun.

The CRA has, as one of its goals, the elimination, or at least reduction of child labour. Child labourers are house helps, apprentices, hawkers, street traders, market/shop assistants, bus conductors, motor park touts, 'porters',  beggars for themselves or aides to adult beggars.

Section 28 of the Act states, "No child shall be a. Subjected to any forced or exploitative labour; or b. Employed to work in any capacity except where he is employed by a member of his family on light work of an agricultural, horticultural or domestic character; or c. Required, in any case to lift, carry or move anything so heavy as likely to adversely affect his physical, mental, spiritual, moral or social development; or d. Employed as a domestic help outside his home or family environment".

Subsections (3) and (4) prescribe a fine of N50, 000 or five years' imprisonment or both, for individual offenders while a corporate organisation and its members would be liable on conviction to a fine of N250, 000.

CRA also prohibits child marriages and betrothals. In Section 21, any marriage contracted by anyone under 18 years is invalid. Under Section 22: "(1) No parent, guardian or any other person shall betroth a child to any person. (2) A betrothal in contravention of subsection (1) of this section is null and void". Both provisions are in the Criminal and Penal Codes, though they are hardly enforced.

Why is the National Assembly silent about this assault on its authority?

The height of the hypocrisy is that Governors whose States have refused to implement child's rights join in trumpeting the importance of children to our future.

We have to halt the national hypocrisy of building a future that ignores our children. Children's Day should be daily care we ordain for our children, our future.

Women demobilise Boko Haram insurgents in Borno

MAIDUGURI— Residents of Attagara and Kawuri villages in Gwoza and Bama local government areas of Borno State, respectively, repelled attacks on their community by suspected Boko Haram insurgents.

A resident said the attackers invaded the village yesterday on motorcycles but met some women, adding "they wanted to hit the women with sticks but when they raised the sticks, their hands refused to descend.
"Three of the insurgents fled, but seven were not lucky as the women alerted the people," and the vigilante group in the community rushed to the scene, disarmed the seven insurgents, who were later lynched.

Attagara, a border community with Cameroon is about 10 kilometres South-East of Pulka District in Gwoza Local Government Area of the state and about 130 kilometres from Maiduguri, the state capital.

Also, scores of gunmen suspected to be members of Boko Haram were killed yesterday through the combined efforts of members of the vigilante youths, otherwise known as Civilian JTF, and the military in Kawuri village, Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

Twenty years old Mallam Mamman Yakubu, a vigilante youth that participated in repelling the insurgents, said: "We were able to kill many of the terrorists who invaded our community yesterday night."
On whether arrests were made, Yakubu said they were not interested in any arrests because Boko Haram members hardly reveal any secret when arrested.

A top security source, who confirmed the incident, told Vanguard that three dead bodies of the terrorists were recovered yesterday morning in Kawuri, adding that more of the terrorists were killed in a nearby bush of Kawuri when they attempted to flee to the Sambisa Forest.

APC, PDP trade words over Aregbesola’s campaign


OSOGBO—THE Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Osun State chapter, yesterday called on security agencies in the to ensure the security of lives and property during the rally to flag-off Governor Rauf Aregbesola's re-election bid in Ile-Ife, today.

APC-PDP

This came as APC alleged that PDP planned to cause mayhem in the state and disrupt the kick-off of the campaign.

At a briefing ahead of the APC rally, Folorunsho Bamisaiyemi alleged that the plan to kill and maim APC members was hatched in a popular hotel in Ife at the weekend.

Also, APC Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy, Mr Kunle Oyatomi, warned the PDP against doing evil "because evil will consume them."

However, PDP claimed it had been informed that APC, planned to storm the campaign venue with over 100 bus-load of supporters and thugs from Lagos.

A statement by the Director of Media and Publicity of Omisore Campaign Organisation, Diran Odeyemi alleged that the buses that would convey APC members and thugs from Lagos would be arriving the state early today .

The statement reads: "We are speaking now because we know what might have informed the choice of Ile-Ife, where APC can only point to Oriolokun bust as its achievement in four years, as venue for the flag-off of the campaign for Aregbesola. They want to bring battle to Ile-Ife, the stronghold of Peoples Democratic Party's candidate, Otunba Iyiola Omisore and that is why they will go to the extent of going to Lagos to bring down supporters and thugs to populate campaign ground for APC."

Why the polls can't be rigged — INEC

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, yesterday assured that the August 9 governorship poll in the state would be free and fair to all the parties, saying it had put in place measures that would make it difficult for politicians to rig.

INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner REC, Dr Rufus Akeju, while declaring open a two-day workshop organised by the Osun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, in collaboration with a non governmental organisation, Democracy Vanguard, said the election would be monitored by election observers from both within and outside the country.