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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors' Forum has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to direct Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be fair in the conduct of forthcoming Ondo governorship election.
In a statement by its Secretary, Patrick Okon, on Monday in Abuja, the forum also called for overhaul of the commission.
It alleged that the All Progressives Congress (APC), with the help of INEC, was planning to rig the poll.
"We are aware of the plan of APC to get Ondo state by all means, including enlisting the assistance of INEC.
"We are warning that we will not fold our arms to watch this impunity and day-time robbery.
"INEC is an umpire and should play its role very well so that the electorate will have confidence in it.
"From the way things are going, the people are already losing confidence in the commission,'' it said.
The forum also called on INEC to stick to its electoral mandate and should not subvert the law of the land.
"INEC should conduct itself very well in this forthcoming Ondo state governorship election to avoid a repeat of what happened in Edo election."
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that INEC on Thursday cleared Mr Jimoh Ibrahim nominated by disputed National Chairman of PDP, Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff's faction, as the party's candidate for the election.
It based its action on a court order, which declared Ibrahim as the candidate of the party for the poll.
The development jolted majority of members of the party, who had in a primary supervised by INEC as provided in the Electoral Act, elected Mr Eyitayo Jegede as candidate for the election.
Jegede's nomination was submitted by Sen. Ahmed Makarfi-led National Caretaker Committee of the party.
However, the caretaker committee has the Court of Appeal to reverse the decision of High Court on the issue. Hearing on the matter has been fixed for Tuesday and Wednesday in Abuja.
Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has called for the restructuring of the state's working relationship with the World Bank for efficiency, effectiveness and timely execution of projects.
Ajimobi made the call on Monday in Ibadan when he received a 14-member World Bank delegation led by Mr Benmessaoud Rachid, the bank's Country Director in Nigeria.
Ajimobi said the state government would be very glad to see a timely, effective and efficient delivery of World Bank projects for the benefit of the people.
"I am very concerned on the slow rate of the World Bank projects. We are not happy about the level of deliverables in our relationship with World Bank.
"I don't support a situation, where a representative of your bank will be responsible solely to the bank.
"I believe most of these projects are loans and such must be known to both parties in the relationship,'' said the Oyo State governor.
He urged the World Bank to continue to collaborate with his administration in improving the socio-cultural well-being of the people.
Ajimobi said the state was already working with the bank on education, adding that the government believed in capacity building for its citizenry.
"We believe you can assist us in the area of teachers' training, out-of-school project, infrastructure, environment, reduction in maternal death, agriculture and waste-to-energy projects.
"We believe that agriculture can take the country out of recession as the largest employer of labour with multiplier effect: Oyo State is the largest producer of poultry products in Nigeria.
"The state also has potential for rice cultivation instead of the billions of dollars expended on the importation of rice,'' the governor said. Ajimobi said that the state agriculture initiative – Agric Oyo – would impact more than one million citizens.
Earlier, Rachid said the World Bank team was in the state to demonstrate its commitment to the existing partnership, enhance prosperity and reduce hunger.
"We have six projects valued at 241 million dollars under implementation in the state.
"One of the six projects is valued at 200 million dollars for urban sector projects.
"The remaining five projects, worth 41 million dollars, cuts across community development projects, HIV/AIDS and agriculture," he said. Rachid said the bank was ready to assist the state in any aspect it needed support.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor presented a talking drum to the World Bank delegation during the visit.
The Kano State House of Assembly on Monday in Kano passed the Bill seeking life imprisonment for kidnappers in the state.
The Majority leader of the Assembly, Alhaji Yusuf Atta, read the Kidnapping, Abduction and Forced Labour Amendment Bill 2016 before the Assembly.
Speaking shortly after the plenary, Atta said the Committee of the whole House passed the bill after considering its amendment.
"The law has been in existence since 1963, but did not provide serious punishment for kidnappers, therefore, we have to amend it to suit the current situation," he said.
Atta, who is a member representing Fagge Constituency, explained that any person found guilty of kidnapping would face life imprisonment without an option of fine.
According to him, anyone found guilty of raping or forced labour will also be sentenced to 15 years without an option of fine.
Also, in an interview with newsmen after the passage of the bill, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Alhaji Salisu Riruwe, said the amendment was a welcome development.
"With the passage of this anti kidnapping law, we are hoping that the rampant cases of kidnapping and abduction in some areas of the state will come to an end, ''Riruwe said.
Similarly, the Assembly has also commenced the amendment process on Kano State Pension Gratuity Amendment Bill 2013 during the plenary.
Human Rights Watch, Monday, released a report accusing Nigerian officials of sexually exploiting women and girls at the IDPs.
It said it had documented 43 cases of women and girls in seven IDP camps in Maiduguri in July who have been abused by camp leaders, vigilante groups, policemen, and soldiers.
Bama IDP Camp: Cross Section of women at Bama IDP Camp in Maiduguri during Minister's Tour of Bama . Photo by Gbemiga Olamikan.
"It is bad enough that these women and girls are not getting much-needed support for the horrific trauma they suffered at the hands of Boko Haram," said Mausi Segun, senior Nigeria researcher at HRW.
"It is disgraceful and outrageous that people who should protect these women and girls are attacking and abusing them," he added.
Four of the victims told HRW they were drugged and raped, while 37 were coerced into sex through false marriage promises and material and financial assistance.
"Many of those coerced into sex said they were abandoned if they became pregnant. They and their children have suffered discrimination, abuse, and stigmatisation from other camp residents," the global rights body said.
HRW spoke to one 17-year-old girl who was raped and made pregnant by a policeman.
One of the victims, a 17-year-old girl who was drugged and raped by a police man recounted her ordeal to HRW saying, "One day he demanded to have sex with me," she said. "I refused but he forced me. It happened just that one time, but soon I realised I was pregnant."
"When I informed him about my condition, he threatened to shoot and kill me if I told anyone else. So I was too afraid to report him."
HRW said irregular supplies of food, clothing, medicine, and other essentials in camps were making the women vulnerable to abuse and exploitation.
"In some cases, men used their positions of authority and gifts of desperately needed food or other items to have sex with women," it said.
Boko Haram has devastated northeast Nigeria in its quest to create an Islamist state, killing over 20,000 people and displacing 2.6 million from their homes.
Since taking up arms against the Nigerian government in 2009, the jihadists have disrupted trade routes and farms.
Now nearly 50,000 children are facing death by starvation if they don't get food and almost 250,000 more are severely malnourished in Borno state, according to UNICEF.
President Muhammadu Buhari has, Monday, ordered the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Mr. Ibrahim Idris and the affected state governors to commence immediate investigations into the recent report by the Human Rights Watch alleging sexual harassments of girls and women at the Internally Displaced Camps, IDPs by some officials.
In a statement issued made available to newsmen by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President, it said that president Buhari was shocked and worried at the news.
Bama IDP Camp: Cross Section of women at Bama IDP Camp in Maiduguri during Minister's Tour of Bama . Photo by Gbemiga Olamikan.
“President Muhammadu Buhari is worried and shocked by the recently released Human Rights Watch (HRW) report which alleges sexual abuse and exploitation of women and girls in camps for those displaced by the Boko Haram insurgency.”
“The welfare of these most vulnerable of Nigerian citizens has been a priority of his government. Nigerians and the international community can rest assured that the allegations raised in the HRW are not being taken lightly.”
“President Buhari has instructed the Inspector General of Police and the state governors of the affected states to immediately commence investigations into the issue. Their findings will determine the next course of action for the government and define an appropriate response.”
“While the Nigerian military continues to work hard so that these unfortunate victims of Boko Haram terrorism can soon return safely to their homes, the government will do its best to ensure their protection and welfare in the temporary IDP camps.”
Human Rights Watch, Monday, released a report accusing Nigerian officials of sexually exploiting women and girls at the IDPs.
It said it had documented 43 cases of women and girls in seven IDP camps in Maiduguri in July who have been abused by camp leaders, vigilante groups, policemen, and soldiers.
"It is bad enough that these women and girls are not getting much-needed support for the horrific trauma they suffered at the hands of Boko Haram," said Mausi Segun, senior Nigeria researcher at HRW.
"It is disgraceful and outrageous that people who should protect these women and girls are attacking and abusing them," he added.
Pope Francis has landed in Sweden to mark the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, a remarkably bold gesture given his very own Jesuit religious order founded to defend the faith against Martin Luther's "heretical" reforms five centuries ago.
While the visit initially raised eyebrows, the Vatican and Lutheran church both insist the event is no celebration of Luther's revolt.
Rather, they say, it's a solemn commemoration to ask forgiveness for the schism in Western Christianity and rejoice that relations have improved in the last five decades.
Francis has prioritized these deeply symbolic encounters to show that even while divided on dogma, the Christian faithful can and must work together and pray together, especially in times of religious persecution.
"If we don't do it, we Christians hurt ourselves by division," Francis said in an interview this weekend with a Jesuit journal.
Francis arrived a few minutes ahead of schedule in Malmo, southern Sweden, and went immediately into an airport audience with Prime Minister Stefan Lofven, followed by a meeting with Sweden's royals.
The main event of the day is an ecumenical prayer service to commemorate the anniversary with the head of the Lutheran World Federation, Bishop Munib Younan, at the Lutheran cathedral in Lund.
The Vatican and Lutheran delegations were to ride together in a bus — itself an ecumenical voyage of sorts — to attend an event highlighting both churches' peace-making and humanitarian efforts.
Testimony from refugees and the Catholic bishop of besieged Aleppo, Syria, top the list of speakers.
Francis continues his visit on Tuesday with a Catholic Mass in the Malmo sports stadium, added in at the last minute after Sweden's tiny Catholic community balked that Francis was ignoring them and coming only for the Protestant commemoration.
"I wanted to insist on an ecumenical witness," Francis said in the interview. "Then I thought about my role as pastor to a Catholic flock" and added in the Mass and an extra day.
The Protestant Reformation started in 1517 after Luther nailed 95 theses on the church door in the town of Wittenberg, denouncing what he saw as the abuses of the Catholic Church, especially the sale of indulgences.
Pope Leo X excommunicated him, but the church couldn't stop his teachings from spreading throughout northern Europe or the world.
Catholics persecuted Protestants and vice versa for hundreds of years.
St. Ignatius Loyola founded the Jesuit order in 1537, 20 years after Luther's protest, in part as a response to the heresies being promoted, the Rev. Charles Connor, a church historian, wrote in "Defenders of the Faith in Word and Deed."
"The work of the Jesuits in defending the faith must be looked at in the context of the Counter-Reformation," he wrote. "The times called for a spirited defense of the faith. It was the time for Catholic renewal."
Years ago, Francis spoke harshly of the Protestant reformers. But in the run-up to the trip, he has had only words of praise for Luther.
He recently called the German theologian a reformer of his time who rightly criticized a church that was "no model to imitate."
"There was corruption in the church, worldliness, attachment to money and power," Francis told reporters this summer.
They are the same abuses Francis has criticized in the 21st-century Catholic Church he now leads.
By Soni Daniel Abuja- Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Father Matthew Hassan Kukah, today, Monday paid an unscheduled visit to the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Abuja, where some top-ranking Peoples Democratic Party officials, are being detained over graft-related issues.
Kukah, who was conducted round the detention facilities, described the detention facilities as which he described as 'clean and orderly" and prayed for Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Femi Fani-Kayode and Reuben Abati, who have been in detention for the second week running.
The priest, who used the visit to assess the state of the detention facilities, said he was satisfied that the EFCC paid premium attention to the well being of the detainees by ensuring that the facilities provided comfort to them.
Kukah said after the inspection tour, "I discussed with some detained suspects like Femi Fani-Kayode, Musiliu Obanikoro and Reuben Abati; and I am quite pleased they are looking cheerful.Fani-kayode, Abati and Obanikoro
“I was also happy with the humility of the acting Chairman who took me round and the way he interacted with the detainees. This is what is important for our country so that nobody takes these kinds of things personal. I am happy I came.
"We are all staff of EFCC to the extent that we want a better country and we are doing what needs to be done. We'll continue praying that God guides you, keeps you safe and ensure that we build a country that we all will be proud of. This country has suffered so much, but we hope and pray that we can bring the suffering and trauma to an end as we collectively fight corruption."
The revered priest, who was conducted round the facilities by the acting Chairman of the Commission, Ibrahim Magu, expressed delight that the detainees appeared in high spirits despite the discomfort of temporary restriction. He urged them not to be downcast and to see their current travail as divine.
EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Magu, told Kukah that the work the commission was doing for Nigeria was not personal but geared towards changing the country for the better.
Magu also cleared the air on the detention of the PDP top shots, saying that it was not personal.
"It is not personal. This is all about Nigeria and making it better. And I think there is a consensus around this," he said
For being the first African table tennis player to make it to the quarterfinal stage of the men's singles at the Olympic Games, Nigeria's Aruna Quadri has indeed raised the bar for upcoming players to aim at in their chosen career.
At the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, the 28-year-old Nigerian created history by becoming the first African to reach the last eight stage in the men's singles.
For this, the final day of the just concluded 2016 ITTF Africa Senior Championship in Agadir, Morocco, the world number 25 was honoured by the ITTF Africa with an award for outstanding performance.Aruna Quadri
The award was presented by the ITTF Africa President, Khaled El-Salhy and Vice President of ITTF, Cherif Hajem.
The ITTF officials said that the two Nigerians – Segun Toriola and Aruna Quadri played an instrumental role in putting Africa on the world map in Rio and for this, the Executive Committee agreed that the two players must be acknowledged and honoured in order to motivate upcoming players to aim high like them.
President of ITTF Africa, Khaled El-Salhy said, "We were overwhelmed with the huge publicity that Africa got in the table tennis event at Rio Olympic Games because of the performance of Aruna Quadri because in the history of table tennis, no African has made it to the last eight of the Olympic Games."
Emphasizing on the importance of motivating young kids to follow Quadri Aruna's footsteps, he added,
"Players like Aruna Quadri are very rare and I know his performance was due to his commitment and hard work which was obvious in his performance. This honour is not just to celebrate him but also to inspire the other players to work hard because without hard work and discipline it will be impossible for any player to make it to the world stage."
"From his performance at the 2014 World Cup in Germany where he became the first African to make it to the quarterfinal round of the competition to being named the Male Table Tennis Star of the year at the Dubai 2014 ITTF Star Awards, Aruna Quadri has raised the bar for others to aim at and with his performance of record, more people in the continent are now paying attention to the sport and we hope he will continue to move up and other African players will surely come through," El-Salhy added.
Quadri Aruna made a giant leap in world rankings in November 2014. He moved from number 73 in October 2014 to number 30 in November 2014. After his success at the Rio Olympics in August this year, Aruna once again climbed up the ladder from number 40 in August 2016 to number 25 in September 2016.
More than anything else, its Quadri Aruna's killer instinct and his "forever fighting till the end" attitude that makes him a world class player. It's a treat to watch him play as he gives his heart and soul to win in each point which displays his passion and love for the game.
Abuja – Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to be intimidated by politicians ahead of Nov. 26 governorship poll in Ondo state.
National Coordinator of the organisation, Mr Emmanuel Onwubiko, gave the charge in a statement on Monday in Abuja.
He said that INEC should strive to ensure that the election was credible and transparent in spite of perceived intimidation by some politicians and their parties.
According to Onwubiko, the commission cannot afford to compromise, especially as it already has credibility problems following complaints from the Sept. 28 Edo governorship poll.
He described the allegation by a politician, Mr Jimoh Ibrahim, that an INEC official demanded one million dollars bribe from him as "sensational'', and urged the commission not to distracted.
He charged INEC authorities to ensure that the independence of the commission was not compromised, adding that it should focus on improving on what happened in Edo.
Onwubiko added that the commission should not to be cowed by antics of politicians, saying that the emergence of Eyitayo Jegede as Peoples Democratic Party's governorship candidate in the state complied with the Electoral Act.
" By virtue of our extensive monitoring of the media, there is publication to show that Eyitayo Jegede is the democratically-elected candidate of the PDP.
"Any attempt by fifth columnists to stampede INEC into imposing a non-card-carrying member as the candidate of PDP in the Ondo state election will be futile and unpopular.
"It is imperative that democracy is not scuttled on the platter of sponsored and orchestrated anarchy such as introducing someone unknown to members of the party,'' he said.
Onwubiko advised that the Ondo chapter of the PDP should be allowed to pick the candidate who would win the election for the party.
Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi on Monday said his administration would continue to support sports development as a means to diversify Enugu State's economy through effective engagement of youths.
Ugwuanyi said made the pledge at the opening of Enugu State Sports Festival, tagged "042 Sports Festival''.
"042'' is the age-long telephone code for Enugu.
The governor, who was thrilled by the state's outstanding performances in sports, noted that it was making tremendous achievements in sports and its development among the youths.
"This administration will do all it can to encourage sports in the state. It really gives me a lot of joy to be here performing the opening of the 042 Sports Festival.
"For us in Enugu State, it is our desire to diversify the state economy through sports development.
"We are glad that Enugu has started reaping the desired results with the recent victory of Rangers International FC in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) after 32 years drought.
"And the gold medal winning efforts of one of our daughters at the 2016 Rio Paralympics Games. We hope to continue in this stead until our aims are fully realised,'' he said.
Chief Eric Chime, a sponsor of junior golf event in the festival, said there was great need to introduce the sport to youths in the state.
"It is part of our responsibility to teach youths with various sporting talents for them to become huge income earners for their families and the state at large by getting to the peak of their chosen sports.
"We hope to take this message to the hinterland to discover and develop talents in sports,'' Chime said.
Charles Ndukwe, the state's Commissioner for Youth and Sports in a goodwill message, applauded all that found time to attend the event.
"The festival will help to discover new talents that will make good representation of the state in national and international sports meets,'' Ndukwe, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Ngozi Ani, said.
The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) on Monday gave reasons for non-pumping of petroleum products through System 2B Pipelines Network by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
The South-West Chairman of NUPENG, Alhaji Tokunbo Korodo, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that NNPC was recording a huge financial loss when pumping fuel through the network due to the activities of vandals.
System 2B Pipelines Network is the pumping of petroleum products from Atlas Cove in Lagos Island to Ejigbo to Mosinmi in Ogun to Ibadan to Ore in Ondo State and Ilorin in Kwara.
Since April, the corporation had stopped pumping petroleum products through the network thereby making use of private depots in Apapa to distribute its products.
"NNPC said that for so many years it has been pumping fuel through the network, it has not made any profit.
"If NNPC pumps five million litres of petrol in the night, it will be accosted on its way to its depots before getting to their destination.
"They called on all the Area Managers in all their NNPC depots to sign bond that they will account for all litres of fuel pump into their depots but they said no.
"So, in the alternative, NNPC now have made arrangements with private tank farm owners in Apapa,'' Korodo said.
According to him, with this new arrangements, NNPC now brings its vessels to private tank farm owners, drops the products in their care and collect money after selling.
He said that now that the corporation (NNPC) had made these arrangements, it had led to no vandalism of pipelines because there was nothing to vandalise.
"The exact quantities given to tank farms are the exact amount of money returned to NNPC.
"So, government instead of losing as they used to do in the past, they are gaining now.
"Logically, I look at it and discovered that there are man-made blunders in the System 2B Pipelines Network because if the corporation pumps five million litres, it will be accosted on the road,'' Korodo said.
The NUPENG chairman advised the Federal Government to sell the pipelines network, adding that retaining the asset without being used, was a big loss.
The report that the Nigerian Army has placed an order for 50,000 boots from local manufacturers in Aba has generated commendation from Nigerians for the patronage of Made-in-Nigeria product. Among the commendations flooding in are some who said that the morale of the troops will be boosted by wearing such made-in-Nigeria boots fashioned for the rigors and harsh weather and soil condition of the country.
Army boots
The Army was reported to have asked Aba shoemakers to produce 50,000 pairs of boots for soldiers.
Nigeria had in the past patronize foreign boots for the army, but this singular step has elicited commendations that the government had taken the lead to patronize local goods.
Aside the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, who had seen it as a patriotic act, residents have equally thrown in their support for the locally-made products. They however, urged the manufacturers to maintain the quality of the boots in order to encourage more patronage.
An Akwa-based businessman, Mr Afam Okeke, said: "The Nigerian Army has done a good job by patronising made in Nigeria goods of this quantity.
"When other establishments of government do the same, the amount of money that will be in circulation will be much and will help ease us out of the current recession.”
"What the Army has done – ordering 50,000 boots from a local manufacturer – is leading by example, which others should emulate,'' Okeke said.
Stanley Ogba, a student, called on local manufacturers to maintain the standard they have set for their products.
"It will be hard for Nigerian Manufacturers to maintain the standard they used for their first products when there is more demand from the populists.
"The morale of our officers will be boosted if they wear boots that can withstand the vagaries of the thick forest, desert, and quagmire they have to go through for them to fight our enemies and protect our interests," he added.
Chief Anayo Ileka, a financial analyst, urged manufacturers in the country to apply global best practice in the production of their goods.
"In as much as the move will generate jobs for the teeming youths, buying made in Nigeria goods will also conserve foreign exchange.
"Even if their gain in the transaction is not much, local manufacturers should maintain the standard they have started with for it pays in the long run than lowering the quality of their products later on in an attempt to maximise profit," he stated.
BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME PORT HARCOURT – A group , Ikwerre Youth Movement International, IYM has described bribery allegations leveled against the Minister of Transportation, Mr Chibuike Amaechi by two judges as a clear reflection of effort by mischief makers to destroy the reputation of the Minister.
In a statement in Port Harcourt Chikere Wanjoku, Tony Okocha, Lucky Worluh said the allegations were latest attempt by those who failed to stop Amaechi ‘ s nomination as Minister to paint him black with unsubstantiated claims.Amaechi and Justice Ngwuta
The statement also signed by Kingsley Owhonda, Chimenem Nnanta-Weli and Prince Amadi said it was unfortunate that rather than explain how they came by the huge sums found in their houses by the Department of State Services, DSS, they were busy diverting attention with unfounded bribery allegations.
“We are mindful of the fact the attacks on the RT Hon Chibuike Amaechi is a well choreographed attempt by mischief makers using the two judges to paint the Minister in unpalatable social colours having failed to stop his nomination, clearance and subsequent swearing in as Honourable Minister.
We make bold to say that all their allegations bear marks of their paymasters who hiding under the immunity clause will do all within their ill gotten powers to politicise the issues of corruption levelled against the justices “, the statement said.
Lagos – Deji Tinubu, Chairman, Lagos State Sports Commission, has appealed to all involved in organising the CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations tournament to ensure its success for the benefit of youths.
Tinubu, who made the appeal on Monday in Lagos, said the organisers of the tournament should use it to further ensure that the Lagos became the biggest sports hub in Africa.
He told NAN that the incumbent administration in the state was using sports to bring development to its citizens, especially the youth.
The tournament, slated for Dec. 13 to Dec. 18, at the Eko Atlantic Beach is being organised by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and tournament's Local Organising Committee (LOC).
Tinubu told NAN that engaging the masses in sports was a great tool in curbing societal ills and providing source of income for the teeming youths.
"We want Nigeria to look good and be successful, so, we will do the best we can by taking advantage of every opportunity to achieve greatness.
"We will work closely with the NFF and the LOC for the tournament to see the best of sports in Lagos.
"We are delighted that this administration is all out to support sports and we won't restrict support to just a few but all sports.
"Lagos will give 100 per cent cooperation to the success of sports so that we can get the best out of it,'' he said.
NAN reports that the Lagos State Government had pledged its support toward the success of the CAF organised tournament.
The CAF AFCON Beach Soccer competition, now in its second edition, was initially hosted by Beach Soccer Worldwide.
Eight African countries have qualified for the event, tagged "Nigeria 2016'' which will also serve as qualification competition for the 2017 World Beach Soccer Tournament billed for Bahamas.
The participating countries are host Nigeria, Egypt, Ghana and Côte D'Ivoire in Group A and Madagascar, Libya, Senegal and Morocco in Group B.
The two best teams in the tournament will qualify to represent Africa at the Bahamas 2017 Beach Soccer World Cup.
Ibadan – The National Industrial Court in Ibadan on Monday stopped the University of Ibadan management from ejecting a sacked lecturer, Dr Adenike Ogunshe, from her official residence, pending the determination of a suit.
Ogunshe, a lecturer in the Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, is challenging the institution and its council over the unlawful termination of her appointment.
The institution had also directed the claimant to vacate her quarters on the institution's campus.
Counsel to the claimant, Mr Femi Aborisade, in a motion exparte, urged the court to stop the University of Ibadan from carrying out the directive.
Justice Firstina Kola-Olalere granted the motion and instructed the University of Ibadan not to eject the claimant from her official residence.
The judge, however, adjourned the case till Jan. 19, for hearing of the suit.
NAN reports that the claimant's appointment was terminated over alleged misconduct.
Aborisade had earlier told the court that the appointment of his client was wrongly terminated, adding that due process was not followed.
He further said that the termination of the appointment of his client was unconstitutional, unlawful and a violation her constitutionally guaranteed right to life, natural justice and fair hearing.
The counsel urged the court to set aside the purported termination of the appointment and reinstall the claimant to her position, without any loss of earnings, salaries and allowances.
He also urged the court to order the respondents to pay N8 million as general damages, for failure to give the equitable three months notice before termination of the claimant's appointment.
Akure – An Akure Chief Magistrates' Court on Monday ordered the remand of a 20-year-old student, Segun Adeoye, at the Olokuta Prison's custody over an alleged armed robbery of goods worth N3,675,000.
Adeoye is facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, armed robbery and possession of firearms.
Magistrate Sunday Adedapo ordered the accused to be remanded pending the receipt of legal advice from the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPPs).
He also ordered that the original copy of the case file should be sent to the State Chief Registrar for safe keeping.
Earlier, the prosecutor, Mr Pelumi Adejuwon, had told the court that the accused and others at large were armed with a locally-made single barrel gun and other offensive weapons when they carried out the attack.
"The accused and others at large attacked and stole a Toyota Yaris saloon car marked as BX 244 RBC valued at N3,500, 000. "Other items stolen by them are: a Nokia Lumia handset valued at N25,000, a Samsung camera valued at N50,000 and N100,000. "Some food stuffs and other valuable, property of one Mrs Faturoti Sharon,'' he said.
Adejuwon said that the accused failed to give satisfactory account of how he came about the locally-made single barrel gun found in his possession.
The prosecutor alleged that the accused committed the offence on March 30, 2016 at about 9 p.m., at Palmgrove Street, Ondo town in Ondo State.
He said that the offences contravened Sections 6(a) & (b), 1 & 2(a) & (b) and 3(1) of the Robbery and Firearm (special provision) Act Cap Rii Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. The plea by Mr Habib Bidmus, counsel to the accused, was not taken by the court.
The court then adjourned the case till Nov.28 for first review and legal advice.
Rangers International of Enugu Coach, Imama Amakapabo , on Monday said that the team would be fortified with additional experienced players ahead of the 2016/2017 season.
Amakapabo told newsmen in Enugu that injecting new players into the squad became necessary, for the club to also go far in the CAF Champions League.
According to the coach, the team has set its eyes on defending the cup they won in the just concluded season and would recruit experienced players to achieve its target.
The club last won the competition in 1984.
The coach, however, did not disclose the number of additional players to be injected into the team.
"For the 2016/2017 season at the national level, we will defend our hard-earned NPFL title and participate in the CAF Champions League.
"We need to fortify the team with some experienced players because competing in the continent is a higher task.
"Also, we needed to keep a good number of reserve players to meet-up with the national encounters – Federation Cup as well as in the NPFL- where we needed to defend our hard earned title,'' he said.
Amakapabo, who was a member of the 1985 Golden Eaglets World Cup winning team in China, urged the club's management to improve the players' welfare, to get the best from them.
"We will approach the CAF Champions League, NFPL and Federation Cup with the same zeal, hard work and system we deployed to win the league title.
"We will strive to become the first team to win the CAF Champions League for Nigeria since Enyimba in 2004,'' he said.
Amapakabo, who had recently signed a two-year contract with Rangers, attributed the team's success to God's grace, hard work, unity and discipline.
Lagos – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday charged former Gov. Orji Uzor Kalu of Abia with money laundering before a Federal High Court in Lagos.
Kalu is charged alongside his company, Slok Nigeria Ltd., and his former Commissioner for Finance, Jones Ude, on 34 counts bordering on money laundering.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.Orji Kalu
After the plea, counsel to the accused, Mr Mike Ozekhome (SAN), urged the trial judge, Justice Mohammed Idris, to allow the accused to continue with an earlier bail condition.
Ozekhome informed the court that the accused had earlier been arraigned before Justice Nyako, Adamu Bello and Uweh, all of Abuja Federal High Courts before they were re-arraigned today.
The prosecutor, Mr Adeniyi Adebisi, did not oppose the submission of defence counsel.
Adebisi, however, added that EFCC was only interested in the justice of the case which included the trial of the accused persons.
Idris consequently, adjourned the case to Dec. 12 and 13 for trial and ordered that the accused continue with the subsisting bail terms.
In the charge, the accused were alleged to have committed the offence between August 2001 and October 2005.
Kalu was alleged to have utilised his company to retain in the account of a First Inland Bank, now FCMB, N200 million.
The sum is alleged to have formed part of funds illegally derived from the coffers of the Abia State Government.
In one of the counts, his company (Slok Nig Ltd) and one Emeka Abone, who is said to be at large, were also alleged to have retained in the company's account N200 million, on behalf of the first accused.
They were alleged to have utilised Manny Bank (now Fidelity Bank Plc), Spring Bank Plc, the defunct Standard Trust Bank and Finland Bank, now First City Monument Bank (FCMB).
In counts one to 10, the accused were alleged to have retained about N2.5 billion in different accounts which funds were said to belong to the Abia State Government.
Cumulatively in all the counts, the accused were alleged to have diverted over N3.2 billion from the Abia State Government's treasury during Kalu's tenure as governor.
The offence is said to have contravened the provisions of sections 15(6), 16, and 21 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2005.
It is also said to have contravened the provisions of the Money Laundering Act of 1995 as amended by the amendment Act No. 9 of 2002 and section 477 of the Criminal Code Act, Laws of the Federation, 1990.
Abuja – The British High Commission, in collaboration with the Chevening Alumni Association of Nigeria (CAAN), is organising leadership summit geared towards Nigeria's economic development as its contribution to efforts at boosting the nation's economy.
The summit, according to a statement by the British High Commission Press and Public Affairs Officer, Joe Abuku, aims at charting positive and productive way forward for Nigeria's economy.
The summit is scheduled for Nov. 18 at the Intercontinental Hotel, Lagos.
Abuku said it was to reconnect and engage with Nigerians who were awarded the UK Chevening Scholarships between 1984 and 2015.
According to him, the summit with the theme "Economic prosperity of Nigeria and the role of Chevening Alumni in contributing to Nigeria's economic growth", is the first of its kind.
He said that the gathering would draw on key Chevening Alumni in business, government, the media and other sectors to discuss a way forward for Nigeria's current economic challenges.
He reported the British High Commissioner to Nigeria Paul Arkwright as saying that the summit would provide ideas to help to overcome economic challenges.
"The global oil price slump has put the Nigerian economy under immense strain, but has also focused attention on opportunities for diversification and structural reform to expand Nigeria's non-oil export base.
"The UK is providing Nigeria with support in a variety of ways, one of which is drawing on our Chevening Alumni network.
"The network, made up of some of the brightest minds in different sectors of Nigeria's economy, is expected to develop ideas to overcome the current economic challenges."
According to Arkwright, solutions that are owned and driven by Nigeria and Nigerians will have the best chance of achieving lasting success.
Arkwright expressed confidence that the summit would be an excellent opportunity to chart a positive and productive way forward.
CAAN was established in 2012 to provide a forum for members to network and make sound contributions to important national and international issues while promoting links between the UK and Nigeria.
The discussions at the summit, according to Abuku, will feature plenary sessions and panel discussions with alumni and external experts around current economic realities, policies and the Nigerian business terrain.
He said there would also be discussions around diversification into non-oil sectors, opportunities and challenges across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.
Some Alumni speakers and panelists expected include John Momoh ,CEO Channels TV; Adesola Adeduntan ,CEO, First Bank Group and Sani Muhammed, Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Kaduna State.
Others are former Minister of Youths and Sports Bolaji Abdulahi and Human Resources Executive, MTN Nigeria, Amina Oyagbola
Abuja – Mrs Fatima Kaka, a member of the Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) movement, has urged the Federal Government to hasten the process for the release of the remaining Chibok girls.
Kaka made the appeal on Monday in an interview in Abuja.
She also urged the government to hasten the release of other Nigerians kidnapped in the North East.
The Presidency on Oct. 12 confirmed the release of 21 of 291 Chibok girls kidnapped by the Boko Haram terrorists on April 14, 2014.
Kaka said: "We don't know the number of people in captivity; we just know that a lot of people are in captivity.
"The number available to the public is not consistent; the government should double up its efforts for the release of abducted people in the North East.
"For the remaining 197 remaining Chibok girls, the government has to do everything possible and whatever it takes to get the girls," Kaka said.
She noted that the condition of the 21 girls so far released by the insurgents was not encouraging, adding, "the faster we recover everybody, the better.''
Kaka, however, commended the federal government for its efforts in securing the release of some of the girls, saying that their release in batches was in order.
"When people are taken, another thing is the issue of negotiation; they have to come in batches; that is what happens all over the world.
"As long as they are coming out, we are okay, no matter the number at a time but let it just be fast- tracked," said the the BBOG member.
She appealed to the government not to jeopardise the prospects of the abducted girls to excel in life.
A Nigerian newspaper and Online version of the Vanguard, a daily publication in Nigeria covering Niger delta, general national news, politics, business, energy, sports, entertainment, fashion,lifestyle human interest stories, etc
Mario Balotelli starred once again as clinical Nice opened up a six-point gap at the top of Ligue 1 with a 4-1 thrashing of Nantes on Sunday.
The maverick forward, back in form after a nightmare spell at Liverpool, scored one and was involved in two other goals as Nice took their unbeaten run since the start of the season to 11 matches.
Wylan Cyprien scored a brace and Alassane Plea also netted while Emiliano Sala replied for the out-gunned visitors at the Allianz Riviera, as Nice played with panache and incision.
The league leaders were quickly in control of proceedings and Balotelli was at the heart of it as they opened the scoring.
The Italy star ran onto Younes Belhanda’s chip over the top and although he was stopped in his tracks by desperate last-gasp defending, the ball broke to Cyprien to slot into the empty net.
Nice’s Italian forward Mario Balotelli (C) vies with Nantes’ French midfielder Adrien Thomasson (L) during the French L1 football match Nice (OGCN) vs Nantes (FCN) on October 30, 2016 at the “Allianz Riviera” stadium in Nice, southeastern France. AFP
Nice were piling on the pressure and the Nantes backline cracked again as Balotelli ran onto a long ball from Jean Seri and calmly took a touch before placing the ball past Remy Riou and into the bottom corner.
Nantes weren’t completely out of contention and Yacine Bammou should have done better than fire over from Lucas Lima’s cross 10 minutes before half-time.
Nice kept coming, though, and Ricardo Pereira’s goal-bound shot was blocked by Diego Carlos.
But the hosts shot themselves in the foot at the start of the second period as Mathieu Bodmer tried to dribble the ball out of defence on the edge of his box.
He was robbed by Sala, who stroked a sumptuous shot into the top corner on 47 minutes.
Suddenly Nice were reeling and struggling to hold on against a rejuvenated Nantes, with Sala and Mariusz Stepinski spurning good chances.
But the tide turned again on the hour mark as Plea rose ahead to head home Seri’s corner.
Minutes later a sublime flick from Balotelli sent Pereira scampering towards goal and he pulled the ball back for Cyprien to drill home.
Second-placed Monaco lost ground in the title-race with a 1-1 draw at Saint-Etienne on Saturday.
Kamil Glik put Monaco ahead after five minutes but the hosts pulled level just 13 minutes later through Loic Perrin.
Champions Paris Saint-Germain are behind Monaco only on goal difference after winning 1-0 at Lille on Friday night thanks to a goal from Uruguay forward Edinson Cavani.
Akure – As the people of Ondo State prepare to elect a new governor on Nov. 26, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state has accused Gov. Olusegun Mimiko of plotting to cause mayhem.
The Ondo State chapter of APC, Mr Abayomi Adesanya, made the allegation in a statement in Akure on Sunday.Mimiko
"We have been reliably informed of the intense mobilisation of thugs and militants, running into thousands, by the Executive Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko,'' Adesanya said.
He alleged that the governor intended to use the recruits to ''protest and unleash terror on the good people of the state from Monday, Oct. 31, in Akure, Ondo, Akoko areas and Owo, Ore and Okitipupa.
He alleged that Mimiko on Saturday started disbursing money to mobilise militants and hoodlums from Delta and Edo states as well as a faction of Oodua People's Congress from Ekiti and Lagos states.
He appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to direct the security agencies to beef-up security in and around Ondo State till the governorship election was concluded.
Adesanya said that the people of the state were desirous of peace, which should not be disrupted by the few self-seeking individuals for political gains.
Reacting to the allegation, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Eni Akinsola, described the allegation as baseless.
"This is baseless allegation.
"In the last seven and a half years of Gov. Olusegun Mimiko's administration, we have no history of violence.
" The people of Ondo State are capable of defending themselves and protecting their territory.
"We have the history of defending our votes and we do not have the history of depending on external forces and this will not be an exception," Akinsola said.
Ondo State has been under tension since the announcement of Mr Ibrahim Jimoh as the PDP candidate for the election.
Mimiko said on Friday that he had briefed the president of the danger in the decision by INEC and appealed to the people to remain calm.
Private school proprietors in Bayelsa have decried multiple taxes and levies imposed on them by different agencies of Bayelsa Government.
Pastor Yeseme Moses, Chairman, National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Bayelsa chapter, expressed the concern, in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yenagoa on Sunday.
Moses said that the imposition of the taxes and levies such as registration of business premises, environmental levies, water rate and a host of others, was stifling the schools.
The chairman said that the practice was inimical to the overall growth of the education sector which the state government ironically wanted to enhance.
He said that the imposition of multiple taxes by agents of the state government who incessantly harassed them was regrettable and counterproductive.
Moses said that the association since its establishment in 2005 had been working for the advancement of quality education in the country in general and Bayelsa in particular.
He said that NAPPS remained committed to promoting the welfare and growth of private schools so as to complement the role of government in providing quality education for the citizenry.
He noted that the core values of NAPPS included professionalism, equity, religious tolerance, discipline, integrity and patriotism.
According to him, NAPPS played a dominant role in job creation as available data showed that each of the 700 private schools in Bayelsa employed between 15 and 20 workers.
"In spite of the huge progress recorded in public schools, the contribution of private schools in Bayelsa is tremendous and deserves assistance by all stakeholders," Moses said.
Reacting, the Commissioner for Education in the state, Mr Markson Fefegha, said the ministry was also disturbed by the development.
"The practice is worrisome and there is the need to harmonise the revenue system; my ministry is not involved in the multiple levies; we only collect one approved fee.
"Our main area of work is in the quality control and quality assurance; we frown at people running substandard schools and encourage those who meet our standards to thrive.
"I will table the matter at the appropriate quarters because we have been getting the reports also.
"We do not want to stifle the private schools; we want them to grow," Fefegha said.
The World Bank has supported 120 public primary and secondary schools in Ekiti with teaching materials running into millions of naira.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Idowu Adelusi, said in a statement issued in Ado Ekiti on Sunday.
Adelusi said that the items were handed over to Gov. Ayo Fayose at the Government House for onward distribution to the selected schools.
He quoted Fayose as expressing gratitude to the World Bank, saying his administration would complement the bank's effort by supplying the remaining schools with the items.
The governor's spokesman said that this was to ensure that no school was left out in the exercise.
He quoted the governor as saying select government approved private schools would also be considered in the exercise.
According to him, the governor has consequently ordered that henceforth,Open Day will now be observed in all public schools.
"The new policy is to enable parents to go and assess the performance of their children and wards in schools from time to time.
"They don't have to wait until the term runs out when the children will bring their academic results home.
"The level we have attained in the education sector must be improved upon
"We can't afford to drop our guards, if we came first in NECO examinations this year, it must not be once in a while achievement, we must maintain our enviable position.
"I am not in support of fire brigade approach to policies as that won't help us as a state. We must plan ahead and take necessary steps to consolidate our feat in the area of education
"For teachers, we can't jettison them, as doing so is ignoring the future of our children. We will continue to encourage them and I appeal to our parents to show understanding too
"Teachers are human and they have personal challenges and must be encouraged for them to pay attention to our children.
"The instructional materials won't go on their own and stick themselves to students' brains, it is the teachers that will use them to teach our wards and children," he quoted the governor as saying.
The World Bank instructional materials, included chalk, mathematical sets, books and compendium of past questions on subjects, among several others.
The Commissioner of Cooperatives Affair in Gombe state, Alhaji Yusuf Manu Swa has constructed a 15-bed and a five-VIP room capacity clinic at Talasse, headquarters of Balanga local government area in the State.
He said it was part of his contribution towards improving health care delivery system and curbing maternal/child mortality in the rural areas of the state
Speakng at the weekend in Gombe, Manu Swa said the project was inspired by the need to contribute to the development of his community and the determination to cushion their long desire for more health facilities in the area, vis-Ã -vis the growing population.
He said the health facility brought to the fore memories of his father's commitment to cleanliness and clean environment as a Sanitary Health Inspector under the Tangale-Waja Native Authority; hence it was dedicated to and named after him.
The donor said the clinic which contains a theater room equipped with Anastasia machine, delivery room, laboratory equip with three microscopes, scanner, other important facilities is 15 beds capacity with two wards and five VIP rooms.
He said it was so equipped with modern medical facilities to increase the people's access to modern health clinic and also contribute adequately to reducing the unpleasant statistics of maternal/child mortality in the state.
"We have negotiated to invite consultant to see our patient in most difficult circumstances," he added.
The Commissioner said the clinic will serve as the base for treating diverse cases within and outside Balanga local government area and would manned by qualified medical personnel.
The health facility which is private in nature is only second of its kind after Gelengu ECWA Dispensary which is the foremost and had been the only existing private health clinic in the entire Waja Chiefdom.
Dr Henry Ogiri, a former Executive Director, Finance and Administration (EDFA), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers state.
Ogiri dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the APC at a rally in Abua-Central, Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers on Saturday.
Henry Ogiri
He said he joined the APC because of the interest of his people and not to lead them astray.
"I am joining the APC to align with progressives and support President Muhammadu Buhari in building a new Nigeria.
"Buhari is building a new Nigeria that holds a lot of promise. Whatever we are seeing today will be temporary. We are in APC to partake in the building of a new Nigeria," he said.
According to Ogiri, whatever sacrifice Nigerians are paying today is for a better tomorrow.
"I enjoin all our people, we must join the APC to build a society that breeds hope for our people, not a society that is plagued with insecurity, poverty and misery.
Minister of Transportation Chibuike Amaechi represented by Sen. Magnus Abe, described Ogiri as a decent man who stayed in PDP because of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
"A lot of decent Rivers people felt Jonathan is our brother. So, on that principle, they stayed back in PDP.
"They did not stay in PDP to cause insecurity and spread poverty in Rivers. They did not stay in PDP to deceive and enthrone the hegemony of one group over the rest of us.
"The factor that kept Ogiri in PDP is no longer there. So, there is no reason for any decent Rivers man to remain in a party that has nothing to offer the people," he said.
Amaechi said if Nigeria was in a recession, Rivers was already in a depression because companies in the state were moving out and no investment was coming into the state.
"The reason why we are in politics is to live a better life. But when you have a government that is trading better life for politics, it is a bad government," he said.
Dr Dakuku Peterside, Director-General, Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), said that Rivers was in a reverse gear in terms of development in the past 17 months.
Peterside stated that the state was on reverse gear because it was being governed by a default leadership.
"The schools and primary health care centres built by the former administration have been abandoned. Our pupils and students are out of school because they are paying fees now.
"Rivers people are killed every day because of bad leadership. They don't understand what governance is," he said.
Troops of Operation Lafiya Dole deployed behind Bakassi Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, Damboa road, Maiduguri, on Sunday averted a suicide bomb when it intercepted and killed a male suicide bomber.
Col. Sani Usman, the army spokesman said in a statement that the troops, who were deployed on security duty, killed the bomber, who had attempted to sneak through their inner parapet towards the IDP camp.
He said that the incident occurred at about 9.00 a.m.
It will be recalled that suicide bombers killed some nine people close to the camp on Saturday after detonating their explosives.
"The vigilant sentry sighted the bomber and laid in wait until the suicide bomber came close.
"The sniper instantly shot and killed the terrorists as he tried to force his way to the western flank of the IDP camp fence.
"Unfortunately, the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) vest strapped on the bomber failed to detonate.
"Consequently, a combined team of military and police Explosive Ordinance Device (EOD) have been called to safely detonate the IED," Usman said.
He, however, said the situation at the camp and the general area was calm.
ABUJA- The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC has emerged the overall winner of the maiden edition of the week-long biennial Ministry of Interior Games MIGA which ended at the weekend at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna.
With 37 gold, 17 silver and nine bronze medals, the civil defence team blazed the trail, knocking the Nigerian Police Force team to a distant second position with 11 gold, 20 silver and 18 bronze.
Third on the medals table was the Nigeria Prisons Service with four gold, seven silver and 17 bronze while the Nigeria Immigration Service came fourth with one gold, eight silver and 20 bronze. The Federal Fire Service got one silver to clinch the fifth position while the Ministry of Interior was named the “Best Behaved Team” of the games.
Declaring the games closed, Minister of Interior, Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau said the essence of the games was to enhance synergy among sister-security agencies and de-emphasize inter-agency rivalry as the federal government continues to deploy paramilitary personnel to recovered areas in the North East.
“I am happy to state that the main agenda of the games is to pursue our integration agenda among the services and the ministry too. This has provided one of the best fora for unity and we have achieved that. While we have achieved that on the field through sports, I want to urge you to also ensure that you carry on with this spirit during operations. Therefore, I urge that this spirit exhibited throughout this past week should continue”, he admonished.
Host governor, Nasir el-Rufai in his remarks pledged commitment to the development of sports in the state, praising participants at the games for exhibiting the highest form of discipline and sportsmanship.
The tournament which featured games like football, volleyball, handball, tennis, badminton, squash among others, had the Minister of Defence, Brig. Gen. Mansur Dan Ali, his counterpart in Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, paramilitary service chiefs and the Commandant of the Nigeria Defence Academy, NDA.
Former Rivers State Governor and Minister for Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has hailed former Chairman of the Peoples' Democratic Party in Rivers State, Late Chief G.U Ake as a peace loving man who contributed immensely to human capital development.
Amaechi stated this at Erema, Ogba/Egbema/ Ndoni Local Government Area of the state, during the burial ceremony of the Late Chief Godspower Umejuru Ake, on Friday.
Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and his wife Judith (right) with wife of Late Chief GU Ake (middle) at the funeral of the deceased, on Friday.
The late Chief Ake was an ally of the Transportation Minister. He was also a former member of the Rivers State House of Assembly in the first Republic.
Amaechi who also acknowledged the role played by the Late Chief in his governorship ambition explained that many whom the elder statesman assisted in life turned against him before his death.
"Chief was a very peace loving man and a peaceful man; the way he walks and the way he talks you will know that he never liked violence. A lot of us seated here today have benefited from chief in one way or the other. Starting from Chief Rufus Ada George and Dr. Peter Odili, my former boss."
"After God, Chief contributed in making Dr. Peter Odili deputy governor and contributed to also making him governor. So chief helped to make governors after God".
"After Dr. Peter Odili became governor, Chief helped to make me governor. I will tell you one lesson I learnt from chief. He said people will continue to betray you so let it not worry you. A lot of people that were chief's friends betrayed him. Chief taught me that where there is no God, there will be no peace."
"I thought Chief would die when Felix Obuah "Go-round" betrayed him. If you all remember "Go round" was shot in his privates, the first man that rushed to me was Chief G.U Ake, he gave me an ultimatum that I must fly him (Go- round) out to South Africa for treatment and I brought the money, he was flown abroad and was treated, but today "Go round" has betrayed Chief," Amaechi said.
Amaechi added saying, "We must look at what has happened to our own leader, our own father. A child in Omoku (Chief's home town) went to court and lied against Chief, and removed him because they had power of the Presidency. I know chief very well and was close to him, chief was a good adviser, he was not greedy, and he died a Rivers man. All those he helped are not here. I owe him nothing than this respect and to continue to be a member of his family," Amaechi said.
Recalling his victory as the then Governor of Rivers State, Amaechi said his victory was through a divine mandate and not by shedding of human blood, adding that one of his greatest successes recorded as governor was that Rivers State did not experience killings and human massacre as it is currently prevalent under the present administration.
He said, "See Onelga, the beauty of the country. See how bad the road is. See Omoku, a desert. People are being killed and slaughtered every day, and there is a government in place."
"One thing I am proud of is that as a governor, both my enemies and opponents stayed alive. They have killed so many of Chief's supporters and are still killing chief's supporters. All you people owe chief is to chase out all these people in 2019," he said.
The recent visit made by Marne Dunn, the Digital Empowerment Director for Community Education at Intel to Lagos, Nigeria, no doubt is closing gender digital divide, making the role of women in the economic development of a country very significant.
Following her visit, Dunn brought further awareness to the Intel She Will Connect app at a hands-on-session where leading NGO and media personnel could learn ways to adopt the tool to reach more girls, especially in rural areas, to educate them on digital literacy.
Marne Dunn is known for her strong passion to close the gender digital divide, and she continues to inspire people to lifelong learning.
She currently leads the Intel She Will Connect Program which is a Corporate Affairs initiative of Intel aimed at closing the gender digital divide and enabling women through technology. With a goal to lead her team over the next 3 years to reach 5 Million women and to create lasting change in communities by enabling 10,000 women by the end of 2020, Marne and her team will leverage the Intel She Will Connect App.
As part of this drive, Marne's recent visit to Lagos, Nigeria was dedicated to the Intel® She Will Connect app which is a highly useful tool that connects more women and girls with the internet. These participants learn to use mobile devices and PCs to empower themselves, while remaining safe.
Girls can learn to use technology to access the Internet, set up email accounts, research health and wellness topics, practice Internet safety on social media platforms like Facebook, while also getting inspirational stories of women who have benefited greatly by connecting to the internet.
Using the Intel She Will Connect App
The She Will Connect App is a simple easy to use app that comes with four categories: Inspire, Learn, Connect and Explore.
Inspire: To help users to understand why they should use the internet, and also share inspiring stories of women using the internet.
Learn: To help users learn how to computer and mobile device basics, as well as using a keyboard, using touch features, connecting to Wi-Fi, understanding Data Usage and Cost, protecting your devices.
Connect: To help users learn how to create an account, send email, use Social Media, like creating a facebook account, sharing information, and downloading content, like Mobile Apps.
Explore: It opens users to the endless possibility available on the internet. The device helps users to learn to explore the internet for information like learning how to start a business, Finding access to education, health and info, as well as reading local and global news, and also read about the inspiring lives of many women on My Digital Journey.
Challenges of bridging the technological divide in Nigeria.
A report from the ITU World Telecommunication/ICT indicator database states that globally, there are more men than women using the internet. We have 37% of women online compared to 41% of men across the globe. This means 1.3billion women and 1.5billion men.
In the developing world, which includes Nigeria, this means about 826million female internet users and 483 million male internet users. In essence, the gender divide is more prominent in the developing countries, where 16% less women than men use the internet.
While there are several challenges that women and girls face in bridging the gender gaps in technology, most prevalent ones include education, infrastructure, skills, financial resources, and power and decision making.
The internet can open up opportunities and close some of these gaps—there are increasing online courses on the internet for women who want to educate themselves to acquire new skills, learn how to start a business, access funding organisations or even learn the basics of decision making in business.
With a population of 162.5 million people in Nigeria, with 49% female, access and control of the technology in relations to opportunities is a challenge.
Benefits of the apps
The number of women without access to internet access is slowly being bridged by efforts like the Intel She Will Connect App. Currently, the Intel® She Will Connect Program has successfully connected over 40,000 females to the internet, and the Awareness app will open even more possibility for more girls to become digitally literate
The app will offer women and girls the opportunity to be empowered, enjoy access to health and educational information, and benefit from capacity building.
With the app, more women and girls can enhance their social and economic knowledge, and in the long run this would empower, increase productivity and in the long run reduce poverty.
The Borno command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on Sunday raised the alarm that youths in Maiduguri are now being recruited by Boko Haram to supply fuel in Gamboru Ngala area of the state.
The Commandant of the NSCDC, Mr Ibrahim Abdullahi our Borno Correspondent, Hamza Suleiman in Maiduguri.
Abdullahi said the command had intercepted a reasonable quantity of fuel packaged in a carton of groundnut oil, bound for Gamboru Ngala local government area in the state.
He said since Boko Haram are running out of food and other supplies, they have employed all sorts of means to replenish stock.
"The command had so far arrested a suspect, who confessed that he did not know the owner of the consignment that he was asked to deliver to the insurgents trapped in Gamboru Ngala.
"He later confessed that each of the five litres of fuel is sold at N15,000 to the insurgents.
"You will recall we raised the alarm that some agents of Boko Haram were transporting stolen cows from Mafa, Kalabalge and Bomboshe axis in the state to cattle market in Maiduguri.
"The Boko Haram usually send the cows to their agents in the city who will then sell them and repatriate either cash or fuel to the terrorists.
"We are therefore warning the people especially drivers not to accept or convey any form of message that looks suspicious to any one, especially along the Gamboru axis.
"We are also warning the drivers, park owners and union groups to always check their passengers and their luggage to avoid transporting bad elements that would cause havoc in the society.
According to him, the command is working with other relevant security agencies to bring all the collaborators of terrorists to book.
The SA to President Muhammadu Buhari (Media and Publicity), Femi Adesina has said that the diversification drive by the President Buhari’s administration will not see the oil sector neglected. Adesina reiterated what the Minister of state for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu had said that, “oil got us into recession and oil will get us out.”
ABUJA- THE Chairman Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, Senator James Manager, at the weekend said result should be the focus of recently approved N30 billion mining intervention fund by the Federal Executive Council, FEC.
Manager made the call at the just concluded Nigerian Mining Week held in Abuja, while speaking on the need to inject more resources into the mining sub-sector for successful diversification of the economy.
He said: "I am sure and I want to believe that before the N30 billion Mining Intervention Fund was approved a memo was sent to the Federal Executive Council, FEC, by the Minister, and in that memo whatever they want to do with that money is spelt out item by item.
"Mine is what they want to use the money for and what is important is at the end of the day there must be value for money because Nigerians must have value for money for whatever that will be spent.
"This sub-sector we have been told is better and richer than oil, and what do we do now that we are diversifying so that we will not be relying on a mono product, that is, oil and for any reason there is problem in the oil sub-sector in the international market Nigeria will have problem and that is the problem we have today.
Hence the need to diversify and in diversifying the solid minerals sub-sector becomes very handy.
"Therefore whatever that is been done we want to see result and is the result that is important to parliament and not that the items that are there but result, and when the results are there everybody will see it so that the diversification the economy will become visible and everybody will be happy and that is the prayer of all Nigerians.
"Mr President's move to diversify the economy for more sources of revenue generation will be supported by the National Assembly."
Following allocation in the 2016 budget for the solid minerals sector the Lawmaker urged the federal government to allocate reasonable amount of money for the sector and smooth diversification in the 2017 budget.
"We need to be serious when we talk about diversifying and when you are diversifying let the people also see that the government is very serious about diversifying the economy.
"I want to believe that in 2017 budget by going forward something reasonable will be appropriated for the solid minerals sub-sector because we have to diversify and we have no other way out.
"It is important for government to also encourage the sub-sector the encouragement will come by a way of appropriation. I want to believe the president means well and he is very serious about what he has said about the solid minerals sub-sector, and that is the reason why the N30 billion has been approved by FEC", he added.
Ex-president Goodluck Jonathan has said that under his watch as Nigeria’s president, no Nigerian became a political prisoner or a prisoner of conscience based on what he or she wrote in criticising him or his administration.
Jonathan gave the keynote speech on Saturday, 29th October at the annual Merit Awards Dinner of the Nigerian Lawyers Association of the US.
(Former Governor Peter Obi, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and the President of the NLA Nexus Sea)
The former President who urged the Diaspora lawyers to help preserve democratic institutions also said that, diversity could remain a strength only when all interest groups in the society feel safe and secured, in their day to day activities.
At the event which held in New York, former Anambra state Governor, Peter Obi, who introduced ex-President Jonathan said ‘nobody in Nigeria has made more sacrifices for democracy and unity in Nigeria like former President Jonathan”.
Jonathan was also honored for his efforts to promote democracy by the City of New York which issued a proclamation honoring Dr. Jonathan as a democratic icon.
During his speech, Dr. Jonathan urged Nigerian politicians to build unity and harmony in Nigeria by their language and conduct. He said that was why he ensured there was both freedom of speech and freedom after the speech and equally ensured that under his watch, “not a single Nigerian was sent to prison because of anything he or she wrote or said about me or about the Administration that I headed."
Below is the full speech:
Protocols
It is a great pleasure for me to be with you in this annual gathering. I thank you for extending your invitation to me, a layman to be among learned people. I always enjoy attending programs organized by lawyers either as members of the bar or bench.
Let me use this opportunity to thank the Nigerians living in the United States for your contributions to the development of our Country. When I met President Obama after our 2011 general elections, he commended the contributions of Nigerian professionals in different sectors in the United States of America.
Back home, I know of your contributions to the economy of our country. Diaspora remittance is a major source of foreign exchange and the United States houses the largest Nigerian Diaspora population.
(President Jonathan and awardees at the event)
Nigerian lawyers are one of the pillars of the United States legal system with many of you rising to the top of your chosen field and making Nigeria proud in the process.
I salute Judge Bunmi O. Awoniyi who was appointed to the bench in California in 2012 thus becoming the first Nigerian to be so honoured in the Golden State. I also recognize Judge Jude Nkama, who became the first African to be appointed a judge in the over two (2) centuries old bar and bench of the State of New Jersey.
As a body, you are an asset to Nigeria and I want you to walk tall knowing that your exploits add value to the Motherland of which you are worthy ambassadors here in the United States. Through you I see a brighter future for Nigeria.
No Nation can achieve greatness without the inputs of her Learned People and that is why if there is any crop of professionals who has made Nigeria proud over the years, both at the continental and global levels, it will be you all.
Your steadfastness, contributions to jurisprudence and patriotism has been pivotal to our development. I wouldn’t want to bore you with so much references, but we could recollect the glorious age of our own Teslim Elias at The Hague, Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Gani Fawehimi and the Williams family. You will recall that Justice Udoma, a Nigerian, was the first African Chief Justice of Uganda.
I am quite pleased to know that the Nigerian Lawyers Association in the United States has such a robust annual program. I am particularly touched by the theme of this year's event: “Diversity as Our Bridge to Tomorrow."
Let me quickly speak on the issue you've asked me to address. Obviously, the theme suggests two things. First, that there exist Diversity in our polity and second, that such Diversity could either be a Plus or a Minus for our National development depending on our conduct as a people.
I will examine these existing variables from the point of view of our political orientations and institutional framework over the years.
As 2014 approached, I set up a Committee to arrange for the Centenary Celebration of the amalgamation of the North and Southern Protectorates that formed our country Nigeria. When the idea of celebrating the amalgamation became known to the public, some people were against it, describing it as a wasteful enterprise.
My admonition was very clear. Nigeria is great not because of the crude oil we produce but because of the size of our country, its resilient population and the diverse ecological zones. In both the people and the environment, Nigeria exhibits high diversity. The amalgamation is a blessing except we decide to make it a curse.
The strength and potential of an individual is not due to his or her tribe, religion, language or ethnicity, but largely due to the brain and the application of our mental capacities. As patriots, we must strive to both explore and deploy our individual God-given talents and abilities to develop our country and build our nation.
We may have our differences but these differences should serve as the mortar to cement our unity. You may have read or heard about the exchange between two of our Nation's founding fathers, Sir Ahmadu Bello and The Right Honourable, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe both of blessed memory.
Azikwe said to Ahmadu Bello: “let us forget our differences" to which Ahmadu Bello responded: “no, let us understand our differences, I am a Muslim and a Northerner, you are a Christian, an Easterner… by understanding our differences, we can build unity in our country”. It is clear that both leaders had the common interest of Nigeria at heart but they were only advocating different approaches.
Nigeria is a diverse Nation and sometimes I reflect on our previous National Anthem because a line in it reminds us of the need to foster unity; "though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand”. We have our differences but we are all brothers and sisters.
Those differences must be seen as a blessing because they strengthen our resilience and diversity; the essential ingredient of a great nation. Every Nigerian must believe that Nigeria is for all Nigerians. We must resist the pull of ego that may make us want to pursue a regional or narrow agenda and should be willing, if necessary, to shut out regional irredentists who signal to the public that they are fighting our battles
As you all know, most of my principal aides in government hailed from different ethnic nationalities. My Administration established 12 Universities, out of which 9 were cited in the Northern part of the country and 3 in the South. The same spirit guided our construction of 165 Al-Majiri schools to cater for the disadvantaged children in the North.
I am proud to say that while we were conscious of the Federal Character as our constitutional guiding principle, we never placed ethno-religious interest above merit or individual values.
Accordingly, diversity could remain a strength only when all interest groups in the society feel safe and secured, in their day to day activities.
That is why no matter what any critic said about me, I ensured that there was both freedom of speech and freedom after the speech. Under my watch not a single Nigerian was sent to prison because of anything he or she wrote or said about me or about the Administration that I headed.
Nigeria had no political prisoners under my Administration and we certainly did not have any prisoners of conscience because we ourselves ensured that we acted according to our conscience in all we did. You in the diaspora can attest to the fact that Nigeria had no political exile.
Not only did I take a stance to allow people express their opinions without let or fear, we also enacted the Freedom of Information Act and by that, we tore the veil of secrecy covering governance. Nigerians deserve to know how their government functions. I am proud to say that we gave them knowledge, and that is a genie you cannot put back to the lamp.
We gave institutions unlimited freedom and ensured that the Nigerian Bar Association and other professional unions, fraternities and guilds were completely devoid of any governmental influence.
Finally, we enacted the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, one of the most progressive criminal justice acts ever signed in Nigeria. The provisions of this Act are geared toward ensuring that the system of administration of criminal justice in Nigeria promotes efficient management of all criminal justice institutions, speedy dispensation of justice, and protection of the rights and interests of the victim of crime and the suspect. The Act, along with other institutional reforms, will help our country in fighting corruption and other crimes.
I am also proud of my records as a democrat. We gave the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), unconditional freedom and ensured by deliberate actions that elections were free, fair and transparent. We ensured that the transition from one government to the other was peaceful.
We achieved this because in constituting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) we ensured that the appointments were not based on personal relationships. This gave the Commission credibility and earned the confidence of the electorate. The Chairman, Prof. Jega, whom I appointed, was a person I had never met in my life. The same sense of patriotism and profound desire to put my country's interest first influenced the critical decisions I made as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The 2014 National Conference was a platform for all Nigerians, men, women, old and young, from all walks of life, and of diverse backgrounds, to have a conversation about our shared challenges, strengths and weaknesses, with the aim to strengthen our unity.
It was not designed to promote the political ambition of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. The Chairman of the Conference, Justice Kutigi, a retired Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) has stated publicly that I never called him or sent anyone to him to influence any of the Conference decisions or recommendations. They were to discuss everything except the sovereignty of Nigeria. My sole interest and total commitment was the unity and advancement of our country.
Remember that despite their differences of opinions and philosophies, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Sir Ahmadu Bello, two fine sons of Nigeria enjoyed mutual respect and civility. I would like to see our political leaders, chairpersons of our various political parties, irrespective of their differences, get together to discuss our unity and development instead of exchanging uncomplimentary words.
Some of you may recall last June, while speaking at the Bloomberg Studios in London, I called on the Executive and Legislative branches of our government to institute a Bill of Rights that would end discrimination and tribalism, and promote equality, enabling every citizen to work towards the common national goal of unity, while striving for socio economic development for all.
All Nigerians should have the equal right to security, health care, education and other opportunities. That is the only way that all Nigerians can be at home in any part of Nigeria without being discriminated against in their own country.
Would it not be good for all of us to aspire to a Nigeria where each of us could proudly say “I am a citizen of Nigeria.” We would be able to look past where each of us comes from, look past our tribal origins. We would be able to evaluate each other on our merits rather than our religion or region.
I argued in that presentation that, being able to declare “Civis Nigerianus Sum” [I am a Nigerian Citizen] will mean that: You would be judged on your merits, not by your tribe or language. You would have access to education that can help you succeed on whatever path you choose. You would be part of a proud culture, one that others want to invest in.
You would be safe in knowing that society judges you by your successes and failures rather than your place of origin. You would be equal before the law and your protection is enshrined in the laws of the country. You would be a valued member of your country, one who is worth investing in, who can turnaround that investment tenfold within your lifetime.
Ultimately, it means that you would be an ambassador for Nigeria. Our diversity is our source of strength and bridge for the development of our tomorrow. So, let us all re-programme our thinking. Let us have no hidden agenda except the Nigerian agenda. I urge you, Nigerian lawyers in the United States and those in the Diaspora at large, to do your best to support the democratic institutions we have built.
Let us pledge to Nigeria our country to be faithful, loyal and honest. Let us demonstrate responsibility in our utterances and actions. Let us honour the labour, wisdom and visions of our founding fathers.
And finally, let us as patriots, in line with the conversation between Sir Ahmadu Bello and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe work towards building a united Nigeria where peace and justice reign.
Thank you for inviting me to your esteem and august gathering. May your conference be a source of unity for our beloved Nigeria!
May God bless you and bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
By Gabriel Ewepu ABUJA – Rice importation into the country is to end next year, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbe, has assured.
He spoke at a joint Anchor Borrowers rice farm inspection with the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Mr. Godwin Emefiele and the Governor of Niger State, Alh Abubakar Bello, at Sunti, Lavun Local Government Area of Niger State, at the weekend.
According to him "The federal government's massive rice production programme, has made huge impacts on the nation's rice supply and will therefore end rice importation into the country as from next year"
He added that the government was working on providing farmers with more improved seedlings , as well as, extending the programme to more states in order to achieve set objectives of food security in the country.
In his own remarks, Mr. Emefiele said that he was satisfied with the level of mileage reached by the Anchor Borrowers Programme, which he said was a key strategy towards drastically reducing the level of foreign exchange that the country was wasted on the importation of food.
"We were convinced at the CBN that the nation was wasting foreign exchange in the importation of food items that we can conveniently produce at home. That was why we chose specific crops such as rice, wheat, soya beans and cotton as the immediate target of the programme.
"The results are there for all to see that indeed, the decision to grow the food that we eat in the country makes a great economic sense. By growing our food at home, rather than import them, we create jobs for our people, create wealth and conserve foreign exchange for other uses", he said.
The governor disclosed that about N2 billion had been disbursed to farmers and other players in the value chains of the selected crops and that Nigerians now have better nourishing food to eat rather than eating, especially rice that had remained in warehouses for many years, which were being imported into the country , in the name of foreign rice.
The CBN boss promised the released of more funds for the purchase of harvesters and rice mills for members of the benefitting cooperatives and other Nigerian businessmen who would be interested in the agricultural sector.
According to him, the Anchor Borrowers Programme was initiated by the CBN with atarget of ensuring economic development by providing credit to individuals and industries in the agricultural sector at single digit rates.
Mr. Emefiele, also urged State Governments to key into the programme with a view to diversifying the economy away from oil, as well as, creating more jobs.
Also speaking, the Governor Bello pledged to assist the Sunti Rice Farmers Cooperative, as well as, by providing more tractors to ease increase their production.
The Governor said that the state government had embarked road works to make it easier for farmers to move their produce to markets in and outside the state.
He observed, however, that highways across the state were being destroyed by over –loaded trucks. He therefore called on the federal government to put in place measures to address the problem.
Uturu (Abia), – Ndigbo at home and abroad ended a three-day summit in Abia on Saturday with a call for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, and others it tagged 'prisoners of conscience' in Nigeria.
The 2016 World Igbo Summit, organised by the World Igbo Summit Group in collaboration with the Igbo Renaissance Centre of the Gregory University, Uturu (GUU), had Sen. Ike Nwachukwu as the chairman.
In its 10-point communique on Saturday night, the summit urged the Federal Government to release Kanu and other Biafran agitators in line with the Rule of Law "since they do not constitute a threat to national security."
The meeting restated the commitment of Ndigbo to work for a united Nigeria, where "Ndigbo would live and operate as equal citizens, without any discrimination, bias or intimidation."
The communique, which was read by a co-chairman of the summit, Chief Sam Ohuabunwa, noted that "Ndigbo have made the biggest sacrifice and contributions to the building of a modern Nigeria."
The summit called for legislation by the state and national assemblies to prohibit nomadic grazing by herdsmen and establish grazing reserves with public funds.
It specifically called for legislation "against all forms of open grazing in Igboland", on grounds that the activities of suspected herdsmen pose great danger to peace and security in the area.
The summit further called for a review of the 1999 constitution to recognise the rights of each federating unit to self-determination and regional economy "as enshrined in the 1960 Independent Constitution and 1963 Republican Constitution."
Summiteers resolved "to take full responsibility for the rebuilding of Igbo economy and development of Igboland", by adopting the digital economy "as the organising paradigm and implementation framework."
Southeast governors were urged to establish a joint commission "for the development of Igboland and be supportive of true Igbo initiatives."
"Henceforth, the Igbo political leadership, whether elected or appointed, must act in the best interest of Ndigbo and be prepared to be held accountable by the people for their actions and inactions."
The summit commended the contributions of Ndigbo in the Diaspora toward the achievement of the vision and urged them to "think home and invest home."
It expressed appreciation to the Chancellor of GUU, Dr. Gregory Ibe, and the management for setting up the Igbo Renaissance Centre toward the re-engineering of Igbo growth and development.
The summit, with the theme, "Igboka-Visioning the Igbo nation in 2016," was aimed at producing a road map for economic growth and prosperity in the Southeast and other Igbo-speaking states of Nigeria.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were former Nigeria's Ambassador to U.S., Prof. George Obiozor, former Minister of Education, Prof. Ihechukwu Madubuike, former governor of Anambra, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, and the Chancellor of GUU.
Other participants at the summit were the former Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Josephine Anenih, former Secretary-General, Ohaneze Ndigbo, Col. Joe Achuzie (rtd.), the Director-General of the World Igbo Summit Group, Dr. Ifedi Okwenna, and representatives of various Igbo groups and associations.
Also in attendance were the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, and the Chairman, Southeast Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Eberechi Dick, among other monarchs. Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra was represented at the meeting by his deputy, Dr. Nkem Okeke.
Maiduguri – The Borno command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on Sunday raised the alarm that youths in Maiduguri are now being recruited by Boko Haram to supply fuel in Gamboru Ngala area of the state.
The Commandant of the NSCDC, Mr Ibrahim Abdullahi made the revelation in an interview in Maiduguri.
Abdullahi said the command had intercepted a reasonable quantity of fuel packaged in a carton of groundnut oil, bound for Gamboru Ngala local government area in the state.
He said since Boko Haram are running out of food and other supplies, they have employed all sorts of means to replenish stock.
"The command had so far arrested a suspect, who confessed that he did not know the owner of the consignment that he was asked to deliver to the insurgents trapped in Gamboru Ngala.
"He later confessed that each of the five litres of fuel is sold at N15,000 to the insurgents.
"You will recall we raised the alarm that some agents of Boko Haram were transporting stolen cows from Mafa, Kalabalge and Bomboshe axis in the state to cattle market in Maiduguri.
"The Boko Haram usually send the cows to their agents in the city who will then sell them and repatriate either cash or fuel to the terrorists.
"We are therefore warning the people especially drivers not to accept or convey any form of message that looks suspicious to any one, especially along the Gamboru axis.
"We are also warning the drivers, park owners and union groups to always check their passengers and their luggages to avoid transporting bad elements that would cause havoc in the society.
According to him, the command is working with other relevant security agencies to bring all the collaborators of terrorists to book. (NAN)
Damaya (Yobe) – The Yobe commissioner for agriculture, Mustapha Gajerima, on Sunday, said anticipated bumper harvest of vegetables from the state, would make vegetables available and affordable in Nigerian markets.
Gajerima in Dayama, Yobe, said that the state recorded increased irrigation farming of onions, pepper and tomatoes this season.
"This season looks very different and promising right from the flowering to the yields, there are indications of very good harvests.
"The other advantage we have this season, is that many people have engaged in irrigation farming, starting with vegetables after which they will go into crop cultivation.
"I have personally cultivated 11 hectares of onions, pepper and tomatoes here in Dayama which also provides training programme to youth with interest in farming.
"Some national legislators, members of the state assembly, my colleagues in the state executive council and elites have also engaged in irrigation farming to promote food security, job creation and revenue generation" he said.
Gajerima said the growing number of irrigation, livestock and fish farmers in the state would increase production to meet the food, beef, dairy and fish needs of Yobe and beyond.
"We will commence harvest of the vegetables this week. We are expecting two more harvests after which we will cultivate rice and wheat on the same farm under the irrigation scheme" the commissioner said.
He assured that government will encourage farmers with inputs to irrigate the basins along the 765 km Yobe river.
"Irrigation farming looks more promising here in the state, we will make good use of the available resources to ensure food security and diversify the economy" Gajerima said. (NAN)
Ondo protest, Saturday, took a new twist as pro-Jegede supporters were seen carrying a mock-coffin bearing some inscriptions such as “R.I. P Bar. Jimoh Ibrahim,” ” No to justice O. E. Abang,” and “Injustice Judgement” as well as chanting a dirge to accompany it.
Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had, Thursday October 27, announced Jimoh Ibrahim of the Modu Sheriff faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as the true candidate for the coming governorship election in the state while substituting that of Eyitayo Jegede who belongs to the Ahmed Makarfi-led faction of the party.
This sparked off massive protest which has taken the current twist.
Protesters carrying coffin with Jimoh Ibrahim’s name inscribed on it as they protest controversial removal of Eyitayo’s name on INEC list pic.twitter.com/j8LayFkvw5
{Gone so soon Abang, RIP Jimoh…} Songs on d lips of Ondo people as they protest controversial removal of Eyitayo’s name on INEC list pic.twitter.com/3l5r8wf0QF
Gone so soon Abang, RIP Jimoh..Songs on d lips of Ondo people as they protest controversial removal of Eyitayo’s name on INEC list pic.twitter.com/M24XE6isg7
Abuja – The Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Hakan Çakil, has said that Nigerian students in Turkey are under the protection of the Turkish government.
Çakil said this on the sideline of a dinner reception to mark the 93rd anniversary of the founding of Turkey in Abuja at the weekend.
The envoy denied media reports that 50 Nigerian students were arrested and detained in Turkey in connection to the foiled coup attempt.
"There were reports that about 50 Nigerians were arrested in Turkey. No Nigerian student is arrested or detained in Turkey.
"All the rights of the Nigerian students who are studying in Turkey are under the protection of the government.
"Unfortunately this was in the media that about 50 Nigerian students were detained or under arrest; these numbers do not reflect the real situation.
"It was a discussion of a non-existant issue."
He, however, said that ties between both countries remained strong and added that both parties sought other areas in which they could strengthen bilateral ties.
Senior Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa also told newsmen that the reported arrest of 50 Nigerian students was an exaggerated issue.
Dabiri-Erewa confirmed that the issue had been resolved diplomatically.
"The Turkish Ambassador who met with our permanent secretary made it clear that 50 Nigerian students were not detained.
"Two Nigerian students were detained for 11 hours but they were released as soon as the ministry got involved.
"Four Nigerians that they claimed were involved in the coup were released as soon as Nigeria stepped in.
"So there is no problem between Nigeria and Turkey, we continue to maintain strong diplomatic relations and we will also continue to ensure that issues are resolved diplomatically and not through sensations.''
She, however, advised Nigerian students abroad to always abide by the laws of whatever country they were in.
She also encouraged students to patronise institutions of learning in Nigeria.
"Perhaps you do not need to go abroad because what you are looking for is also here in Nigeria and maybe even better.
"So we encourage them that under this administration the president is doing everything to make Nigeria truly a great place.
"There are some private universities here that are even better than where they are going to.
"Sometimes it is not necessary to go through all the stress our students have to go through but we just continue to educate them and raise awareness about all these issues," she said.
