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
ABUJA – The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has ordered the freezing of the Paris-London Club Refund bank accounts of Abia, Cross River, and Delta states.
Justic Yusuf Halilu issued the order on 3rd of August 2017, sequel to an affidavit in support of an ex-parte originating summons sworn to by Dr. Maurice Ibe, the Chairman and Managing Director of Mauritz Walton Nigeria Ltd, and filed before the court by his Counsels, Alex Marama, Charles Ude, and Kenneth N. Esq.
The suit was as a result of the debt owed by the three states, which had engaged a consultancy firm to pursue the refund of excess deductions on foreign loans and miscellaneous charges in exchange of certain percent of any fund recovered.
The Court, in the document that was made available to Vanguard, also ordered the banks to set up an escrow account where the funds in the respective bank accounts will be deposited pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.
In the affidavit, Ibe averred that there is an urgent need for the court to direct the third defendants (United Bank for Africa Plc and Zenith Bank Nig. Plc) in the case between Mauritz Walton Nigeria Ltd and the three state governments to, in the interim, stop further disbursement of the money already in or accruing to the Paris-London Club Refund accounts of the three states.
Abia state government reportedly owes Mauritz Walton Nigeria Ltd the sum of $11,325,000 and N1.72bn; Cross River state government owes the sum of $8,050,000 and N1.2bn; While, Delta state government owes $27,274,135 and N3bn.
Abia state government had engaged Mauritz Walton Nigeria Ltd on the 3rd of November, 2014 to pursue the refund of excess deductions on foreign loans and miscellaneous charges in exchange of 30 percent of any fund recovered.
Similarly, Cross River government engaged the same consultancy firm on the same date for the same purpose in exchange of 20 percent of any fund recovered while Delta state government also engaged the services of Mauritz Walton Nigeria Ltd in exchange of 30 percent of any fund recovered.
Justice Halilu adjourned the suit to 7th September, 2017 for hearing.
By Joseph Erunke In a rare display of love and concern for the poor, Japanese Government through its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects, GGP, establishes two skills centres in Abuja communities of Sabo Gida in Bwari Area Council and Durumi, near Asokoro in Abuja Municipal Area Council in a bid to empower the natives and give them a new lease of life. This is indeed, a warm handshake of love from Tokyo to Abuja, as Joseph Erunke reports.
Honourable Abike Dabiri-Ewa Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora with Mr Masaya Otsuka Deputy Head of Mission Embassy of Japanese
Durumi and Sabo-Gida, both rural communities under Bwari Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory,FCT Abuja, are few kilometres away from the city’s metropolis . The two communities to a large extent, share similar features-both are located near the highbrow areas of Abuja. While Sabo-Gida is close to Bwari Area Council metropolis where a federal government agency such as the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, is located, Durumi is a few kilometres from Asokoro, one of the biggest cities in the Federal Capital Territory and a highbrow area said to be exclusively preserved for the rich, with sophisticated, state-of-the-art buildings and beautifully laid-out streets; a secured, organized and clean environment.
The quest of the two communities to have some vocational training centres for their people to learn some trades has been answered but not by Nigerian government or the Bwari Area Council that would have been responsible. Their helper is the Japanese government!
Touched by the plight of the people in these areas following the deplorable conditions they are daily faced with, the Japanese government stepped in with assistance of constructing and equipping two vocational training centres valued at over N100 million.
The two vocational training projects which were commissioned by the Japanese government through its embassy in Nigeria are expected to engage women in practical vocational training. Already, over 2,000 women in both communities have since indicated interest to acquire skills in each of the centres.
The projects were constructed and equipped by the embassy through its implementing partners, Initiative for Food, Environment and Health Society and the Tabitha Cumi Foundation.
While Initiative for Food, Environment and Health Society, IFEHS, handled the N30 million worth Sabo-Gida Vocational Training Centre Project, the Tabitha Cumi Foundation, was responsible for the N70 million Durumi Vocational Training Centre all sponsored by the people and government of Japan.
At the commissioning of the projects, the Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Japan in Nigeria, Mr Masaya Otsuka, said the projects were part of efforts by the Japanese government to support and improve the lives of people in Nigeria.
According to Otsuka the Japanese government has so far assisted many Nigerian communities with 158 grassroots projects and vocational training centres to the tune of $11 million since 1988 and will continue to render strategic support to the country under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects, GGP. The projects, he explained, were aimed at training people in sewing skills, snacks making, professional cooking skills, craft making among other things.
He described the projects as direct socio-economic intervention aimed at providing opportunities for the poor, who he noted, were seeking for vocational training but cannot afford the cost of acquiring skills commercially and privately.
He explained that the projects were aimed at improving the lives and living conditions of the most socially and economically vulnerable people namely, women and young people.
While handing over the projects to the benefiting communities, he appealed to them to maintain the centres and the equipment properly for the greater benefits of the communities for a long time.
“Today is the beginning of the projects in your hands. I would like to ask everyone present here to maintain the centres and all the equipment properly for the greater benefits of the communities for a long time. I wish that these projects will give the comfort and vitality to the people."
Speaking at the commissioning of the two projects in Abuja, which incidentally fall within his area of control, the Chairman of Bwari Area Council, Musa Dikko, lauded efforts of the Japanese government in alleviating the sufferings of his people through the provision of vocational training facilities.
Dikko confessed, “I am short of words to describe what the Japanese government has done for me and my people. Given the lean resources from federal allocation and in view of the many diverse challenges our local council is facing, we cannot boast of sitting these projects for the people .
“I am indeed grateful to the people and government of Japan for this laudable gesture done on us, the people of Bwari Area Council and by extension, Nigeria,"he said.
On her part, Executive Director, Tabitha Cumi Foundation, Tayo Erinle, said through the confidence reposed in the organisation by the Embassy of Japan, it had so far built three schools in three undeserved communities, namely Durumi, Jikoko and Mapa, all in Abuja for residents in need.
“In each of these communities, we have brought ‘Back to School, the’ Out of School’ children, ensured that the girls remain in school through our Tabitha Girls Club” and provided access to education for the adult learners who missed the opportunity of an early education due to poverty or early marriage. This has been achieved through our "Second Chance" programme in partnership with the FCT Agency for Mass Literacy," she said.
According to her, women have learnt basic literacy and numeracy skills thereby making it possible for them to assist their little children with school work, do simple book keeping in their trades and farming, access health care which she said, had changed their life styles and perception, thus giving them a new lease of life. Some of the villagers, who spoke on the development, hailed the Japanese government for its kind gesture to their communities, saying they would take advantage of the centres to change their lives.
A house wife and resident of Durumi Community, who identified herself as Martha John, said she would not waste time to enrol in vocational trade in the centre.
Mrs. John, who is dependant on her husband, a petty trader, was elated that the Japanese government had brought succour to her community.
“I don’t do anything. I have four children for my husband who sells provision. But his wares are not much. We eat and take care of the family from the little gain he makes from the business. I had wanted to have handwork so as to assist the family financially but the means has not been there. But with this now, I can go and learn handwork after which I will be using to assist the family in my own little way, “she said.
Matthew Agriga, a father of six, told Vanguard in Sabo-Gida that his wife and two grown daughters, who had nothing doing apart from engaging in subsistent farming, would be made to enrol at the Sabo-Gida Vocational Training Centre.
"My wife has no handwork. Even my two grown up daughters after passing out from primary school, are at home. Apart from helping us in the farm, , they have no other thing. I was thinking of taking them to learn trade when this opportunity came. With this now at our doorstep, I won’t hesitate to let them go there for learning of various skills, “he said.
Also in Durumi, Daniel Joshua Atnadu, the Chairman of Akummibodo Indigenous Youth Association, was full of praises for the Japanese Government for identifying with the plight of the people by not only constructing the project but also equipping and handing it over to the community for its use.
But like the famous Oliver Twist, Mr Atnadu said the joy of the Durumi Community would not be complete as other social amenities such as electricity, good road, standard hospital and secondary school among others were needed in the community.
To this end, he tasked the Bwari Area Council, elected representatives of the area as well as other well meaning individuals to rise to the occasion.
The highlight of the commissioning of the two vocational training projects was the decoration of Mr Otsuka in the host community, the Gbagyi's traditional attire as well as presentation of Gbagyi traditional farm implement to him, as symbols of appreciation.
Durumi and Sabo-Gida are not the only beneficiaries of Japanese government’s gesture in the country. In fact, the Japanese government has been cooperating with Nigerian to develop the latter’s different sectors including infrastructure (power supply, transportation, etc), urban environment (waste management, water resources, etc), achievements of inclusive growth, peace building and tackling terrorism through Official Development Assistance, ODA to Nigeria projects (Loan, Grant, Technical Assistance and Grant assistance for grassroots human security projects). The GGP is a Japanese assistance scheme, well known for its swift and pro-poor approaches in Nigeria. Its aim is to meet the diverse needs and bring a direct impact on the wellbeing of grassroots communities.
It provides financial assistance to non-profits organisations to implement development projects at the grassroots level.
Charly Boy, showbiz superstar and activist, on Monday expressed sadness over Sunday's killing of worshippers in a church in Anambra State, saying the killings shows there is no proactive security measures for the ordinary Nigerian. He also urged all levels of government to be proactive on security matters.
Ozubulu community in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra state was thrown into mourning early on Sunday morning, following an attack on St. Philips Catholic Church during Mass.
The lone gunman reportedly killed 35 persons and injured 18 others.
Charly Boy
Charly Boy, in an interview with newsmen, described the crime as the height of man's wickedness to his fellow man, and a sacrilege against God.
"That is the height of total disregard for the sanctity of human life, and my heart goes out to the victims, their families and the entire community.
"How can people be worshipping their creator and some inhumane fellow murder them in cold blood.
"There is no justifiable reason that should cause this massacre on a people, and every Nigerian must stand up and speak with one voice against it.
"I sympathise with the community and the state at large."
The "Area Fada", as he is popularly addressed by young people, noted that the Ozubulu incident was a clear indication that security agencies needed to do more in protecting lives and property.
He, therefore, urged leaders at all levels to prioritise security and give it the needed seriousness, to forestall a recurrence.
"For armed men to drive into a community and attack a church, shows that there are no proactive security measures in place for the ordinary Nigerian.
"If a top politician was in that service or environment, there would have been numbers of security personnel assigned to him.
"Our leaders must stop playing politics with everything, including security of lives.
"We must stand up and do the right thing because every Nigerian has a right to life, protection and other basic things of life," he said.
Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane indicated that Cristiano Ronaldo will feature in the UEFA Super Cup against Manchester United after travelling with the squad to Skopje on Monday.
Ronaldo
Ronaldo was surprisingly named in the reigning European champions’ group for Tuesday’s match in the Macedonian capital after only returning to training with his club over the weekend.
His summer has been overshadowed by accusations of tax evasion in Spain, which led to him appearing in court last week, and speculation over his future.
According to a report from Spanish radio station Cadena Ser, Ronaldo told the court he “would like to return to England” due to his tax troubles in Spain.
The World Player of the Year was handed an extended summer break after playing for Portugal at the Confederations Cup in Russia. He also reportedly became a father to twins in June.
But despite all that, Zidane said: “There have been a lot of things happening, a lot of noise around him as always, but he is relaxed.”
Ronaldo’s last club appearance saw him score twice in the 4-1 Champions League final win over Juventus in Cardiff in early June as Madrid successfully defended the trophy.
“What impresses me the most about him is that physically he is just as he was on the day of the (Champions League) final, which was two months ago now,” Zidane added at a press conference at the Philip II Arena.
“In the end that is what interests me, him and everyone else.
“The fact he is here with us means a lot because if he is with us he is here to play.”
Having not played any part in Real’s pre-season tour of the United States — which featured a defeat on penalties to United in California — it would still be an enormous surprise if the 32-year-old started in Skopje against his former club.
However, he took part in training on the Skopje pitch on Monday evening and he could get some game time as part of his preparations for the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup against Barcelona this Sunday.
Zidane took his entire 24-man squad to Macedonia for the game as Madrid look to win a trophy they also claimed last year, when they beat Sevilla 3-2 in extra time in the Norwegian city of Trondheim.
If I had a chance in my youthful days, I would have enlisted into one arm of the Nigerian Armed Forces. But I was frustrated, as several attempts I made for admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Kaduna were met with a brick wall. After the third failed attempt, I resigned to fate and gave up pursuing a career in the military.
But to say, I have a passion for the military is grossly understating my feelings. I am very emotional about soldiering because its nature does not only blend with me, but perfectly communes with my adventurous nature.
The satisfaction that I am battling to protect someone else, known or unknown to me, drives me crazy. That I can stand to be counted among citizens of Nigeria who can sacrifice their lives to protect and defend the territorial integrity and sovereignty of my country confers on me an infinite feeling of fulfillment and heroism.
In addition, what keeps me glued to the military is also the sacredness any military personnel attach to "Orders”. No officer violates the sanctity of "order" and all eyes are set on the "last order", which notifies of a detour from an action in progress and induces fresh compliance with the new direction. No officer would want to be caught napping for flouting an "Order”. Indeed, if other professionals had imbibed the discipline of unquestionable compliance with "order" religiously as done in the military, the world and Nigeria, in particular would have been a better and more cherished place.
And the effectiveness of orders in the Nigerian military has been brought to our attention once more, in the ongoing counter-insurgency campaigns in the country. When Boko Haram insurgency raged with consuming fire, especially in Nigeria's Northeast, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed new Service Chiefs to energize the anti-terrorism campaigns.
The President, who doubles as the Commander-In-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, appointed the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai as leader of the counter-insurgency war and the new assignment came with an "order" that the military command and control centre in Abuja be relocated to the hotbed of terrorism in Maiduguri. It got instant compliance. And the President fleshed it by ordering the Nigerian military to defeat Boko Haram Terrorism (BHT) within record time.
That was the order from the Commander-In-Chief to Gen. Buratai. And he lived every day working assiduously to not just comply with this presidential order, but also to post positive results in accordance with the order. The Army boss led our troops to the trenches and the tale of Boko Haram insurgency began to twist in favour of victory for Nigeria. By December 2015, barely months after this order to Gen. Buratai, Nigerian troops decimated Boko Haram insurgents considerably reducing their capacity to commit reckless atrocities on Nigerians.
At the outset of 2016, Gen. Buratai had reclaimed nearly all Nigerian territories captured by insurgents and by the middle of the same year; Nigerian troops had completely overwhelmed terrorists. The stage was set for their final defeat and in December 2016, Gen. Buratai fully complied with the order to defeat Boko Haram insurgents, with the demystification and dismantling of the formerly dreaded Sambisa forest in Borno state, insurgents most protective enclave.
That is the seriousness the military attach to "orders”. And the stage of the counter-insurgency war now is at the level of total elimination of terrorism by tracking down fleeing remnants of Boko Haram and also, stopping their capacity to strike soft targets.
Therefore, days back, Gen. Buratai ordered the Commander, Theatre Command of Operation Lafiya Dole in Maiduguri, Major Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru to capture the factional leader of Boko Haram sect, Abubakar Shekau "dead or alive," within 40 days. It's the first indication that Shekau is in trouble as Major Gen. Attahiru has just assumed duty to co-ordinate the counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria's Northeast. And as accustomed to the military, it's certain that the Theatre Commander would not play with this crucial order.
I assumed the COAS's order was the final, until another overriding order was issued to Gen. Buratai by the Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo. The Acting President was clear that Shekau should not only be arrested, but the Nigerian Service Chiefs should relocate to Borno state and through concerted efforts, scale up actions to halt further terrorists attacks on soft targets. It means the two complementary orders are being tackled simultaneously.
And I believe since the military religiously comply with orders, they are also mindful not to go beyond the dictates of the orders. President Buhari ordered the defeat of Boko Haram terrorism and it came to pass. Perhaps, Boko Haram is yet to be totally eliminated because there was no order to this effect until now, which accounts for the flashes of suicide bomb attacks in parts of Borno.
What infinitely excites me is that all the necessary orders have been issued now on the final military destination with Boko Haram terrorism and of course, the last one emanating from the Acting President, Professor Osinbajo. I have no modicum of doubt about the hard times awaiting Boko Haram insurgents, as a military officer would prefer death than fail to execute an order to its conclusive end.
And relieving still, the order is backed by action and collective approach as exemplified by the relocation of Service Chiefs and Heads of other security agencies to Borno state. It appears to me, Boko Haram insurgents dread orders and the present crop of Service Chiefs who are in Maiduguri to serve humanity and save their country have never failed to fruitfully execute orders concerning the counter-insurgency war. I can safely assert that the die is now cast and terrorists have tougher times ahead. That is the essence of the "Last Order," on Boko Haram by the Acting President, Professor Osinbajo.
Again, it also means the current tempo of the counter-insurgency war is no more business as usual and tailored to finally eliminate terrorism from our shores. Nigerians should be assured that Nigerian troops will chase Shekau and his remnants of foot soldiers into the darkest of holes, in compliance with this order.
I can happily sight the days of Boko Haram torment of Nigerians and our country gradually ebbing out and I feel, it's better for terrorists to surrender than be caught up in the crossfire in the course of executing these "Orders”. Myself and indeed, countless Nigerians appreciate the sacrifices of these tactful Service Chiefs and the courageous Nigerian troops. We cannot wait to see Shekau and his minions boil in their own stew.
Police in Enugu State have arrested Bishop Ginika Obi for allegedly defrauding members of the public of over N500 million.
The Spokesman of the Police Command in the state, Ebere Amaraizu, said this in a statement on Monday in Enugu.
Amaraizu said Bishop Obi, who is in-charge of the City of Liberation and Comfort Ministry in Enugu, had been trailed by police operatives for three months.
"Bishop Ginika Obi in-charge of City of Liberation and Comfort Ministry is now helping police operatives of the Commissioner of Police Enugu Monitoring Unit following his arrest over the weekend in a Hotel in Enugu where he has been taking refuge.
"Before now, the suspect who hailed from Umuaku in Uli community of Ihiala Local Government Area in Anambra was also in-charge of an alleged financial Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) known as `Build Your Generational Organisation' where his victims are made to invest with a hope of reaping a bumper financial dividend.
"It was gathered that his victims are numerous and with various degrees of complaints of huge amounts of money swindled from them without anything to show for it.
"The suspect on noticing that police are on his trail, based on complaints of alleged swindling of some suspected members of the public to the tune of N500 million with his wife and some of his eight alleged pastors, disappeared for months.
"The bishop, however, left his wife in Enugu Prisons custody over the matter.
"During his disappearance from Enugu, preliminary investigations revealed that he escaped and relocated to Asaba in Delta to avoid being nabbed by police operatives for months.
"It was further gathered that luck ran out of the suspect over the weekend as he was trailed based on intelligence information to a hotel at Amechi Road off Agbani Road in Enugu where police operatives acting on a tip-off nabbed him,'' he said.
Amarizu said that the bishop had also revealed during preliminary investigations that he never knew that his alleged financial NGO would "turn out in this way".
"The suspect (bishop) disclosed that the amount he defrauded was not up to the sum of N500 million but N186 million, while regretting his action,'' the police spokesman said.
Some of the suspect's victims, Blessing Edekin a widow, Nnenna Okonkwo and Chidiebere Okolo, told newsmen that the bishop had defrauded them of various sums of money and disappeared.
They expressed delight at his arrest.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Danmallam Mohammed, had directed a full scale investigation into the alleged nefarious activities of the cleric.
By OLA AJAYI IBADAN – GOVERNOR Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State has expressed doubts over a report given by some governors who paid a courtesy visit to the ailing President Muhammadu Buhari in London saying they did not take him along because they knew he would certainly tell Nigerians the correct health status of the President.
Fayose, who was presenting a welcome address at an all-inclusive meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party with other political parties which held at Ibadan Civic Centre, Agodi Gate, Ibadan Monday, maintained that a sick person who has little or no strength cannot govern Nigeria.
He became sarcastic saying if the President refused to take a bow and leave governance of the populous country, he should be made the "Minister of Foreign Affairs in London" where he is presently recuperating.
Osokomole as he is fondly called said, "Why did they not take me to London. Why didn't they take me there? They obviously knew very well that I would listen to the man and know whether his voice is clear or not. Then, I would be able to tell Nigerians the truth.
‘Leadership must come with a certain measure of strength. If you don't have strength, how can you govern the country? So, we need a president that is hale and hearty. If our President doesn't want to go, let him become the Minister of Foreign Affairs in London. These are statements of fact".
Some weeks ago, some governors including governors of PDP controlled states visited the President in London and came back with a report that he would soon come back to the country after the doctor’s approval.
By Johnbosco Agbakwuru ABUJA – FIRST Lady, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, on Sunday went back to London, the United States capital, to join her husband, President Muhammadu Buhari who has been on medical vacation since 7th May Wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari, addressing State House Correspondents shortly after her arrival in Abuja on Tuesday (6/6/17) from United Kingdom where she went to visit her husband, who is on medical leave in the British capital. She conveyed the appreciation of President Muhammadu Buhari to Nigerians over their constant prayers and said he would soon return to the country.
Mrs. Buhari had returned to Nigeriaearly hours of last week's Thursday and preceded to Owerri, the Imo State capital, where she was received by the wife of Imo State Governor, Nneoma Nkechi Rochas Okorocha.
Confirming her trip back to London yesterday, Special Assistant to the First Lady, Media and Publicity, Mrs. Adebisi Olumide-Ajayi, said the First Lady returned to London on Sunday but added that there was no information about her return date.
The trip marked the third time Mrs. Buhari would be visiting her husband in London, since May 7, when the president left the country on an indefinite medical vacation.
She had first left the country for London on May 31 and returned on June 6. On July 2, three weeks later, she returned to London and did not come back until August 3, only to return on August 6.
Police in Rivers state said three out of the five passengers of "God is Good" motors kidnapped on Monday morning on the East-West road in Rivers had been released.
The Spokesman of the Police Command in the state, ASP Nnamdi Omoni, confirmed this to newsmen in Port Harcourt.
Omoni said five passengers were initially kidnapped from the vehicle.
He said the bus was en route to Lagos from Port Harcourt when the incident occurred.
He said the police was "on top of the situation" to ensure that the remaining two passengers were released.
The incident happened at Emuoha community along the East-West road at 7.30 a.m.
Efforts to speak with the Manager of the Transport Company in the state proved abortive as he was said to have travelled with other staff members of the management to the scene of the incident.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) says Kogi State Government violated the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention by proscribing ASUU in Kogi State University (KSU), Ayingba.
The Zonal Coordinator, ASUU Abuja Zone, Dr. Theophilus Lagi, who made this known while briefing newsmen on Monday in Abuja said the state government also violated the 1999 Nigerian Constitution.
The Abuja zone comprises University of Abuja, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai and Federal University, Lafia.
Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi State on July 19 proscribed activities of the ASUU in KSU, Ayingba.
Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and ASUU President, Professor Biodun Ogunyemi
The governor, who announced the proscription in Lokoja shortly after the weekly executive council meeting, said the decision was with immediate effect.
He said the state government was forced to take the decision following the refusal of the lecturers to call off six months old strike.
Bello said ASUU rebuffed all government efforts to persuade it to end the strike, including meeting over 90 per cent of the union's demands.
Lagi, however, dismissed the governor's claim that he had paid all outstanding salaries of the staff of the university.
According to him, ASUU members of KSU have the right to associate and form unions.
"This right is clearly enshrined in the ILO Convention on Freedom of Association and the Protection for Right to Organise, which has been duly ratified by Nigeria
"In ILO Convention 87 on Freedom of Association and Freedom to the Right to Organise, it clearly stated that workers shall have the right to organise and form trade unions and public authorities shall refrain from any interference.
"The provision of the convention is domesticated by the 1999 Nigerian Constitution and is clearly in Section 40 that, every person shall not only be entitled to freely assemble or associate and in particular shall freely form or belong to trade unions and other associations for the protection of his or her interest,'' he said.
He said ASUU was an organisation of intellectuals who believe in the rule of law, adding that the union was open to dialogue with a view to resolving the problem.
The ASUU Zonal Coordinator appealed to well-meaning Nigerians, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil and public servants and esteemed students to prevail on Bello to do the needful.
Southampton’s in-demand defender Virgil van Dijk has submitted a transfer request, the Netherlands international announced on Monday.
Virgil van Dijk
“I am incredibly ambitious and want to achieve as much as I possibly can to fulfil my potential in what is a very short career as a professional footballer,” Van Dijk said in a statement released to the media.
“I want to play European football again and challenge for major honours and as such I would like Southampton to consider the interest in me from top clubs should it still exist.”
Van Dijk, 26, has been linked with Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City.
Liverpool publicly dropped their interest in signing him earlier in the close season after Southampton threatened to report them to the Premier League for an illegal approach.
Van Dijk revealed he had been fined two weeks’ wages by Southampton and said he would be appealing against the punishment, which he described as “unjustified”.
He said he felt “frustrated” and “disappointed” that “enquiries from multiple top clubs have been consistently rebuffed”.
He also rejected accusations he had refused to train and said he had been told by new manager Mauricio Pellegrino to train away from the first team due to his unsettled mindset.
“As a proud professional I am insulted by the suggestion that it was me who refused to train and so feel it is important to point out the true version of events,” he said.
Van Dijk, capped 12 times by the Netherlands, said the saga had “seriously affected” his relationships with people at the club and Southampton’s fans.
“I would like to make clear that I have nothing but gratitude to everyone at Southampton for giving me the opportunity to play in the Premier League,” he added.
“However, the time for me to move on is now and I hope to be able to work with the club to find the best resolution to suit all parties.”
Van Dijk joined Southampton from Celtic in a £13 million ($16.9 million, 14.4 million euros) move in September 2015 and has since emerged as one of the most imposing centre-backs in the Premier League.
He signed a new six-year contract in May 2016.
He missed the last five months of last season, including Southampton’s 3-2 loss to Manchester United in the EFL Cup final, due to an ankle injury.
—Says president hasn't broken any law By Johnbosco Agbakwuru
ABUJA – THE presidency Monday said that President Muhammadu Buhari who has spent about 90 days in London as a result of undisclosed ill health will not resign from his office as he has not fallen short of any known law in the country.Sit-out protests in Nigeria and London to demand Buhari’s return or resignation
The Senior Special Assistant to the president on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu stated this while addressing State House Correspondents over the call by some civil society organizations, CSOs that protested in Abuja demanding that the president should either resume work or resign on the grounds of ill health.
Recall that President Buhari left Nigeria on 7th May to London on medical vacation and he transmitted power to the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo who he said should step into his shoes in acting capacity pending the time of his return.
Speaking with State House correspondents, Malam Shehu said President Buhari has not breached any law of the country.
According to him, "Those making the calls are exercising their rights in line with the constitution of this country. Of what use, or value is a democracy in which citizens cannot embark on peaceful protests? So we respect their right to convene or undertake peaceful protest.
"On the call for the President to resign or disclose whatever, I think they are stepping outside the laws of this country. Anyone conversant with the constitution of this country will have noticed or seen that Mr. President has complied 100 percent with the requirements of the constitution of this country.
"He has handed over power to the vice president as required by the constitution and the vice president is carrying out the affairs of this country. He is undertaking activities of government in line with the constitution in a way that the President himself has given words of commendation.
"So the President has not breached any law. What he has done is perfectly in line with the constitution and people are looking for things to say. I think they should do their research very well."
The Anambra state Police Command has said that it has arrested suspects involved in the early Sunday morning killing of worshippers at St. Philips Catholic Church in Ozubulu.
Spokesman of the command, Nkeiruka Nwode, confirmed this to TheCable on Monday.
Police
While refusing to reveal the identities of the suspects, the spokesman said that the suspects were arrested on Monday.
"This is a very sensitive investigation so you people (journalists) have to help us," she was quoted as saying.
"As soon as the investigation is concluded, we will let the public know. But as far as I'm concerned, it definitely has nothing to do with terrorists. It's just a conflict between individuals."
No fewer than 35 worshippers were killed scores injured.
It was learned that trouble started for worshippers who were in church for the 6:00am Mass, when at about 6:45am, the gunmen rode into the church in a Lexus SUV, as one of them entered the church and shot at close range an elderly man, later identified as Pa Ikegwuonu, while others remained in the vehicle outside.
An eye-witness told Vanguard that after killing the old man, the gunman opened fire on other worshippers, as those who tried to flee were cut down by the gunmen outside the church.
Pa Ikegwuonu is the father of Chief Aloysius Ikegwuonu, a businessman from Amakwa, who built and donated the church to Nnewi Diocese, while his wife was shot on her right arm and still on admission at the teaching hospital.
It was gathered that the gunmen were looking for his son, Aloysius, who was said to have returned to the village on Saturday and left later in the day. According to a source, the gunmen had thought he was in the church and had wanted to deal decisively with him over a yet-to-be ascertained business deal. How it happened — Witness A survivor, Mr. Stephen Ohamadike, told Vanguard at the church premises that the gunmen entered the church around 6.45am as they were about to begin prayer of the faithful. He said: "Those of us who were to say the prayers of the faithful had just assembled at the altar and I had Number 2 which meant that I was to say the prayer for Nigeria.
Suddenly, I saw someone who was putting on a cap shooting indiscriminately inside the church. "There was pandemonium and in the midst of the confusion, I just lay down on the floor. The officiating priest and the Mass servers quickly left the altar and the Mass came to an abrupt end.
"I counted 11 dead people and many were wounded. I used the vehicle belonging to Pa Ikegwuonu to take him and his wife and others to Evans Hospital where the doctors advised us to go to the teaching hospital. I used the car to convey many other people to the hospital before I came back to Amakwa."
The parish priest, Rev Father Jude Onwuaso, declined comment on the incident, saying the Bishop had directed that only the Diocesan Director of Communications should speak on the matter. Several other parishioners, who sustained bullet wounds were being treated at the hospital, with over 50 medical doctors from Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, NAUTH, and other private hospitals around Nnewi battling to save their lives at the Emergency Unit of the hospital.
Governor Willie Obiano, who visited both the church and the teaching hospital, described the incident as very worrisome, adding that preliminary investigations by the Police showed that it was a case between two people from the community who were resident abroad
He said: "It is tragic that these two people had to bring their quarrel abroad to the village and to the church where innocent people had to be killed and injured. We are not going to relax until those who perpetrated this heinous crime are apprehended.
That I can assure you. "It was so bad that the gunmen went round the church to ascertain that the car belonging to the person they were after was there before they entered the church and started shooting, not knowing that it was his parents that came in the car.
"I don't want churches in this state to become apprehensive because of this incident because it is an isolated case." The governor commended the doctors for their quick response to save lives, adding that but for their intervention, more lives would have been lost.
He promised that the state government would offset the bills of those being treated and assist in bearing the cost of the funeral of those who lost their lives.
By Levinus Nwabughiogu ABUJA – Nigeria Ethnic Nationality Youth Leaders Forum (NENYLF) on Monday joined in the condemnation of the attack on St. Philip's Catholic Church, Amakwa Ozubulu in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State during a church service, describing it as wicked. Blood stains at the scene of the deadly shooting at St. Philip’s Catholic Church, where an unknown gunman killed 11 persons and injured 18 others in Umuezekwe Ofufe Amakwa community of Ozubulu, Ekwusigo LGA of Anambra on Sunday Recall that the attack perpetrated by yet-to-be identified gun men left scores dead with many others critically injured.
A statement signed by the Acting National Chairman of the Forum, Comrade Imoh Okoko in Abuja stated that the attackers would have sought other lawful ways of resolving their differences instead of taking their grievances to the House of God.
The statement read thus: “The attention of the Nigeria Ethnic Nationality Youth Leaders Forum (NENYLF), has been drawn to the unprovoked attack unleashed on the innocent worshipers of St Philip's Catholic Church, Amakwa Ozubulu in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State, it shows the high level of wickedness in our society.
“We hereby condemn this high level of killings of innocent worshipers in the sanctuary of the Almighty God which supposed to be a sacred place and a refuge to all manner of people who enters it. The invaders of the church have shamelessly turned the House of God into the theatre of war which is against the Christian faith no matter the provocation.
“Irrespective of what must have transpired in their business environment, there are law enforcement agents as well as law court to handle such grievances, the killers should have sought legal means rather than embark on mass murder in the church. It is indeed a terror attack on the defenceless Christians in their holy place of worship.
“We hereby call on the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, the State Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the entire security agents to immediately employ every necessary machinery within their powers and make sure that the perpetrators of this terrorists act are fished out and brought to book. We also use this opportunity to warn the youths to desist from criminal activities and also refuse being used by politicians to cause harm to others.
“We use this medium to condole with the Catholic faithful, the entire members of St. Philips Catholic Church, Ozubulu, Anambra State and the families of those who lost their lives as a result of this evil massacre; may the Almighty God console them and may the soul of the departed rest in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen. And to those who sustained various degree of injuries, we wish you quick recovery in Jesus name.”
The leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-West have called for sanction on Senator Buruji Kashamu and others who plunged the party into needless crisis and also warned members against colluding with those who want to destabilize the party.
In a communique at the end of their meeting in Ibadan on Monday, they also directed the Ogun State chapter of the party to take appropriate steps to punish the senator and others who colluded with him. Kashamu
This is just as Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, said he would declare his presidential ambition openly on October 1, this year.
In his opening remarks, Fayose, who is the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, said the recent judgment of the Supreme Court that recognised Senator Ahmed Makarfi as the National Chairman of the party, was for Nigerians as a whole.
The governor said the second chance given the party by the judgment must not be misused.
“Our party must take appropriate decisions. We mustn’t allow impunity. We need to save ourselves our else the party may be consumed. We have to confront the monster frontally. We have told our leaders to choose between the monster or us.
“Take hold and take charge of your state.
This guy is a black leg. God has delivered us and we must deliver ourselves. I commend you for your patience during the crisis period
I identify with Ogun state stakeholders,” he said.
The Zonal Chairman, Dr Eddy Olafeso, thanked members for their support and identifying with the party in spite of all odds.
The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, Mr Charles Aniagwu has disclosed how the Delta State Government spent the N10bn it recently received from the Federal government as part of the Paris Club excess loan deduction refunds.
Aniagwu disclosed that out of the N10bn, Local Governments in the state were given N2.1bn as their statutory share while about N5bn was set aside to settle certain issues relating to certain aspect of salary arrears, co-operative deductions and pensions. The sum of N2bn plus was earmarked for priority projects that require urgent attention and payment of contractors.
Mr Charles Aniagwu,
The Governor’s Spokesman stated this on Monday while answering questions on ‘Trend talk’ a Radio Programme on Trend 100.9Fm Asaba.
He noted that the Okowa led administration was committed to the prudent, transparent and accountable management of the state’s resources just as he is committed to taking decisions that will be in the best interest of the people.
“Governor Okowa has vowed to remain prudent, transparent and accountable to the people because he realises that the ultimate political power rests on the people who overwhelmingly voted him into office”.
“He has assured that Deltans will get value for every money that accrues to the state at all times.
While answering questions bothering on the payment of local government workers salaries, Aniagwu stated that the local governments are a separate tier of government, adding that the State Government is not responsible for the payment of their salaries.
“Even though we assisted them in the past, we couldn’t continue in the present economic circumstance as we have our own challenges because a man cannot give what he doesn’t have”.
Justifying the setting aside of about N3bn for infrastructure and payment of contractors, Aniagwu stressed that government exists for everybody and not just for the payment of salaries of workers which are less than 2 percent of the population of the state.
“If the government spends virtually all that comes to pay salaries of workers, what happens to the larger chunk of the population? he queried
He assured that the State Government with the support from the Nigeria Society of Engineers will tackle headlong the flooding of Asaba while also reiterating the government’s commitment to completing the Okpanam road, DLA and Mariam Babangida roads.
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has sent a message in the direction of UEFA Super Cup opponents Real Madrid by declaring his readiness to bring Gareth Bale to Old Trafford.
Bale – Mourinho
Speaking to reporters in the Macedonian capital of Skopje on Monday, Mourinho said he would wait to see what Bale’s role in Tuesday’s match was before deciding whether the Welshman was worth pursuing.
“If he plays tomorrow it is because he is in the plans of the coach and the club, and it is in his own plans and ambitions to stay there. Then I won’t even think about it,” said Mourinho of the 28-year-old.
“If he is not in the club’s plans and it is true that a player like Bale is at the departure gate, I will try to be there waiting for him at the other side.
“But if he plays tomorrow it is the clearest signal that he is staying there.”
Bale moved to the Spanish capital from Tottenham Hotspur in 2013 but injuries restricted his involvement during last season’s run-in and he was only a substitute in Real’s 4-1 Champions League final win over Juventus in Cardiff.
He has been linked with a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu with Real among the clubs fighting for the signature of Monaco forward Kylian Mbappe.
The French teenager has been linked with a 180 million-euro ($212 million, £163 million) transfer although Manchester City are also keen and Paris Saint-Germain are believed to want him to play alongside their world record recruit Neymar.
The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday consolidated two different suits seeking to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from initiating the process of recalling Sen. Dino Melaye (APC, Kogi).
Justice Nnamdi Dimgba allowed for the suits filed by Melaye and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to be consolidated, to avoid having conflicting judgments since the subject matter of both suits were similar.
The application to consolidate the APC suit to the one filed by Melaye was brought by counsel to the party, Mr. O.D. Atoyebi.
Dimgba said that he was mindful to grant the application which was formerly before Justice John Tsoho, in order to avoid conflicting judgments.
He, therefore, directed the APC lawyer to serve all processes on all the parties.
Sen. Dino Melaye
Dimgba had earlier granted the application of some interested parties seeking to join the suit as defendants and plaintiff respectively.
Mr. Olowo Cornelius, John Ajorin and Malam Yusuf Adamu (the petitioners) had sought to be joined as co-defendants, while Michael Olowoleyemo, applied to be joined as co-plaintiff.
Ruling on the applications argued by Mr. Anthony Adeniyi for parties seeking to be joined as defendants, the court held that joining the parties was for "effectual and complete" adjudication of the matter.
Justice Dimgba said it was in the interest of justice that the parties be joined since the issue at stake affected their interests.
He adjourned the matter until Aug. 11 to hear the substantive matter.
It would be recalled that INEC commenced Melaye's recall process following the receipt of a petition from members of his constituency demanding his recall.
Melaye, however, approached the court seeking an order stopping INEC from going ahead with the recall process, pending the determination of a suit he had filed challenging his recall.
Melaye, in the suit, alleged irregularities and fraud in the petition.
The APC filed a similar suit, seeking to stop INEC from recalling Melaye, which was adjourned until Sept. 29.
DELTA State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has said that the sum of 12.319 billion naira would be recovered from public servants who fraudulently falsified their records of service.
The governor also directed that the over 530 staff who falsify their retirement age or refused to appear before the Verification Committee On Age Discrepancy And Date Of Birth and Employment of Public Officers in Delta State should be expunged from the payroll immediately.
Receiving the Final Report from the Committee which had Chief Nkem Okwuofu as Chairman, Monday in Asaba, Governor Okowa decried falsification of documents and laxity in the part of those who aid and abet such actions in the public service.
Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (left) receiving Committee report on the Verification of Dates of Birth and Employment of Public Officers from the Chairman, Civil Service Commission, Dame (Mrs.) Nkem Okwuofu. In Government House Asaba.
He bemoaned the connivance of staff in the falsification and handling of records especially those that are dead and retired, directing the office of the Head of Service to take disciplinary action against the Heads and Directors of affected Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
"It is quite unfortunate that at this point in time we are still dealing with this situation in our public service where people can still voluntarily work with other people to change their date of birth and date of appointment and it is something that all of us must frown at; I frown at such and I believe that the public service and its management must continuously frown at such an act because it is not possible for any staff to unilaterally change his or her date of birth or appointment, so obviously there is a collusion in the entire system and it worries me that at this point in time this is still ongoing", he said,
"Head of Service, with effect from today, the 402 absentees have to be disengaged from the payroll completely and the people that are due to retire, must be expunged from the payroll between today and tomorrow, we cannot continue to tolerate this, it is very unfortunate that we continue to see people who are dead and are still receiving salaries, it is very unsettling and I do not know what the reporting system is; when someone is dead he/she is dead and the name must be removed immediately", Senator Okowa said
"I think that there is a lot of laxity in the entire system and we must find a way to improve on the workability of the system and people must be held liable and disciplined if they do not do their duties; the permanent secretaries, the directors are there, so henceforth any place we find such laxity the people at the head including the permanent secretary or the director must be disciplined themselves otherwise such acts will continue and it should not be because it is very embarrassing to see people that have died over three years ago and we are still paying them", he added.
The governor commended the Committee for the exercise and assured them that government would implement their recommendations for the betterment of the civil service.
Earlier, while presenting the report, Chief Okwuofu disclosed that a total of 4,742 persons were screened, out of which 1,695 were cleared, 137 were asked to proceed on retirement, 810 had their dates of birth and employment corrected and 2,085 verified and affirmed while 402 were absent.
She disclosed with the correction of dates of birth of some staff in the payroll who ought to have retired but, for the falsification of records and others whose dates of birth were altered though not within retirement age, the exercise has resulted in total financial gains of 12,319,762,921.20 naira for the state government.
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) on Monday advised the electorate in Anambra to shun the call by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to boycott the governorship election in the state coming up in November.
The party's National Director of Publicity, Mr. Ifeanacho Oguejiofor said in an interview with newsmen in Abuja that the call was unrealistic as nothing would stop the election.
Oguejiofor said, "Nobody should listen to the so called IPOB telling them that there won't be election in Anambra, it is not possible.
"Whether we like it or not there can never be two states in a state, likewise, there can never be two authorities or two supremacists in a state.
APGA Logo
"Until that is done, Anambrarians should go and register and have their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) so that they can express their choice.
"This is because the choices they make today will affect their future, so they should go all out and obtain their PVCs which is their power," he said.
Oguejiofor urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to give all political parties level playing ground to enable them transform the country's democracy, nurture and sustain it.
The director expressed confidence that no political party would beat APGA in the forthcoming polls.
According to him, the party has built solid foundation over the years in terms of people and infrastructural development since it wrested power from the PDP in the state.
"Since then we have been building the foundation and Willie Obiano is also building a super structure that no political party will be able to edge him out of the race.
"Whether you like it or not, Anambra state is working, Obiano is equally working; the internally generated revenue of the state has improved since he came to power," he said.
Oguejiofor disclosed that the party would commence sale of expression of interest form at the rate of N1 million and nomination form at N4 million from Aug. 8-10.
He said primaries would be held on Aug. 15 while Aug. 17 would be for the sitting of the governorship primaries appeal panel.
The director added that the party would commence campaign on Aug. 18.
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