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Dr Victor Adeniran, the Executive Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), has urged Nigerians to embrace agriculture as a viable sector to get the nation out of economic recession.
Adeniran told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Monday that the present downturn in the economy had drawn out the importance of Agriculture in the drive towards our economic revival.
He said in spite of the fact that oil sector had provided the mainstay of the economy of Nigeria over the years, "the reality is that we must revive our agriculture to exit from economic recession".
Adeniran said that it was in realisation of this fact that the NNPC was planning to invest heavily into the cultivation of Jathropha, a plant that had a lot of value for production of bio fuels, as an alternative to fossil fuels.
"This investment will boost employment generation, with catalyse agricultural linkage with oil and gas which is desirable for economic growth, " he said.
He called on agricultural based communities to realise their potential in the scheme of things and be prepared to harness the renewed focus on agriculture.
He also called for the revival of the Orin-Ekiti farm settlement scheme and other farm settlements created by late Chief Obafemi Awolowo to make them the pivot of youth empowerment in this period of recession.
"Farmers and those who add value to farm produce are the ones who can benefit from the current foreign exchange regime.
"Our youths should be encouraged to embrace this agriculture initiative as a way to solve the unemployment quagmire that stare us in the face, " he said.
Air traffic controllers have declared a state of emergency on the communication facilities at the nation's airports "in view of their epileptic conditions and the danger posed to air travel.''
"We are heavily disturbed by the deplorable state of the communication facilities; in view of their relevance to airspace travel, we want urgent steps to upgrade them if we indeed care for safety on our airways," the controllers said on Monday.
The document was signed by Mr Victor Eyaru and Banji Olawode, President and Secretary General of the Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), respectively.
The air controllers particularly decried the poor state of the controller/pilot VHf communication coverage of the country's airspace, and declared that it constituted a heavy risk since it did not meet required standard.
They said said that the "horrible facilities" were dangerous to the safety of pilots, aircrafts and passengers operating within the Nigerian airspace.
The controllers also observed that Nigeria had consistently lost enormous foreign exchange because many aircrafts operating within the upper space usually avoided its airspace.
They further pointed out that the inability of air traffic controllers to communicate effectively with pilots over the years had negatively affected the health of air traffic controllers, hence the need for urgent attention.
The Federal Government, they said, must investigate the status of the communication facilities and take steps to reform the system "within three months".
"After three months, if nothing tangible is done, the air traffic controllers may be left with no option than to take necessary actions," they said.
They also noted that the workings of radar equipment had become `appalling", leading to frequent failures.
"The lifespan of the equipment has expired; it requires urgent replacement or upgrade.
"The replacement process should involved active air traffic controllers and be handled in a transparent way in the best interest of the nation," they said.
The workers also decried the mass shortage of air traffic controllers, noting that the nation had "just 300" to cater for 32 airport control towers.
"The situation is a sharp contrast to South Africa that has more than 500 air controller to cater for 22 towers," they said.
The association urged the Federal Government to recruit more air traffic controllers into the system "in the interest of safety".
It expressed ample support to government's stance against corruption and urged that it be extended to the civil service to rid the system of corrupt elements whose actions had hurt the country.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Governors Forum has appealed to Nigerians to show more understanding, support and cooperation as the Buhari Administration strives towards meeting genuine national aspirations for better and prosperous Nigeria.
Chairman of the Forum, Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo state made the appeal while briefing newsmen after a closed-door meeting between President Muhammadu Buhari and members of the Forum.
While restating their resolve to support the President in the implementation of the Change Nigeria project, the Governor assured Nigerians that their suffering will soon be over.
The APC Governors also used the forum to congratulate the President for the Bumper harvest being witnessed this year as well as the release of 21 abducted chibok school girls.
Protesters on Monday blocked the Uselu/Ugbowo section of the Benin-Lagos highway over plans by Egor Local Government Area of Edo to relocate traders.
The protesters, under the aegis of Uselu Market Women Association, were resisting the directive to move to lock-up stores built by the council.
Motorists trapped along the Benin-Lagos highway following the protest
The women, displaying placards, blocked both sides of the highway, preventing motorists from continuing with their trips.
Some of the women said the N1.2 million charged for the stalls was too expensive for them, especially given the type of businesses most of them do.
The women said their problem was compounded by the action of the local council, which commenced the removal of their make shift shops on Monday.
Mrs Celena Okon, one of the market women, described the council's action "as an act of wickedness", in view of the current economic situation in the country.
"What am I selling that you will force me to pay over a million naira for a single store? I believe they should consider the worth of our businesses individually.
"Where do you expect a woman who sells only crayfish or tomatoes to get such a ridiculous amount of money to pay, when in actual fact most are in dire need of additional funds to grow their businesses," Okon said.
Another market woman, Mrs Imade Osifo, who described the situation as pathetic, said their decision to barricade the highway was for the world to know what they were going through.
She said, "They want to force us to go into the stores and we have told them that we cannot afford the stores; that is why they are destroying our businesses."
Mrs Osifo also alleged that the council was "insensitive to them", especially against the backdrop of the different fees levied to allow them do business in the market.
"When the plan to construct these lock-up stores came up, they (Council) told us that the prices will be pocket friendly, especially to some of us involved in petty trading.
"But what do we have now, N1.2 million for a store is a price that most of us cannot afford; there is no way many of us can afford that now.
"Even if the country's economy was okay, how do you expect a woman who sells only salt and Maggi to generate such," Osifo asked.
All efforts to get authorities of Egor local council to comment on the situation proved abortive, as the Council's Head of Service was said to be unavailable.
When contacted on telephone, the Council's spokesman, Mrs Prisca Ebvadiaro, said she was not in the position to comment on the matter.
"I cannot speak on this; there is a committee that has been set up and as such, I cannot speak on it," Ebvadiaro said.
As at the time of filing the report, several motorists were stranded on the highway while other commuters have resorted to trekking to get to their destination.
The women resisted attempts by the police to get them off the road.
By Emman Ovuakporie & Johnbosco Agbakwuru ABUJA – A member of the House of Representatives, Barrister Rita Orji has threatened to lead protest in Lagos over what she described as outrageous billing system by the Electricity Distribution Companies.
The lawmaker has also raised the alarm that stealing of children in Ajegunle, Lagos State is now on the increase, accusing the Power Distribution Companies, Discos, in the state of being responsible as a result of total blackout in her constituency.
Orji who represents Ajeromi/Ifelodun Federal Constituency of Lagos State said there will be no going back on the protest in Lagos especially in Ajegunle if the people responsible for distribution of power in her constituency failed to reconnect over 37 communities that were disconnected over 10 days ago.
Besides, she accused the Discos in the area of ‘defrauding’ the people by giving outrageous bills to them and had warned that the Electricity Companies should not take the peaceful disposition of her constituents for weakness.
The lawmaker who had sponsored a motion on Thursday last week for the investigation of the the Distribution Companies, on their ‘outrageous’ billing system which was adopted by the House of Representatives, lamented that her constituents were paying for darkness.
The Kaduna State Primary Health Care Development Agency (SPHCDA) on Monday urged parents and caregivers in the state to present their children for polio vaccination.
The Executive Secretary of the agency, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, made the plea at an event commemorating the 2016 World Polio Day in Kaduna.
Balarabe said that the Kaduna State Government was committed to total eradication of polio virus, urging parents to ensure that their children were not left out in the exercise.
She said that the Day was an opportunity for the state government to renew its promise of polio-free world to future generation.
"Tremendous achievements were recorded from December 2012 to date.
"Nigeria recorded only four cases of Wild Polio Virus in Borno this year (2016) as against zero cases over the same period last year.
"Kaduna State in particular did not record any case of wild polio virus since November, 2012," the executive secretary said.
Balarabe said that following intensified efforts to ensure total eradication of polio in the state, the agency, in collaboration with all development partners working in the state, planned to celebrate the World Polio Day.
She said that the event would give opportunity to all stakeholders to rub minds on the successes and challenges recorded and devise ways of making the state polio-free.
Balarabe said that the event would feature lectures, rallies and distribution of communication materials to create public awareness.
The Federal Government has blamed the low level implementation of annual budgets and national development plans in the public service on capacity gaps in the country.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Budget and National Planning, Mrs Fatima Mede, said this in a statement on Monday after a training for budget and planning officers of federal MDAs in Kano.
The training was organised and conducted by the Centre for Management Development (CMD).
CMD was established by the Federal Government as the operational arm of the Nigerian Council for Management Development (NCMD).
The Centre commenced operations in 1973, although it only derived its legal backing by an Act of 1976.
It is also actively involved in the regulation of standards, development of managerial manpower for the country and a broad range of skills to enhance the quality of management and leadership for the attainment of national economic goals.
Mede, who was represented by Mr Aminu Yargaya, also blamed some government agencies for not being able to effectively formulate or implement sector plans or annual budgets.
She said that countries like China, Malaysia and Indonesia were growing successfully and sustaining rapid developments because of their consistent implementation of National Development Plans.
She said that in order to contend the gap, the ministry embarked on a capacity training for budget and planning officers in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
"The Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning is conducting a rigorous capacity building programme on planning, plan formulation and effective linkage to the budgeting process for Budget and Planning Officers
"This would be done for officers of Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies as part of the process in the preparation of the 2017 Budget as well as the 2017/19 Strategic Plan,''Mede stated.
Mede said due to the present economic crises that was resulting in negative consequences on revenues, there was the need for effective planning and budget implementation to achieve value for money.
She explained that expenditures were now tied to the country's needs for maximum impact on the lives of the citizens.
"This is buttressed by the introduction of such economic and fiscal policies as Zero-based-Budgeting (ZBB), Treasury Single Account (TSA), Bank Verification Number (BVN) and the Restructuring of the Budget Framework.
"This is in favor of capital expenditure among other policies,'' she said.
She further said that the training was imperative as it would enable government to derive ways of reducing economic wastes and technical challenges.
Dr Kabir Usman, Director-General, CMD, said the Federal Government was working diligently to ensure a knowledge based society to create opportunity in the culture of strategic planning and planning for implementation.
He said that when this was done, it would help ensure that "we put every Kobo into a good use".
"This requires directors of planning, research and statistics across the Federal Ministries, Department and Agencies to have the rudimentary skills to be able to craft the 2017 budget for the change agenda.
"It informed the decision of the Federal Government to assign the CMD to add skills and create capacity of directors responsible for preparation of budget and planning.
"Ours is to train the planners of the budget to enable them to articulate the priority areas of the government for maximum economic growth and development in the country,'' he added.
Usman expressed optimism that the participants would utilise the knowledge they acquired as well as extend same to their colleagues who had no opportunity to attend the programme.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 250 Budget and Planning Officers from Federal the MDAs attended the Kano workshop.
The first batch of the training was held earlier in the month in Lagos.
The Rivers State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has risen in defence of the Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, dismissing calls for his resignation led by the State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following allegations by some recently arrested Judges that he tried to influence their rulings on some election petition cases.
Rivers APC in a statement issued on Monday in Port Harcourt and signed by the State APC Chairman, Chief (Dr.) Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, insisted that Amaechi is clean and not guilty as charged. "We are convinced that God, who has always fought for Amaechi, will continue to save and strengthen him and will once again vindicate him," the party said.
It lambasted both Rivers PDP, the National PDP and others who have joined in calling on Amaechi to resign and for his probe based on the allegations of attempted bribery levelled by some sponsored and drowning judges who were looking for a tool to stay afloat as not only vindictive, shameless, laughable, mischievous but exposure of a clique that is so desperate to expose and express their ignorance and evil plots against a man whom they see as the arrowhead that dislodged them from power at the centre. Amaechi and Justice Ngwuta
"These calls being championed by the PDP are just the latest manifestation of the party's frustration and fight against Amaechi in retaliation for his role in dislodging the PDP Government at the centre during the 2015 presidential elections. These useless calls based on the unfounded and baseless attempted bribery allegations against the former Rivers State Governor and Minister of Transportation confirms our fears and stand that the two discredited Justices made these allegations as part of a political strategy to destroy APC and run down the political fortunes of this rising star. PDP is only acting out its frustration over the key role that Amaechi played to end the corruption system engineered by the past PDP administration at the centre but let us assure the public that this plot has already failed before it was hatched because no sound Nigerian will buy this lame allegation that have no logical stand," Rivers APC said.
The party recalled the failed plots by PDP to deny Amaechi the party’s gubernatorial ticket he won convincingly in 2007 and the efforts PDP also made to ensure that Amaechi was neither screened nor appointed as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. "Having failed to deny him the 2007 PDP gubernatorial ticket and to stop his appointment as a Minister, PDP is now sponsoring some unpatriotic, chronic corrupt and confused Judges to start mentioning Amaechi's name in the hope that doing so will save them from paying for their heinous crime against the people of Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole," the statement said.
Continuing, Rivers APC said: "We wish to counsel the Justices already arrested for corruption to be men enough and face their trial accordingly and leave Amaechi alone. Amaechi's only crime was that he played a yeoman's role in the efforts to see to the emergence of the revered Muhammadu Buhari as the President of Nigeria who, imbued with God's wisdom and strength, has launched an uncompromising war against those who looted our common patrimony who in retaliation are frustrating the economic recovery of our dear country by promoting insecurity in our country.
"We will like to reiterate unequivocally that Amaechi is not only clean but a tool to free Nigeria from the corruption imposed on us by those who hate our nation. He demonstrated his sagacity and prudence by saving a whopping sum of N134.4 billion (Using N168 to $1 as it was in 2014 when the contract was first signed under Jonathan’s Administration) for the nation by negotiating downwards the planned 1,402km Calabar-Lagos Coastal Rail Project. "Rt. Hon. Amaechi has by this singular act demonstrated to the entire world that he is one of the Saints in the public service of our great nation."
As much as we sympathise with PDP in its failed plot and wild chase to silence and intimidate Amaechi, let us remind them that Amaechi will never be cowed as fighting against him means fighting against God and failure will always be their portion but incase they have forgotten so soon, Chibuike means "God is all Powerful" and "Rotimi" an abridged version of "Oluwadurotimi" meaning "the Lord stands by me", while Amaechi means "who knows tomorrow?" It is, however, in vain that these chronic looters and enemies of Nigeria are fighting against Amaechi as he is innocent of the charges against him and bound to triumph at the end of the day.
The Nigeria Police Force on Monday said it would create a Specialists Unit to deal with the rising cases of cybercrime in the country.
The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Ibrahim Idris,disclosed this at a three-day Training Workshop on Cybercrime for police officers in Abuja.
Idris was represented by AIG Umar Shehu, Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Intelligence department.
He said that the training further demonstrated the commitment of the force to check cybercrime in the country.
He said that the workshop would focus on scientific police investigation processes, tools and techniques for tackling cybercrime, among others.
"We are building on our existing forensic and cybercrime facilities in order to successfully tackle the menace of this complex crime.
"Apart from setting up a dedicated forensic and cybercrime unit, we are going to continue to educate our rank and file on ICT,"he said.
The I-G said that the force was also providing up-to-date training and retraining to the rank and file.
He said that there was a need for collaboration between the police and the Cybercrime Advisory Council Office and other stakeholders to check the threat.
He reiterated the commitment of the force to do everything within its powers to tackle cybercrime.
"As you can see, the challenges we face in policing cybercrime are multidimensional,"he said.
Earlier, Prof. Olu Ogunshaki of the DFID and Technical Advisor to the I-G on ICT, said that cybercrime would continue to rise unless there was collaboration to fight it.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Minister of Communications, Mr Adebayo Shittu, said Nigeria was losing about N127 billion to cybercrime annually.
NAN reports that the workshop would be organised in all the zones and Police Colleges.
Mr Jiten Vyas, Chief Operating Officer of VFS Global in Africa on Monday cautioned Nigerians against patronising touts and entities using his organisation's name to defraud visa applicants.
Vyas told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that unsuspecting Nigerians should know that his organisation had no dealings with touts promising jobs or immigration abroad to them.
"VFS Global is appointed by the client, Governments to assist with visa application processing and consular support services.
"VFS offices are centrally located with longer working hours and offer one-stop-shop service to applicants.
"We often find that many applicants fall prey to touts and entities that use our good reputation to make them false promises of jobs or immigration in foreign countries.
"I want to advise Nigerian citizens to be wary of these scams, considering that they risk being defrauded,'' he said.
Vyas enjoined applicants to be wary of touts and personally visit VFS Global website or mobile App for the necessary visa application requirements and processes.
He said that it was imperative for Nigerians to know that VFS Global was appointed by the client, Governments to assist with visa application processing and consular support services.
Vyas said governments had saddled only his organisation with visa application processing and consular support, including information dissemination, checking and acceptance of documents, telephone and e-mail help lines.
He noted that the collection, remittance of fees, biometric enrolment, data reconciliation and return of passports were his organisation's duties.
"Be wary of these scams, considering the risk they run of being defrauded.
"It is always better for applicants to visit the website or the VFS Global mobile App to gain visa information first-hand and better understand requirements and the process.
"Please also remember that VFS Global in Nigeria will never request for money or payments over the phone and operates in a highly secure environment,'' he said.
Three-time world player of the year Cristiano Ronaldo will have to take on Real Madrid teammate Gareth Bale for the Ballon d’Or.
Both were on the 2016 longlist announced Monday which also featured Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero, Borussia Dortmund’s Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Juventus veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.
Manchester United’s Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is also on the list, while Barcelona’s Argentine superstar Lionel Messi was expected to be added later.
Ballon d’Or sponsors France Football magazine, who are organising the trophy on their own after the end of their partnership with FIFA, are releasing the names of the 30 players in batches of five over the course of Monday.
Ronaldo, who won the award in 2008 and 2013-14, set himself up for a fourth Ballon d’Or when captaining Portugal to Euro 2016 glory and helping Real Madrid to an 11th Champions League triumph.
Bale and Ronaldo
Another player to make the list is Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann, one of the stars for hosts and beaten finalists France at Euro 2016.
One man not included is Griezmann’s compatriot Karim Benzema, the Real Madrid striker’s year having been overshadowed by the sextape blackmail affair which led to him being frozen out of the national team ahead of the Euros.
The winner will be determined by a vote of journalists — players (national team captains) and managers will no longer have a say after the ending of the five-year deal between France football and FIFA.
The first Ballon d’Or was won by Stanley Matthews, at the time with Blackpool, who beat Alfredo Di Stefano for the inaugural title in 1956.
Last year’s honour went to Ronaldo’s arch rival Messi, who won it for the fifth time.
A Georgian teenager Reuben Nsemoh has cheated death after he survived a life-threatening head injury on a football pitch that sent him into coma for three days.
According to Fox News, Nsemoh, the 16-year-old goalkeeper at Brookwood High School, was kicked in the head weeks ago diving for a loose ball, his third concussion.
Reuben Nsemoh, a Georgian who came back to life after three days in coma
He stopped breathing and was in a coma for three days.
When he woke up, he couldn't speak English, but he was able to speak fluent Spanish, a language he couldn't speak before.
The teen told WSB radio in Georgia he thinks maybe he picked it up from his friends and his brother.
As his ability to speak English returned, his Spanish fluency has faded out, although he still continues to speak Spanish.
"My friends will always talk to me in Spanish; they teach me too," he said.
Nsemoh said he wants to return to playing football once he recovers, but his coach said he won't let him back without a helmet.
For now, the teenager hasn't returned to school as he continues to recover from the injury, and it's unclear when, or if, he'll be able to play again.
"Sometimes I daze out," the teen told WSB-TV. "Sometimes I feel like I'm not here, but I am."
The family has set up a GoFundMe page for his medical expenses.
It would be recalled that a young man in India who was presumed to have died after being bitten by a snake in July, rose up from the funeral pyre at the moment it was set on fire.
The 23-year-old man, named as Sandeep, was attacked while collecting wood from the forest.
When he arrived back in his village in the Raisen district of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, he told his family about the snake bite.
Instead of taking Sandeep to a hospital, they brought him to a traditional tantric practitioner in a nearby village.
But the tantric's treatment proved ineffective and it was assumed the young man had passed away.
Villagers were left baffled at what to do because some in India claim that those who die of snake bites should be buried rather than burned.
In the end it was decided that his body was to be taken to the local cemetery where a funeral pyre was prepared.
But when the fire almost reached the body of Sandeep, the young man started to shout and people realised he was still alive.
Funeral attendees were stunned when the 23-year-old appeared to come back to life as his funeral pyre was set alight
Sandeep was taken to the same tantric practitioner instead of a hospital after he regained consciousness.
But again his life could not be saved, and the tantric declared Sandeep dead for the second time.
He was taken to the district hospital where a post-mortem examination took place.
The 2015/2016 NPFL Champions, Enugu Rangers are to be hosted by the government and people of the state on Dec. 19 and Dec. 20.
The Enugu State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Charles Ndukwe, made the disclosed this while speaking with newsmen in Enugu on Monday.
Ndukwe said that Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi wanted all stakeholders in the state, Nigeria and in the Diaspora to be part of the reception.
"Our governor has planned a grand and all-inclusive reception for our victorious Rangers, which will hold between Dec. 19 and Dec. 20 at the Michael Okpara Square, Enugu.''
According to the commissioner, Ugwuanyi is not leaving any stone unturned toward giving a befitting honour to the victorious players and officials.
Rangers
"They have made Enugu State people and Igbos in general happy by winning the 2015/2016 NPFL trophy after 32 years.
"Past governors of the state, South East governors, national and state assembly lawmakers, political appointees and leaders of thought in the state are expected to be part of the grand reception in December,'' he stated.
Meanwhile, players and technical crew of Rangers are expected to return to camping immediately in a location yet to be determined by the technical team.
According to Rangers Media Director, Foster Chime, the team's Coach, Imama Amapakabo, is expected in Enugu on Oct. 31.
Chime noted that Amapakabo would be concluding issues relating to players to be retained, those to be placed on transfer market and programme for pre-camping.
"The Rangers management is also discussing with some partners and sponsors for the 2016/2017 Confederation of African Football and NPFL leagues.''
To curb increasing piracy of intellectual works, a motion picture practitioner, Mr Dele Odule, has urged the National Assembly members to initiate a bill that would apply stiffer penalties on pirates.
Odule, the National President, Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Producer of Nigeria (TAMPPAN), made the call while speaking with newsmen on Monday in Ilorin.
According to him, piracy is a global problem but is predominant in Nigeria due to the low penalty meted out to offenders and lack of actualisation of the law on the culprits.
"Film producers in Nigeria do not have retirement benefits like civil servants and our production is our benefit after retirement.
"But a situation where their works have been pirated, they are doomed and have a hopeless future,'' Odule said.
The TAMPPAN president called on the Federal Government to assist film producers by creating an enabling environment for the practice as in the developed countries.
"The Federal Government should try to build a large Film Village where practitioners will pay a token to the government, while TAMPAN members could be loaned the facilities at low interest rates,'' Odule said.
Eighty people have been confirmed dead and more than 600 others injured, three days after the derailment of a passenger train in Cameroon.
The Transport Minister, Edgar Mebe'Ngo'o, on Monday said in Yaounde that government was expecting the toll to rise further.
"There may still be corpses hidden in the rubbles, and we have critical cases in hospital," he said.
The minister said train, which had about 20 carriages, started developing problems near the town of Eseka, which is 120 kilometres from Yaounde, with coaches gradually detaching themselves.
"Four carriages crashed into a ravine and ejected passengers. Bodies were strewn at the site.
"The witnesses said some were mutilated beyond recognition,'' he said.
The witnesses said that the train, which was meant to carry 600 people, carried more than twice that amount because hundreds of extra passengers had sought rail transport after the collapse of a bridge blocked an alternative road route.
Cameroon's President Paul Biya on Sunday put the death toll at more than 70 and pledged to investigate the causes of the rail crash.
"I have ordered an indepth inquiry into the causes of this accident," Biya said.
Report said that rescue workers were still scouring wreckage for more bodies.
It said that some were still seeking news of friends and family members on hand-written lists of passengers pinned up outside medical centres in the two cities.
The report said that on Sunday, the government appealed for additional blood donations to assist with the treatment of some 600 people who suffered injuries.
Abuja – A 28-year–old woman, Jamila Idris, on Monday prayed a Grade 1 Area Court in Gudu, Abuja, to grant her the custody of her three children from her former husband, Umar Musa.
Jamila a tailor of Durunmi 3, Abuja, also prayed the court to order Musa to provide monthly N30,000 allowances for maintenance of the children.
She said the marriage, which contracted in 2007 produced three children, and was dissolved in July, 2016.
The mother of three told the court that all the children were in her custody when her former husband came and took them in September.
She told the court that when the children were of age they could be with their father.
"He doesn't know the pains of caring for a child. The day I went to his house, I saw my two-year-old son sleeping on the floor, exposed to the cold because it rained heavily that day.
"He cannot take proper care of the children because they are not under anybody's care''.
Musa in his response told the court that he had tried his best to settle with Idris and for them to be together with their children without success.
He told the court that he still loves his wife which was why he had not remarried, adding that since she had refused to settle, he took his children away from her custody.
The respondent said that the children would be with him since she was not breastfeeding any of them again.
"I can keep a close eye on my children if they are with me, if she refuses to be with me, she cannot refuse me seeing my children," he said.
The presiding judge, Malam Isah Imam, adjourned the case till Nov. 10 for continuation of hearing.
By Ikechukwu Nnochiri ABUJA – The National Judicial Council, NJC, Monday, inaugurated a 10-man Judicial Ethics Committee with a mandate to review the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers in the country.
The Committee headed by a former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Idris Legbo Kutugi, also has an erstwhile Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission, ICPC, Justice Emmanuel Ayoola, as a member.
Other members of the Committee include former President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Umaru Abdullahi, President of the National Industrial Court, Justice Babatunde Adejumo, Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory, Justice Ishaq Bello, President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr. Abubakar Mahmoud, SAN, two retired Justices of the Supreme Court, as well as a former President of the NBA, Chief Okey Wali, SAN.
Commissioning the Committee at the National Judicial Institute, NJI, on Monday, the CJN, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, tasked it “to do all such things necessary to ensure a continuous high standard of judicial accountability and probity”.
The Committee was further mandated to conduct periodic surveys on behalf of the NJC to measure public perception of level of compliance with ethical standards by the judiciary.Justice Mahmud Mohammed
As well as to, “Monitor and report on laxity by judicial officers in observance of ethical standards in the performance of judicial duties”.
Earlier, the NJC which is headed by the CJN, unveiled a new National Judicial Policy (NJP), which was described as a road map for effective Justice sector reform.
Former ICPC Chairman, Justice Ayoola who gave synopsis of the new policy, said it is a “codification of best ways to ensure an integrity driven judiciary whose hallmark is reliable and effective Justice system”.
Similarly, former CJN, Justice Dahiru Musdapher who was Chairman of the event, decried that the Nigerian judiciary hitherto lacked a clear and over-reaching policy structure that defined its core ethics.
He said the new judicial policy is “a laudable and exemplary document that will set a better focus for effective judicial system in the country”.
Legal luminaries at the unveiling ceremony included former CJN, Justice Mohammed Uwais, CJN-designate, Justice Walter Onnoghen, President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, Administrator of the NJI, Justice R.I.P. Bozimo, as well as Chairman and Members of the Senate/House Committees on Judiciary.
Among issues covered by the new judicial blueprint are policies relating to appointment of judicial officers, Judicial Discipline Policy, Judicial Code of Conduct, Judicial Education and Training, Judicial Performance Policy, Access to Justice Policy, Case flow Management Policy, Judicial Administration and Court Management Policy.
Others are Transparency and Anti-Corruption Policy, Judicial Independence Policy, as well as issues relating to the office of the CJN.
Under the Judicial Code of Conduct Policy, Judges and Court employees were barred from accepting gifts from other arms of government.
According to the document, “Judges must be accountable for public funds and property in their care and should be prudent in the management and use of resources”.
Likewise, under Judicial Discipline Policy, allegation of misconduct against judicial officers or employees of the Judiciary shall not be leaked or published in the media.
It gave institutions of the judiciary concerned with investigation or implementation of decisions taken on complaints against Judicial Officers to cease further action where such complaints are leaked or discussed in the media.
The Judicial Appointment Policy stressed that the process must be transparent, merit-based and skill-based.
“A transparent and carefully designed appointment process is indispensable to an efficient and independent judiciary, able to command public confidence in the administration of justice and capable of promoting and protecting the rule of law and human rights.
“Every aspect of judicial appointment process should, therefore, be such as would command public respect and confidence that the best persons in terms of skill, learning, integrity and courage are appointed as judicial officers”, the document stated.
Nigeria's President, Muhammadu Buhari, is holding a meeting with the progressive governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the nation's capital.
Details of the meeting have not been made known to journalists at the time of this report. Speculations have it that the Governors may have been piqued by some of the actions of the President, which may not have been favourable with the APC governors.
One of such is the ambassadorial list, which many say has not favoured the Governors' choices. The Governors were seen strolling into the presidential villa at about 11:45 am on Monday, for the meeting scheduled to kick off at noon.
For allegedly stealing a phone valued at N140, 000, a 23-year-old unemployed man, James Adavo, was on Monday released on a bail of N200, 000 on the order of a Badagry Chief Magistrates' Court in Lagos State.
The Magistrate, Mr Abiodun Etti, who gave the ruling, also gave the accused a surety, who must provide an evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
The accused, whose address is unknown, was arraigned for stealing.
According to the prosecutor, Innocent Uko, the accused committed the offence on Oct. 17 at No. 27, Limca Road, Ibereko in Badagry.
"The accused stole a Samsung S6 phone, belonging to a woman, Miss Senyo Balogun.
"The woman was listening to music on her phone while walking along the road when the accused came and snatched the phone from her.
"As he was running away with the phone he was caught," Uko said.
The offence contravened Section 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
The accused pleaded not guilty and his lawyer, Mr Akin Adewale, urged the court to grant him bail on liberal terms, promising that he will not jump bail.
The case was adjourned to Nov. 17 for further hearing.
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
The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), in Kwara, has demanded the refund of N33.6 billion the state Government deducted from the 16 Local Governments' statutorily allocations for 84 months.
The NULGE State Secretary, Mr Afolabi Abayomi made the demand in a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday in Ilorin.
He said the N33.6billion was unconstitutionally deducted by the government to pay salaries of Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers.
Abayomi declared that payment of Junior Secondary school teachers was not the responsibility of the Local Governments.
He said the sum of N400million was illegally deducted from local governments' monthly allocation since 2009.
The secretary also said the state government had failed to release the Federal Government's contribution to local government pensioners since 2009.
He, therefore, asked the state government to henceforth desist from this illegal deduction and to also refund Federal Government's pension contribution deducted.
Abayomi added that NULGE State Administrative Secretary (SAC) met on October 14 and came out with the decision to say no to these illegal deductions.
He said that the 16 local government areas were short changed in their September statutory allocations using LG Joint Accounts Allocation Committee (JAAC).
Abayomi said the short-changing culture was being used in favour of a "State Agency that draws salaries their statutory salary from the Local Government Allocations".
"The SAC-in-Session wishes to stress here that the mode of the distribution of the August allocations shareable in September 2016 was unfair, bias, unconstitutional and thus rejected by the Union in Kwara State.
"SAC-in-session also resolved to withdraw from the participation in the monthly Joint Allocation Committee meeting because of the unholy activities coupled with deceitful tendencies and domineering roles of the state government," he said.
Abayomi said that the state government should as a matter of urgency transfer state government's technocrats posted to local government agencies to enable LG staff, who were trained, to manage such agencies as applicable in other states.
The secretary called on the state government to commence payment of Domestic Allowance to GL. 15, 16 and 17 officers at the Local Government level as it was paid to the State Civil Servants.
He implored Local Government workers in the state to remain calm even in the face of alleged unfair treatments meted on them by the state government.
Abayomi assured LG workers that NULGE National President. General Secretary and other National Officers would be visiting Kwara to assess the plights of LG workers.
Reacting to the allegation, Mr Muyideen Akorede the Senior Special Assistant to Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed, on Media and Publicity, said the state government doesn't deduct money from LG.
"Funds are shared among Basic Education teachers, LGs, Pensioners, Traditional councils as prescribed by law.
"The Ahmed administration ensures this distribution is done in transparently manner on monthly basis. So there is no basis for a demand refund of that or any other figure.
"The government only proposed to take over Payment of JSS teachers in order to reduce the burden on LGs and enhance their capacity to pay workers in view of reduced allocation.
"It is ironic NULGE is using that as the basis for its illogical demand for refund. We all know allocations have dropped to all tiers of government due to drop in oil prices.
"It's time NULGE woke up to that reality. The Ahmed administration does not tamper with LG funds," the Governor 's aide said.
The National Judicial Council (NJC) may have had a rethink on its position and resolve to investigate complaints of corruption against some judges.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman National Judicial Council, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, has been reportedly said that he would forward recommendations on the investigation to appropriate authorities.
The spokesman to the CJN said in a statement that as soon as such investigations were completed, appropriate recommendations would be made to the President or Governors who would have the final say on the affected judicial officers.
He further stated that the judges would be charged for the offences disclosed from the facts against them and be prosecuted if necessary.
Some of the officials are those arrested few weeks ago by Department of State Services (DSS) and huge sums of money recovered from some of them.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria had condemned the sting operations carried out by the Department of State Services (DSS) on October 7 and October 8.
He said it was a clear assault on the independence of the Nigerian Judiciary.
The Justice also flayed the Nigerian Bar Association, for its advice to suspend the judges for the period of their travail in the interest of justice.
He said that the DSS has yet to forward any complaint or any official communication regarding the seven Judicial Officers to the National Judicial Council.
Justice Mohammed further said that some of the affected Judicial Officers had already been investigated by the NJC, which found some culpable and recommended their removal from office by dismissal or retirement to the President and respective Governors as provided under the Constitution.
The NJC said that it would be unlawful for it to yield to the call by the NBA, as "that position breaches the 2014 revised judicial discipline regulations formulated by NJC pursuant to section 160 of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended".
Chelsea supporters taunted Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho with chants of “You’re not special anymore!” as his Stamford Bridge return yielded a humiliating 4-0 defeat on Sunday.
With seven major titles across two spells, Mourinho is Chelsea’s most successful ever manager, but his return to his old stomping ground ended in one of the most chastening results of his career.
Pedro Rodriguez opened the scoring after just 30 seconds and Chelsea did not look back, Gary Cahill, Eden Hazard and N’Golo Kante completing an emphatic Premier League victory.
It was a fitting tribute to former Chelsea vice-chairman Matthew Harding, whose death in a helicopter crash 20 years ago was marked prior to kick-off with banners and a giant flag.
Antonio Conte’s side have now won three consecutive league games without conceding a goal and climbed to fourth place, just a point below leaders Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool.
Mourinho, in stark contrast, has already tasted defeat three times in the league with United, who trail City by six points ahead of Wednesday’s Manchester derby in the League Cup fourth round.
The team sheet told a tale of two captains: United’s, Wayne Rooney, was absent after reportedly injuring his thigh, while Chelsea’s, John Terry, remained on the bench following an ankle injury.
Manchester United’s Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho (L) shakes hands with Chelsea’s Italian head coach Antonio Conte (R) after the final whistle of the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in London on October 23, 2016. AFP
Mourinho was greeted warmly by Terry and former assistant Steve Holland prior to the game, sharing a warm embrace with the former, but Chelsea’s hospitality vanished within 30 seconds of kick-off.
Chris Smalling inexplicably allowed Marcos Alonso’s pass from Chelsea’s left to bounce past him and Pedro nipped in to round United goalkeeper David de Gea and roll the ball home.
Mourinho, sacked for the second time by Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich last December, looked faintly shellshocked.
– Bailly blow –
He saw his side squander a chance to level when Zlatan Ibrahimovic headed over after Antonio Valencia had stood up a cross from the right.
More slack defending allowed Chelsea to double their lead in the 21st minute, Cahill slamming home after Hazard’s corner had struck Ander Herrera and bounced down inside the six-yard box.
A pocket of Chelsea fans beside the dug-outs turned Mourinho’s ‘Special One’ nickname back on him, chanting: “You’re not special anymore!”
Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois had been relatively untroubled up to that point, although he produced a smart double save to repel Herrera’s left-foot effort and Jesse Lingard’s follow-up.
It was an ideal first half for Chelsea, but David Luiz was fortunate to escape with only a yellow card after planting his studs in Marouane Fellaini’s knee five minutes before half-time.
Mourinho changed tack at half-time, sending on Juan Mata for Fellaini and moving Marcus Rashford up front alongside Ibrahimovic in a 4-4-2 formation.
He was forced into another change seven minutes into the second half when Eric Bailly sustained a knock, with Marcos Rojo coming on at left-back and Daley Blind moving to centre-back.
Lingard sought to sound the revolt for United, wriggling away from a pair of Chelsea players and unleashing a crisp drive that Courtois had to push away.
But in the 62nd minute it was game over. Nemanja Matic’s pass down the inside-left channel found Hazard, who checked inside Smalling and steered a shot into the bottom-right corner.
Kante completed the rout, darting between Smalling and the sleep-walking Paul Pogba to tuck away his first Chelsea goal since his close-season switch from Leicester City.
U.S. Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton has said she no longer cares what her Republican rival Donald Trump might say and will focus on issues instead.
"I debated him for four and a half hours," she said, recalling their acrimonious exchanges. "I don't even think about responding to him anymore."
She was speaking to reporters aboard her campaign plane.
Mr Trump used a rally in Gettysburg to promise curbs on lobbying and new trade and climate change negotiations.
With just 16 days until the election, much of the recent focus has been on controversies linked to his campaign.
On Saturday, he again promised to sue every woman who had accused him of sexual assault or inappropriate behaviour as soon as his presidential campaign was over.
While the tycoon lags behind Mrs Clinton in opinion polls, he recently narrowed the gap to about four percentage points.
Asked about Mr Trump's threat to sue his accusers, Mrs Clinton said her focus had turned to helping elect other Democrats on Nov. 8, when Congressional seats are also being contested
"He can say whatever he wants; he can run his campaign however he wants to," she said.
"I'm going to let the American people decide between what he offers and what we offer."
The polls may be wrong in Arizona but if they are correct, it may be the start of a Democratic trend that doesn't just put the state in play in a Clinton 2016 rout scenario, it makes Arizona a legitimate swing state in coming elections.
"The demographics in the state are continuing to change," says Arizona State University political science professor Richard Herrera.
"If there is another increase in Latino voters, which there almost certainly will be, followed with an increase in party registrants, this could become a real battleground in future elections."
For Democrats, that's a dream scenario, giving them new and plentiful paths to electoral success.
For Republicans, it could mean the start of a long-term political nightmare.
Speaking on stage in Pittsburgh, Mrs Clinton called for Americans to unite.
ABUJA- THE 260-kilometre Superhighway project executed by the Cross River State Government has come under serious criticism as some environmental scientists under the auspices of the Alliance of Leading Environmental Research and Thinkers, ALERT, alleged that the Cross River National Park has been endangered by the project.
This was stated by Director, ALERT, James Cook University, Australia, Prof William Laurance, who led other environmental scientists on assessment of the project described it as peril to the wild life park.
According to Laurance the Cross River National Park sustains two-thirds of Nigeria's surviving tropical rainforest, and millions of trees have been bulldozed along the proposed road route.
He also argued that the proposed superhighway if completed could rapidly worsen a deepening environmental and social crisis in Nigeria.
He said: "Nigeria needs better roads, but this is one of the most ill-conceived infrastructure projects we've seen anywhere. Southern Nigeria in general, and Cross River National Park in particular, are some of the most biologically and culturally important real estate on the planet.
"It would be tragic if they were destroyed or severely degraded by such a short-sighted development scheme."
He also alleged that the Environmental Impact Assessment, EIA, of the project had technical itches.
"Independent analyses on the Environmental Impact Assessment, EIA, have shown it to be a technical farce, and its validity is being challenged in a lawsuit brought by nongovernmental groups in Nigeria," he stated.
In his assertion a researcher Nigerian Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, NOSDRA, and member of ALERT, Dr. Mahmoud Mahmoud, said, "As currently proposed, the highway would slice through the most critical forested areas of Nigeria.
"It would open up a Pandora's box of environmental problems, such as illegal deforestation, poaching, and encroachment, especially for Cross River National Park.
"We can only hope that common sense prevails. There are alternative routes for the highway that would be far less damaging to the environment and local peoples."
Another member of ALERT and former environmental advisor to three United States' Presidents, Prof Thomas Lovejoy, referred to the Cross River National Park as the 'Biological Jewel' of Nigeria, said the country has lost nine-tenth of her forest resources.
"Nigeria has already lost nine-tenths of its forests, with much of its surviving forest being fragmented and over hunted. In this context, Cross River National Park is irreplaceable—a biological jewel.
"It sustains a remarkable 18 species of primates, including the critically endangered Cross River Gorilla plus other imperilled wildlife such as forest elephants and leopards", Lovejoy added.
By Ben Agande Abuja – The Factional candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the November 20 Ondo State governorship election, Jimoh Ibrahim, has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission of trying exclude him from the election by not accepting his papers as the authentic candidate of the PDP.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja Sunday evening, Mr Ibrahim said the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) is not an appeal Court, therefore cannot determine who is the PDP candidate in the election.
The business mogul’s claim to being the candidate of the PDP was strengthened last week when an Abuja high Court ruled that the Electoral body should recognise Ibrahim, who was produced by the Ali Modu Sheriff faction of the party. Jimoh Ibrahim
His attempt to file the court judgement was allegedly rebuffed by an official of the party whom he alleged demanded a bribe of one million Dollars from him.
But the chief press secretary to the chairman of INEC, Rotimi Oyekunmi denied the allegations saying no demand was made of the candidate.
Speaking further on the matter, Jimoh Ibrahim said though the electoral body had said it will obey the court judgement immediately it was served, the music changed “immediately INEC was served the judgement.
” After the service, the music changed. INEC should not allow one governor to destroy its reputation. We are not saying that INEC will not obey the court judgement.One of the officials demanded for one million dollar bribe from me to process the court judgement” healleged.
The PDP chieftain who said he had petitioned president Muhammadu Buhari and reported the official to the INEC chairman also demanded the removal of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ondo State, saying that he is card carrying member of the PDP.
Jimoh said he cannot be trusted to conduct a free and fair election in the state.
However, in a reaction, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC chairman, Rotimi Oyekunmi said” it is not true that Mrs Babalola demanded one million dollar bribe from Jimoh Ibrahim. Two other officials of INEC witnessed the encounter between Mrs Babalola and Jimoh Ibrahim.
Jimoh Ibrahim brought a copy of his judgement and wanted to impress it on INEC to collect it. But we told him that we already have it. It is incharitable and ungodly of businessman of his stature to make this kind of allegation” he said.
AN international humanitarian organisation, the Mercy Corps and Ford Foundation have revealed that recruitment into Boko Haram sect was mainly being achieved through gifts, gratification and promise of protection to members.
This was a product of a year long research done to ascertain what fuels the recruitment of community members, youths especially, into becoming tools for destabilisation and destruction, as well as why some communities support the sect's activities secretly in the North-eastern part of the country, especially in Borno State and its neighbours where its activities were prominent in recent years.
With the help of locals, who were hired as research assistants, Mercy Corps and its research team went into several communities inhabited by members of the sect, as well as friends and relatives of the sect, and then spoke to former Boko Haram members and the youths who resisted joining the organisation to ascertain their motives for joining the sect or why they resisted joining, respectively.
Their findings- with the presence of poverty, lack of economic and social presence in most communities, and the belief by many that their communities lacked government presence, Boko Haram presented a lifeline, offering economic ambition to attract or coerce youths by offering financial assistance for young people to grow their businesses, while also offering protection to those sympathetic to their cause.
For some, Boko Haram invested as high as one million naira into their cattle rearing business or farming, while for others, as low as ten thousand naira, motor bikes or even sewing machines were distributed, and in return, they were either made to participate in the sects' activities or made to provide other forms of support, including provision of intelligence to the group and logistics. For those who rejected the offers, they lived at the mercy of the deadly insurgents who did not spare some of them.
By Chimaobi Nwaiwu. Nnewi – The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has said that the people who actually committed treason against Nigeria and should be languishing in prison are now the people pretending to love the country.
IPOB in its public enlightenment series number three, signed by its spokespersons Mr Emma Nmezu, a lawyer, and Dr. Clifford Chukwuemeka Iroanya, said that President Muhammadu Buhari has no moral justification to talk about, or accuse anybody in the country of committing treason having committed it several times and went scot free.
Muhammadu Buhari, who is today the President of Nigeria and enjoying his office through democratic process was part of the people that overthrew a democratically elected government of Alhaji Shehu Shagari, against the wish of Nigerians, and became Head of State, thereby truncating the democratic process that would have taking Nigeria beyond what it is today.
In the Public Enlightenment Series 3, titled, "Two compelling reasons why the National Assembly must immediately activate Section -143 of the Constitution of Nigeria" IPOB said "Retired Major-General Muhammadu Buhari came into limelight on three occasions before being forced on Nigerians as their president by the combined might of Mr. Barack Obama and Mr. David Cameron."POB potesters grounding Onitsha, the commercial city of Anambra State, South-east Nigeria, during their 1 Million March, to call for the immediate release of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu. Kanu was arrested by the Department of State Services, DSS, on his way into Nigeria from UK
The public enlightenment series statement also read: "the three occasions are President Buhari came into limelight were before he became Nigerian President were on the 29th of July 1966, he participated in the assassination of Major-General J. T. U. Aguiyi-Ironsi who was then Head of State of Nigeria, a treasonable felony act number one."
"In 1968, he was part of the group of Northern soldiers who massacred over two million Biafrans at Owerri. On the 31st of December 1983, he committed treason when he forcefully and violently overthrew the democratically elected Federal Government of Nigeria headed by Alhaji Aliyu Usman Shehu Shagari."
"Even after committing treason and just before he was overthrown in August 1985, everybody knows what he did with the lives of several civilians courtesy of Decree-2 and Decree-4.
"Thirty-two years after committing treason, he became the President of Nigeria on the 29th of May 2015 and within seven months of his checkered presidency, committed two grievous and unpardonable misconducts that should be grounds for activation of Section-143 of Nigeria's Constitution."
According to IPOB, Buhari's candidacy for presidential election was not in compliance with Section-131(d) of the Constitution which states thus: "A person shall be qualified for election to the office of the President if he has been educated up to at least School Certificate level or its equivalent."
"Till date Mr. President has not provided any proof that he had a School Certificate, if he has not cleared the doubt, it can be inferred that whatever he presented was forged, which should necessitate the application of Section-137(1-j) which states that: "A person shall not be qualified for election to the office of President if he has presented a forged certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission."
"Mr President has committed the act of misconducts on two grounds, and these are unarguable cases of perjury and abuse of office. Buhari lied under oath, which is in contravention of Section-19 of the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution which states as follows:
"Misconduct” means breach of the Oath of Allegiance or oath of office of a member or breach of the provisions of this Constitution or a misconduct of such nature as amounts to bribery or corruption or false declaration of assets and liabilities".
"Recall that on the 29th of May 2015, Buhari took Oaths of Allegiance and Oath of Office of President which includes non-interference in the discharge of the duties of other arms government.
However, he told the world during his Media Chat of December 30, 2015, that Nnamdi Kanu and Sambo Dasuki will never be released and this was after the courts have ordered their unconditional release.
"Buhari's comment was not only a violation of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, but it is also in violation of Part-I Section-9 of the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution which states that "A public officer shall not do or direct to be done, in abuse of his office, any arbitrary act prejudicial to the rights of any other person knowing that such act is unlawful or contrary to any government policy."
"On the same day of his Media Chat, he committed perjury when he lied to the public by saying that even though Nnamdi Kanu has two International Passports, he (Nnamdi Kanu) never entered Nigeria with any passport. Buhari's statement can be viewed on the Youtube link.
"Mr. President made this statement in his capacity as the President of Nigeria for which he took an oath per the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution and thereby committing perjury as defined by the term "misconduct" in Section-19 of the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution.
"On this basis, we, therefore, call on the National Assembly to immediately activate Section-143 of the Constitution of Nigeria to avoid further casualties. The removal of Buhari using Section-143 of the Constitution will ensure a temporary stability for Nigeria as the country prepares for its dissolution into the founding nations of Biafra, Arewa, and Oduduwa.
"Without the removal of Buhari, according to Section-143 of the Constitution, the unstoppable and irreversible disintegration of Nigeria into the nations above may take a violent and calamitous path which will end up hurting internal and external stakeholders in Nigeria, including the economic interests of foreign governments.
"A stitch in time saves nine and Biafra exit from the British creation called Nigeria is irrevocable and unchangeable."
By Emma Amaize, Egufe Yafugborhi and Perez Brisibe WARRI- THE Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, on Sunday, endorsed the October 31 meeting between President Muhammadu Buhari and the Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, aimed at finding solutions to the current Niger Delta crisis.
However, a group, Urhobo Commoun Cause, UCC, in Delta state, led by Henry Obukohwo Tafri , has rejected the representation of PANDEF, led by the former Federal Commissioner for Information, Chief Edwin Clark, saying it was concerned about alleged 'internal colonialism perpetrated by the leadership of Chief Clark."
MEND, in a statement by its spokesperson, Jomo Gbomo, backing Clark-led PANDEF, asserted: "The forthcoming meeting vindicates MEND and Federal Government's continued insistence and belief ab initio that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari meant well for the sustainable peace and development of the hitherto neglected Niger Delta region."
It said: "MEND reiterates that we were the first and only militant group in the Niger Delta region who were meaningfully and constructively engaged in talks with the Federal Government with a view to resolving the Niger Delta crisis; as duly confirmed by no less a person than President Muhammadu Buhari sometime in July, 2016 in his farewell remarks to the outgoing German Ambassador, Mr. Michael Zinner.
His Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu later confirmed our claim when he informed the media that the Presidency was “waiting to receive the final agreement.”
"Following the fruitful talks, several concessions were secured by both parties. For the federal government, the major concession they secured was that MEND pledged the group's firm commitment to work assiduously to get all aggrieved militant groups in the region to ceasefire and line up behind a single umbrella body.
"MEND duly kept to the terms of the agreement by leveraging on its vast contacts to prevail on militant groups, criminal elements amongst others to ceasefire and recognized Chief Edwin Clark to lead the Niger Delta region in proposed talks with the federal government," it said.
The group noted: "And coming on the heels of a breakthrough, on August 27, 2016, MEND formally disbanded the Odein Ajumogobia-led Aaron team 2 and also lined up behind Chief Edwin Clark; in the overall interest and common good of the people of the Niger Delta region."
"The federal government, Nigerians and the international community would certainly agree that, as part of these concerted patriotic efforts by MEND within the preceding six months of this year, relative peace has since returned to the Niger Delta region. The country's oil and gas production capacity has also increased tremendously.
"However, in spite of MEND efforts, the federal government is yet to keep to the terms of the agreement reached with the group. Indeed, one of the key concessions secured by MEND was that, the federal government would concede to the release of certain political prisoners, including but not limited to the Okah Brothers – Henry and Charles," the group said.
It added: "Nevertheless, with news of the forthcoming meeting between President Buhari and the Chief Clark-led PANDEF, we are confident that the concessions already secured by MEND shall be respected by the federal government."
"Consequently, we urge members of the Chief Edwin Clark-led PANDEF to put aside personal interests and ambitions of primitive aggrandizement. Rather, we implore them to realize that the Niger Delta region is at a zebra crossing and, therefore, they must remain steadfast and focused on their core mandate, to wit: restoration of sustainable and permanent peace and development of the region," it said.
The UCC in a statement, said: "We, the Urhobo people, reject completely the list of the Central Working Committee (CWC) Chief E.K Clark forwarded to the presidency as representatives of South-South ethnic nationalities,"
"The list forwarded to the Nigeria President does not represent the true population of the ethnic nationalities in the South-South, and furthermore, the membership of the committee did not take into consideration the economic contribution of the various ethnic nationalities to common national purse," the group said.
Security experts in Lagos on Sunday urged Nigerians to publish and report phone numbers of suspected fraudsters on every available platform, so that the appropriate security agencies could go after them.
In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, they said that reporting the numbers would reduce cases of fraudsters who deceive unsuspecting members of the public and defraud them.
Mr Festus Akapo, a security consultant, said that with the advent of the social media, Nigerians could easily publish the phone numbers of suspected fraudsters and alert the public to be wary of them.
"Through the social media, security agencies can be alerted and mobile network providers will also be alerted, so that they can work together to track down the fraudsters," he said.
Also, Mr Charles Sullivan, Head Media Operations at Bells Security, said that Nigerians often take for granted how far the little effort of publishing or reporting a fraudsters' phone number could go.
"Whenever we receive fraudulent calls, we should endeavour to make public the phone numbers and also share on various social media forum until it gets to the appropriate authority," he said.
Mr Ayodeji Fadipe, a security consultant, equally said that the only way Nigerians could help security agencies was to provide them with adequate information on any perceived criminal activity.
"One of the ways to do this is to save the suspected fraudsters' phone number and forward it to security agents for proper investigation.
"Although the fraudulent subscribers should be easily tracked, if the number had been registered, the most important thing is a collaboration between security agencies and network providers."
Contributing, Mr Michael Ehizoje, another security expert, said that there were mobile phone applications that would ordinarily reveal the identity of a caller and make it easy to report a fraudulent call.
"There are different user-friendly applications to track fraudulent calls; Nigerians should not feel reluctant to report these fraudsters to the relevant security agencies," he said.
By AbdulSalam Muhammad KANO – The executive Governor of Kano state, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje weekend threatened to probe his estranged predecessor and a sitting Federal MP, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s tenure.
In a highly worded press statement signed by the state Commissioner of information and culture, Alhaji Muhammad Garba that was made available to Vanguard noted that Kwankwaso’s penchant of peddling unsubstantiated allegations may put him on a collision course with Kano state government. Kwankwaso and Ganduje
Ganduje declared that “this deliberate distortion of facts and spreading of falsehood is capable of provoking the government to drop its non-confrontational stance and institute commission of inquiry to prove the previous administration particularly on illegal land deals, education and infrastructure.”
Ganduje’s reaction came on the heel of an ultimatum by Kwankwasiyya movement on a sitting Governor to drop his red cap within 24 hours or else face legal hurdles.
The statement added “the threat of legal action against Governor Ganduje by the movement if he fails to stop wearing red cap within 48 hours is the most laughable, pathetic, clear indication of their ignorance of the law and history of political struggle in Kano. They should have known that red cap was introduced by Late Aminu Kano and popularized by him, his followers and disciples for which Governor Ganduje was among. He was also at the forefront of its re-introduction during the second tenure of Kwankwaso in 2011. Who then could better claim the red cap doctrine?
The statement noted that "this unfortunate behaviour lacking in any tint of civility, decency and responsible politicking that has become the hallmark of top echelons of the Kwankwasiyya movement is, to say the least, laughable, pathetic, pitiful and desperate attempt to misguide the public and bring the administration of Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and his personality to disrepute.” –
By Ikechukwu Nnochiri ABUJA – The Legal Defence and Assistance Project, LEDAP, has challenged the powers of the National Assembly to summon or question any of the seven judges arrested by the Department of State Service, DSS, over allegation of corruption.
The body, in a statement on Sunday, said it was wrong for the National Assembly to summon the accused judges to appear before the Senate Committee on Judiciary.
It maintained that the legislature has no oversight powers over judicial officers under the constitutional principle of separation of powers as entrenched in sections 4, 5 and 6 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
“LEDAP draws the attention of the National Assembly that under the Constitution, it is only the National Judicial Council (NJC) that has the power of control and discipline of judges and justices of superior courts in Nigeria.
Any interference by the legislature or the executive into the conduct of judges in carrying out their judicial functions will amount to unlawful interference with the independence of the judiciary. Ngwuta, Okoroand Ademola
“The 1999 Constitution, unlike the legal framework of past military regimes, has consolidated the independence of the judiciary and established the NJC as the only body responsible for management of the judiciary.
“LEDAP is concerned that the recent raid and arrest of judges and justices by the DSS, and continued assault and raid on judges by other agencies of the executive, have the effect of opening up the judiciary to unlawful and unconstitutional interference and intimidation by other arms of government, the reason for which the Senate has the temerity to speak about inviting judicial officers for questioning.
“LEDAP will shortly approach the courts to seek orders restraining any such invitation or summon of the arrested judicial officers as it amounts to attempt to brow-beat and intimidate the judiciary.
“There are a lot of corruption issues and corrupt politicians in the legislature and executive which should pre-occupy the Senators. The scandal arising from the padding of the budget, which has been going on for many years in the legislature with connivance of the executive, as well as bogus and secretive huge allowances and emoluments claimed by legislators are more damaging economic crimes against the Nigerian people that the Senate should address rather than intimidating few judges alleged to be corrupt.
“There are several court orders directing the National Assembly to disclose salaries and emoluments of its members, and details of constituency allowances claimed yearly by legislators . It has refused to obey these judgements of the courts.
“The legislators appropriate nearly a quarter of national wealth to themselves and account to no one. Nigerian legislators, adjudged as the most corrupt and most expensive in the world, has no legal or moral right to superintendent over alleged corruption in the judiciary.
“LEDAP calls on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to resist attempts by the executive and legislature to control and manage the judiciary. Such situation will on the long run denigrate the judiciary and legal profession and threaten the rule of law.
“The independence of the judiciary, as guaranteed in the Constitution, is essential element of any democracy. The NBA can work with NJC to improve on its complaint management system to ensure that judicial discipline is effectively and efficiently enforced.
“The association cannot, as a result of current challenges, allow the other arms of government to destroy the age-long integrity of the Nigerian judiciary”, read the statement signed by National Coordinator of the body, Mr. Chino Obiagwu.
Utsunomiya – A 72 year-old retired soldier blew himself up in a park in the Japanese city of Utsunomiya, killing himself and injuring three other people in an apparent suicide.
A media report on Sunday in Utsunomiya said that a second explosion, separate from the blast that killed the former Self Defence Force member, caused a fire in a nearby parking lot.
It said the man's home 8 km (5 miles) from the park burnt to the ground.
Images made available by the media showed two burnt out cars, one of which belonged to the dead man, about 200 metres (650 feet) from the park and a charred broken bench at the edge of the park, where a folk art festival was underway.
The police in the city said they had discovered a suicide note written by the man and were investigating the three incidents, but did not give further details.
Experts report noted that suicide rates have declined in Japan in recent years, but remain among the highest in the world, with around 30,000 people a year taking their own lives.
They identified financial stress of surviving on small pensions as the reason for pushing some retired people to end their lives.
They recalled that in 2015, a 71 year-old man set himself on fire on a bullet train in an incident that also claimed the life of a 52 year-old woman travelling in the same carriage.
Lagos – The Lagos State Government on Sunday said it would arraign the key suspects arrested for the kidnap of the traditional ruler of Iba Town, Oba Goriola Oseni before a Lagos High Court in Igbosere on Monday, Oct. 24.
Mr Adeniji Kazeem, the State's Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, said in a statement that the four suspects — Duba Furejo, Ododomo Isaiah, Reuben Anthony and Yerin Fresh would be arraigned before Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo.
They are to be charged with conspiracy, murder, armed robbery and kidnapping
The statement said the suspects would be arraigned on eight count charges relating to kidnapping of the monarch, murder of the palace security guard — Sunday Okanlawon and a commercial motorcycle rider, Joseph Okeke.
It said they would also be charged for attempted murder of the monarch's wife, Olori Abosede Oseni and robbery of her property.
According to the statement, the present administration is resolved to rid the state of all forms of criminality.Toba Foreje (left) and Isaiah Ofodomu, suspected kidnappers of Oba Goriola Oseni, Oniba of Iba-land in Iba Local Council Development Area[LCDA] paraded by Lagos state Governor and Commissioner of Police at Lagos House, Ikeja, yesterday. Photo: Bunmi Azeez
"The office of the Attorney General will work closely with all security agencies to ensure that all cases of kidnapping, cultism, rape, sexual and domestic violence crimes are swiftly prosecuted to a logical conclusion.
"The swift commencement of the trial of the suspects in the kidnap of the monarch is a strong signal by the administration of Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode that it is not business as usual for criminals.
"If you commit a crime, we will find you and prosecute you no matter how long it takes.
"Gov. Ambode as part of his commitment to make the state a safe place to live in and do business, will continue to support law enforcement agencies in the investigation and apprehension of all criminals.
"The governor is also committed to ensuring that Lagos State becomes a no-go area for criminals who target innocent citizens for kidnapping and collection of ransom in an effort to get rich quick," the statement said.
On July 16, Okanlawon and Okeke were killed while the monarch was abducted and kept in captivity for about three weeks.
The sustained pressure and intelligence gathering from law enforcement agencies, however, led to the rescue of the monarch, while the four suspects were apprehended in the process.
Lafia – The officials of Nasarawa United FC have boasted that the Lafia side would beat FC Ifeanyi Ubah in the upcoming 2016 Federation Cup final to lift the trophy.
The Head Coach, Kabiru Dogo, said that he foresaw no other outcome of the match but victory for his team giving their mentality.
"The boys have this giants' mentality that helped them to overcome their opponents to get to the final.
"What we are waiting for now is to lift the trophy because we believe we have what it takes to be champions.
"I have huge respect for Ifeanyi Ubah but my team's recent performances has shown that we can overcome them,'' Dogo said, boasting of their readiness for the encounter.
He described the mood on the training ground as highly positive, adding that the players were totally focused on finishing the task ahead of them.
"With due respect to our opponents, by the special grace of God, we are coming back to Lafia with Cup.
"All we are waiting for now is for the day to come. Right now, we are training and strategising on how to achieve our goal,'' he said.
The Solid Miners coach commended the Nasarawa State Government and management of the club for paying all outstanding allowances to avert negative feelings that might affect the team's performance.
"The boys are happy with the attitude of the state government and the management.
"As I talk to you, they are well motivated for this game. That is why I am confident, we will get nothing less than victory,'' Dogo said.
Also, Musa Elayo, the club's Media Officer, expressed the team's readiness to take on Ifeanyi Ubah and come out victorious against all odds.
"Whatever game plan they have, our boys are ready and will survive their onslaught. They are well motivated for this game and have promised us they will come out victorious,'' he said.
He added that preparations were in top gear with regards to logistics and other necessities to ensure a smooth execution of the team's victory plan.
NAN reports that Nasarawa United will take on Ifeanyi Ubah in the final of the 2016 Federation Cup at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos State.
Both teams defeated their opponents — Enyimba International of Aba and Crown FC of Ogbomoso respectively in the semi-finals to book their places in the final to be played on Oct. 30.
Port Harcourt – Misbahu Lawan, President, Para-Soccer Federation of Nigeria (PSFN) said on Sunday that Para-soccer has been positively impacting the lives of the physically challenged.
Lawan, who is also the National Chairman, Polio Survivors of Nigeria (PSN), said in Port Harcourt that Nigerians no longer see them as beggars.
He said that people had looked down on them because of their disability but all that had changed because of para-soccer.WALE, AN OSUN PARA-SOCCER STRIKER, BREAKING THROUGH THE OPPONENTS’DEFENCE DURING THE OPENING MATCH BETWEEN OSUN AND KWARA AT THE ONGOING 3RD WORLD POLIO DAY NATIONAL PARA-SOCCER TOURNAMENT IN ABUJA. OSUN WON 3-0.
"Initially people looked down on any person with disability. The only thing Nigerians knew then was, once you are disabled, you are a beggar.
"With this game, the attitude of people has changed on the issue of disability, especially looking at us as a people who can entertain others and contribute to the development of Nigeria,'' he said.
According to Lawan, apart from employment many people with disability have got through the sport, it has also made them to engage in other businesses with income from the game.
"The pain with disability in Nigeria has dropped because some of us have got employment, running private businesses and are highly educated.
"A lot of people with disability in the country are professors. That is to tell that we have changed from the negative way to the positive,'' he added.
Lawan said that as a collective group of people with disability, they were determined to promote the image of Nigeria.
"All stakeholders believe that we should continue working to ensure that we promote the image of this country at all levels we can as our contribution,'' he said.
Abuja – The Nigeria Police Force on Sunday said there would be no cover-up in the case of the Assistant Commissioner of Police arrested with N2.7 million bribe money.
The Head, Compliant Response Unit (CRU), Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Abayomi Shogunle, disclosed this in an interview in Abuja.
He said the police had taken all necessary actions provided in the Police Act and Regulations in respect of the case.
He added that "I don't see anybody covering up this particular case because the necessary actions needed to be taken, the normal disciplinary procedure as provided under the Police Act and Regulations are being followed."
Shogunle said the officer in question had already been issued a query and a criminal investigation had been conducted by the X-squad.
The officer had since responded to the query and had faced the Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC), he said.
Shogunle added that the FDC had made its recommendations to the Inspector-General of Police (I-G), which had been forwarded to the Police Service Commission ( PSC) for ratification.
"The processes needed have been done and all we are just waiting for is the recommendations of the PSC," he said.
He pointed out that it was when the Commission informed the I-G on the matter that the CRU would in turn inform the public on the matter.
Shogunle said that I-G had directed the unit to ensure that it discharged its responsibilities without impunity in line with its motto.
"One of the things the I-G has tasked the CRU, which is no to impunity, is that the unit should ensure that it upholds that motto," he added.
It would be recalled that information about the recovery of the N2.7 million bribe money from the officer in question was made known in the third quarter report of the CRU, signed by Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police Abayomi Shogunle, Head of CRU in Abuja.
The report said the recovery followed a complaint made to the CRU through a telephone call.
On alleged preferential treatment for senior officers, Shogunle said the unit had taken up all cases against all police officers irrespective of their ranks.
"Probably, we get more complaints against the junior ranks because they interact more with members of the public.
"They are the ones that are always out on the streets. So it is possible you will get more complaints against them than the senior officers."
Shogunle assured that all complaints irrespective of the ranks of the persons would be treated based on merit, adding that the rule of law would always prevail.
The CRU head said that the inclusion of the X-squad unit of the police was yielding result.
"One of the breakthroughs we have had as contained in the CRU third quarter report was actually done by the x-squad.
"This is the kind of things the public should expect with the inclusion of the squad by the I-G in the fight against corruption," he said.
He said there was cordial working relationship between the Nigeria Police Force through the CRU and human rights groups in the country.
"As a matter of fact, we have a committee made up of these organisations to review policing operations nationwide.
"We hear from them issues of policing and also give them feedback on their cases that were handled by the CRU," he said.
Manchester City returned to the top of the Premier League with a 1-1 draw at home to Southampton on Sunday, although the performance again raised question marks over the title credentials of Pep Guardiola's team after a fifth consecutive game without a victory.
Kelechi Iheanacho's eighth goal in his last 11 league games cancelled out Nathan Redmond's first-half opener for Southampton, which owed much to an extraordinary mistrake by City defender John Stones.
City, after winning their first 10 games under Spanish coach Guardiola, have suffered a major dip in form.
Guardiola had spoken passionately in the wake of the midweek 4-0 defeat at former club Barcelona about his desire to stick to his footballing philosophy.
Those beliefs, however, must have been sorely tested in a first half in which his side failed to test Fraser Forster in the Southampton goal and fell behind to the visitors.
The Saints went ahead in the 27th minute following a disastrous back pass from England centre-half Stones, who nonchalantly laid the ball back into the City penalty area despite the presence of Redmond.
The forward retained his composure, beating Vincent Kompany to the ball and rounding Claudio Bravo before converting into the open net.
Following Bravo's costly defensive slip in the midweek Champions League tie, it was another blow to Guardiola and a handful of home supporters booed the team off at the interval.
Iheanacho celebrating his goal against Southampton
– Harsh decision –
For all their defensive problems, however, City were equally ineffective at the other end in the first half — their best effort coming when Stones had a 31st-minute effort ruled out for offside.
The defender appeared to have made amends for his earlier error when he headed home Kevin De Bruyne's free-kick only for referee Mark Clattenburg to rule it out — a decision which replays suggested was harsh.
An early David Silva cross was easily picked out by Forster, Ilkay Gundogan shot just wide from the edge of the area and Raheem Sterling drilled a shot way off target.
Instead, the Saints looked more likely to score, particularly on the break, with Dusan Tadic testing Bravo with an early cross-shot.
Guardiola wasted no time in altering his tactics at the interval, with Iheanacho replacing De Bruyne who was clearly still below peak form following a recent injury lay-off.
The situation might have worsened for City in the opening exchanges after the break when Aleksandar Kolarov was booked for a body check on Charlie Austin as the Southampton striker attempted to chase a through ball.
But City finally started to assert some control with Sterling's low 54th-minute cross just bouncing beyond Silva's far-post lunge.
Moments later, Iheanacho equalised after a flowing move exposed gaps in Southampton’s defence with passes from Fernandinho and Leroy Sane allowing the young Nigerian to sweep in a confident finish from six yards.
City's passing, so inconsistent in the first half, had also improved markedly and a concerted attack ended with Sterling finding Iheanacho who turned and centred for Silva, only for a deflection off a defender to save the Saints.
After 68 minutes, the increasingly effective Gundogan worked his way through midfield, via a series of give-and-gos, before seeing Forster keep out his low drive with a one-handed diving stop.
Silva also found himself in space in the Southampton area, producing a near-post shot which Forster blocked with a solid parry.
But there were also warning signs for Guardiola, notably in the 74th minute when Sofiane Boufal found Austin in space in the City area only for his shot to be well saved by Bravo.
Soon afterwards, Steven Davis was similarly left unguarded just outside the home box and curled a shot narrowly wide.
Aguero also twice came close, first with a stooping, off-target header and then with a determined run and a low shot which flashed across the face of goal.
![Toba Foreje (left) and Isaiah Ofodomu, suspected kidnappers of Oba Goriola Oseni, Oniba of Iba-land in Iba Local Council Development Area[LCDA] paraded by Lagos state Governor and Commissioner of Police at Lagos House, Ikeja, yesterday. Photo: Bunmi Azeez](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_sDODtDph4w71GyZDYwh72-jXNCLKa9kkUaQTcF5uiq3G4wCmW0KptJlthoq5ZBqj8XytheZ1h9710AP2K2IKrScSl8-dV5NTQ1gEl1ii1yO3JkJAoBeDAPYVwlVTZB4kBA2JFDkUFoMKND_NGEfPIK7-H8fHaIsiwAX9XqpQHg0MisKIMxbB8367TM3CRH5Qzv6MLP6D72EYmFY-WJmU0=s0-d)
