Wednesday, 16 March 2016

COME OUT AND VOTE, PRESIDENT HAS PROVIDED FULL SECURITY IN RIVERS STATE ... WE WILL NOT WRITE RESULT LIKE PDP ... AMAECHI TO SUPPORTERS

COME OUT AND VOTE, PRESIDENT HAS PROVIDED FULL SECURITY IN RIVERS STATE ... WE WILL NOT WRITE RESULT LIKE PDP ... AMAECHI TO SUPPORTERS

Also speaking on the security situation in the state, Amaechi said, "When I was the governor, one thing that I kept thinking of was how to chase these criminals away but under Nyesom Wike, he meets with them. If Wike does not secure you people, the federal government will secure you. If he doesn't want to be ignored he should go and secure you people because federal government will no longer tolerate these killings in Rivers State.

Amaechi further told his supporters not to be intimidated by Wike's threats and come out to vote APC at Saturday's election.

"Saturday is your day, come out and vote.They will no longer have the Police they had, they will no longer have the Army they had, we pray that INEC should be neutral, your job is to match out and vote for APC ,we will not write results like Nyesom Wike , so go back to your wards and do door to door".

Also, in Akuku/Toru local government area, Amaechi told his party supporters to be courageous in exercising their franchise without fear of intimidation

"You see, it is not enough to provide security because if there are no votes we will lose, the implication therefore is that all of you must come out and vote for APC so that we will win the election.",he said.

Amaechi had earlier paid condolence to the family of slain APC stalwart Mr. Ofirite Amachree who was killed and burnt beyond recognition by unknown gunmen in Buguma.

Amaechi has also pledged to assist families of slain All Progressives Congress (APC) members in Omoku, Ogba,Egbema/Ndoni local government area of Rivers state.

Amaechi gave the assurance at the weekend when he visited families of late Frankline Obi and late Chukwuladi Adiela in Omoku, Rivers State.

The late Frankline Obi was the APC chairman of ward 4 and was killed and beheaded by unknown gunmen alongside his pregnant wife and son while late Chukwuladi Adiela was an APC stalwart of ward 14.

Addressing the deceased families, the Minister said, "The President is aware of the death of your son who was our party ward chairman. I personally gave him the photograph of the beheaded body. Everybody must learn to give account of their action or inaction in Omoku. We can't have police and be experiencing this kind of thing. Internal security is the responsibility of the police so if we have police and keep experiencing this in Omoku it means the police in Rivers State has failed and the people that are been killed are mostly APC members", he said.

Amaechi also told the bereaved families that the president was aware of the killings in Omoku and promised that full investigation will be carried out to unravel the killers.

"The President is fully aware of the situation. I was the governor of this state and Omoku wasn't this bad Stay clear they will kill more. The police can't claim not to know who the people are because I was governor, the police worked with me, we knew where the criminals were and we went after them."

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Wike Death Threat: Akwa Ibom students in UNIPORT warn Wike

Wike Death Threat: Akwa Ibom students in UNIPORT warn Wike
Okafor Ofiebor/Pm News

Following the death threat issued by Governor Nyesom Wike to university lecturers listed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as Returning Officers for Saturday, March 19 rerun elections in Rivers state, a coalition of Akwa-Ibom has warned that the governor would be held responsible if one of their own, Dr.Otu Ekpeyong is harmed or killed.

A communiqué released by the group noted that Dr Ekpeyong has been rendering services to INEC on behalf of the university community, including the 2015 general election that produced Governor Wike.
The communiqué was jointly signed by the President of UniPort Chapter of Ibibio Student's Union, Ukpono Udo; and the President of UniPort Post Graduate chapter of the National Association of Akwa Ibom State Students, Iddy Ekpo.

The communiqué was also signed by the Director of Publicity and Mobilisation of the Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Nigeria Youth Alliance, Emem Jackson.

The group noted that Akwa Ibom people are peaceful and law-abiding citizens and would continue to support the Rivers State government to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people as long as Governor Nyesom Wike continues to pilot the affairs of the state without threat, victimization and discrimination among the non-indigenes.

The leadership of the organisation said it received with great displeasure the allegation leveled against one of the illustrious sons of Akwa Ibom State, and wishes to dismiss the claims as unfounded and baseless.

The Coalition of Akwa Ibom State Youth Groups said Dr Ekpeyong was a nonpartisan public servant, adding, however, that the allegation by the Rivers State Governor had exposed him to unnecessary security risk.
The Akwa Ibom State Youth coalition condemned in strong terms the allegation against their son and demand that the Rivers State Governor should ensure the safety of Dr Ekpeyong before, during and after the election.

There's been reports that Wike had pointedly accused Dr Otu Ekpeyong of the University of Port Harcourt and the management of the University of conniving with Dr Dawari George, a candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Asari Toru and Akuku-Toru constituency to jointly doctor the list of returning officers for the re-run elections.

An allegation that both Dr George and Dr Ekpeyong swiftly denied, describing it as "false".
Wike made the allegation during a meeting at the Government House in Port Harcourt while speaking to a delegation from the University of Port Harcourt, led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof.Ndowa Laale.
He had warned that lecturers, who would allow themselves to be used by APC chieftains, would face the wrath of Rivers people.

In a meeting the Vice-Chancellor held with 300 lecturers whose names were compiled for the Saturday rerun election Dr Ekpeyong expressed disgust at the weighty allegations against him, describing himself as a man of integrity, who had witnessed many elections in the past and wondered why the governor should suspect that he was planning to rig the March 19 rerun.

"The vice-chancellor gave me a job, which I did to the best of my ability. This (INEC ad hoc employee) is an assignment I have done for over seven years and my integrity has never been in doubt.
"Personally, I am making a decision of not going anywhere (not to be part of the election)," Ekpeyong added.

Another lecturer, Dr. Ben Ihewosira, explained that he was also opting out of the Rivers State rerun, saying the exercise had been politicised.

Similarly, Dr. Abdulrahman Megida, who is a senior lecturer in UNIPORT, specifically demanded that his name be expunged from the list of INEC ad hoc staff for the polls.
"Since my name is synonymous with the All Progressives Congress, the ruling party in the state is PDP, so I opt out"
The VC warned the lecturers who belong to any of the political parties to withdraw.
However, he came stoutly in defense of the integrity of the lecturers who were painstakingly chosen and vouched for.

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NIMASA takes over 20 vessels from Tompolo’s firm

NIMASA takes over 20 vessels from Tompolo's firm
Via DAILY TRUST

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has taken over more than 20 of its vessels in the custody of Global West Vessel Services, Daily Trust investigations has revealed.

Global West Vessel Service, which handles maritime security issues for NIMASA has Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, as one of its major shareholders. The company purchased the ships as part of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement it has with NIMASA during the regime of former president, Goodluck Jonathan.

Tompolo was declared wanted by the EFCC over alleged contract scandals he sealed with former government. NIMASA confirmed taking over the vessels when contacted by our reporter but denied revoking the entire contracts with Global West.

NIMASA's Deputy Director, Public Relations, Hajia Lamin Tumaka, told Daily Trust that it was the management of Global West Vessels that withdrew its services because the agency had not been able to meet up with payments.
Daily Trust investigations revealed that the move to take over the vessels began soon after the exit from office of the agency immediate past Director General (DG), Mr. Patrick Akpobolokemi.

Akpobolokemi is presently standing trial for allegedly diverting funds running into billions of naira belonging to NIMASA.

It was gathered that NIMASA under the leadership of the former acting DG, Haruna Baba Jauro, directed that the vessels in the inventory of Global West be taken over by management of the agency and kept in safe custody.
Though, it could not be confirmed if the contract between the agency and Global West Vessel Services had been terminated, a source told our correspondent that it was to allow for effective security of the country's waterways.

The source said since is Tompolo currently being investigated by EFCC it became necessary for the agency to take over its ships in the custody of Global West.

"These ships are mounted with guns and those in charge are being investigated. The management thought it wise to take over the ships so that they will not be used to cause any breach of security in the Niger Delta region.
"The ships were purchased by Global West under a Purchase Operate and Transfer agreement it had with NIMASA. Those who man the vessels are naval personnel who are authorized by the constitution to police the waterways. Because there are GPMG rifles mounted on all the vessels, we don't want a situation where it will be used against the Nigerian state" the source said.
She said the agency is presently waiting on the federal government, through the Ministry of Transport for further directives.

Speaking on whether the agency had stopped its contract with Global West Vessel, Hajia Tumaka said they had no directive to that effect.

It would be recalled that Global West procured some decommissioned naval battleships and combat boats from the Norwagian Navy in 2012.

The purchase was followed by a public outcry as a result of which the Norwegian Defence Chief, Haakon Bruun-Hansen, apologised to Nigerian lawmakers for the sale.

Tompolo, through Global West in 2012 received at least six decommissioned Norwegian battleships. Among them were six fast-speed Hauk-class guided missile boats, now re-armed with new weapons.

The most recent hardware was the KNM Horten, a fast-attack craft allegedly used for anti-piracy patrol in the Nigerian waters.

It was reported that the sale was implemented through a shell maritime security company based in the United Kingdom, CAS Global.

Read more at http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/news/general/nimasa-takes-over-20-vessels-from-tompolo-s-firm/138104.html#EzB3cm6e4bUvRMK0.99

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NIMASA takes over 20 vessels from Tompolo’s firm

NIMASA takes over 20 vessels from Tompolo's firm
Via DAILY TRUST

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has taken over more than 20 of its vessels in the custody of Global West Vessel Services, Daily Trust investigations has revealed.

Global West Vessel Service, which handles maritime security issues for NIMASA has Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, as one of its major shareholders. The company purchased the ships as part of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement it has with NIMASA during the regime of former president, Goodluck Jonathan.

Tompolo was declared wanted by the EFCC over alleged contract scandals he sealed with former government. NIMASA confirmed taking over the vessels when contacted by our reporter but denied revoking the entire contracts with Global West.

NIMASA's Deputy Director, Public Relations, Hajia Lamin Tumaka, told Daily Trust that it was the management of Global West Vessels that withdrew its services because the agency had not been able to meet up with payments.
Daily Trust investigations revealed that the move to take over the vessels began soon after the exit from office of the agency immediate past Director General (DG), Mr. Patrick Akpobolokemi.

Akpobolokemi is presently standing trial for allegedly diverting funds running into billions of naira belonging to NIMASA.

It was gathered that NIMASA under the leadership of the former acting DG, Haruna Baba Jauro, directed that the vessels in the inventory of Global West be taken over by management of the agency and kept in safe custody.
Though, it could not be confirmed if the contract between the agency and Global West Vessel Services had been terminated, a source told our correspondent that it was to allow for effective security of the country's waterways.

The source said since is Tompolo currently being investigated by EFCC it became necessary for the agency to take over its ships in the custody of Global West.

"These ships are mounted with guns and those in charge are being investigated. The management thought it wise to take over the ships so that they will not be used to cause any breach of security in the Niger Delta region.
"The ships were purchased by Global West under a Purchase Operate and Transfer agreement it had with NIMASA. Those who man the vessels are naval personnel who are authorized by the constitution to police the waterways. Because there are GPMG rifles mounted on all the vessels, we don't want a situation where it will be used against the Nigerian state" the source said.
She said the agency is presently waiting on the federal government, through the Ministry of Transport for further directives.

Speaking on whether the agency had stopped its contract with Global West Vessel, Hajia Tumaka said they had no directive to that effect.

It would be recalled that Global West procured some decommissioned naval battleships and combat boats from the Norwagian Navy in 2012.

The purchase was followed by a public outcry as a result of which the Norwegian Defence Chief, Haakon Bruun-Hansen, apologised to Nigerian lawmakers for the sale.

Tompolo, through Global West in 2012 received at least six decommissioned Norwegian battleships. Among them were six fast-speed Hauk-class guided missile boats, now re-armed with new weapons.

The most recent hardware was the KNM Horten, a fast-attack craft allegedly used for anti-piracy patrol in the Nigerian waters.

It was reported that the sale was implemented through a shell maritime security company based in the United Kingdom, CAS Global.

Read more at http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/news/general/nimasa-takes-over-20-vessels-from-tompolo-s-firm/138104.html#EzB3cm6e4bUvRMK0.99

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The Insolence to Nigeria Medical practitioners and Nursing.

The Insolence to Nigeria Medical practitioners and Nursing.

By Haruna yusuf Lokoja.

An Homoeopathic Medical practitioner and two others for alleged child trafficking.
The Men of the Nigeria police force Anambra state division swift to action on information reaching them about a Clinic specialized on child trafficking.
On reaching the designated location they caught up with one Dr Ossai Odillie and Miss chidima Nzeh, while Nurse training Miss ogechukwu Nzegwu and one Anthony Molokwu of Anambra state environmental protection agency who faked to be a Laboratory Technician they were both caught as they met their Waterloo.
Why Igbos are so obsessed with money?
Ready to make money either by hook or crook, willing to sacrifice even their loved one's for "MONEY" Why?

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Badeh Dares Abuja Court: You Can't Try Me

Badeh Dares Abuja Court: You Can't Try Me

Alex Badeh, former chief of defence staff, has challenged the jurisdiction of the federal high court, Abuja, to entertain the criminal charges filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

When the case was called on Wednesday, Samuel Zibiri, counsel to Badeh, told the court that he had filed an application to challenge the jurisdiction of the court and the validity of the charges against his client.

"When the issue of jurisdiction is raised timeously, this court has the mandate to take the application before we proceed," he told Okon Abang, the judge.

"We submit that this application challenging the jurisdiction of this court was served within 24 hours. It is the constitutional right of the first defendant to defend this case the way he deems fit in accordance with the law.

"The prosecution cannot prosecute, and tell us the way to defend our case. The procedure the first defendant has adopted is in line with the law.

"What my lord should consider is do we have the right to bring this application. The answer is yes.

"The charge itself is misleading. That forms the gamut of our application. So, my lord should give us the opportunity to address the court or move our application."

Responding to the submission of the defence counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, counsel to the EFCC, urged the court to dismiss the application and proceed with the trial.

"My lord, we were served this application by 5:30pm on Tuesday. The plan of the defence is clear. The plan is to stop this trial," Jacobs said.

"Litigation is not a game of smartness or tricks. What the defendant is doing is crafty, cunning, and to prevent this trial. And to stop your lordship from hearing this case.

"The court should not consider the application now. I urged the court to call upon the prosecution to call his witness, and condemn the practice. I urge your lordship to refuse the application of the first defendant."

The judge is yet to rule on the submissions of the counsel.

Badeh is facing a 10-count charge of corruption and criminal breach of trust to the tune of N3.9bn.

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MTN Nigeria on Tuesday confirmed that it had received permission of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to either raise or reduce its tariff plans.

MTN Nigeria on Tuesday confirmed that it had received
permission of the Nigerian Communications
Commission (NCC) to either raise or reduce its tariff
plans.

MTN group said
NCC lifted suspension on regulatory services, which
was imposed in October 2015.
"We refer to our SENS announcement dated 3 March
2016 where we noted that regulatory services to MTN
Nigeria had been suspended by the Nigeria
Communciations Commission (NCC) in October 2015,"
MTN said.
"Shareholders are advised that the NCC has lifted the
suspension on regulatory services to MTN Nigeria
effective immediately.
"This restoration of regulatory services will enable
MTN Nigeria to pursue the necessary approvals, in
accordance with the NCC regulatory process, for new
tariff plans and promotions, as well as other regulatory
matters."
NCC also confirmed the development, saying the
sanctions were for "24 identified infractions, which are
not in any way connected with the SIM Card non-
deactivation fine".
"These were a number of violations discovered by the
compliance monitoring and enforcement team of the
commission in June 2015," Tony Ojobo, NCC
spokeman, said on Tuesday.
"Consequent of the inability of MTN to make good
those violations, the relevant sanctions for these
sanctions were invoked.
"Consequent upon the remediation of the 24 infractions
by MTN, the Commission's letter of 14/3/16 informed
the Company of its decision to lift the Regulatory
sanction."
MTN, the largest telecommunications company in
Nigeria, had initially introduced a new tariff plan in May
2015, leading to sanctions from NCC.
NCC, in a letter dated May 19, 2015, claimed that MTN
had no approval of the regulatory authority before
embarking on the new tariff plan, which charged a
daily access fee of N5, while allowing subscribers to
call all networks at 11k/sec and N20k/sec to UK, USA,
India, Canada and China.
NCC said MTN contravened Section 108 (1) of the
Nigeria Communications Act 2003, and directed the
telco to "immediately discontinue this Tariff Plan and
all associated advertisements".
By October 2015, the NCC, in its quarterly compliance
enforcement report, said: "Out of the six sanctions
imposed on operators for various acts on non-
compliance, MTN was involved and sanctioned for four
separate infractions."
Infractions relating to sim registration were also
recorded in the report, leading to the suspension of
regulatory services to MTN Nigerian and an imposition
of a N1.04 trillion naira fine.

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Between Naija’s rich president and his poor critics

Between Naija's rich president and his poor critics
Mar 16 2016

President Muhammadu Buhari
I don't see anything wrong with Sai Baba saying it as it is - only those who could sign dollar or sterling cheques should send their children to schools abroad. If your account is denominated in Naira, try the bureau de change and see the difference between your millions and toilet paper. The naked truth is that the Central Bank of Naija should not break a vault to satisfy the bragging rights of paupers wanting to join the ranks of those who were trained abroad. By the last count, only churches and mosques outnumber private schools in Naija charging handsome fees and issuing certificates as and when due.
According to usually unreliable statistics, only ten out of 100 students who qualify for tertiary education in Naija get admission. That is not bad because, if you are listening to the debates on radio and television, there is no need for all of us to go to universities - and they are right. The 'I am a graduate' bragging right has prevented many graduates from working as drivers of Dangote trucks. In the days of Chinua Achebe's No Longer At Ease it took a whole community to send a child to school abroad, upon return, the entire community stood still as they rolled out the drums of welcome. A change of that situation could lead to grievous social discombobulation.

It becomes a plague if every household could boast of a foreign graduate. In Ekiti where it almost happened, voters stepped back to elect Digbolugi Ayo Fayose a man whose understanding of the value of education is daily put into question by reasons of his very poor reasoning albeit street smart political logic. A world where there are no more roadside sellers of akara, akamu, bread and shayi would make AEPB and similar organisations redundant, leading to massive unemployment. A situation where cooks are needed in the presidential villa but Naija could not hire foreign-trained ones would lead to loss of revenue for printers. No foreign-trained cook would print a card announcing with glee as in the past - presidential cook! There are potential dangers here people.
If the trend of indiscriminately sending children to foreign schools abroad continues, who would drive the president or cook for him, who would sweep the streets and mow the lawn? Who would service our sinnators, rebels, chairmen and administrators? When politics comes back again, who would act as thugs, yan tauri, kalare, area boys?
Imagine what happens in broadcasting where every on-air personality acquires a New York of London accent thereby depriving listeners and viewers the power of comprehension although most of them have never gone to Cotonou. What's wrong with Sai Baba's preferred presidential accent? We are on the verge of linguistic annihilation here and it must be stopped.
Mr. President is one of the few dozens on whom providence has granted the rare privilege of signing cheques in pound sterling. I know some people find it hard to believe that a man who, only months ago told the world that he had to obtain a bank loan to purchase his presidential form now boasts that his children were schooling abroad because he could afford it. O ye of little faith, do you not know that Allah truly works in miraculous ways to accomplish His will.
Some of you recall the iconic scenes of Sai Baba's tear-jerking third presidential ambition after which his Abuja landlord allegedly threw out his chattels. Those chattels made an ignominious journey on the back of a trailer back to Kaduna. Like the unbelievable scene taken from a Nollywood movie, we did not know that the report is gbeleko or false. At least from Sai Baba's asset declaration, we have discovered that he is an Abuja landlord, a very rare privilege indeed. Those who believed the first story forgot that a man who was a former military ruler, former petroleum minister and former chair of the PTF is very unlikely to be unable to sign a dollar cheque.
Paupers should not approach the Central Bank of Naija for foreign exchange to finance their egotistic children's education abroad. Our foreign reserves should not be depleted for paying fees leaving out estacodes to those who make the presidential convoys to those foreign countries wooing investors. The presidential limousines should not suffer spare parts. I recall the pitiable report of the air force sourcing its parts from Innoson Motors in Nnewi which probably led to several crashes in the fight against Boko Haram; we cannot allow such tragedies on the presidential air fleet. Imagine a situation where the son or daughter of the president is applying for a position and a pauper's son or daughter is competing with them either now or in the future, just because their silly parents also sent them to foreign schools - tufiakpa! This is not the change we voted for. Let there forever be a distinction between the children of drawers of water and the hewers of wood. This banal truth is what happens when a rich president confronts his poor critics.
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FRENCH GOVERNMENT PARTNER NIGERIA AS FG APPROVES 14 SOLA PROJECTS TO GENERATES 2,260MW - Fashola

FRENCH GOVERNMENT PARTNER NIGERIA AS FG APPROVES 14 SOLA PROJECTS TO GENERATES 2,260MW - Fashola

THE Federal government, on Tuesday, announced the approval of 14 solar projects, which would generate about 2,260 megawatts, with a view to easing problems of epileptic power supply in the country.

The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Raji Babatunde Fashola announced this during a meeting with French Minister of Environment and Power, Mrs S. Royal at the Conference Room of the ministry in Abuja.

Mr Fashola, who received the French minister, alongside with his counterpart from the Ministry of Environment, Mrs Amina Mohammed, said financial agreement has already been approved, while every necessary step to fast track the projects would commence soon.

He, therefore, called for the establishment of more solar panel factors in Nigeria, saying assembling and manufacturing them here would reduce the cost.

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I’ll be merciless in pursuing looters, says Buhari

I'll be merciless in pursuing looters, says Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday vowed that his administration would not show mercy to any person in its ongoing anti-corruption war.

He said his administration would pursue the anti-graft war relentlessly until Nigerians began to see how the nation's elite conspired to run the country down.

According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, the President spoke during an interactive session he had in Malabo with Nigerians resident in Equatorial Guinea.


Buhari assured the Nigerians that he would not entertain any fear in his quest to rid the nation of corruption by bringing those who compromised their positions to book.

"We will be merciless and relentless in pursuing all those who abused public trust. Nigerians will see how some of the elite conspired to run the nation down," the President said.

He also condemned recent political violence in Rivers State, saying the killing of people over political differences was primitive, barbaric and unacceptable.

He promised to deal decisively with those responsible for the development.

"We will deal decisively with all sponsors of violence. I have given the security services clear directives in this regard.

"We will show that violence in any form will no longer be tolerated before, during or after elections," he stated.

Buhari promised that the Independent National Electoral Commission would be encouraged to explore the possibility of Nigerians abroad participating in the 2019 general elections by casting their votes wherever they might reside.

He noted that some African countries had started allowing their citizens, resident abroad, to vote in national elections and Nigeria could not afford not to join them.

He identified with the desire of Nigerians in the Diaspora to vote in national elections, pledging that he would do all within his powers to fulfil that desire.

"I want all Nigerians to know that I respect them and their right to choose their leaders," he said.

The President disclosed that establishing a new national airline was not currently on the Federal Government's list of priorities.

He said his administration's main area of focus was reducing the level of poverty.

Buhari said developing the infrastructure needed to boost production in all sectors of the economy and creating more jobs for young Nigerians, as well as other actions that would directly enhance the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians would continue to be prioritised by his administration.

He was responding to complaints by members of the Nigerian community about the absence of direct flights between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea.
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N3.1b ‘fraud’: Ex-minister travels as EFCC closes in

N3.1b 'fraud': Ex-minister travels as EFCC closes in

We got money from PDP, say Udenwa, Falae, Fani-Kayode

A former minister has sneaked out of the country as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) closes in on the suspected architects of an alleged N3.145b fraud, The Nation learnt yesterday.

Six chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Goodluck Support Group (GSG) have been named in the investigations.

The cash, meant for the funding of the campaign of former President Goodluck Jonathan was drawn on the orders of the Presidential Villa and paid into a coded account tagged Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Library.

The account was said to have been deployed by the Presidential Villa (allegedly on Dr. Jonathan's instructions) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) for "strategic assignments".


Some of the key suspects, including some bureaucrats, have offered to return the funds, even as the EFCC plans to invite some of those implicated for interrogation "any moment from now".

According to sources, the former minister left the country on Sunday, her destination unknown – as at press time.

A source, who spoke in confidence "in order not to jeaopardise the investigation", said: "The EFCC has been on the case for some time and one or two of the suspects at a point came to make statements. But one of the former ministers who was also connected with the matter has jetted out.

"The ex-minister left the country quietly on Sunday. No one can say her actual destination and whether or not it was a routine trip abroad or a self-imposed exile.

"The reality is that there is no hiding place for any former public officer. Wherever a suspect is, the EFCC will repatriate such a person."

It was confirmed last night that the N3.145billion was drawn from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) following directives from the Presidential Villa.

The cash was wired into the coded account.

It was learnt that after the withdrawal of the cash from CBN, an account was provided by the Director of Finance of the PDP Presidential Campaign, former Minister Nenadi Usman, for disbursement to beneficiaries.

Another source added: "The CBN released the funds based on orders from the Presidential Villa. Some documents on the withdrawal have been obtained by the EFCC.

"From the preliminary investigation, MEA was a coded account used by the Presidential Villa and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) for strategic assignments, including funding of the re-election campaign of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.

"After the cash was moved to MEA account, it was moved into the account of Joint Trust Dimension Nigeria Limited, which was allegedly provided by ex-Minister Nenadi Usman.

"In fact, some of the bureaucrats connected with the withdrawal of the funds from the CBN have not been comfortable. Some suspects have actually offered to return the cash quietly to EFCC.

"I am aware that some persons have made statement to the EFCC on what they knew about the deal. But most of the beneficiaries have not been quizzed. They will soon be invited by the EFCC for interrogation and how to return the money."

The beneficiaries include a former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode (N840m); a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and leader of the Social Democratic Party, Chief Olu Falae (N100m); a former Minister of Finance, Nenadi Usman(N36.9m); a former Imo State Governor, Chief Achike Udenwa and a former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Viola Onwuliri(N350m) and Okey Ezenwa(N100m).

One of the beneficiaries, who spoke in strict confidence, said: "The cash was actually N2billion as reported to the campaign directorate.

"When ex-Minister Nenadi Usman briefed us, some of us insisted on knowing the source(s) of the funds. In fact, somebody asked repeatedly whether or not the cash was from public funds but she told us that the money came from some private individuals. She disclosed some names behind the so-called "donation."

"Having heard that the cash was donated to the campaign, we decided to use it for that purpose. None of us knew that the money came from the CBN and it was also disbursed through a company's account which Nenadi Usman said she had been using for her campaign.

"Now, we are just realizing that the N3.145billion was drawn from the CBN. It is just unfortunate. Some of us would have rejected the cash if we knew it came from the apex bank."
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WIKE DARES PRESIDENT BUHARI AND GEN. BURATAI, COAS

WIKE DARES PRESIDENT BUHARI AND GEN. BURATAI, COAS
"Let the chief of army staff come on Saturday to dare the will of the PDP and let's see if he will go back home alive"
"Buhari as a Fulani President, can not take any security decision without my consent and if he does,I will personally send him to his ancestors"
"People of Ikwerre LGA if you see Amaechi in your polling unit, beat him up or kill him because he is no longer a Governor"
~ By Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers State
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Oronsaye Granted N10m Bail By Abuja Court

Oronsaye Granted N10m Bail By Abuja Court
An Abuja high court has granted bail to the former Head of Service, Steven Oronsaye, in the sum of N10m.
Mr. Oronsaye was docked today at the Federal Capital Territory High Court of Maitama before Justice Olasunbo Goodluck for a two-count charge of fraud and conversion of N190m meant for a government trust fund.
The witness, who works in the operations department of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), said that she was assigned to investigate a petition brought against Mr. Oronsaye by an anti-corruption organization.
Ms. Kakwagh submitted that in their petition, the concerned citizens alleged that the former Head of Service diverted funds of about N850 million through an Access Bank account. The funds had been allocated to the Presidential Committee on Financial Action Task Force.
The witness said that it was on that premise that the Commission swung into action and wrote a letter to Access Bank to make available the committee's account.
Ms. Kakwagh revealed that the statement showed that the account was opened in 2012 at the request of Mr. Oronsaye, and he was a sole signatory to the account.
"Our team discovered that the account has been funded by three transfers from the Central Bank of Nigeria and N45 million deposit by the defendant," she said.
According to the bank statement, N50 million was transferred in October 2012 and N90 million in May 2013.
The EFCC witness disclosed that the first deposit was withdrawn by a check issued to several people by the defendant while the second transfer was paid into a fixed deposit in Access Bank.
According to Ms. Kakwagh, "The defendant, as a sole signatory to the account, issued checks to different people from the account. We were unable to ascertain and reach the beneficiaries of the checks issued by Oronsaye because there were no addresses on the statement of accounts."
The case had earlier stood down in the morning to allow the anti-graft agency to open its case against the defendant.
The case has been adjourned to March 24 for further hearing.

NAN

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Bagudu Plan Support Programme For Farmers, Receives Award On Wheat Value Chain Development

Bagudu Plan Support Programme For Farmers, Receives Award On Wheat Value Chain Development
Kebbi State Government says it will support and assist farmers in the state to improve their yield and income, aimed at cultivating about 10,000 hectares from the 3,000 hectares cultivated last year.
Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu gave this assurance to farmers in Kebbi State during this year's Wheat Field Day Programme in Alkamawa town of Kano State at the weekend, which was organised by the Lake Chad Research Institute.
The governor who stated that the main policy thrust of his administration in the agricultural sector was to empower the farmers and take advantage of the fertile land in Kebbi by translating such into employment generating opportunities for the teeming youths, improved Internally generated revenue for the state, said it was in realization of this that his administration since inception expended the sum of N500 million on fertilizers, N180 million on water pumping machines and N107 million on the procurement of seedlings for farmers in Kebbi State.
Bagudu also charged all stakeholders in the country, especially various research institutes to come out with clear-cut policies aimed at assisting farmers improve their output and to enable them have quality and improved seeds favourable to our climatic conditions to avoid loss during planting arising from bad seedlings.
Highlights of the occasion was the presentation of two awards to Governor Bagudu by the Lake Chad Research Institute through the Honourable Minister of Agriculture Mr Audu Ogbe, in recognition of his support to wheat value chain development in Nigeria.
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THE DESERT FOX AND HIS MEN WHO RIDE BIKES.

THE DESERT FOX AND HIS MEN WHO RIDE BIKES.
Amidst the hot inhospitable terrain of the North East, over the sand dunes and break neck winds comes "the men who ride bikes"
Years ago the sounds of the rumblings of the a fleet of motorcycles was greeted with fear and trepidation as men, women and children fled their homes in disarray for this was the harbinger of doom called Boko Haram who invaded villages like the Outlaws of the Wild West riding this time not on horses but on Motor bikes.
The speed, versatility and ubiquitous nature of these marauders on bikes for years continued to run rings around the nation's security dragnet for they were unable to match the off road capabilities of the Boko Haram Terrorists.
Massacres in the hinterland by these barbarians became so common placed that Nigerians became immune to such tales of rape and pillage that the usual disgust and derision faded from the national conscience.
And as our military failed in its basic responsibilies, their duties were contracted out to South African Mercenaries and Chadian Desert Commandos.
Using brute force in the hammer and anvil formation the defense contractors used seek and destroy tactics to curtail the terrorists so as to give breathing space for the nation's last general election while the nation's military was left threadbare and demoralised relegated to the role of common maiguards armed with bow and arrows.
In the midst of such a crisis the Nation's Generals were more interested in building soak aways and strong rooms to hide their ill gotten wealth, they stole at the detriment of the foot soldiers who became as worthless as canonfodder left to die an inglorious death on the battlefields of the North East.
But then came the game changer. The Desert Fox.
Flying in from Njamena where he led the gallant and most advanced fighting force in the Subregion, the battle hardened Multinational Joint Task Force came the Desert Fox, General Tukur Burutai.
Backed by his years of fighting marauders across the borders of the southern reaches of the Sahara desert he gained his skills and experience by mimicing the cunning and guile of the Desert Fox, the predator at the top of the food chain of the desert who thrives in the most inhospitable clime on earth were the ultimate predator is the harsh desert winds and blazing heat of the Seas of the Sahara.
Bouyed by the arrival of his heavily armed fighting force and added weaponry supplied by the Americans since the previous administration looted all the money meant to buy arms to fight Boko Haram, the General began his campaign against the Boko Haram Terrorist Network.
Victory after victory followed as towns were liberated from the vice grip of the Terrorists who claimed a caliphate from their captured territories. Roads were reopened. The usual twin bombings of Mosques on Friday coupled with Sunday bombings of Churches has dwindled into a distant memory of how bad the nation was under a corrupt greedy inhumane regime.
Even the versatile dreaded weapon of the terrorists that struck fear in the hearts of men, the Boko Haram Female Suicide Bomber, has become a thing of the past as the nation's security dragnet has placed a denial of access charge around the terrorists denying them of recruits and locations to train their female suicide bombing brigade. Bomb makers have been killed or captured while the terrorist leadership has been decapitated despite their running to ISIS for logistical and financial support.
Left hungry and battlescared the terrorists descended to their usual tactic to raiding villages for food,supplies and recruits so as to retain relevance.
Orgys of violence in the North East became common placed as Boko Haram put people to the sword in hit and run attacks.
But then came the Desert Fox and his men who ride Bikes.
Like the gallant lawmen who sanitized the Wild West of the Famous Outlaws like Billy the Kid and Bloody Bill Cunningham, these men who ride bikes are the men of the nation's first ever Motorcycle Battalion.
Charged to beat the terrorists at their own game, this rapid response squad has been able to ride off in the sunset like the lawmen of old, Wyatt Earp and Doc Rogers.
They have intercepted and destroyed the Boko Haram marauders on bikes with extreme prejudice beating the terrorists at their own game.
Using superior fire power and stealth this battalion has decimated the last vestigeal remains of the terrorist network that was once seen to be larger than life by the past administration. They were even give a ghostly status as the terrorists were called faceless beings and spirits by Leaders of the past administration of woe.
The Desert Fox has restored the pride of the military and his men who ride bikes have extinguished the last dying kicks of the Boko Haram terrorists.
A job once claimed to be impossible has been made possible by a dedicated General and his men shaming the Generals who preferred to build shopping malls and palatial retirement homes while their men died a coward's death in the battlefields of the North East.
Shame to the looters and their ilk who were happy to see the Nation dismembered just to fill their insatiable greed for wealth. How these men were able to sleep at night is a wonder lest they murdered their conscience or drowned their sorrows in Sapele Water.
The blood of innocent Nigerians killed due to the inactions of a criminally corrupt greedy regime cries out for Justice. The courts can either dispense it quickly and swiftly or desend into their usual perpetual adjournment of justice so as to ensure these criminals die a natural death while out on bail than to die prematurely deprived of the comforts of their luxury homes, in the nation's dilapidated inhospitable gulags like Kirikiri, Agodi and Kuje Prisons.
Thank God for Burutai and his men. He deserves the Nation's highest military honour for getting rid of the shame of a nation called Boko Haram.
But Nigerians should not rest on their oars as the massacres at Hotels in Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Mali these past months have shown. The terrorists are still in the shadows plotting and planning their next attack. But Nigerians need not fear. The Desert Fox and his men who ride Bikes are around the corner, ready to ride to our rescue.
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Rivers Rerun: Amaechi, Amina Zakari plotting to swap results--Governor Wike

Rivers Rerun: Amaechi, Amina Zakari plotting to swap results--Governor Wike

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has revealed the illegal plot by the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi and INEC National Commissioner, Mrs Amina Zakari to swap authentic results from polling units with fake results on March 19, 2016.

Also, Governor Wike declared that any attempt by the Former Governor to move around polling booths on election will be vehemently resisted by the people who will publicly disgrace Amaechi for violating the electoral guidelines.

Speaking during the grand finale of the Rivers East Senatorial District Campaign Rally of PDP at Elele in Ikwerre LGA, Governor Wike said: "All those who plan to swap result sheets, may their souls rest in peace. Nobody will rig in Rivers State.

"Anybody who thinks Amaechi will give them result sheets to swap, should be ready to swap their dead bodies. I have told the REC, you were here before, you can't play games with me ".

The governor said it is his responsibility to take steps to stop politicians plotting to rig elections in the state with the connivance of INEC National Commissioner, Mrs Amina Zakari.

He informed that the University of Port Harcourt Vice Chancellor was compelled by Amaechi and APC leadership drew up a list of INEC Adhoc staff dominated by former APC caretaker committee chairmen and confirmed APC members to organise the rerun elections. He announced the names of the APC leaders on the list of Adhoc staff.

He noted that he had written a formal letter with proofs and details to INEC National Chairman, complaining of the issue.

The governor said that President Buhari should not allow Amaechi cause crisis in the state because of his personal interest.

In his remarks, National Chairman of the PDP, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff stated that the Rivers State is a PDP state where the people are satisfied with the performance of the Governor.

Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, Uche Secondus described Amaechi as a confirmed thief who stole Rivers monies which he used to finance APC National campaigns.

Rivers State PDP Chairman, Bro Felix Obuah alleged that Former Governor , Rotimi Amaechi is the Chief sponsor of cultism in the state.

Simeon Nwakaudu,
Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor,
Electronic Media.
15th March, 2016.
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Buhari vows to deal with sponsors of Rivers violence

Buhari vows to deal with sponsors of Rivers violence

•President: no mercy for looters
•'National airline no priority now'

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday condemned the political violence in Rivers State, describing it as "primitive, barbaric and unacceptable".
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, Buhari said: "We will deal decisively with all sponsors of violence. I have given the security services clear directives in this regard.

"We will show that violence in any form will no longer be tolerated before, during or after elections."

The President spoke in Malabo at an interactive meeting with Nigerians resident in Equatorial Guinea.

President Buhari said that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will be encouraged to explore the possibility of Nigerians abroad voting in the 2019 general elections.

Noting that some African countries now allow their citizens resident abroad to vote in national elections, the President said he empathised with the desire of Nigerians in the diaspora to vote in national elections.
He promised to do all within his powers to fulfil that desire.

"I want all Nigerians to know that I respect them and their right to choose their leaders," he said.

President Buhari also said that establishing a new national airline was not on the Federal Government's list of priorities.

His administration's main area of focus is reducing poverty, he said.
The President said that developing the infrastructure needed to boost production in all sectors of the economy and creating more jobs for young Nigerians and other actions that will directly improve the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians will continue to be prioritised by his administration.

President Buhari was responding to complaints by members of the Nigerian community about the absence of direct flights between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea.

He assured them that his administration's war against corruption will remain "fearless, relentless and merciless".

President Buhari received a gift presentation from the President of Nigerian Community in Equatorial Guinea Hon. Chief Chuka Aghabilo shortly after his meeting with Nigerian Community in Equatorial Guinea on 15th Mar 2016. (Photo)

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Tuesday, 15 March 2016

JUST IN: 2 wounded as Soldiers, militants clash during attempt to blow pipelines in Delta

JUST IN: 2 wounded as Soldiers, militants clash during attempt to blow pipelines in Delta

Two of the soldiers recently deployed to the Niger Delta region by President Muhammadu Buhari to quell further destruction of oil installations had been reportedly wounded during a clash with suspected militants who were at the edge of blowing up pipelines along the creeks of Odidi community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.

It was reliably gathered that the incident happened in the early hours of Tuesday.

More to come.

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Ex-Nigerian Footballer, John Ene Okon, Is Dead

Ex-Nigerian Footballer, John Ene Okon, Is Dead
Former Nigeria junior international John Ene Okon has died of liver problems at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar.
John Okon until his death was the Chief Coach of Calabar Rovers FC.
He died in the early hours of this morning, Tuesday, March 15-which was his birthday. According to report, he underwent a CT scan last week at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.
During his illness, the Cross River State governor, Senator Ben Ayade, had promised to use the state resources to ensure that adequate medical attention is given to the late Okon.
According to Cross River Watch, the Chairman of Cross River State Sports Commission, Orok Otu Duke, passed the Governor's message when Okon was in critically ill in the hospital.
The Chile 87 Flying Eagles star kicked off his career at the Acada United FC of UNICAL before playing for the likes of Rovers FC of Calabar, BCC Lions of Gboko and Akwa United of Uyo.
Okon who is regarded as one of the most highly decorated footballers from Cross River Stat, also played for the Super Eagles for a short time.

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General Electric Announces CEO Pay, Board Changes (GE)

General Electric Announces CEO Pay, Board Changes (GE)

March 15, 2016

Reuters News Agency

The General Electric Company (GE) in a filing Monday with the Securities and Exchange Commission revealed that Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Immelt raked in a hefty $33 million in salary in 2015.

On its own, this marks an 11% reduction from 2014 due to the slower rate of increase in the value of his pension. Adjusting the pension value change, Immelt's total 2015 compensation rose 14% to $23.4 million. This is even as his base salary and bonus pay of $3.8 million and $5.4 million, respectively, were little changed from 2014. (See also: Will General Electric Shock Investors in 2016?)

"Immelt performed extremely well in 2015 with one of the best performance years in the company's history," GE said in the filing.

"Well" is an understatement. Last year, under the 60-year old Immelt, General Electric saw a dramatic changeover from a bloated conglomerate to an industrial power. At the same time, Immelt not only boosted the company's industrial manufacturing capabilities, he also shed the bulk of the company's struggling finance business. In addition, he led the acquisition of Alstom SA's energy business. (See also: General Electric's 8 Most Profitable Lines of Business.)

Moreover, not only did the Boston-based company grow its revenue and profit margins throughout 2015, investors were also rewarded for the performance with an almost 25% rise in stock value, making GE one of the top performers in the Dow Jones Industrial Average.

Also on Monday, GE said that Douglas Warner III and James Cash, two of its longest-serving directors of 24 years and 19 years, respectively, will not seek re-election to the board. The company also announced Robert Swieringa will retire after 14 years on the board. To fill the three vacancies, GE said it will nominate Lowell McAdam, CEO of Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ), Peter Henry, a finance professor at NYU's Stern School of Business, and Sebastien Bazin, CEO of hotel chain Accor.

The Bottom Line
GE stock closed Monday at $30.27, down 0.23%. The shares have declined 2.83% year-to-date, against a decline of 1.19% for the S&P 500 index. General Electric stock has a consensus buy rating and an average analyst 12-month price target of $32, suggesting a 5.7% gain from Monday's close. The company pays a 23-cent dividend that yields 3.03% annually, about one percentage point higher than the S&P 500 index.

Read more: General Electric Announces CEO Pay, Board Changes (GE) | Investopedia
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Police Arrests 27-Year-Old Rapist In Calabar

Police Arrests 27-Year-Old Rapist In Calabar
Police arrest 27-year-old most wanted Calabar rapist who fake as policeman To Molest girls.
The suspect was arrested at Ekorinim area of Calabar after robbing and raping 3 girls in a flat of 5 apartments.
Luck ran out of him when the police storm the area via a call from a concern nieghbour. His other 4 gang members ran away and leaving him ontop of his third victim.
The suspect will be charged to court this morning. The police are currently on the search for his friends who are at-large.
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16-yr-old Ifeoma, like Ese, was forcibly converted to Islam

16-yr-old Ifeoma, like Ese, was forcibly converted to Islam

ON MARCH 13, 2016

By Favour Nnabugwu

When in October 2014, Sunday Vanguard interviewed Mr Ndubuisi Nicodemus on the alleged forceful conversion of his daughter, Ifeoma, to a Muslim, he was not sure if he did the right thing. As Sunday Vanguard was about to publish the interview, he called to beg that his family was under the threat of being killed, hence we should not go to press with it. Meanwhile, the successful removal of Ese Oruru from his abductors has given him the courage to cry out.

Ifeoma, renamed Aishat, according to the father, left home in May 2014.

Aged 16, she was said to be going to SS3 when she left her parents and four siblings to live in a Muslim community 21 months ago in protest against the authority of her moth­ er to question her for returning late to the house that particular day in 2014.

Her father told Sunday Vanguard, way back in 2014, that he was at home in Zaria where he lived with his family when a man came to inform him that his daughter had converted to Islam and was now bearing Aishat.

The father, 44, from Ebonyi State had relocated from Abakaliki to Zaria in 1992. According to him, he had observed some strange behaviour in his daughter three months before, but thought it was a phase in her life that would pass.

"l observed that my daughter changed character about three months before she left home. She became very aggressive over little things unlike her because l had warned her about the kind of friends she kept who were mostly Muslims but she would not listen" .

The father lamented, "I sensed that she was under a spell because l knew my daughter and how she used to behave until she practically changed, but it didn't cross my mind that her change of behaviour had any link to any other religion, apart from the one she was brought up with. We brought her up in a Christian home and taught her the tenets of Christianity"

"They charmed my girl. Even when l go to her, she says she doesn't know me. All she does is she's supporting them now.

She practically left home to stay with Muslims. She takes permission to come and visit us, her family".

Recounting how it all began, Nicodemus said: "It all start­ ed in May (2014) when she came home late and her mother scolded her. She then left the compound for our neigh­ bour's place. We live among the Hausa who are majorly Muslims. So, we learnt that one Abdullahi took her to Mallam Khalil who worked with Ahmadu Bello University in Samaru. The next thing we heard was the conversion of our daughter to Muslim.

"When we approached Khalil for the release of our daughter, he told us she had traveled to Sokoto. We reported the case to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Zaria, and they wrote to the Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State and the Dept of State Security (DSS) for assistance. The Police Commissioner, Shehu Umar, sent some of his men to Zaria, to ensure that the girl was released t us.

"But on getting to Zaria, the man (Khalil) had gone to the Sharia court in Zaria to obtain a court order, granting him the custody of the girl. This order was granted without the court consulting her biological father.

"Later, we were told that our daughter had been moved from Zaria to one school called Da-rul Islam in Kaduna where new converts are usually taken to.

"Now when we approached the school in Kaduna alongside CAN representative, the authorities told us to go and get a written request to that effect because there was a written order from the court before our daughter was admitted. The school later appealed to us to come and take our girl because she was giving them problem. But we need the court order to do that.

"Even with the intervention of the Commissioner of Police , the court refused to order her release and, instead, transferred the case to Upper Sharia Court in Zaria.

"For more than a year now, we have not set our eyes on our daughter. We are against this injustice that keeps our child in the custody of another man. "We call on the authorities, including Kaduna State government, to come to our rescue. They have aborted our daughter's education. She has also been kept incommunicado as we no longer hear from her. She remains a Christian and not a Muslim as they claim. She is just a 16-year-old girl and that makes her a minor. I want my daughter back so she can continue her education."

Ifeoma's mother, Angnes Nicodemus, corroborated her husband's story. She alleged that her daughter was said to have been married out to a Hausa-Muslim without their consent. "I was told that our daughter has been given to one Hausa boy as wife without our consent as parents. I was made to realise that the boy is working inside ABU though I don't know whether as a staffer or not. This is modern oppression and slavery."

Angie's went on, "We have been doing everything we could legally. You can imagine how you will feel as a mother when your child is missing. But my daughter's case is different be­ cause, for more than a year now, she has been in the custody of another man. No contact, no phone call. This is rather unfortunate."

The police, through its Kaduna Command Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Zubair Abubakar, confirmed the story but declined to comment further, saying: "You know the case is still in court and I'm not permit­ ted to comment until the court decides."


_Vanguard.
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US Treasury official to China to discuss North Korea

US Treasury official to China to discuss North Korea

AFP

A North Korean tank competes in the Korean People's Army tank crew competition, at an undisclosed location
.
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A North Korean tank competes in the Korean People's Army tank crew competition, at an undisclosed location (AFP Photo/)
A top US Treasury official will visit China this week to discuss North Korea's menacing actions and sanctions aimed at curbing the country's "destabilizing behavior," the Treasury announced Monday.

Adam Szubin, Treasury acting under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, will visit Beijing and Hong Kong on March 15-16 for discussions with both government officials and the private sector on implementing the China-supported United Nations and US sanctions on Pyongyang announced March 2.

"This trip provides an important opportunity for discussions of ways to strengthen US-China coordination in response to North Korea's destabilizing behavior and to ensure sanctions targeting the North Korean regime are as effective as possible," the Treasury said.

The UN and US sanctions were responses to a new nuclear test and rocket launch by North Korea that were deemed provocations and violations of previous UN resolutions banning specific nuclear activities.

The sanctions blacklisted a number of North Korean officials and required all countries to inspect cargo to and from North Korea, in all airports and seaports.

They also ban or restrict exports of coal, iron and iron ore and other minerals from North Korea, and prohibit the supply of aviation fuel including rocket fuel.

Szubin will also talk with officials about efforts to choke off the finances of the Islamic State jihadist group and enforcement of US sanctions that remain in place on Iran, the Treasury said.
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Oil prices ease over uncertain supply picture Reuters

Oil prices ease over uncertain supply picture
Reuters

A worker grabs a nozzle at a petrol station in Tehran, Iran January 25, 2016. REUTERS/Raheb Homavandi/TIMA
By Amanda Cooper

LONDON (Reuters) - Oil prices fell for a second day on Tuesday, as concerns emerged that a six-week rally may have fizzled after OPEC doused hopes for a speedy erosion of a global overhang of unwanted crude.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries said on Monday demand for its crude would be less than previously thought in 2016 as supply from rivals proves more resilient to low prices, increasing excess supply in the market.

To tackle the surplus, Saudi Arabia and non-OPEC member Russia, the world's two largest oil exporters, along with Qatar and Venezuela have proposed major producers freeze output at January levels.

Even with the proposed freeze, continuously high production means global output still exceeds demand by at least 1 million barrels per day (bpd).

"We ran into $40 a barrel ... the idea OPEC was going to be able to at least freeze production and was along the right tracks has unravelled a bit," CMC Markets strategist Jasper Lawler said.

Brent crude futures were down 92 cents at $38.61 a barrel by 1210 GMT, while U.S. crude futures were 83 cents lower at $36.35.

While Russian and Saudi production remains stable, analysts say Iran has trebled its output to around 3.1 million bpd, from close to 1 million bpd in January.

Oil demand could also slow. Morgan Stanley said there was a 30 percent probability of a global recession this year.

In spite of uncertainty about whether a production freeze will occur, and over its effectiveness given concerns about the global economy, investors have turned more friendly towards oil.

Speculators have added to their bets on a sustained rise in crude futures and the ratio of bullish bets to bearish in the Brent market has risen to its highest since last May, consultancy JBC Energy said.

"I'd be very surprised if we just tanked down here and made fresh lows below $27 and the impression I get is I'm not the only one. Futures sentiment ... and futures positioning has switched around and is looking a lot more bullish," CMC's Lawler said.

(Additional reporting by Aaron Sheldrick and Henning Gloystein; Editing by Dale Hudson and Susan Thomas)
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Provide Pre-paid Meters To Nigerians Now, FG Orders Discos

Provide Pre-paid Meters To Nigerians Now, FG Orders Discos

The Federal Government has given marching orders to Electricity Distribution Companies, DISCOs, in the country to supply pre- paid meters to electric consumers without further delay.

The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, SAN, made this known at the end of his third monthly meeting with operators in the power sector at the Ugwuaji Transmission Station, Enugu, Yesterday.

Fashola said that the meeting discussed the issue of availability of gas, volatility of the foreign exchange market, financial capability of discos as well as difficulties in of pricing gas in dollars instead of the local currency among others, adding that discos must meet their responsibilities of meeting the demands of their customers to supply them with pre-paid meters to avoid estimated billings.

Earlier before the meeting, the Minister had asked the DISCOs to always engage their customers by informing them promptly about any power outage and reasons for such problems.

According to Fashola, it was not the business of the government to explain to Nigerians why certain discos were not meeting up with their responsibilities, having sold the various companies to them.

Fashola said like government was playing the same role which the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, was playing as regulator for the telecommunications companies adding that each of them must step out to play their roles effectively.

"If you are not getting power from the transmission company, you must tell your customers so. The issue of review of tariff was arrived at after consultations. You (discos) did the consultations. Why don't you step out and explain the issue to your customers. All of us must explain to our different customers where we operate…," he said.

The communique issued after the meeting read, "The Honourable Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, chaired the third monthly meeting of operators in the electricity industry in furtherance of identifying, discussing and finding practical solutions to issues facing the Nigerian electricity supply industry.
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Benue Government-Linked Victims Group Blames Shia Muslims For Agatu Massacre

Benue Government-Linked Victims Group Blames Shia Muslims For Agatu Massacre

This unbelievable message was actually contained in a government press release. The message below shows the dangerous and desperate level of propaganda the Nigerian government is ready to go to once again just as the Jonathan government used to blame Buhari for Boko Haram II, blame innocent millions of Shia Muslims for the terror of other clearly defined groups permitted for years by the State.

Read Benue press release:

Governor Ortom

North will not tolerate any extreme group again- Ortom

Benue state governor, Samuel Ortom today declared that the North will no longer tolerate any extremist group which threatens the peace of the region.

The Governor who made this declaration today while addressing a group of protesters led by a civil rights organisation, Conference of Minority Tribes at the Benue Peoples House also assured the people of government's continued protection from external attacks.

Ortom also assured the protesters that the government was looking into the issue of further attacks by herdsmen even as he informed of increased security presence in the affected areas.

Meanwhile the leader of the group, Comrade Okpokwu Ogenyi in his speech accused the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), Shiite Islamic sect of instigating the current wave of killings by Fulani herdsmen.

Okpokwu called on the presidency to look into the matter in the same manner the Shiite uprising in the north was handled, to halt all attempts to spread extremism to other parts of the country.
He further lamented the scale of destruction caused by the crisis, describing it as an ethnic cleansing exercise labelled Fulani-Agatu crisis to desensitize the national consciousness.

"The on-going ethnic cleansing has been mischievously labelled Fulani-Agatu crisis under circumstances that are at best efforts to desensitize the national consciousness to the enormity of the scale on which Benue state people are being wiped-out on a daily basis." Okpokwu said.

Furthermore the group has also requested the Federal Government to provide compensation and relief to the victims of the invasion, while demanding the government to come out with a definite policy to curtail extremism.

"Individuals fingered in the Shiite crisis and those threatening the state as clearly seen in the published videos must be arrested and prosecuted. Government must then come out with a definite policy to curtail any form of extremism." He said.
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JAMB Cut off Marks for Federal Universities 2016/2017

JAMB Cut off Marks for Federal Universities
2016/2017
1. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University,
Bauchi (ATBU) – 180
2. Ahmadu Bello University, (ABU) Zaria –
180
3. Bayero University, Kano (BUK)- 180
4. Federal University of Petroleum Resources,
Effurun (FUPRE) – 180
5. Federal University of Technology, Akure
(FUTA) – 180
6. Federal University of Technology, Minna
(FUTMinna) – 180
7. Federal University of Technology, Owerri
(FUTO) – 180
8. Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa State
(FUD) – 180
9. Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina
(FUDutsinma) – 180
10. Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State
(FUKashere) – 180
11. 11.Federal University, Lafia, Nasarawa
State (FULafia)- 180
12. Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi State
(FULokoja) – 180
13. Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi
State (FUNAI)- 180
12. Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa
(FUOtuoke) – 180
13. Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State
(FUOYE)- 180
14. Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State
(FUWukari)- 180
15. Michael Okpara Uni. of Agric., Umudike
(MOUAU)- 180
16. Modibbo Adama University of Technology,
Yola (MAUTECH, formerly FUTYOLA)- 180
17. National Open University of Nigeria, Lagos
(NOUN) – N/A
18. Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna
– 180
19. Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (UNIZIK)
– 180
20. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife
– 200
21. Police Academy Wudil – 180 (2016 cut-off
mark confirmed)
22. University of Abuja (UNIABUJA),
Gwagwalada – 180
23. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta
(FUNAAB) – 200
24. Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi
(FUAM) – 180
25. University of Benin (UNIBEN) – 200
26. University of Calabar (UNICAL) – 180
27. University of Ibadan (UI) – 200
28. University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) – 180
29. University of Jos (UNIJOS) – 180
30. University of Lagos (UNILAG) – 200
31. University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) – 180
32. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) – 180
33. University of Port-Harcourt (UNIPORT) –
180
34. University of Uyo (UNIUYO) – 180
35. Usumanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto
(UDUSOK) – 180
Post UTME Cut off Mars for State Universities
1. Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU) – 180
2. Adamawa State University Mubi (ADSU) –
180
3. Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba
(AAUA) – 180
4. Akwa Ibom State University of Technology,
Uyo (AKUTECH) – 180
5. Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma –
180
6. Anambra State University of Science &
Technology, Uli – 180
7. Bauchi State University, Gadau (BASUG) –
180
8. Benue State University, Makurdi (BSUM) –
180, Medicine – 200
9. Bukar Abba Ibrahim University, Damaturu
– N/A
10. Cross River State University of Science &
Technology, Calabar (CRUTECH)- 180
11. Delta State University Abraka (DELSU) – 180
12. Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abakaliki –
180
13. Ekiti State University (EKSU) – 180
14. Enugu State University of Science and
Technology (ESUT), Enugu – 180
15. Gombe State Univeristy (GSU), Gombe – 180
16. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University,
Lapai (IBBUL) – 180 & above for Sciences,
Agriculture, Languages, Education & Arts;
190 & above for Management and Social
Science Courses
17. Ignatius Ajuru University of Education
(IAUE), Rumuoumeni – 180
18. Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri – 180
19. Kaduna State University (KASU), Kaduna –
180
20. Kano University of Science & Technology
(KUST), Wudil – 180
21. Kebbi State University, Kebbi (KSUSTA)- 180
22. Kogi State University (KSU), Anyigba – 180
23. Kwara State University (KWASU), Ilorin –
180
24. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology
(LAUTECH), Ogbomoso – 180
25. Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, Lagos –
180
26. Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK) –
180
27. Niger Delta Unversity (NDU), Yenagoa – 180
28. Northwest University (NU), Kano – 180
29. Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-
Iwoye – 180
30. Ondo State University of Science &
Technology, Okitipupa – 180
31. Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Oshogbo –
180
32. Plateau State University, Bokkos (PLASU) –
180
33. Rivers State University of Science &
Technology (RSUST) – 180
34. Sokoto State University, Sokoto (SSU) – 180
35. Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijebu-
Ode (TASUED) – 180
36. Taraba State University, Jalingo (TSU) –
180
37. Technical University, Ibadan – 180
38. Umaru Musa Yar'Adua University, Katsina
(UMYU) – 180
2016/2017 JAMB Cut-off Marks for Federal
Polytechnics in Nigeria
Air Force Institute of Technology Nigerian Air
Force (AFIT) – N/A
Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana,
Ebonyi State (AKANUPOLY) – 150
Nigeria Army School of Military Engineering – N/
A
Auchi Polytechnic (AUCHIPOLY) – between 150,
160 and 180 depending on course
Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti – 150
Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi – 150
Federal Polytechnic, Bida – 150
Federal Polytechnic, Damaturu – N/A
Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State – 150
Federal Polytechnic, Idah – 150
Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro – 150
Federal Polytechnic, Mubi – TBA
Federal Polytechnic, Namoda – TBA
Federal Polytechnic, Nassarawa – 150
Federal Polytechnic, Nekede – 150
Federal Polytechnic Offa – 150
Federal Polytechnic, Oko – 150
Federal School of Dental Technology and
Therapy, Enugu – 150
Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna – 150
Hussaini Adamu Federal Polytechnic – TBA
Nigeria Army School of Military Engineering –
TBA
Waziri Umaru Fed. Polytechnic Birnin Kebbi,
Kebbi – TBA
Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) – 150
for ND, 180 for UNN Degree
JAMB Cut off Marks for State Polytechnics
Admission
All coming soon…Please check back later
today…
Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic – 150
Abia State Polytechnic – 150
Adamawa State Polytechnic – 150
Abdul-Gusau Polytechnic, Talata-Mafara – TBA
Akwa-Ibom State Polytechnic – 150
Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic – 150
Akwa Ibom State College of Arts and Science
Nung, Ukim – 150
Benue State Polytechnic – 150
College of Administrative and Business Studies,
Potiskum – 150
Enugu Polytechnic – 150
GATEWAY Polytechnic, Igbesa – 150
Rufus Giwa Polytechnic – 150
The Polytechnic, Ibadan – 150
Institute of Management and Technology Enugu
– 150
Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo – 150
Jigawa State Polytechnic – 150
Kano State Polytechnic – 150
Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic – 150
Kogi State Polytechnic – 150
Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin – 150
Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu – 150
Moshood Abiola Polytechnic – 150
Nasarawa State Polytechnic – 150
Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic – 150
Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku – 150
Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe – 150
Osun State Polytechnic, Iree – 150
Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke – 150
Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro – 150
Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin-Ladi – 150
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Monday, 14 March 2016

Fani-Kayode, Falae, Udenwa, Nenadi, Onwuliri named in alleged N3.145billion fraud

Fani-Kayode, Falae, Udenwa, Nenadi, Onwuliri named in alleged N3.145billion fraud

Investigators at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, said Monday they have uncovered evidence showing how prominent politicians, mostly from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, allegedly shared N3.145billion in the build up to the last presidential election.

Named in the alleged bazaar are a former aviation minister and director of media for the Goodluck Jonathan Campaign organization, Femi Fani-kayode; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and leader of the Social Democratic Party, Olu Falae; a former finance minister, Nenadi Usman; a former Imo state governor, Achike Udenwa; former minister of state for foreign affairs, Viola Onwuliri and politician Okey Ezenwa

A source at the anti-graft agency, who pleaded not to be named because he was not authorized to speak on the matter, told PREMIUM TIMES the money was paid by the Central Bank Nigeria into the account of the Ministry of External Affairs Library, from where it was moved into the account of a private firm, Joint Trust Dimension Nigeria Limited.

"It was from the Joint Dimension's account with Zenith Bank that the money was shared to various individuals and organizations for purposes that are not stated," the source said.

The sources described Mr. Fani-Kayode was the chief beneficiary of the disbursement as he allegedly received a whooping N840million, paid in three tranches into his Zenith Bank, Maitama branch, with number 1004735721.

The first tranche of payment involving N350million allegedly hit the account on February 19, 2015.

Another N250milion was also said to have been paid into the account on February 19, 2015 while N240million moved into the account a month later, precisely on March 19, 2015.

The source disclosed that the balance on this account as at December 31, 2015 was N189, 402.72.

Next to Fani-Kayode in the pecking order of alleged beneficiaries was Goodluck Support Group which allegedly received N320million. The group was headed by Rufai Alkali, a professor and then special adviser on political matters to Mr. Jonathan

Mr Falae, investigators said, received N100m through Marreco Limited, a company whose he chairs.

The fund was credited into the company's United Bank for Africa Plc account No. 1000627022 on March 25, 2014.

Both Achike Udenwa and Viola Onwuliri got N350million in two tranches. The first tranche of N150million was paid into their joint account with Zenith bank on January 13, 2015.

The second tranche of N200miilion has credited into their account with Diamond bank.

Nenadi Usman allegedly received N36.9million through her Zenith Bank account no. 1000158311. Her branch of Zenith Bank is located at 7 Kachia Road, Kaduna.

Coming at the rear is Okey Ezenwa who also pocketed N100million.

The sources disclosed that detectives are working to determine the real motive for the distribution of the funds.

"But as things stand, the fact that most of the payments were made in the weeks preceding the last presidential elections leaves very little to the imagination," an investigator said.

The campaign asked me to open an account for my campaign directorate, which I did," Mr. Fani-Kayode said. "They then paid the money in for the assignment I was given. I asked them where they money came from. They said it was private contribution for the Jonathan campaign. I believed them, and I had no way of knowing exactly where the money came from.

"As far as I'm concerned, it was campaign funds, and the money was used for the purpose for which it was meant. And we accounted for it to the man who gave us a job to do, President Jonathan."

Mrs Usman could not be reached for comments. Her telephone was switched off the several times our reporter called.
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Ambode Sacks Building Agency GM, Others over Lekki Collapse

Ambode Sacks Building Agency GM, Others over Lekki Collapse
14th March, 2016
- Lagos WatchDog

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has sacked the General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency, Adeigbe Olushola, and three others following the Lekki building collapse that killed 35 people last week.

Apart from Olushola, Ambode approved the dismissal of the Head of Inspection and Quality Control in the agency, Adeoye Adeyemi; the Zonal District Officer in the agency, Dosunmu Gbadebo; while the Zonal Head of Eti-Osa West of the agency, Mrs. Akinde Sherifat, was compulsorily retired from the civil service.

A statement by the Lagos State Head of Service, Mrs. Olabowale Ademola, quoted the governor as saying the affected officers were dismissed after they were indicted for negligence.

According to him, negligence is an act of misconduct under the Public Service Rule 040401.

"Rule 040401 of the Public Service act of misconduct states that "A willful act of omission or general misconduct to the scandal of the pubic or to the prejudice of discipline and proper administration of the state Government" should be visited with dismissal from the public service in line with the Public Service Rule 040503," the statement said.

The Head of Service said the disciplinary measure was the outcome of the recommendations of the Personnel Management Board to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, who was personally grieved by the number of lives lost in the building collapse.

Source - Punch

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Kaduna Primary School Feeding Programme A Misplaced Priority – Sen Laah

Kaduna Primary School Feeding Programme A Misplaced Priority – Sen Laah

Sen. Danjuma Laah (PDP- Kaduna South), on Monday described the primary school feeding programme introduced by the Kaduna State Government as a "misplaced priority."

Laah told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Jos that the government should rather use the funds used in running the programme to rehabilitate dilapidated structures in the schools.

"From the government records, so much is sunk into feeding the pupils; for a state that is battling with many issues, feeding children in schools should never be a priority."

Laah claimed that he had visited some of the schools to assess the feeding programme and discovered some of the schools conduct lessons under trees.

"I found that in some schools in my own Kaura Local Government, the feeding was done under trees as the primary schools' classes had collapsed.

"I also found that some of the classes did not have roofs, not to talk of furniture.

"My advice is that the enormous resources going into the feeding programme will be better utilised if classes are built and furnished.

"We could also sink that kind of money into purchasing uniforms, text and exercise books for the pupils, to minimise the stress on their parents," he said.

The senator said that the state government should also create conducive teaching and learning atmosphere, especially since the rains had begun.

Laah believed that such intervention would reduce cases of abandonment of schools during rainy season by teachers and pupils due to lack of shelter.

He also alleged that some teachers were still being owed salaries, and advised the state government to promptly pay them in order to raise teachers' morale for optimum performance.

"In introducing the programme, the state government said that it was seeking to attract more young people into schools, but when you attract more people, there has to be commensurate rise in structures. This has not been done.

"Again, we should be careful not to make food a priority to the children, otherwise we may end up with a situation where the pupils get more attracted to the food than their studies.

"We should also be careful so that we do not create a situation where children wake up thinking more of their plates and spoons, instead of their books and pencils," he stated.

Laah called for more incentives for teachers via regular payment of salaries, housing and motorcycle loans, to stimulate them to do more for the society.

He also advised government to plug areas of waste so as to save resources to execute projects that would be beneficial to the society.

The senator also called for special attention to rural areas, especially the provision of roads to open up the hinterland for development to flourish.

--
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SENATE TO AMEND ELECTORAL ACT TO END CARD READER CHALLENGE, SAYS LAWMAKER

SENATE TO AMEND ELECTORAL ACT TO END CARD READER CHALLENGE, SAYS LAWMAKER

Via #VANGUARD . March 14 2016

Abuja – The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Rules and Business, Sen. Babajide Omoworare, says the senate is set to amend the Electoral Act to end the challenges of Card Readers.

Omoworare said in Abuja on Monday that amendment of the Act would also take care of unforeseen situations.

According to him, the senate is committed to passing a bill to ensure that subsequent elections are devoid of conflicting interpretations, particularly by the judiciary.

"There is a private member bill on that position and there is another private member bill on some other salient issues that will solve the quagmire we find ourselves in Kogi State.

"The Electoral Act has provided for what happens before an election if a candidate demises and the constitution provides for what happens after, which is the Atiku Abubakar, Boni Haruna template.

"But there is no provision for what happens when the process is ongoing. "The bill will go for scrutiny and there must be a gazette before we take the first reading,'' he said.

The chairman, however, expressed his dissatisfaction with the Supreme Court rulings that upturned the Court of Appeal judgments on some governorship elections.

"I do not agree at the moment with the Supreme Court on the issue of the card reader. I can say this before God and man that I may not have been here today were it not for the card reader.

"The Electoral Act has already given the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) powers to make guidelines and if INEC has made guideline saying that we will use card reader, I am of the view that the Supreme Court should respect it.

"So, a lot of Nigerians felt that something went wrong with that judgment,'' he said. (NAN)
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Rivers Political Battle: PDP Leader Disowns Son Loyal To Amaechi

Rivers Political Battle: PDP Leader Disowns Son Loyal To Amaechi
Source: Daily Post
A Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Etche Local government area, Chief Emma Anyanwu has disowned his first son, Charles Anyawu for allegedly leading a military raid on his home and community in Ulakwo.
Chief Anyanwu at a media briefing in his home town of Etche accused the Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi for 'misleading' his son.
Charled Anyanwu has been estranged with his father. He was appointed a Special Adviser to former Governor, Rotimi Amaechi. After the founding of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Charles abandoned his father in the PDP to join Amaechi in the APC.
Amaechi also appointed Charles as the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Etche Local government area after which he was arrested along with 5 others for illegal possession of fire arms where they were arraigned at the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt.
However, The PDP Chieftain, Emma Anyanwu who is also a veteran journalist said, "I want to re-emphasize that Charles is no longer my son. He led the military into my house. But that is not even the case. He led the military to pull down the Ulakwo town hall which I owe my allegiance. He has been disowned for his behaviour. For destroying the town hall, he remains disowned. He doesn't possess the qualities of the Anyanwu family. He has been stripped of all his rights," he said.
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Breaking News: FG uncovers N3.3t fraud in government agencies

Breaking News: FG uncovers N3.3t fraud in government agencies
EMMANUEL LEKE. National Mirror

This revelations were contained in a report by the Federal Government to the National Assembly

The Federal Government on Monday said it has uncovered a massive fraud of N3.3 trillion in its agencies.

Out of the lot, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation cornered N3.2 trillion.
This revelations were contained in a report by the Federal Government to the National Assembly.

The Auditor General of the Federation, Samuel Ukura, who submitted the report to the Clerk of National Assembly, Salisu Makaisuwa, said the N3.2 trillion, realised from sales of crude oil, was not remitted to Federation Account Allocation Committee.

Ukura said total payments amounting to N73.5 billion were made contrary to the established purpose of the funds.

The report reads in part: "The sum of N36 billion was released to the Office of the National Security Adviser for the rehabilitation and construction of Dams instead of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources.

"The Sum of N2.9 billion was spent for the procurement of hand sanitizer for schools and critical public places.

"The sum of N31 billion was payment of subsidy on fertiliser and youth employment in Agriculture programme.

"The sum N2.4 billion was payment for group life Assurance Premium for Armed Forces Budget in 2013 but not cash backed.

"The sum of N500 million was payment for schools Agricultural programmes.
"From examination of NNPC mandates to CBN on domestic crude Oil sales and reconciliation statement of Technical Sub-committee of Federation Allocation Committee meeting held in January 2014, amount not remitted to FAAC was N3.2 trillion.

"Review of sales profile on sales of Gas to Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas was not paid to the Federation Account but transferred to some undisclosed Escrow Accounts. Relevant documents were not made available for verification."

Other agencies listed in the fraud included the Police Service Commission, Foreign Mission, Nigeria Ports Authority, Petroleum Equalisation Fund, Nigerian Prison Service and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.

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Pastor To El-Rufai: “Revoke Your Law Or Die”

Pastor To El-Rufai: "Revoke Your Law Or Die"

Apostle Johnson Suleiman, the Senior Pastor of Omega Fire Ministries (OFM), with headquaters in Auchi, Edo State and President of Celebration TV has rained curses on Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, over his directive that pastors and churches must be licenced to preach.

In a video that is being circulated on social media (click to watch video here), he warned the governor: "Revoke your law or die!"

Recently, Governor El-Rufai sent a bill to the State House of Assembly to regulate religious preaching across the state. The bill titled: "A bill for a law to substitute the Kaduna State religious preaching law, 1984" is also aimed at banning the usage of loudspeaker for religious purposes "other than inside a Mosques or Church and the surrounding areas outside the stipulated prayer times."

Government wanted the Assembly to enact the law that will stop the playing or circulating of "all cassettes, CDs, flash drives or any other communication gadgets containing religious recordings from accredited preachers other than inside one's house, porch, Church, Mosques and other designated place of worship."

The bill seeks to ban sales or playing of any cassette containing "religious recordings in which abusive language is used against any person or religious organisation or religious leaders (past or present)."

The bill, if pasted into law, will prohibit sales of religious books, usage of abusive and derogatory terms in describing any religion.
The bill propose that any person found guilty of preaching without a valid licence and other offences under the law "shall be liable to two years in prison or pay a fine of N200, 000."

Although Pastor Suleiman did not oppose sanitising the state in many areas, he was angry about the issue of "preaching by licence."

Suleiman said further that there were men of God before El-Rufai was governor and there will be men of God after he leaves. "Why not tell herbalists to obtain licence before they practise their herbalism? Why not tell witches that they need licence to fly?", the pastor asked rhetorically.

He added that asking a pastor to obtain licence is against the Constitution of Nigeria, "When you say licence, you are acting against freedom of worship". He asked the governor to stay off his plan, "unless you want your cabinet to reduce…people may just sleep without waking up".

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OPC Members Drag Gani Adams To Court Over $22m Fraud

OPC Members Drag Gani Adams To Court Over $22m Fraud

Some members of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) have dragged the factional na­tional coordinator of the organisation, Otunba Gani Adams, to the Economic and Financial Crimes Com­mission (EFCC) for allegedly diverting $22m.

The aggrieved members made these claims of financial fraud in a three-page petition, dated March 4 and signed by 26 members of the National Coordinating Council of the group.

The petition was report­edly received at the Lagos office of the anti-graft agen­cy on March 11.

They alleged that one of the purported offences of Adams was diversion of $22 million, which he al­legedly received on behalf of the group from the late Libyan leader, Muamar Ghadaffi.

The aggrieved OPC members, who signed the petition were Messrs Ra­sak Arogundade, Monsuru Akande, Adesina Akinpelu, Kehinde Ogunyale, Ade­ola Adeagbo, Ranti Akande, Gbenga Egunlusi, Lateef Oshodi, 'Layiwola Ogun­solu, Olusoji Folorunso, Sunday Bankole, 'Segun Olusanya and Sunday Ade­bayo and Idowu Akintunde.

The list also comprised Oyename Adebayo, Lateef Kaka, Oladipupu Musa, Musiliu Amusa, Lateef Ogungbayi, Morufu Salami, Rotimi Akinsowon, Taofik Hameed, Dauda Oyelowo, Yinka Olowoporoku, Adio Odewole and Alexander Adesina.

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