No fewer than 24 churches were shut down in
2014 for going against state guidelines on noise
pollution, Lagos State government has said.
Reports say the state government further said the
new Material Recovery Facility, would be
established to capture the huge waste generated
daily and boost the Waste-to-wealth programme
in the state.
According to the Commissioner for
Environment,Tunji Bello and General Manager of
the Lagos State Environment Protection, LASEPA,
Ademola Shabi, an engineer, disclosed this at the
2015 ministerial press briefing held in Alausa
Secretariat, Ikeja.
Shabi reeling out the activities of his agency in the
year under review added that 13 industries were
shut for violating the environmental guidelines set
by the government.
He lamented that the pollution generated daily in
the state was increasing and the government
must embark on measures to reduce it, adding;
“ We received over 1, 000 petitions in the
year under review. But we have been able
to resolve some and some have
relocated. ”
According to him, “We have shut about 24
religious outfits in the last one year
because they failed to adhere to the state
guidelines on noise pollution. ”
The general manager explained that these
religious outfits contribute “the religious
outfits contribute about 50 percent of the
noise pollution in the state. In the last few
years, we have been having problem to
control noise from these outfits. We have
been able to shut them down while some
have relocated from the community where
they were.
Thursday, 30 April 2015
Former Kwara State Gov. Bukola Saraki Gets Endorsement of 64 Senators For Senate President Post
Ahead of the inauguration of the 8th Senate, 64
current and senators-elect yesterday had a
meeting at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, to
endorse the former Kwara State governor,
Senator Bukola Saraki, for the post of Senate
president.
Quoting a source at the meeting,The senators
who are backing Saraki had decided to throw
their weight behind the former Kwara State
governor, because they want a “ Senate
president who is a product of the members
and not imposed by a godfather .”
The insider noted that those present at the
meeting comprised 19 senators elected on the
platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,
and 45 from the APC.It was gathered that
senators present at the meeting include: Senators
Muhammad Adamu Aliero, Danjuma Goje, Andy
Uba, Mohammed Ali Ndume, Gilbert Nnaji, Dino
Melaye and Isiaka Adeleke, who are new to the
senate, the three senators representing Delta State
and two from Edo State, among others.
The resolve of the senators is aimed at thwarting
attempts by the APC to zone the Senate
presidency to the North-East geopolitical zone,
and efforts by the National Leader of the party,
Bola Tinubu, to foist Senator Ahmed Lawan, his
preferred candidate from Yobe State, as Senate
President.
current and senators-elect yesterday had a
meeting at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, to
endorse the former Kwara State governor,
Senator Bukola Saraki, for the post of Senate
president.
Quoting a source at the meeting,The senators
who are backing Saraki had decided to throw
their weight behind the former Kwara State
governor, because they want a “ Senate
president who is a product of the members
and not imposed by a godfather .”
The insider noted that those present at the
meeting comprised 19 senators elected on the
platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,
and 45 from the APC.It was gathered that
senators present at the meeting include: Senators
Muhammad Adamu Aliero, Danjuma Goje, Andy
Uba, Mohammed Ali Ndume, Gilbert Nnaji, Dino
Melaye and Isiaka Adeleke, who are new to the
senate, the three senators representing Delta State
and two from Edo State, among others.
The resolve of the senators is aimed at thwarting
attempts by the APC to zone the Senate
presidency to the North-East geopolitical zone,
and efforts by the National Leader of the party,
Bola Tinubu, to foist Senator Ahmed Lawan, his
preferred candidate from Yobe State, as Senate
President.
Governor Ayo Fayose will not see the end of 2015 as Ekiti State Governor - Prophet
Prophet Tibetan who predicted Gen. Buhari will
win the presidential election, like many predicted
has said Governor Ayo Fayose will not see the
end of 2015 as Ekiti State Governor. He says he is
going to jail. He also spoke about Buhari, saying
he won’t die in office, and spoke about few more
political leaders. Below his what he told Us
Buhari will not die in office. God prolonged the life
of King Hezekiah in the Bible and this is Buhari’s
Buhari will not die in office. God prolonged
the life of King Hezekiah in the Bible and
this is Buhari’s portion. He won’t die in
office. He has a job to do. There is no time
to waste. Mr. President-elect should hit the
ground running on his first day in office
because he already has the template of
what he wants to do to liberate Nigeria
since 2003. Remember I told the world in
my Prediction 2015 book that General Buhari
is not chosen by God but by the people of
Nigeria to liberate them and since he is the
one the people want, God answered their
prayer by giving him the leadership of the
country. Buhari should run the affairs of
Nigeria without fear or favor because he
has a limited time to do this work.
On Tinubu, Rotimi Amaechi..
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor
Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, Governor
Rochas Okorocha of Imo state and former
President Olusegun Obasanjo are heroes
who saved Nigeria and Nigerians from
death. They are the Gideons of our time
and their role in liberating Nigeria from
problem is noted before God. God is happy
with Tinubu, Obasanjo, Rochas Okorocha,
Amaechi and Murtala Nyako, the former
Governor of Adamawa state. Nigerians
should give kudos to them for their heroic
act.
Is there anything Buhari should do before
moving into the Aso Rock presidential villa?
Yes, if General Buhari want to run his term
successfully and does not want the fate of
late President Umar Yar’Adua to befall him,
he must make a complete and total
cleansing of Aso Rock Villa before he
moves in. Between now and when he
would be sworn in, General Buhari must not
step into Aso Rock Villa for any meeting
either in the day or in the night. And after
he is sworn in on May 29, he must ensure
that America, Britain and Germany help him
snoop around the entire Aso Rock vicinity
to detect anything that might have been
planted in there for him. An entirely new
security measure should be put in place to
ensure the total security and safety of the
new landlord. Until then, the General could
run his own “White House” from anywhere
but Aso Rock.
Will Ekiti State Governor still be impeached?
The Lord does not do mistake with his
words, Ayo Fayose has just nine months to
stay on that seat after which he will be
going to jail. I don’t really have much to
say on this. I have told you what the Lord
will do on December 20 when I was
launching my prediction book in Nigeria.
Ayo Fayose will not see the end of 2015 as
Ekiti State Governor.
win the presidential election, like many predicted
has said Governor Ayo Fayose will not see the
end of 2015 as Ekiti State Governor. He says he is
going to jail. He also spoke about Buhari, saying
he won’t die in office, and spoke about few more
political leaders. Below his what he told Us
Buhari will not die in office. God prolonged the life
of King Hezekiah in the Bible and this is Buhari’s
Buhari will not die in office. God prolonged
the life of King Hezekiah in the Bible and
this is Buhari’s portion. He won’t die in
office. He has a job to do. There is no time
to waste. Mr. President-elect should hit the
ground running on his first day in office
because he already has the template of
what he wants to do to liberate Nigeria
since 2003. Remember I told the world in
my Prediction 2015 book that General Buhari
is not chosen by God but by the people of
Nigeria to liberate them and since he is the
one the people want, God answered their
prayer by giving him the leadership of the
country. Buhari should run the affairs of
Nigeria without fear or favor because he
has a limited time to do this work.
On Tinubu, Rotimi Amaechi..
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor
Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, Governor
Rochas Okorocha of Imo state and former
President Olusegun Obasanjo are heroes
who saved Nigeria and Nigerians from
death. They are the Gideons of our time
and their role in liberating Nigeria from
problem is noted before God. God is happy
with Tinubu, Obasanjo, Rochas Okorocha,
Amaechi and Murtala Nyako, the former
Governor of Adamawa state. Nigerians
should give kudos to them for their heroic
act.
Is there anything Buhari should do before
moving into the Aso Rock presidential villa?
Yes, if General Buhari want to run his term
successfully and does not want the fate of
late President Umar Yar’Adua to befall him,
he must make a complete and total
cleansing of Aso Rock Villa before he
moves in. Between now and when he
would be sworn in, General Buhari must not
step into Aso Rock Villa for any meeting
either in the day or in the night. And after
he is sworn in on May 29, he must ensure
that America, Britain and Germany help him
snoop around the entire Aso Rock vicinity
to detect anything that might have been
planted in there for him. An entirely new
security measure should be put in place to
ensure the total security and safety of the
new landlord. Until then, the General could
run his own “White House” from anywhere
but Aso Rock.
Will Ekiti State Governor still be impeached?
The Lord does not do mistake with his
words, Ayo Fayose has just nine months to
stay on that seat after which he will be
going to jail. I don’t really have much to
say on this. I have told you what the Lord
will do on December 20 when I was
launching my prediction book in Nigeria.
Ayo Fayose will not see the end of 2015 as
Ekiti State Governor.
Fayose Withdraws Suit Against APC Lawmakers
Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, yesterday
withdrew the suit seeking to stop the 19 All
Progressives Congress (APC) members of the
state House of House from impeaching him and
his Deputy, Kolapo Olusola.
In the suit, which was struck out by Justice
Ahmed Mohammed, the plaintiffs, including
speaker of the House of Assembly (described as
being occupied by the Peoples Democratic Party
(PDP) factional Speaker, Olugbemi Joseph Dele);
Ekiti State House of Assembly, Fayose and
Olusola through their counsel, Ahmed Raji (SAN),
had approached the court seeking to stop im
peachment moves against the governor.
When the matter was called for hearing
yesterday, counsel to the plaintiffs, Raji, informed
the court of his client’s intention to withdraw the
case.
The plaintiff’s counsel did not give reasons for the
withdrawal, but Daily Sun gathered it was to
allow them prosecute a fresh suit pending before
another court presided over by Justice Evoh
Chukwu.
withdrew the suit seeking to stop the 19 All
Progressives Congress (APC) members of the
state House of House from impeaching him and
his Deputy, Kolapo Olusola.
In the suit, which was struck out by Justice
Ahmed Mohammed, the plaintiffs, including
speaker of the House of Assembly (described as
being occupied by the Peoples Democratic Party
(PDP) factional Speaker, Olugbemi Joseph Dele);
Ekiti State House of Assembly, Fayose and
Olusola through their counsel, Ahmed Raji (SAN),
had approached the court seeking to stop im
peachment moves against the governor.
When the matter was called for hearing
yesterday, counsel to the plaintiffs, Raji, informed
the court of his client’s intention to withdraw the
case.
The plaintiff’s counsel did not give reasons for the
withdrawal, but Daily Sun gathered it was to
allow them prosecute a fresh suit pending before
another court presided over by Justice Evoh
Chukwu.
Niger Delta Militant Group Blows Up Gas Trunklines In Delta
UGHELLI—AN Urhobo militant group, Urhobo
Gbagbako, yesterday, claimed responsibility for
two explosions that rocked two major gas
trunklines belonging to the Nigerian Petroleum
Development Company, NPDC, located on the
boundaries of Afiesere and Ekredjebo
communities and Otedo and Edjovwe
communities both in Ughelli North and Ughelli
South Local Government Areas of Delta State.
Urhobo Gbagbako, in a statement by its
spokesperson, Priest Omodjuvwu, said that the
explosions were in protest against those he called
“traitors” the NPDC had continued to send to
Urhoboland in a bid to manipulate their
unsuspecting and once peaceful communities.
He said: “These petty crumb eaters can only
cause pains to the NPDC, Shoreline and the
Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC,
in a promised sham settlement to the lingering
crises to these companies and government
agencies.
“In believing the empty promises of these evil
doers and traitors, you continue to slowly drive
your NPDC, NNPC and Shoreline into a certain
abyss you will never recover from and we the
Urhobo nation will continue to demand for our
fair share of the pipeline surveillance contract jobs
for the sake of equity and justice.
“We, Urhobo Gbagbako, a militia group of all ex-
militants, youths, women and elders of Urhobo
ethnic nationality, did not and have not given any
individual or group, authority to speak on our
behalf on any issue as it concerns the pipeline
surveillance contract job.”
Confirming the incident, President General of
Afiesere community, Mr. Emmanuel Shikaleke,
said: “I was called by officials of NPDC, who had
earlier come to assess the level of damage on the
trunklines by the actions of the boys.
“For now, there is nothing we can do other leave
the matter for the authorities to handle. As I speak
with you, men of the Nigerian Army are at the
scene to forestall further attack.”
Gbagbako, yesterday, claimed responsibility for
two explosions that rocked two major gas
trunklines belonging to the Nigerian Petroleum
Development Company, NPDC, located on the
boundaries of Afiesere and Ekredjebo
communities and Otedo and Edjovwe
communities both in Ughelli North and Ughelli
South Local Government Areas of Delta State.
Urhobo Gbagbako, in a statement by its
spokesperson, Priest Omodjuvwu, said that the
explosions were in protest against those he called
“traitors” the NPDC had continued to send to
Urhoboland in a bid to manipulate their
unsuspecting and once peaceful communities.
He said: “These petty crumb eaters can only
cause pains to the NPDC, Shoreline and the
Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC,
in a promised sham settlement to the lingering
crises to these companies and government
agencies.
“In believing the empty promises of these evil
doers and traitors, you continue to slowly drive
your NPDC, NNPC and Shoreline into a certain
abyss you will never recover from and we the
Urhobo nation will continue to demand for our
fair share of the pipeline surveillance contract jobs
for the sake of equity and justice.
“We, Urhobo Gbagbako, a militia group of all ex-
militants, youths, women and elders of Urhobo
ethnic nationality, did not and have not given any
individual or group, authority to speak on our
behalf on any issue as it concerns the pipeline
surveillance contract job.”
Confirming the incident, President General of
Afiesere community, Mr. Emmanuel Shikaleke,
said: “I was called by officials of NPDC, who had
earlier come to assess the level of damage on the
trunklines by the actions of the boys.
“For now, there is nothing we can do other leave
the matter for the authorities to handle. As I speak
with you, men of the Nigerian Army are at the
scene to forestall further attack.”
Wike Plots To Join APC
APC To Wike: Remain In PDP, We Don’t
Need You
By ANAYO ONUKWUGHA, Port Harcourt
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has
alleged moves by Rivers State Governor-
elect, Chief Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike, to
dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
and join its fold, advising the governor-elect
to remain in his political party.
The APC, in a statement issued in Port
Harcourt on Thursday, and signed by its
State Publicity Secretary, Chris Finebone,
condemned the planned move, saying
Wike’s aim is to obtain the cover of it and
avoid dethronement by the nation’s
judiciary.
Finebone said, “Wike’s latest move comes
as no surprise to those who know his
antecedents. Having back stabbed his
mentors like former Senator John Mbata in
the past and more recently Governor Rotimi
Amaechi, he would only be living true to
the unreliable ally that he has grown to be.
“Wike’s history is replete with sabotage and
dual personality often unstable among
peers. So, we are not surprised at his latest
moves to dump PDP to join APC. Such a
move portrays him as unstable in
relationship having at several instances,
bitten the finger that fed him.
“He thinks that by hiding under the canopy
of APC membership, elders of the APC will
prevail on Dr. Dakuku Adol Peterside, the
governorship candidate of the party at the
April 11 election, to abandon his quest for
justice.”
Giving insight into the plan, the APC Scribe
explained that Wike, as soon as he is
received into the APC fold, will woo APC
elders and leaders to prevail on Peterside to
drop his quest for justice before the Election
Petition Tribunal.
He said, “Through this, Wike would have
hoodwinked APC elders and leaders into
prevailing on Dr. Peterside to withdraw his
petition from the Tribunal. In short, Wike
seeks to hide under the cloak of party man
to dodge standing before justice to explain
how he garnered the fictitious figures he
claimed to have secured at the April
governorship poll.
“Aware that Peterside is a true and loyal
party man, unlike what he is; Wike will
propound the hypothesis of “this-is-a-party
matter” to cajole both Peterside and the
leadership. Unfortunately, Wike has already
shot himself in the foot with the barbaric
manner in which he obtained the fraudulent
victory he is currently parading.
“In any case, the APC has placed restrictions
on fleeing PDP members whose only
reason for jumping ship is because the PDP
has lost the elections. Mr. Nyesom Wike is a
liability rather than asset. It would be best
he remains in the PDP, stand before Justice
at the Tribunal and explain his role in the
rape on democracy in Rivers State last April
11. His late night moves to join APC is only a
ploy to protect the stolen mandate in his
pockets.”
However, when contacted, the chairman,
media and publicity committee of the PDP
campaign organisation, Barrister Emma
Okah, sait it was untrue that Wike is
planning to dump the party for the APC.
Okah said, “I cannot glorify APC with a
response on a thing like that. It is absolutely
untrue, totally childish and a deceased
imagination.”
Need You
By ANAYO ONUKWUGHA, Port Harcourt
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has
alleged moves by Rivers State Governor-
elect, Chief Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike, to
dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
and join its fold, advising the governor-elect
to remain in his political party.
The APC, in a statement issued in Port
Harcourt on Thursday, and signed by its
State Publicity Secretary, Chris Finebone,
condemned the planned move, saying
Wike’s aim is to obtain the cover of it and
avoid dethronement by the nation’s
judiciary.
Finebone said, “Wike’s latest move comes
as no surprise to those who know his
antecedents. Having back stabbed his
mentors like former Senator John Mbata in
the past and more recently Governor Rotimi
Amaechi, he would only be living true to
the unreliable ally that he has grown to be.
“Wike’s history is replete with sabotage and
dual personality often unstable among
peers. So, we are not surprised at his latest
moves to dump PDP to join APC. Such a
move portrays him as unstable in
relationship having at several instances,
bitten the finger that fed him.
“He thinks that by hiding under the canopy
of APC membership, elders of the APC will
prevail on Dr. Dakuku Adol Peterside, the
governorship candidate of the party at the
April 11 election, to abandon his quest for
justice.”
Giving insight into the plan, the APC Scribe
explained that Wike, as soon as he is
received into the APC fold, will woo APC
elders and leaders to prevail on Peterside to
drop his quest for justice before the Election
Petition Tribunal.
He said, “Through this, Wike would have
hoodwinked APC elders and leaders into
prevailing on Dr. Peterside to withdraw his
petition from the Tribunal. In short, Wike
seeks to hide under the cloak of party man
to dodge standing before justice to explain
how he garnered the fictitious figures he
claimed to have secured at the April
governorship poll.
“Aware that Peterside is a true and loyal
party man, unlike what he is; Wike will
propound the hypothesis of “this-is-a-party
matter” to cajole both Peterside and the
leadership. Unfortunately, Wike has already
shot himself in the foot with the barbaric
manner in which he obtained the fraudulent
victory he is currently parading.
“In any case, the APC has placed restrictions
on fleeing PDP members whose only
reason for jumping ship is because the PDP
has lost the elections. Mr. Nyesom Wike is a
liability rather than asset. It would be best
he remains in the PDP, stand before Justice
at the Tribunal and explain his role in the
rape on democracy in Rivers State last April
11. His late night moves to join APC is only a
ploy to protect the stolen mandate in his
pockets.”
However, when contacted, the chairman,
media and publicity committee of the PDP
campaign organisation, Barrister Emma
Okah, sait it was untrue that Wike is
planning to dump the party for the APC.
Okah said, “I cannot glorify APC with a
response on a thing like that. It is absolutely
untrue, totally childish and a deceased
imagination.”
64 Senators Endorse Bukola Saraki For Senate Presidency
Ahead of the inauguration of the 8th Senate, 64
current and senators-elect yesterday had a
meeting at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, to
endorse the former Kwara State governor,
Senator Bukola Saraki, for the post of Senate
president.
Quoting a source at the meeting, ThisDay reports
that the senators who are backing Saraki had
decided to throw their weight behind the former
Kwara State governor, because they want a
“Senate president who is a product of the
members and not imposed by a godfather.”
The insider noted that those present at the
meeting comprised 19 senators elected on the
platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,
and 45 from the APC.
It was gathered that senators present at the
meeting include: Senators Muhammad Adamu
Aliero, Danjuma Goje, Andy Uba, Mohammed Ali
Ndume, Gilbert Nnaji, Dino Melaye and Isiaka
Adeleke, who are new to the senate, the three
senators representing Delta State and two from
Edo State, among others.
The resolve of the senators is aimed at thwarting
attempts by the APC to zone the Senate
presidency to the North-East geopolitical zone,
and efforts by the National Leader of the party,
Bola Tinubu, to foist Senator Ahmed Lawan, his
preferred candidate from Yobe State, as Senate
President.
current and senators-elect yesterday had a
meeting at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, to
endorse the former Kwara State governor,
Senator Bukola Saraki, for the post of Senate
president.
Quoting a source at the meeting, ThisDay reports
that the senators who are backing Saraki had
decided to throw their weight behind the former
Kwara State governor, because they want a
“Senate president who is a product of the
members and not imposed by a godfather.”
The insider noted that those present at the
meeting comprised 19 senators elected on the
platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,
and 45 from the APC.
It was gathered that senators present at the
meeting include: Senators Muhammad Adamu
Aliero, Danjuma Goje, Andy Uba, Mohammed Ali
Ndume, Gilbert Nnaji, Dino Melaye and Isiaka
Adeleke, who are new to the senate, the three
senators representing Delta State and two from
Edo State, among others.
The resolve of the senators is aimed at thwarting
attempts by the APC to zone the Senate
presidency to the North-East geopolitical zone,
and efforts by the National Leader of the party,
Bola Tinubu, to foist Senator Ahmed Lawan, his
preferred candidate from Yobe State, as Senate
President.
Fuel Scarcity: Petrol Attendants Lock Up Unruly Policemen In Akure
People power was on display along Oba-
Adesida Road in Akure, the Ondo State
capital Thursday when petrol attendants
locked up two anti-riot policemen who
wanted to forcefully get fuel at MCR
petroleum station along the ever busy road.
The two anti-riot policemen, who were on
transit, entered the filling station that was
not dispensing fuel and demanded that they
should be given fuel – a request the
attendants declined.
One of the attendants, a lady, explained to
the policemen that they had not received
stock in the past three months and as such
had nothing to sell to them.
Not satisfied with the explanation, the
policemen, who were sergeants, demanded
to check the fuel dump of the filling station,
the request the attendants declined saying
they did not have the authority to open their
fuel dump to anyone.
It was in the process that the attendants and
the anti-riot policemen began to exchange
abusive words. The heated exchange finally
degenerated into fisticuffs with the
policemen eventually overpowering the
attendants.
An eye witness, who recorded the incident,
said one of the sergeants removed his belt
and used it to beat an attendant while
another attendant called for help from
members of the public.
One of the attendants ran into one of the
offices in the filling station with a policeman
pursuing her. On getting to the office, the
policemen gave the attendant a thorough
beating.
It was this unprovoked attack on the
attendants that prompted passers by to
mobilise and rescue them. One of the
attendants, who was rescued, then used a
padlock to lock up the policemen inside the
office.
The owner of the petrol station, Mr Tope
Omileye, who confirmed the incident,
insisted that they had not received stock in
the past three months but the policemen
were hell-bent on getting fuel from them.
Adesida Road in Akure, the Ondo State
capital Thursday when petrol attendants
locked up two anti-riot policemen who
wanted to forcefully get fuel at MCR
petroleum station along the ever busy road.
The two anti-riot policemen, who were on
transit, entered the filling station that was
not dispensing fuel and demanded that they
should be given fuel – a request the
attendants declined.
One of the attendants, a lady, explained to
the policemen that they had not received
stock in the past three months and as such
had nothing to sell to them.
Not satisfied with the explanation, the
policemen, who were sergeants, demanded
to check the fuel dump of the filling station,
the request the attendants declined saying
they did not have the authority to open their
fuel dump to anyone.
It was in the process that the attendants and
the anti-riot policemen began to exchange
abusive words. The heated exchange finally
degenerated into fisticuffs with the
policemen eventually overpowering the
attendants.
An eye witness, who recorded the incident,
said one of the sergeants removed his belt
and used it to beat an attendant while
another attendant called for help from
members of the public.
One of the attendants ran into one of the
offices in the filling station with a policeman
pursuing her. On getting to the office, the
policemen gave the attendant a thorough
beating.
It was this unprovoked attack on the
attendants that prompted passers by to
mobilise and rescue them. One of the
attendants, who was rescued, then used a
padlock to lock up the policemen inside the
office.
The owner of the petrol station, Mr Tope
Omileye, who confirmed the incident,
insisted that they had not received stock in
the past three months but the policemen
were hell-bent on getting fuel from them.
Diamond Bank Sacks over 1000 Staffs
The economic downturn in the country,
coupled with the difficult regulatory climate,
seems to be taking its toll on the financial
sector as one of the top financial institutions,
Diamond Banks Plc has sacked over 1,000
workers.
P.M.NEWS Business findings revealed that
the latest disengagement by the bank had to
do with the need to realign its operations for
a tougher 2015, especially as the monetary
policy environment continues to get tighter.
Some of the regulatory measures
introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria
aimed at protecting the economy,
according to findings, have started affecting
the banks’ profitability.
It was learnt that apart from job cuts, the
bank is also planning to reduce the number
of new branches to be opened this year.
A source within the bank told our
correspondent that major projects and
sponsorship programmes for third-party
companies, which may not readily add to
the bottom line, are also due to be axed by
the bank.
According to the source, the affected
workers cut across all branches of the bank.
The fortunes of Diamond Bank has recently
not been on the positive side as its 2015
first-quarter pre-tax profit fell 9.5 per cent to
8.36 billion naira ($42 million) from a year
earlier.
The bank did not disclose why profit for the
period end-March fell but said in a statement
that revenue climbed 5.8 per cent during
the period to 40.48 billion naira.
The banks profit after tax also fell by 10.72
per cent to N25.48 billion in 2014, compared
with N28.54 billion in 2013 as regulatory
induced costs continue to suppress profit.
Its operating expenses also increased by
19.89 per cent to N92.86 billion in 2014
from N77.40 billion in 2013.
Cost-to-income ratio, which measures the
ability of a bank in cutting costs while
boosting profit, reduced to 72.30 per cent in
2014 as against 66.57 per cent in 2013.
The banks corporate communications unit
could not immediately be reached for
comment on the development.
P.M.NEWS Business however learnt that
more financial institutions are planning to
cut their staff strength in the following
months, while others are already
outsourcing a number of job functions, a
development that has seen some of them
transfer a significant number of their
employees to third-party companies.
One of the banks, Skye Bank Plc, earlier in
the year announced that it had transferred
its tellers, drivers, security personnel and
other support staff members to three
outsourcing firms, a move that will affect
hundreds of the bank’s workers.
The decision, led to the disengagement of
the affected employees from the bank and
their subsequent transfer to third-party
firms.
Skye Bank, however, said in a statement
that the move was part of the initiatives to
strengthen all cadres of its workforce.
According to the statement, the outsourcing
companies appointed to take over the
employees are Optimum Continental
Services, Strategic Outsourcing Limited and
Integrated Corporate Services Limited.
The bank gave the assurance that the
outsourcing firms would engage the
affected employees under the same terms
and conditions as they were employed by
the financial institution.
Global rating agency, Fitch Ratings, and
other international and local research firms
had late last year predicted that Nigerian
banks would witness a fall in profitability
this year.
On November 25, 2014, the CBN’s Monetary
Policy Committee devalued the naira by
eight per cent; raised Monetary Policy Rate
from 12 to 13 per cent; and also increased
the private sector Cash Reserve
Requirement from 15 to 20 per cent.
The development, which led to the
immediate withdrawal of about N500bn
from the banking system, was said to have
affected the banks adversely.
Also, in a bid to halt the sliding naira, the
CBN had in December stopped the banks
from keeping any of their funds in foreign
currencies. It also said dollars bought from
it must be utilised within 48 hours, adding
that the actions were aimed at stopping the
banks from speculating on the exchange
rate.
Experts said the recent regulatory measures
would have major negative effects on the
banks this year, adding that they were
already feeling the effects of previous
actions by the CBN, especially the increase
in public sector CRR, the Asset Management
Corporation of Nigeria’s levy increase, and
the gradual removal of certain bank
charges.
Fitch, in a report released on October 8,
2014, said actions aimed at protecting the
economy and the banking system by the
CBN would make the profits of the Deposit
Money Banks for this year drop.
While recalling that some of the previous
regulatory headwinds had led to weaker
profitability and “stemmed credit growth” in
the first half of 2014, the rating agency said
Nigerian banks’ assets growth and earnings
would experience further fall over the next
18 months.
coupled with the difficult regulatory climate,
seems to be taking its toll on the financial
sector as one of the top financial institutions,
Diamond Banks Plc has sacked over 1,000
workers.
P.M.NEWS Business findings revealed that
the latest disengagement by the bank had to
do with the need to realign its operations for
a tougher 2015, especially as the monetary
policy environment continues to get tighter.
Some of the regulatory measures
introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria
aimed at protecting the economy,
according to findings, have started affecting
the banks’ profitability.
It was learnt that apart from job cuts, the
bank is also planning to reduce the number
of new branches to be opened this year.
A source within the bank told our
correspondent that major projects and
sponsorship programmes for third-party
companies, which may not readily add to
the bottom line, are also due to be axed by
the bank.
According to the source, the affected
workers cut across all branches of the bank.
The fortunes of Diamond Bank has recently
not been on the positive side as its 2015
first-quarter pre-tax profit fell 9.5 per cent to
8.36 billion naira ($42 million) from a year
earlier.
The bank did not disclose why profit for the
period end-March fell but said in a statement
that revenue climbed 5.8 per cent during
the period to 40.48 billion naira.
The banks profit after tax also fell by 10.72
per cent to N25.48 billion in 2014, compared
with N28.54 billion in 2013 as regulatory
induced costs continue to suppress profit.
Its operating expenses also increased by
19.89 per cent to N92.86 billion in 2014
from N77.40 billion in 2013.
Cost-to-income ratio, which measures the
ability of a bank in cutting costs while
boosting profit, reduced to 72.30 per cent in
2014 as against 66.57 per cent in 2013.
The banks corporate communications unit
could not immediately be reached for
comment on the development.
P.M.NEWS Business however learnt that
more financial institutions are planning to
cut their staff strength in the following
months, while others are already
outsourcing a number of job functions, a
development that has seen some of them
transfer a significant number of their
employees to third-party companies.
One of the banks, Skye Bank Plc, earlier in
the year announced that it had transferred
its tellers, drivers, security personnel and
other support staff members to three
outsourcing firms, a move that will affect
hundreds of the bank’s workers.
The decision, led to the disengagement of
the affected employees from the bank and
their subsequent transfer to third-party
firms.
Skye Bank, however, said in a statement
that the move was part of the initiatives to
strengthen all cadres of its workforce.
According to the statement, the outsourcing
companies appointed to take over the
employees are Optimum Continental
Services, Strategic Outsourcing Limited and
Integrated Corporate Services Limited.
The bank gave the assurance that the
outsourcing firms would engage the
affected employees under the same terms
and conditions as they were employed by
the financial institution.
Global rating agency, Fitch Ratings, and
other international and local research firms
had late last year predicted that Nigerian
banks would witness a fall in profitability
this year.
On November 25, 2014, the CBN’s Monetary
Policy Committee devalued the naira by
eight per cent; raised Monetary Policy Rate
from 12 to 13 per cent; and also increased
the private sector Cash Reserve
Requirement from 15 to 20 per cent.
The development, which led to the
immediate withdrawal of about N500bn
from the banking system, was said to have
affected the banks adversely.
Also, in a bid to halt the sliding naira, the
CBN had in December stopped the banks
from keeping any of their funds in foreign
currencies. It also said dollars bought from
it must be utilised within 48 hours, adding
that the actions were aimed at stopping the
banks from speculating on the exchange
rate.
Experts said the recent regulatory measures
would have major negative effects on the
banks this year, adding that they were
already feeling the effects of previous
actions by the CBN, especially the increase
in public sector CRR, the Asset Management
Corporation of Nigeria’s levy increase, and
the gradual removal of certain bank
charges.
Fitch, in a report released on October 8,
2014, said actions aimed at protecting the
economy and the banking system by the
CBN would make the profits of the Deposit
Money Banks for this year drop.
While recalling that some of the previous
regulatory headwinds had led to weaker
profitability and “stemmed credit growth” in
the first half of 2014, the rating agency said
Nigerian banks’ assets growth and earnings
would experience further fall over the next
18 months.
Ex- Military Governor Of Anambra, Pleads With Igbo Parents To Reduce Bride price
ONITSHA — Former Military governor of old
Anambra State, Col. Robert Akonobi (rtd), has
pleaded with Igbo parents to reduce the bride
price of their daughters so that ‘’our young boys
can marry them.” ‘’To me, this topic (bride price)
has been dealth with in the past by Ndigbo, who
came out with a reduced bride price, to enable
our young boys marry our young girls,”
Akonobi said.
Akonobi also cautioned that men should study
their proposed wives closely and longer before
engaging into marriage because “once you
marry, no one else can put it asunder.” He spoke
at the industrial city of Nnewi, Anambra State
during the traditional wedding ceremony of the
daughter of a business mogul, Chief Louis
Onwugbenu, Onyinye and her husband, Bosah
Chukwuogo, weekend.
Nnewi was agog as dignitaries from all works of
life trooped to the residence of Chief Onwugbenu
for the memorable event. The dignitaries who
were from both the military, political and
manufacturing circles, including Col Akonobi,
Hon. Clement Nwankwu, former member of the
House of Representatives; Chairmen and Chief
Executive Officers of Gabros International Limited
and Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Limited, Chief
Gabriel and Innocent Chukwuma respectively,
among others.
The issue of high bride price was discussed
extensively on the occasion. Hon. Nwankwu, in
his own speech, prayed that Chief Onwugbenu
and his wife would live long to enjoy the fruits of
their children, especially those who married from
outside their areas.
Also, speaking, Mrs. Onwugbenu expressed
gratitude that her daughter’s hand was given out
in marriage and prayed that her in-laws who
came all the way from Awka to marry her
daughter, would go back home safely. Father of
the bride, Onwugbenu, in his own speech, said
he had already blessed his daughter and her
husband to go and make a good home.
On the bride price controversy in Igbo land,
Onwugbenu declared: “We do not charge money
as bride price for someone to marry my
daughter. To me, what is important is that my
daughter should live in peace with her husband.
Let her husband’s family members accept her as
part and parcel of their family.”
Anambra State, Col. Robert Akonobi (rtd), has
pleaded with Igbo parents to reduce the bride
price of their daughters so that ‘’our young boys
can marry them.” ‘’To me, this topic (bride price)
has been dealth with in the past by Ndigbo, who
came out with a reduced bride price, to enable
our young boys marry our young girls,”
Akonobi said.
Akonobi also cautioned that men should study
their proposed wives closely and longer before
engaging into marriage because “once you
marry, no one else can put it asunder.” He spoke
at the industrial city of Nnewi, Anambra State
during the traditional wedding ceremony of the
daughter of a business mogul, Chief Louis
Onwugbenu, Onyinye and her husband, Bosah
Chukwuogo, weekend.
Nnewi was agog as dignitaries from all works of
life trooped to the residence of Chief Onwugbenu
for the memorable event. The dignitaries who
were from both the military, political and
manufacturing circles, including Col Akonobi,
Hon. Clement Nwankwu, former member of the
House of Representatives; Chairmen and Chief
Executive Officers of Gabros International Limited
and Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Limited, Chief
Gabriel and Innocent Chukwuma respectively,
among others.
The issue of high bride price was discussed
extensively on the occasion. Hon. Nwankwu, in
his own speech, prayed that Chief Onwugbenu
and his wife would live long to enjoy the fruits of
their children, especially those who married from
outside their areas.
Also, speaking, Mrs. Onwugbenu expressed
gratitude that her daughter’s hand was given out
in marriage and prayed that her in-laws who
came all the way from Awka to marry her
daughter, would go back home safely. Father of
the bride, Onwugbenu, in his own speech, said
he had already blessed his daughter and her
husband to go and make a good home.
On the bride price controversy in Igbo land,
Onwugbenu declared: “We do not charge money
as bride price for someone to marry my
daughter. To me, what is important is that my
daughter should live in peace with her husband.
Let her husband’s family members accept her as
part and parcel of their family.”
Sanusi Lamido Ado-Bayero Appointed As NPA Managing Director By Jonathan
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has approved
the appointment of Sanusi Lamido Ado Bayero as
the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports
Authority (NPA), a statement by the presidency
has said.
Mr. Sanusi, a lawyer, from Kano State, takes over
from Habib Abdullahi, who has been relieved of
his appointment as Managing Director of the
Authority.
No reason was given for Mr. Abdullahi’s removal.
The appointment of the new NPA boss takes
effect from Thursday, April 30.
“President Jonathan thanks the outgoing
Managing Director for his services and wishes
well in his future endeavours,” the statement said.
the appointment of Sanusi Lamido Ado Bayero as
the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports
Authority (NPA), a statement by the presidency
has said.
Mr. Sanusi, a lawyer, from Kano State, takes over
from Habib Abdullahi, who has been relieved of
his appointment as Managing Director of the
Authority.
No reason was given for Mr. Abdullahi’s removal.
The appointment of the new NPA boss takes
effect from Thursday, April 30.
“President Jonathan thanks the outgoing
Managing Director for his services and wishes
well in his future endeavours,” the statement said.
I Was Not Bundled Out Of PDP Gov’s Meeting- Mu’azu
National chairman of the Peoples
Democratic Party (PDP) Dr. Adamu Mu’azu
on Wednesday denied that he was bundled
out of a meeting of governors of the
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Reports had emerged that the national
chairman was bundled out of a governors
forum meeting which held at the Akwa
Ibom governors lodge in Asokoro.
Indication emerged that governors of the
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are not
letting up on their move to sack the national
chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party
(PDP) Dr. Adamu Mu’azu over the party’s
electoral woes at the presidential election.
Mu’azu and governors of the party have
been locked in a crisis of confidence since,
President Goodluck Jonathan lost to Gen.
Muhammadu Buhari in the March 28
presidential election.
The loss had resulted in a clamor for the
ouster of Mu’azu and the set up of a
caretaker committee.
But the spokesman of the national
chairman, Tony Amadi, told Leadership that
Mu’azu was bundled out of the meeting.
Amadi, who admitted he (Amadi) was not
present at the meeting, noted that if such a
scenario played out at the meeting there
would have been a shoot out between the
security aides of the chairman and the
governors.
While he refused to state whether the
meeting with the governors was rancour
free, Amadi said “he was not bundled out of
the meeting. None of that happened. who
bundled who out? How can you bundle out
a party chairman.”
When asked that he was neither at the
meeting and might not know whether such
a scenario transpired he said “what I know
is that he was not bundled out of the
meeting.”
“If they said he was bundled out of the
meeting where was his security details? If
they attempt to bundle out the chairman
there would have been a shoot out between
the security details of Mu’azu and the
governors and nobody wants that. Don’t
forget you are talking about a former
governor and a national chairman of a
political party.”
“What we are doing in the party now is
how to restrategise and bounce back.”
He further lambasted those calling for
Mu’azu to resign, noting that most of them
failed to deliver their states at the polls.
“Those calling for him to go how many of
them won their states. The issues is that as
the party lost they are blaming somebody
but they tried to hijack the party in their
states and could not deliver as they should.”
He added that the national chairman will not
resign his position noting that the party
under Mu’azu’s leadership intends to stop a
trend where national party chairmen are
remained on a whim.
“This party is not changing national
chairman. A bane of this party has been the
way it changes it chairmen. In the last six
years the party has not had chairmen who
served for more than two years.”
A party source told leadership that the
governors were displeased with the
performance of the current leadership of the
party under Mu’azu and tinkered with the
prospects of having one of them head a
caretaker committee if he is removed.
It was gathered that the governors are
angling for either a south west governor or
a governor from the south south to head
the caretaker committee after May
29pending the conduct of fresh elections for
NWC positions next year.
It was gathered that the decision to move
the position to the southern part of the
country was predicated on the likelihood
that the party’s presidential candidate would
emerge from the North in 2019.
Democratic Party (PDP) Dr. Adamu Mu’azu
on Wednesday denied that he was bundled
out of a meeting of governors of the
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Reports had emerged that the national
chairman was bundled out of a governors
forum meeting which held at the Akwa
Ibom governors lodge in Asokoro.
Indication emerged that governors of the
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are not
letting up on their move to sack the national
chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party
(PDP) Dr. Adamu Mu’azu over the party’s
electoral woes at the presidential election.
Mu’azu and governors of the party have
been locked in a crisis of confidence since,
President Goodluck Jonathan lost to Gen.
Muhammadu Buhari in the March 28
presidential election.
The loss had resulted in a clamor for the
ouster of Mu’azu and the set up of a
caretaker committee.
But the spokesman of the national
chairman, Tony Amadi, told Leadership that
Mu’azu was bundled out of the meeting.
Amadi, who admitted he (Amadi) was not
present at the meeting, noted that if such a
scenario played out at the meeting there
would have been a shoot out between the
security aides of the chairman and the
governors.
While he refused to state whether the
meeting with the governors was rancour
free, Amadi said “he was not bundled out of
the meeting. None of that happened. who
bundled who out? How can you bundle out
a party chairman.”
When asked that he was neither at the
meeting and might not know whether such
a scenario transpired he said “what I know
is that he was not bundled out of the
meeting.”
“If they said he was bundled out of the
meeting where was his security details? If
they attempt to bundle out the chairman
there would have been a shoot out between
the security details of Mu’azu and the
governors and nobody wants that. Don’t
forget you are talking about a former
governor and a national chairman of a
political party.”
“What we are doing in the party now is
how to restrategise and bounce back.”
He further lambasted those calling for
Mu’azu to resign, noting that most of them
failed to deliver their states at the polls.
“Those calling for him to go how many of
them won their states. The issues is that as
the party lost they are blaming somebody
but they tried to hijack the party in their
states and could not deliver as they should.”
He added that the national chairman will not
resign his position noting that the party
under Mu’azu’s leadership intends to stop a
trend where national party chairmen are
remained on a whim.
“This party is not changing national
chairman. A bane of this party has been the
way it changes it chairmen. In the last six
years the party has not had chairmen who
served for more than two years.”
A party source told leadership that the
governors were displeased with the
performance of the current leadership of the
party under Mu’azu and tinkered with the
prospects of having one of them head a
caretaker committee if he is removed.
It was gathered that the governors are
angling for either a south west governor or
a governor from the south south to head
the caretaker committee after May
29pending the conduct of fresh elections for
NWC positions next year.
It was gathered that the decision to move
the position to the southern part of the
country was predicated on the likelihood
that the party’s presidential candidate would
emerge from the North in 2019.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade
Union Congress (TUC) have warned against any
move by the government to remove subsidy
from petroleum products.
Nigeria’s National Assembly had passed the 2015
appropriation bill without allocating any money
for subsidy payment.
Speaking on Wednesday, Deputy President of the
NLC and chairman of the joint May Day
celebration of the NLC and TUC, Peter Adeyemi,
told journalists that organised Labour believed
that government had never subsidised petroleum
products.
The Labour leader lamented that the bane of the
sector had been corruption, pointing out that past
government tried without success to address the
issue.
He said: “If you are asking whether we will back
the removal of fuel subsidy, the answer is no. It
is not as easy as that. You know that it has been a
very contentious issue over the years. We have
always said that there is nothing like subsidy. It is
all about corruption.
“Let me take your mind back and say that this
same issue has been something that numerous
government have embarked upon without an
end. During the Olusegun Obasanjo’s
government, this exercise was embarked upon
by the government about 11 times and both the
NLC and the TUC engaged the government.
“So, it is like the more you look, the less
you see. For us in Labour, we are not going
to support that because it is outside our
mandate as leaders. We hope that the
incoming government, in a desperate bid to
look for money, will not look for money in
the wrong place”.
Union Congress (TUC) have warned against any
move by the government to remove subsidy
from petroleum products.
Nigeria’s National Assembly had passed the 2015
appropriation bill without allocating any money
for subsidy payment.
Speaking on Wednesday, Deputy President of the
NLC and chairman of the joint May Day
celebration of the NLC and TUC, Peter Adeyemi,
told journalists that organised Labour believed
that government had never subsidised petroleum
products.
The Labour leader lamented that the bane of the
sector had been corruption, pointing out that past
government tried without success to address the
issue.
He said: “If you are asking whether we will back
the removal of fuel subsidy, the answer is no. It
is not as easy as that. You know that it has been a
very contentious issue over the years. We have
always said that there is nothing like subsidy. It is
all about corruption.
“Let me take your mind back and say that this
same issue has been something that numerous
government have embarked upon without an
end. During the Olusegun Obasanjo’s
government, this exercise was embarked upon
by the government about 11 times and both the
NLC and the TUC engaged the government.
“So, it is like the more you look, the less
you see. For us in Labour, we are not going
to support that because it is outside our
mandate as leaders. We hope that the
incoming government, in a desperate bid to
look for money, will not look for money in
the wrong place”.
Fuel Scarcity: FG Pays N156bn Fuel Subsidy Claims To Marketers
To halt the current fuel scarcity ravaging the
country, the Federal Government yesterday
assured it would pay Major Oil Marketers
Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) about N156
billion today.
The Coordinating Minister for the Economy
and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-
Iweala,stated this at the World Customs
Day event held in Abuja yesterday. The
Minister said the payment of N156 billion
represents the remaining tranche of the
N256.2 billion debt owed MOMAN in
subsidy claims.
Given further breakdown of the the N156
billion, she said government has committed
to pay N100 billion as IOUs as well as the
interest rate differential of N56 billion.
The latest move by government would
bring an end to the lingering fuel scarcity,
the attendant long queues at the filling
stations and unnecessary sufferings of
Nigerians since March this year.
The payment today was in swift reaction to
President Goodluck Jonathan’s order to the
Finance Minister to end the logjam
occasioned by the scarcity.
Okonjo- Iweala had sought for the co-
operation of the oil marketers to end the
persistent fuel scarcity across the country,
saying government was doing all it can to
end the current fuel scarcity.
“Let me tell you, on the issue with oil
marketers, we have been really working
with them. We have been dialoguing with
them. We paid them N350 billion in
December. We paid them N31 billion as
foreign exchange differential and by
tomorrow (today), we will be paying them
the N100 billion which we will give them as
IOUs as well as their interest rate differential
of N56 billion. I am about to sign to get that
paid and I think Nigerians will agree that the
government is making good effort to
accommodate the oil marketers. They are
also Nigerians and they also need to co-
operate with us.
Meanwhile the Minister of Information,
Patricia Akwashiki,has said that the in
coming administration of Gen Muhammodu
Buhari will not inherent fuel queues as the
country has enough fuel in its reserves for
the next 27 days .
“I want to assure that we have enough fuel
to supply and the problem is not that we do
not have fuel on ground. We have a
problem with the tanker drivers and that
has to do with the non-payment of fuel
subsidy claims But from tomorrow (today),
the Coordinating Minister of the economy is
going to start paying off some of the
liabilities we have in that sector and it will
ease off,’’ she said
Akwashiki however said that part of the
problem is logistics,especially with the
transport unions in the petroleum
sector,who are equally being owed. ‘‘We
don’t have to wait for Buhari
administration to fix it, we can fix it
and we have been fixing it”.
country, the Federal Government yesterday
assured it would pay Major Oil Marketers
Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) about N156
billion today.
The Coordinating Minister for the Economy
and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-
Iweala,stated this at the World Customs
Day event held in Abuja yesterday. The
Minister said the payment of N156 billion
represents the remaining tranche of the
N256.2 billion debt owed MOMAN in
subsidy claims.
Given further breakdown of the the N156
billion, she said government has committed
to pay N100 billion as IOUs as well as the
interest rate differential of N56 billion.
The latest move by government would
bring an end to the lingering fuel scarcity,
the attendant long queues at the filling
stations and unnecessary sufferings of
Nigerians since March this year.
The payment today was in swift reaction to
President Goodluck Jonathan’s order to the
Finance Minister to end the logjam
occasioned by the scarcity.
Okonjo- Iweala had sought for the co-
operation of the oil marketers to end the
persistent fuel scarcity across the country,
saying government was doing all it can to
end the current fuel scarcity.
“Let me tell you, on the issue with oil
marketers, we have been really working
with them. We have been dialoguing with
them. We paid them N350 billion in
December. We paid them N31 billion as
foreign exchange differential and by
tomorrow (today), we will be paying them
the N100 billion which we will give them as
IOUs as well as their interest rate differential
of N56 billion. I am about to sign to get that
paid and I think Nigerians will agree that the
government is making good effort to
accommodate the oil marketers. They are
also Nigerians and they also need to co-
operate with us.
Meanwhile the Minister of Information,
Patricia Akwashiki,has said that the in
coming administration of Gen Muhammodu
Buhari will not inherent fuel queues as the
country has enough fuel in its reserves for
the next 27 days .
“I want to assure that we have enough fuel
to supply and the problem is not that we do
not have fuel on ground. We have a
problem with the tanker drivers and that
has to do with the non-payment of fuel
subsidy claims But from tomorrow (today),
the Coordinating Minister of the economy is
going to start paying off some of the
liabilities we have in that sector and it will
ease off,’’ she said
Akwashiki however said that part of the
problem is logistics,especially with the
transport unions in the petroleum
sector,who are equally being owed. ‘‘We
don’t have to wait for Buhari
administration to fix it, we can fix it
and we have been fixing it”.
ABUJA—THE President- elect, General
Muhammadu Buhari yesterday painted a gloomy
picture in the economic development of his
administration as he said that the decline in the
revenues due to fall in oil prices poses a great
threat to his administration’s development
agenda.
GBuhari-oilen. Buhari who visited the newly
elected Senators and House of Representatives
members who are undergoing induction course
in preparation for the 8th National Assembly in
Abuja also said that the decline in revenue would
affect the reconstruction of devastated areas in
the country as a result of insurgency.
He reminded the elected members of the 8th
assembly of the challenges the nation had been
facing which he also said would continue in the
near future.
The challenges according to him include general
insecurity and insurgency that has caused
extreme human hardship and destruction of lives,
livelihoods that would take over a decade to
rebuild across most of North Eastern Nigeria and
some parts of North western Nigeria.
Another threat to his administration according to
him was the devastation and environmental
degradation in the Niger Delta area which he said
must be attended to.
Others include, “endemic corruption which has
crippled human and infrastructure development
for decades. Unacceptably poor provision of
power supply which has had a crippling effect on
development of small businesses and indeed the
wider economy.
“Deindustrialization for the past three decades
leading to closure of many industries and
migration of many to other African countries.
Unacceptably high levels of unemployment and
especially Youth Unemployment reaching over
40 per cent.”
Besides, Gen. Buhari mentioned high cost of
governance that has been crowding out the
nation’s capital and human development, erosion
of public social services such as infrastructure,
health and education as well as lack of
development in the agricultural and solid mineral
sectors as areas that should be aggressively
addressed.
While soliciting the support of the lawmakers, the
President-elect said, “The legislature is a critical
component and necessary ingredient of
democracy and good governance. The legislature
by nature is inherently democratic in the sense
that all members are equal and are elected
representatives of the Nigerian people.
“As President-elect, I recognize this fact and
believe that legislators carry this heavy burden of
representation with all the seriousness it
deserves.
“For a president to be successful in addressing
community development and general welfare of
the various people of the country, he or she
would benefit from working closely and in
harmony with the legislative arm of government.
“I therefore commit myself to working with the
legislature as development partners motivated by
the desire to deliver good governance”.
He commended President Goodluck Jonathan for
the role he played in the sustenance of
democratic institution by accepting election result,
saying that Nigeria was in the threshold of
history.
Bemoaning high cost of governance, he said,
“First and foremost, appropriate policies need to
be put in place and such policies may have to be
translated into laws.
“Secondly, the oversight functions of the
legislature is critical in ensuring that policies are
implemented effectively and transparently.
Therefore, my mission to bring integrity into
governance would better succeed if
complemented with a strong culture of
transparent oversight.
“We need to collaborate on the budget process
and restructuring of the public sector so as to
collectively tackle the menace of high recurrent
cost at the expense of capital and human
development.”
“There is an urgent need to contain this high state
of insecurity. All of you are representing various
communities. We need to work together to
address the problem from both its roots and
manifestations.
“The strongest mitigating forces at this point are
to redress the power sector deficits, encourage
investments that are job creating and focus on
human development and reconstruction. We also
need to deploy efforts in conflict resolution and
peace building in all our communities.
“I am here today, to invite you to work with the
executive as partners in progress, as champions
of good governance and development and as
warriors for change. Together, we can make this
nation great and as a role model in Africa and
other emerging economies and democracies.”
President of the Senate and Chairman of the
National Assembly, David Mark, who ushered in
the President-elect into the International
Conference Centre, in company of other leaders
of the National Assembly, described the visit as
historic.
Noting that it was the first time a President-elect
was considering it worthwhile to address a joint
session of the National Assembly, Mark agreed it
was a historic meeting in the journey of
democracy.
For the Speaker, House of Representative and
Governor-elect, Sokoto State, Honourable Aminu
W. Tambuwal, Buhari has extended a hand of
fellowship to the legislature by his personal visit.
Tambuwal however expressed hope that his
colleagues would reciprocate Buhari’s gesture by
also extending a sincere hand of fellowship to the
President-elect when his government fully takes
over.
Muhammadu Buhari yesterday painted a gloomy
picture in the economic development of his
administration as he said that the decline in the
revenues due to fall in oil prices poses a great
threat to his administration’s development
agenda.
GBuhari-oilen. Buhari who visited the newly
elected Senators and House of Representatives
members who are undergoing induction course
in preparation for the 8th National Assembly in
Abuja also said that the decline in revenue would
affect the reconstruction of devastated areas in
the country as a result of insurgency.
He reminded the elected members of the 8th
assembly of the challenges the nation had been
facing which he also said would continue in the
near future.
The challenges according to him include general
insecurity and insurgency that has caused
extreme human hardship and destruction of lives,
livelihoods that would take over a decade to
rebuild across most of North Eastern Nigeria and
some parts of North western Nigeria.
Another threat to his administration according to
him was the devastation and environmental
degradation in the Niger Delta area which he said
must be attended to.
Others include, “endemic corruption which has
crippled human and infrastructure development
for decades. Unacceptably poor provision of
power supply which has had a crippling effect on
development of small businesses and indeed the
wider economy.
“Deindustrialization for the past three decades
leading to closure of many industries and
migration of many to other African countries.
Unacceptably high levels of unemployment and
especially Youth Unemployment reaching over
40 per cent.”
Besides, Gen. Buhari mentioned high cost of
governance that has been crowding out the
nation’s capital and human development, erosion
of public social services such as infrastructure,
health and education as well as lack of
development in the agricultural and solid mineral
sectors as areas that should be aggressively
addressed.
While soliciting the support of the lawmakers, the
President-elect said, “The legislature is a critical
component and necessary ingredient of
democracy and good governance. The legislature
by nature is inherently democratic in the sense
that all members are equal and are elected
representatives of the Nigerian people.
“As President-elect, I recognize this fact and
believe that legislators carry this heavy burden of
representation with all the seriousness it
deserves.
“For a president to be successful in addressing
community development and general welfare of
the various people of the country, he or she
would benefit from working closely and in
harmony with the legislative arm of government.
“I therefore commit myself to working with the
legislature as development partners motivated by
the desire to deliver good governance”.
He commended President Goodluck Jonathan for
the role he played in the sustenance of
democratic institution by accepting election result,
saying that Nigeria was in the threshold of
history.
Bemoaning high cost of governance, he said,
“First and foremost, appropriate policies need to
be put in place and such policies may have to be
translated into laws.
“Secondly, the oversight functions of the
legislature is critical in ensuring that policies are
implemented effectively and transparently.
Therefore, my mission to bring integrity into
governance would better succeed if
complemented with a strong culture of
transparent oversight.
“We need to collaborate on the budget process
and restructuring of the public sector so as to
collectively tackle the menace of high recurrent
cost at the expense of capital and human
development.”
“There is an urgent need to contain this high state
of insecurity. All of you are representing various
communities. We need to work together to
address the problem from both its roots and
manifestations.
“The strongest mitigating forces at this point are
to redress the power sector deficits, encourage
investments that are job creating and focus on
human development and reconstruction. We also
need to deploy efforts in conflict resolution and
peace building in all our communities.
“I am here today, to invite you to work with the
executive as partners in progress, as champions
of good governance and development and as
warriors for change. Together, we can make this
nation great and as a role model in Africa and
other emerging economies and democracies.”
President of the Senate and Chairman of the
National Assembly, David Mark, who ushered in
the President-elect into the International
Conference Centre, in company of other leaders
of the National Assembly, described the visit as
historic.
Noting that it was the first time a President-elect
was considering it worthwhile to address a joint
session of the National Assembly, Mark agreed it
was a historic meeting in the journey of
democracy.
For the Speaker, House of Representative and
Governor-elect, Sokoto State, Honourable Aminu
W. Tambuwal, Buhari has extended a hand of
fellowship to the legislature by his personal visit.
Tambuwal however expressed hope that his
colleagues would reciprocate Buhari’s gesture by
also extending a sincere hand of fellowship to the
President-elect when his government fully takes
over.
Senate Presidency- Akume, Tinubu Meet In Lagos
One of the top contenders for the Senate
presidency, Senator George Akume, and the
national leader of the All Progressives Congress,
Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday met at the
Lagos home of Tinubu.
Our correspondent learnt that at the meeting
which took place around 3pm, Tinubu told
Akume to shelve his ambition and support
Senator Ahmed Lawan, who represents Yobe-
North senatorial district in the 8th Senate.
The battle for the Senate presidency was between
the North-East and the North-Central. Akume,
who is currently the Senate Minority Leader,
represents Benue-North senatorial district in the
Senate.
Senator Bukola Saraki, who represents Kwara-
Central senatorial district in the North-Central
geopolitical zone, had also openly expressed his
intention to contest the number three seat in the
country.
However, it was learnt that the leadership of the
APC finally decided to zone the Senate presidency
to the North-East following ‘fresh developments’.
A reliable source in the APC told our
correspondent that Lawan had already been
backed by the current Senate President, David
Mark, and other members of the Peoples
Democratic Party.
He said, “Tinubu explained to Akume that Lawan
and Senator Mark are very close and already,
some members of the PDP support him. Lawan
has a good track record in the Senate and has
been backed by almost all the senators in the
North-East who feel the zone has been seriously
marginalised.
“The catch there is that if the APC members in the
Senate do not support Lawan and he wins the
Senate presidency with bloc votes from the PDP
and his friends in the North-East, he will be loyal
to the PDP and may sideline us just as the
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu
Tambuwal, attributed his victory to the APC back
in 2011 even though he was a member of the
PDP.
“Mark will definitely do everything possible to
ensure that Akume does not emerge Senate
President if we pick Akume because they are not
on good terms. Tinubu told Akume that he
sacrificed his presidential ambition for the sake of
the party.
“Tinubu, therefore, urged Akume to settle for the
Deputy Senate presidency or Senate Majority
Leader.”
The 8th Senate will have 60 APC members while
the PDP will have 48. The number of senators in
the North-East is 18.
The source said Akume was also asked to step
down because the North-Central, where he hails
from, had been holding the Senate presidency
since 2007 while the North-East had never
presided over the upper chamber of the National
Assembly since independence.
He added that giving the North-East the seat
would also be a way of rewarding them for
giving the APC the second highest number of
votes during the presidential election.
He said, “The current Senate president is from
Benue State and has been in charge for eight
years. Would it be fair to also handover the
Senate presidency to another person from
Benue?
“The President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, got
more than 2.5 million votes from the North-East
and this should be rewarded.”
It was learnt that Lawan, who just won a third
term in office, had already been accepted by
those close to the President-elect because he was
among those who led Buhari’s presidential
campaign in the then All Nigeria Peoples Party in
2007 in Yobe State.
The source told our correspondent that a
committee comprising Tinubu’s wife, Senator
Oluremi Tinubu; Senator Babafemi Ojudu,
Senator Gbenga Ashafa and Senator Ajayi
Boroffice had been set up to meet with the
aggrieved parties.
presidency, Senator George Akume, and the
national leader of the All Progressives Congress,
Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday met at the
Lagos home of Tinubu.
Our correspondent learnt that at the meeting
which took place around 3pm, Tinubu told
Akume to shelve his ambition and support
Senator Ahmed Lawan, who represents Yobe-
North senatorial district in the 8th Senate.
The battle for the Senate presidency was between
the North-East and the North-Central. Akume,
who is currently the Senate Minority Leader,
represents Benue-North senatorial district in the
Senate.
Senator Bukola Saraki, who represents Kwara-
Central senatorial district in the North-Central
geopolitical zone, had also openly expressed his
intention to contest the number three seat in the
country.
However, it was learnt that the leadership of the
APC finally decided to zone the Senate presidency
to the North-East following ‘fresh developments’.
A reliable source in the APC told our
correspondent that Lawan had already been
backed by the current Senate President, David
Mark, and other members of the Peoples
Democratic Party.
He said, “Tinubu explained to Akume that Lawan
and Senator Mark are very close and already,
some members of the PDP support him. Lawan
has a good track record in the Senate and has
been backed by almost all the senators in the
North-East who feel the zone has been seriously
marginalised.
“The catch there is that if the APC members in the
Senate do not support Lawan and he wins the
Senate presidency with bloc votes from the PDP
and his friends in the North-East, he will be loyal
to the PDP and may sideline us just as the
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu
Tambuwal, attributed his victory to the APC back
in 2011 even though he was a member of the
PDP.
“Mark will definitely do everything possible to
ensure that Akume does not emerge Senate
President if we pick Akume because they are not
on good terms. Tinubu told Akume that he
sacrificed his presidential ambition for the sake of
the party.
“Tinubu, therefore, urged Akume to settle for the
Deputy Senate presidency or Senate Majority
Leader.”
The 8th Senate will have 60 APC members while
the PDP will have 48. The number of senators in
the North-East is 18.
The source said Akume was also asked to step
down because the North-Central, where he hails
from, had been holding the Senate presidency
since 2007 while the North-East had never
presided over the upper chamber of the National
Assembly since independence.
He added that giving the North-East the seat
would also be a way of rewarding them for
giving the APC the second highest number of
votes during the presidential election.
He said, “The current Senate president is from
Benue State and has been in charge for eight
years. Would it be fair to also handover the
Senate presidency to another person from
Benue?
“The President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, got
more than 2.5 million votes from the North-East
and this should be rewarded.”
It was learnt that Lawan, who just won a third
term in office, had already been accepted by
those close to the President-elect because he was
among those who led Buhari’s presidential
campaign in the then All Nigeria Peoples Party in
2007 in Yobe State.
The source told our correspondent that a
committee comprising Tinubu’s wife, Senator
Oluremi Tinubu; Senator Babafemi Ojudu,
Senator Gbenga Ashafa and Senator Ajayi
Boroffice had been set up to meet with the
aggrieved parties.
Wednesday, 29 April 2015
Olamide Baddo set to Represent West Africa At AUC-AFRIMA Conference In Ethiopia
Talented rapper, Adedeji Olamide Baddo will be representing West Africa at the joint conference of the African Union, AU, and All Africa Music Award, AFRIMA…
Continue below after the cut
Holding on April 29, 2015 at the African Union Commission headquarters, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The theme of the conference is: “Using Music, Culture and Entertainment as tools for a new Africa” and Olamide will be a speaker. The conference will also feature the official unveiling of the 2015 AFRIMA calendar.
Okada Riders Raze Students Hostel In Gwagwalada
Commercial motorcycle operators, popularly called Okada drivers, yesterday, razed students’ quarters, Zion hostel, behind NITEL office in Gwagwalada area council following a disagreement between the students and an operator.
Speaking to LEADERSHIP, an eye witness, Innocent Oguejiofor, a final year student of the University of Abuja (Unibuja), said a student staying in the hostel had a minor disagreement with an okada operator over change, saying the bike man went back and called his friend to set their hostel on fire.
He said: “An okada man brought back one of our hostel inmate from the junction and he gave the operator N1000, only for him to say he didn’t have change. So, after a minor standoff between our friend and the operator he borrowed N100 to pay the man.
“He left and came back later with other bike operators to attack us; the police came and arrested some of our friends and the bike men. When they left another set of bike men came and started destroying rooms in the hostel and set them ablaze.”
Oguejifor said the operators fled when the students rushed to inform army men stationed at the checkpoint, close to the junction, of the attack.
Another eyewitness, who didn’t want her name in print, said she was very lucky to have removed her belongings before they razed the house.
Army spokesman says 200 girls rescued today are not Chibok girls?
The army Tweeted this evening that they can’t confirm if Chibok girls were among the 200 girls they rescued from Sambisa forest today, that they will know after they screen and profile the rescued girls. But now Reuters, AP and Al-Jazeera are reporting that an Army Spokesperson has confirmed Chibok girls are not among the 293 girls and women rescued today.
Army spokesman Col. Sani Usman told The Associated Press that troops destroyed and cleared four militant camps and rescued 200 abducted girls and 93 women “but they are not the Chibok girls.” (Let’s wait for official confirmation from Army Spokesperson, Olukolade)
London Based Petrol Station Owner Kidnapped In Elemoro Lagos Rescued, Kidnapper Killed
A London based business mogul who recently invested in Nigeria’s oil sector was kidnapped last week while inspecting her new petrol station at Elemoro area of Ibeju Lekki Lagos.
60-year-old Kuburat Adeboye was taken to an unknown location by her kidnappers who later demanded a N50 million ransom but after negotiation, the amount was reduced to N3 million.
The kidnappers were caught by SARS while trying to
collect the ransom in Epe.
The kidnappers, who were not aware that some
undercover policemen were trailing them came to
collect the ransom and one of them who wanted to
collect it, was shot and killed by the police. The police arrested the suspect who managed to take them to a bush between Epe and Ijebu-Ode where the gang kept the old woman.
Jonathan, Sambo, Others To Get 3.24bn Severance Pay
Anne Njemanze, Domitila’s Marriage Crashed Over
Sex Starvation, Segun Arinze’s Ex-Wife Beaten,
Injured By Husband
>
When Segun Arinze’s ex wife, Anne Njemanze got
married to a younger lover, Silver Ojieson back in 2012, it was a dream come true but sadly the marriage didn’t last up to five years.
According to Nollywood insiders, Anne Njemanze gave up on the marriage after enduring over a year of constant beating that left her battered.
Another source who lives close to the couple says Mr
Ojieson is always complaining about his wife’s lack of
attention in bed.
The source said this went on for a while before the
marriage problem started proper around Mid-December 2014 when the young man couldn’t handle the sex starvation any longer so he left and later resurfaced in Mid January after Anne had gone around asking people to help find her missing husband.
A few years ago, not long after her marriage to actor,
Segun Arinze crashed, she was involved in an accident in Calabar, Cross River State. That incident almost removed this Owerri , Imo State-born actress from the big picture.
For years, she remained on clutches after the accident that crushed her hips.
Tuesday, 28 April 2015
'Tinubu Was Never Arrested Nor Convicted Of Any Crime In Usa
Nigeria: US Clears Governor Tinubu of Criminal Deals By Citizen Confidential
Lagos — THE United States of America (USA) has cleared Governor Bola Tinubu of Lagos State of involvement in any criminal activity in that country or its territory.
The US Consulate in Lagos in a February 4, 2003 letter to the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Tafa Balogun said there was nothing in the records of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) indicating that Gov. Tinubu had, at any time in the past, been arrested or wanted for crime in the US.
The letter signed by the Legal Attache in the Consulate, Michael H. Bonner reads: “Our sincerest greetings to you and all of the law enforcement personnel in the Nigeria Police Force, whose continued assistance is very much appreciated.
In relation to your letter, dated February 3, 2003, reference number SR. 3000/IGPSEC/ABJ/VOL. 24/287, regarding Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a records check of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) National Crime Information Centre (NCIC) was conducted.
“The results of the checks were negative for any criminal arrest records, wants, or warrants for Bola Ahmed Tinubu (DOB 29 March 1952).
For information of your department, NCIC is a very centralised information centre that maintains the records of every criminal arrest and conviction within the United States and its territories
Kebbi Assembly Members Impeach Speaker And Deputy Speaker
12 members of Kebbi State House of Assembly on Tuesday during the House sitting presided over by member Abubakar Sabo who served as temporary speaker, impeached the Speaker, Hon. Hassan Shalla.
The members have also elected Aminu Musa Habib Jega and Hon. Garba Bena as Speaker and deputy Speaker respectively.
The members during their sitting, accused the impeached speaker( Hassan Shalla) of breach of trust and misappropriating constituency allowances approved by the governor for the 24 House members.
The motion for the impeachment was moved by Hon. Aminu Musa Gumbi from Yauri constituency and seconded by Hon. Aliyu Mohammed Mutubare.
No Provision For Fuel Subsidy In 2015
The senate on Tuesday approved the 2015 budget of N4.493 trillion, which is less than the 2014 budget of N4.695 trillion by about N200 billion.
A copy of the 2015 budget seen by TheCable showed that there was no provision for fuel subsidy in it. However, 21 billion was budgeted for the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P).
This may mean an end to the controversial subsidy on petrol, and may also mean that government will be unable to pay oil marketers who may want to stop importing fuel, thereby causing scarcity of the product in the country. According to senator who would not want to be quoted, the government did not make provision for fuel subsidy in the 2015 budget, hence the national assembly passed the 4.4 trillion budget without considering it.
Speaking to journalists at the national assembly complex on Tuesday, Ahmed Maccido, chairman senate committee on appropriation and finance, said it was left for President Jonathan to sign the budget into law and start implementing until May 29.
“If the president can assent to the budget he can start implementing until May 29,” he said.
He also said the government was capable of financing the budget as measures had been taken to plug leakages.
The figure approved by the senate is higher than the N4.3 trillion initially presented by the federal government in December 2014 through Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, to the national assembly.
A breakdown shows that the presidential amnesty programme will gulp N63.2 billion, while N23.6 billion will go to 30, 000 Niger Delta ex–militants, N5.5 billion to operational cost, and N34.1 billion to reintegration of transformed ex-militants.
It allocates N375 billion for statutory transfers, N953 billion for debt service, N2.607 trillion for recurrent (non-debt) expenditure, and N556 billion (inclusive of N144 billion capital expenditure in statutory transfers) for “contribution to the development fund for capital expenditure for the year ending on December 31, 2015″.
According to Ahmed Maccido, chairman of the joint committee on appropriations and finance, the oil benchmark for 2015 budget was pegged at $53 per barrel while the foreign exchange rate was put at N190 to $1.
He urged the senate to approve the budget, having given it a thorough perusal.
Last week, the federal house of representatives passed the 2015 budget with a similar breakdown.
In the recurrent expenditure, the presidency will receive N20 billion, office of the secretary to the government of federation will receive N48 billion, while defence (ministry of defence, army, air force, navy) will receive N338 billion.
Also in the recurrent budget, ministries of foreign affairs, finance, health and education will receive, N41 billion, N12 billion, N237 billion and N392 billion, respectively.
Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDA) National Population Commission, Federal Civil service Commission, Federal Character Commission and Police Service Commission will receive N5 billion, N1 billion, N2 billion and N740 million, respectively.
Regarding capital expenditure, the presidency will receive N4 billion, office of the secretary to the government will receive N9 billion, while defence (ministry of defence/army/air force, navy) will receive N36 billion.
The budget also shows that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will receive N13 billion, while entitlements of former presidents, heads of state, vice presidents and chiefs of general staff will gulp N2.3 billion.
Buhari Gets G-7 Invitation For Berlin
The German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, has invited the President- elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, to the forthcoming Group of Seven industrialized nations of the world (G-7) summit in Berlin.
The invitation to the summit slated for May 8 and 9 in the German capital was delivered to Buhari by the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Zenner, at the Defence House, Abuja, on Tuesday.
The G-7 nations are Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, and the United States.
Merkel is the head of the G-7 group.
The Ambassador, however, did not elaborate on the details of the letter, but told journalists after holding a closed- door meeting with the President- elect that he came to congratulate him (Buhari) on his election and handed over to him the letter from the German Chancellor, inviting him to the G7 summit.
“We have a very deep and intense relation with Nigeria and there are several areas where we can deepen our relation and develop them further such as in the area of economy and energy among others.
“We have a bi- national commission with Nigeria and we are one of the countries with which Nigeria has this bi-national commission and it covers the whole range of political, economic and security areas. There are many areas in which we can move further and deepen our very close cooperation,” the envoy stated.
The French Ambassador to Nigeria, Denys Gauer, who was also at the Defence House, said the French government was ready to collaborate with the Nigerian government to end terrorism in the country in particular and the sub-region in general.
He told journalists after his meeting with Buhari that “As the French Ambassador, I came to congratulate the President- elect for his brilliant achievement. His election is an enormous achievement for Nigeria and the democratic development of Nigeria. The people of Nigeria had expressed their confidence in the President- elect. The challenges of Nigeria are enormous and I have come to wish him success.
“We also held a small talk about our bilateral relations. As you know, our relationship has developed quite well in recent years. In the economic field, Nigeria is already the first commercial partners of France in Africa.”
Monday, 27 April 2015
Scotland’s Kim Little is among the nominees for
the first ever BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year
award, with the shortlist announced on the BBC
World Service on Sunday.
Little scored 17 goals in 25 games for Seattle
Reign as they won the National Women’s Soccer
League in 2014, and was named the league’s Most
Valuable Player. The 24-year-old previously
enjoyed success with Arsenal and Hibernian,
winning 13 trophies in Britain before signing for
Seattle.
“Considering the competitiveness and the amount
of great players there are worldwide, it’s
extremely nice to be recognised,” Little said of her
nomination.
Little is joined on the global shortlist by
Liverpool’s Nigerian forward Asisat Oshoala.
Oshoala, who joined the Reds in January 2015,
was named the best player of the 2014 Under-20
World Cup, and was also top scorer as Nigeria
reached the final.
“I worked hard last year but I am surprised to be
nominated and I feel very appreciated,” said
Oshoala.
“This award is a very good thing for women’s
football,” Oshoala continued.
“It can really help us by encouraging other
countries to support their ladies more and treat
them the same way they treat the men.”
The shortlist is completed by Spain’s Verónica
Boquete, Germany’s Nadine Kessler and Brazilian
legend Marta, who joined Oshoala in highlighting
the award as a sign that the women’s game is
growing globally.
“When I was younger I had to overcome many
things: I was the only girl and I used to have to
play with the boys. It was complicated and
difficult. It’s better today – the girls don’t have the
same difficulties being accepted,” Marta said.
Mary Hockaday, controller of the BBC World
Service English said: “The five shortlisted players
represent an incredible array of talent and show
the growing strength of the women’s game. The
vote is now open to fans to choose their favourite
player.”
Fans can vote online and using their mobile
phone or handheld device, at bbc.com/
womensfootball.
The vote will close on Monday 11th May at 10am,
with the winner revealed on the BBC World
Service on 26th May. The shortlist was selected
by a panel of experts including administrators,
journalists, coaches and former players.
BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year
shortlist
Verónica Boquete (Spain and FFC Frankfurt)
Nadine Kessler (Germany and VFL Wolfsburg)
Kim Little (Scotland and Seattle Reign FC)
Marta (Brazil and FC Rosengard)
Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria and Liverpool)
the first ever BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year
award, with the shortlist announced on the BBC
World Service on Sunday.
Little scored 17 goals in 25 games for Seattle
Reign as they won the National Women’s Soccer
League in 2014, and was named the league’s Most
Valuable Player. The 24-year-old previously
enjoyed success with Arsenal and Hibernian,
winning 13 trophies in Britain before signing for
Seattle.
“Considering the competitiveness and the amount
of great players there are worldwide, it’s
extremely nice to be recognised,” Little said of her
nomination.
Little is joined on the global shortlist by
Liverpool’s Nigerian forward Asisat Oshoala.
Oshoala, who joined the Reds in January 2015,
was named the best player of the 2014 Under-20
World Cup, and was also top scorer as Nigeria
reached the final.
“I worked hard last year but I am surprised to be
nominated and I feel very appreciated,” said
Oshoala.
“This award is a very good thing for women’s
football,” Oshoala continued.
“It can really help us by encouraging other
countries to support their ladies more and treat
them the same way they treat the men.”
The shortlist is completed by Spain’s Verónica
Boquete, Germany’s Nadine Kessler and Brazilian
legend Marta, who joined Oshoala in highlighting
the award as a sign that the women’s game is
growing globally.
“When I was younger I had to overcome many
things: I was the only girl and I used to have to
play with the boys. It was complicated and
difficult. It’s better today – the girls don’t have the
same difficulties being accepted,” Marta said.
Mary Hockaday, controller of the BBC World
Service English said: “The five shortlisted players
represent an incredible array of talent and show
the growing strength of the women’s game. The
vote is now open to fans to choose their favourite
player.”
Fans can vote online and using their mobile
phone or handheld device, at bbc.com/
womensfootball.
The vote will close on Monday 11th May at 10am,
with the winner revealed on the BBC World
Service on 26th May. The shortlist was selected
by a panel of experts including administrators,
journalists, coaches and former players.
BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year
shortlist
Verónica Boquete (Spain and FFC Frankfurt)
Nadine Kessler (Germany and VFL Wolfsburg)
Kim Little (Scotland and Seattle Reign FC)
Marta (Brazil and FC Rosengard)
Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria and Liverpool)
APC Warns Against Last-minute Looting, THE PUNCH.
The All Progressives Congress has decried the
reported allegations of last-minute looting of the
nation’s resources, hurried recruitment into the
public service and rushed privatisation of key
financial institutions by the Goodluck Jonathan
administration.
It warned on Sunday that such “egregious
actions”
would have serious repercussions.
In a statement in Lagos by its National Publicity
Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said
apart
from the instances of such cases that had been
reported by the local media, it had been
inundated
with calls and messages by concerned Nigerians,
alerting it to the unscrupulous actions of some
Jonathan’s administration officials.
APC said while the Jonathan administration
remains
in office till midnight of May 28, and governance
in
the country would not stop because a new
President
had been elected, it was incumbent upon the
outgoing administration not to create more
problems
for the incoming government, or to “tie the new
government’s hands” through suspicious actions.
The party explained that while it is true that the
incoming Muhammadu Buhari administration
would
not get itself bogged down by an endless probe
of the
activities of the Jonathan administration, all actions
taken since the result of the March 28 presidential
election was announced, might come under the
searchlight.
It added, ”For example, the National Council on
Privatisation, which is headed by the Vice
President,
has just approved the financial bid opening for
transaction advisers for the privatisation of the
three
Development Finance Institutions in the country –
the
Bank of Agriculture, Bank of Industry and Nigeria
Commodity Exchange.
“The question is: What is the rationale for rushing
this exercise with just weeks left for this
administration?
”Also, there have been reports, yet to be refuted,
of a
planned, hurried recruitment into the Nigeria
Immigration Service, after a previous attempt
ended
in a national tragedy and the fleecing of innocent
job
seekers by the mindless Federal Government
officials. Apart from the fact that this last-minute
recruitment is suspect, it is irregular.
”The Civil Defence, Fire, Immigration and Prisons
Services Board is only empowered to recruit,
promote and discipline only senior officers (Levels
8
and above). The power to recruit, promote and
discipline junior officers is vested in the different
services, in this case, the Nigeria Immigration
Service.
”Therefore, the recruitment exercise now being
conducted by the Federal Civil Service, under the
auspices of the Presidential Committee to Assist
on
Immigration Recruitment, usurps the functions of
the
Board as it relates to recruitment of Senior
Officers
(Level 08) and that of the Immigration Service as
it
relates to Junior Officers (levels 07 and below).”
reported allegations of last-minute looting of the
nation’s resources, hurried recruitment into the
public service and rushed privatisation of key
financial institutions by the Goodluck Jonathan
administration.
It warned on Sunday that such “egregious
actions”
would have serious repercussions.
In a statement in Lagos by its National Publicity
Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said
apart
from the instances of such cases that had been
reported by the local media, it had been
inundated
with calls and messages by concerned Nigerians,
alerting it to the unscrupulous actions of some
Jonathan’s administration officials.
APC said while the Jonathan administration
remains
in office till midnight of May 28, and governance
in
the country would not stop because a new
President
had been elected, it was incumbent upon the
outgoing administration not to create more
problems
for the incoming government, or to “tie the new
government’s hands” through suspicious actions.
The party explained that while it is true that the
incoming Muhammadu Buhari administration
would
not get itself bogged down by an endless probe
of the
activities of the Jonathan administration, all actions
taken since the result of the March 28 presidential
election was announced, might come under the
searchlight.
It added, ”For example, the National Council on
Privatisation, which is headed by the Vice
President,
has just approved the financial bid opening for
transaction advisers for the privatisation of the
three
Development Finance Institutions in the country –
the
Bank of Agriculture, Bank of Industry and Nigeria
Commodity Exchange.
“The question is: What is the rationale for rushing
this exercise with just weeks left for this
administration?
”Also, there have been reports, yet to be refuted,
of a
planned, hurried recruitment into the Nigeria
Immigration Service, after a previous attempt
ended
in a national tragedy and the fleecing of innocent
job
seekers by the mindless Federal Government
officials. Apart from the fact that this last-minute
recruitment is suspect, it is irregular.
”The Civil Defence, Fire, Immigration and Prisons
Services Board is only empowered to recruit,
promote and discipline only senior officers (Levels
8
and above). The power to recruit, promote and
discipline junior officers is vested in the different
services, in this case, the Nigeria Immigration
Service.
”Therefore, the recruitment exercise now being
conducted by the Federal Civil Service, under the
auspices of the Presidential Committee to Assist
on
Immigration Recruitment, usurps the functions of
the
Board as it relates to recruitment of Senior
Officers
(Level 08) and that of the Immigration Service as
it
relates to Junior Officers (levels 07 and below).”
I Will Probe Sanusi’s Allegation Of Missing $ 20bn – Says Buhari
President-elect, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari
(retd.), on Sunday said his administration would
take a second look at the claim by a former
Governor of the Central Bank, now Emir of Kano,
Muhammad Sanusi II, that $20bn, that was
supposed to be remitted by the NNPC to the
federation account, could not be unaccounted.
Buhari said this while receiving a delegation of
party supporters and newly elected officials on
the platform of the All Progressives Congress
from Adamawa State at his campaign office in
Abuja.
The President-Elect, who spoke in the local Hausa
language, expressed surprise that instead of
probing the allegations by the former CBN
governor, the authorities chose to fire him.
According to him, since Sanusi’s claim was
documented, his administration will take a second
look at the document when he assumes power
on May 29th.
Buhari said, “On the issue of corruption, I heard
that some people have started returning money. I
will not believe it until I go and see for myself.
“You all know what the Emir of Kano talked about
when he was the governor of the Central Bank of
Nigeria. He said $20 billion dollars, not naira, $20
billion dollars, was unaccounted for; they said it
was a lie. Instead of investigating it, they sacked
him. And God in his infinite mercy made him the
Emir of Kano. In any case, that is what he
wanted. And since this was documented, the
new administration will take a look at it.”
This is against the background of a
pronouncement by the Minister of Petroleum
Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, that the
Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation has
started refunding the unremitted $1.48bn into the
federation account.
While expressing gratitude to the visiting
delegation, Buhari in response to several
requests, said his administration would work in
tandem with the manifesto of the APC.
He listed priority areas to include security of lives
and property, the economy, job creation and the
war against corruption.
(retd.), on Sunday said his administration would
take a second look at the claim by a former
Governor of the Central Bank, now Emir of Kano,
Muhammad Sanusi II, that $20bn, that was
supposed to be remitted by the NNPC to the
federation account, could not be unaccounted.
Buhari said this while receiving a delegation of
party supporters and newly elected officials on
the platform of the All Progressives Congress
from Adamawa State at his campaign office in
Abuja.
The President-Elect, who spoke in the local Hausa
language, expressed surprise that instead of
probing the allegations by the former CBN
governor, the authorities chose to fire him.
According to him, since Sanusi’s claim was
documented, his administration will take a second
look at the document when he assumes power
on May 29th.
Buhari said, “On the issue of corruption, I heard
that some people have started returning money. I
will not believe it until I go and see for myself.
“You all know what the Emir of Kano talked about
when he was the governor of the Central Bank of
Nigeria. He said $20 billion dollars, not naira, $20
billion dollars, was unaccounted for; they said it
was a lie. Instead of investigating it, they sacked
him. And God in his infinite mercy made him the
Emir of Kano. In any case, that is what he
wanted. And since this was documented, the
new administration will take a look at it.”
This is against the background of a
pronouncement by the Minister of Petroleum
Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, that the
Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation has
started refunding the unremitted $1.48bn into the
federation account.
While expressing gratitude to the visiting
delegation, Buhari in response to several
requests, said his administration would work in
tandem with the manifesto of the APC.
He listed priority areas to include security of lives
and property, the economy, job creation and the
war against corruption.
Fulani Gunmen Kill 30 In Benue, Nasarawa
Suspected Fulani gunmen on Saturday
evening and Sunday morning attacked and
killed 30 persons, mostly women and
children, in Guma, Kwande, Buruku and
Keana Local Government Areas of Benue
and Nasarawa states.
The PUNCH gathered that the villages
attacked in Guma LGA are Tse-Uosu, Tse-
Gbudu Taraka and Branch Umenger in
Mbadwem council.
In Keana, the invaders attacked Iornungun
while in Kwande, the gunmen invaded Jato/
Aka and environs just as many residents of
Mbatie, Mbatsease and Mbaatungu Aji, all in
Buruku LGA, were displaced by the armed
herdsmen.
It was further gathered that apart from
those killed, several others sustained
varying degrees of injuries.
A fleeing native from Guma, identified as
Suunen, told our correspondent that the
gunmen stormed the communities while
they were resting after the day’s work and
started shooting sporadically at innocent
and defenceless people of the area.
Suunen added that residents of
neighbouring communities had fled their
villages over fears that the suspected Fulani
militias might attack their communities.
Another victim, Terungwa, said his mother
narrowly escaped death from Mbatie and
now taking refuge in Yandev, Gboko LGA.
The Commissioner of Police, Hyacinth
Dagala, confirmed the attack and said eight
corpses had been recovered.
He noted that the command had intensified
surveillance just as additional security had
been provided to stop the attacks from
escalating.
evening and Sunday morning attacked and
killed 30 persons, mostly women and
children, in Guma, Kwande, Buruku and
Keana Local Government Areas of Benue
and Nasarawa states.
The PUNCH gathered that the villages
attacked in Guma LGA are Tse-Uosu, Tse-
Gbudu Taraka and Branch Umenger in
Mbadwem council.
In Keana, the invaders attacked Iornungun
while in Kwande, the gunmen invaded Jato/
Aka and environs just as many residents of
Mbatie, Mbatsease and Mbaatungu Aji, all in
Buruku LGA, were displaced by the armed
herdsmen.
It was further gathered that apart from
those killed, several others sustained
varying degrees of injuries.
A fleeing native from Guma, identified as
Suunen, told our correspondent that the
gunmen stormed the communities while
they were resting after the day’s work and
started shooting sporadically at innocent
and defenceless people of the area.
Suunen added that residents of
neighbouring communities had fled their
villages over fears that the suspected Fulani
militias might attack their communities.
Another victim, Terungwa, said his mother
narrowly escaped death from Mbatie and
now taking refuge in Yandev, Gboko LGA.
The Commissioner of Police, Hyacinth
Dagala, confirmed the attack and said eight
corpses had been recovered.
He noted that the command had intensified
surveillance just as additional security had
been provided to stop the attacks from
escalating.
Buhari's Victory, Not A Popular Mandate - Northern Statesman
Without minding that he hailed from the same
region with the president-elect, Balarabe Musa, an
elder statesman has said Buhari's victory in the
March 28 presidential polls does not reflect the
wish of the generality of Nigerians. He said an
election won on a shortfall of 42 million registered
voters isn't a reflection of the true will of the
people. Only 28 million of the total 70 million
registered voters took active participation in the
election.
The national chairman of the de-registered
Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), said, Buhari has
a mandate but not popular, he therefore wants
the president-elect to form a government which
will comprise all political parties. The former
governor of old Kaduna state said, the only
fortunate thing about the just concluded polls is
that Nigeria is not divided despite anxieties before
the elections.
PS: This article is a summarized version of the
original news
region with the president-elect, Balarabe Musa, an
elder statesman has said Buhari's victory in the
March 28 presidential polls does not reflect the
wish of the generality of Nigerians. He said an
election won on a shortfall of 42 million registered
voters isn't a reflection of the true will of the
people. Only 28 million of the total 70 million
registered voters took active participation in the
election.
The national chairman of the de-registered
Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), said, Buhari has
a mandate but not popular, he therefore wants
the president-elect to form a government which
will comprise all political parties. The former
governor of old Kaduna state said, the only
fortunate thing about the just concluded polls is
that Nigeria is not divided despite anxieties before
the elections.
PS: This article is a summarized version of the
original news
Sunday, 26 April 2015
Xenophobia: South Africa Condemns Nigeria's Decision To Recall Its Ambassador
South Africa has condemned Nigeria's
decision to recall its ambassador over a
spate of attacks against foreigners.
It called the step "unfortunate and
regrettable" and said it "would be curious
for a sisterly country to want to exploit such
a painful episode".
At least seven people have died over a
month of attacks on foreigners and foreign-
owned property in South Africa.
Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini has been
blamed for sparking the attacks with
comments about foreign workers.
Soldiers were deployed to flashpoints last
week to prevent more violence.
Some blamed the attacks - which centred
on Durban and Johannesburg - on
unemployment and poor political
leadership.
Thousands were displaced, with many
Zimbabweans, Mozambicans, Malawians
and others returning home and others
taking refuge in temporary government-
operated shelters.
'Ongoing xenophobia'
Some governments complained that South
Africa was failing to do enough to protect
foreign nationals, though it now insists it
has quelled the violence.
Nigeria has summoned Acting High
Commissioner Martin Cobham along with
Deputy High Commissioner Uche Ajulu-
Okeke. "for consultation" over the "ongoing
xenophobia", Minister of Foreign Affairs
Aminu Wali said in a statement carried by
media on Saturday.
The statement acknowledges that South
African President Jacob Zuma has
condemned the attacks.
In its response, South Africa's Department
of International Relations and Co-operation
points out that "a government resorts to
such an extraordinary diplomatic step to
express outrage at actions or behaviour of
another government.
The statement says South Africa has not
blamed Nigeria "for the deaths and more
than nine (9) months delay in the
repatriation of the bodies of our fallen
compatriots" in attacks by Boko Haram
militants.
The statement insists that the South African
government and citizens have been
"decisive and unequivocal in condemning
and rejecting the attacks on foreign
nationals" and insists that "through our
interventions, relative calm and order has
been restored".
On Friday, President Zuma met over 50
leaders of organisations representing
foreign nationals in South Africa for talks
about how to avert any repeat of the
attacks.
Next week, the South African parliament is
to be suspended to allow deputies to press
the anti-xenophobia message in their home
constituencies.
decision to recall its ambassador over a
spate of attacks against foreigners.
It called the step "unfortunate and
regrettable" and said it "would be curious
for a sisterly country to want to exploit such
a painful episode".
At least seven people have died over a
month of attacks on foreigners and foreign-
owned property in South Africa.
Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini has been
blamed for sparking the attacks with
comments about foreign workers.
Soldiers were deployed to flashpoints last
week to prevent more violence.
Some blamed the attacks - which centred
on Durban and Johannesburg - on
unemployment and poor political
leadership.
Thousands were displaced, with many
Zimbabweans, Mozambicans, Malawians
and others returning home and others
taking refuge in temporary government-
operated shelters.
'Ongoing xenophobia'
Some governments complained that South
Africa was failing to do enough to protect
foreign nationals, though it now insists it
has quelled the violence.
Nigeria has summoned Acting High
Commissioner Martin Cobham along with
Deputy High Commissioner Uche Ajulu-
Okeke. "for consultation" over the "ongoing
xenophobia", Minister of Foreign Affairs
Aminu Wali said in a statement carried by
media on Saturday.
The statement acknowledges that South
African President Jacob Zuma has
condemned the attacks.
In its response, South Africa's Department
of International Relations and Co-operation
points out that "a government resorts to
such an extraordinary diplomatic step to
express outrage at actions or behaviour of
another government.
The statement says South Africa has not
blamed Nigeria "for the deaths and more
than nine (9) months delay in the
repatriation of the bodies of our fallen
compatriots" in attacks by Boko Haram
militants.
The statement insists that the South African
government and citizens have been
"decisive and unequivocal in condemning
and rejecting the attacks on foreign
nationals" and insists that "through our
interventions, relative calm and order has
been restored".
On Friday, President Zuma met over 50
leaders of organisations representing
foreign nationals in South Africa for talks
about how to avert any repeat of the
attacks.
Next week, the South African parliament is
to be suspended to allow deputies to press
the anti-xenophobia message in their home
constituencies.
Alhassan Rejects Taraba Governorship Election Results, Calls It Daylight Robbery
Aisha Alhassan, candidate of the All Progressives
Congress (APC) in the Taraba state governorship
election, has rejected the result of the poll
announced by the Independent National Electoral
Commission (INEC) on Sunday.
Addresing a press conference in Jalingo shortly
after the announcement of the result, Alhassan
described the entire elections process as a
“daylight robbery’’ and said the party would
challenge the results at the election petition
tribunal.
“The combined governorship elections in Taraba
were characterised by violence, massive rigging,
ballot snatching and abuse of the card readers in
substantial parts of the state by the PDP and their
allies,” she said.
She contended that results ascribed to Wukari,
Donga, Takum, Sardauna, Zing, Yorro, Kurmi
and some parts of Ussa, Karim-Lamido, Bali,
Ardo-Kola and Lau local government areas were
not acceptable, as they did not reflect the true
results of the election in Taraba.
Alhassan said all the complaints on the
irregularities and abuse of the election guidelines
were promptly reported to INEC, but no action
was taken.
While declared the result in Jalingo on Sunday,
Jyari Mohammed, the INEC returning officer for
Taraba said Ishaku scored 369,318 votes to
emerge victorious.
He said Alhassan came second with 275,984
votes, while David Kente of the Social Democratic
Party (SDP) polled 29, 966 votes.
Congress (APC) in the Taraba state governorship
election, has rejected the result of the poll
announced by the Independent National Electoral
Commission (INEC) on Sunday.
Addresing a press conference in Jalingo shortly
after the announcement of the result, Alhassan
described the entire elections process as a
“daylight robbery’’ and said the party would
challenge the results at the election petition
tribunal.
“The combined governorship elections in Taraba
were characterised by violence, massive rigging,
ballot snatching and abuse of the card readers in
substantial parts of the state by the PDP and their
allies,” she said.
She contended that results ascribed to Wukari,
Donga, Takum, Sardauna, Zing, Yorro, Kurmi
and some parts of Ussa, Karim-Lamido, Bali,
Ardo-Kola and Lau local government areas were
not acceptable, as they did not reflect the true
results of the election in Taraba.
Alhassan said all the complaints on the
irregularities and abuse of the election guidelines
were promptly reported to INEC, but no action
was taken.
While declared the result in Jalingo on Sunday,
Jyari Mohammed, the INEC returning officer for
Taraba said Ishaku scored 369,318 votes to
emerge victorious.
He said Alhassan came second with 275,984
votes, while David Kente of the Social Democratic
Party (SDP) polled 29, 966 votes.
South Africa Shuns Jonathan, Says "We Will Discuss With Buhari Next Month"
South Africa has faulted the decision of the federal
government to recall its high commissioners,
saying it would communicate diplomatically with
Nigeria when Muhammadu Buhari becomes
president in May.
Recalling that it did not take a similar action when
many of its citizens where trapped during the
collapse of a guest house at the Synagogue
Church of All Nations in Lagos, it described the
reaction of the Nigerian government as
“unfortunate and regrettable”.
“The South African government takes note that
the outgoing government of the Federal Republic
of Nigeria has recalled its acting high
commissioner to South Africa,” read a statement
issued by Clayson Monyela, spokesperson of the
department of international relations and
cooperation.
“A government resorts to such an extraordinary
diplomatic step to express outrage at actions or
behaviour of another government.
“We are not sure which actions or behaviour of
the South African Government the Nigerian
Government is protesting. It is only Nigeria that
has taken this unfortunate and regrettable step. If
this action is based on the incidents of attacks on
foreign nationals in some parts of our country, it
would be curious for a sisterly country to want to
exploit such a painful episode for whatever
agenda.
“Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa has just
returned from Indonesia to attend the Africa-Asia
Summit and the 60th Anniversary of the historic
Bandung Conference. At no stage did the Nigerian
delegation present at that gathering, express its
intention to formally raise the issue with the
South African side.
“South Africa remains committed to a strong
bond of friendship and bilateral relations with
Nigeria. It is for this reason that when 84 of our
citizens perished on Nigerian soil, we did not
blame the Nigerian Government for the deaths
and more than nine (9) months delay in the
repatriation of the bodies of our fallen
compatriots, or for the fact that when these
bodies eventually returned, they were in a state
that they could not be touched or viewed as
required by our burial practice.
“We will raise our concerns through diplomatic
channels with the new administration that will
assume office in Nigeria next month.”
In a manner that appears to be a mockery of
government’s handling of the insurgency in the
country, the statement added that South Africa
has been able to bring the xenophobic attack
under control and has been receiving support
from other African countries.
“Through our interventions, relative calm and
order has been restored,” the statement read.
“We are encouraged by the solidarity our country
continues to receive from other African countries
and the international community.
“We shall also continue to support and not blame
the Nigerian government as it battles to deal with
Boko Haram that continues to kill many innocent
civilians. We hope that the more than 200 girls
kidnapped by Boko Haram will someday be
reunited with their families.”
government to recall its high commissioners,
saying it would communicate diplomatically with
Nigeria when Muhammadu Buhari becomes
president in May.
Recalling that it did not take a similar action when
many of its citizens where trapped during the
collapse of a guest house at the Synagogue
Church of All Nations in Lagos, it described the
reaction of the Nigerian government as
“unfortunate and regrettable”.
“The South African government takes note that
the outgoing government of the Federal Republic
of Nigeria has recalled its acting high
commissioner to South Africa,” read a statement
issued by Clayson Monyela, spokesperson of the
department of international relations and
cooperation.
“A government resorts to such an extraordinary
diplomatic step to express outrage at actions or
behaviour of another government.
“We are not sure which actions or behaviour of
the South African Government the Nigerian
Government is protesting. It is only Nigeria that
has taken this unfortunate and regrettable step. If
this action is based on the incidents of attacks on
foreign nationals in some parts of our country, it
would be curious for a sisterly country to want to
exploit such a painful episode for whatever
agenda.
“Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa has just
returned from Indonesia to attend the Africa-Asia
Summit and the 60th Anniversary of the historic
Bandung Conference. At no stage did the Nigerian
delegation present at that gathering, express its
intention to formally raise the issue with the
South African side.
“South Africa remains committed to a strong
bond of friendship and bilateral relations with
Nigeria. It is for this reason that when 84 of our
citizens perished on Nigerian soil, we did not
blame the Nigerian Government for the deaths
and more than nine (9) months delay in the
repatriation of the bodies of our fallen
compatriots, or for the fact that when these
bodies eventually returned, they were in a state
that they could not be touched or viewed as
required by our burial practice.
“We will raise our concerns through diplomatic
channels with the new administration that will
assume office in Nigeria next month.”
In a manner that appears to be a mockery of
government’s handling of the insurgency in the
country, the statement added that South Africa
has been able to bring the xenophobic attack
under control and has been receiving support
from other African countries.
“Through our interventions, relative calm and
order has been restored,” the statement read.
“We are encouraged by the solidarity our country
continues to receive from other African countries
and the international community.
“We shall also continue to support and not blame
the Nigerian government as it battles to deal with
Boko Haram that continues to kill many innocent
civilians. We hope that the more than 200 girls
kidnapped by Boko Haram will someday be
reunited with their families.”
Patience Jonathan boycotts Presidential Prayer
Nigeria’s First Lady, Patience Jonathan, was
conspicuously absent at the 5th and last
Presidential Prayer Breakfast Saturday.
Mrs. Jonathan always attended the presidential
breakfast prayer which was initiated by her
husband, President Goodluck Jonathan.
The first lady, who was vociferous before the
March 28 presidential election, has stayed out of
spotlight and has not made any public
appearance after the president lost the poll.
Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives
Congress, APC, won the election.
Mrs. Jonathan was also absent at the
Easter church celebrations and has since not
made any appearances at event she would
normally attend.
conspicuously absent at the 5th and last
Presidential Prayer Breakfast Saturday.
Mrs. Jonathan always attended the presidential
breakfast prayer which was initiated by her
husband, President Goodluck Jonathan.
The first lady, who was vociferous before the
March 28 presidential election, has stayed out of
spotlight and has not made any public
appearance after the president lost the poll.
Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives
Congress, APC, won the election.
Mrs. Jonathan was also absent at the
Easter church celebrations and has since not
made any appearances at event she would
normally attend.
APC, PDP Factions Form Alliance To Produce Senate President
The PDP factions in the two chambers of
the National Assembly are reportedly
forming an alliance with some aggrieved
APC members to produce a speaker and a
senate president.
It has emerged that the People’s Democratic
Party (PDP) is planning to capitalise on the
failure of the All Progressives Congress
(APC) to reach a consensus on the zoning
of key offices in the incoming
administration.
Some APC members, had, in a crucial
meeting in Abuja on Thursday, April 23,
disagreed on the zoning of the Senate
President seat to the North-Central and
Deputy Senate President to the North-East,
as recommended by the party’s National
Working Committee.
Reports say the PDP factions in the two
chambers of theNational Assembly are
forming an alliance with the aggrieved APC
members to produce a speaker and a
senate president different from candidates
approved by the APC.
At the APC meeting, the office of the deputy
speaker was reportedly zoned to the South-
South.
A member of the alliance who spoke to
journalists anonymously said the caucus
will ensure that holders of the offices are not
choices of the APC leaders.
“Although we are not disputing the fact that
the APC should produce leaders of the
National Assembly, we will ensure that
those who will emerge are people we
prefer, not the choices of the APC leaders.
“By doing that, we will snatch the control of
the National Assembly from them, just as
the APC controlled the House through
Aminu Tambuwal,” the source said.
However, the APC National Publicity
Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, had in a
statement earlier this week dismissed the
reports of disagreement in the party over
zoning of offices. He described the claims as
‘products of hyperactive rumour mills’.
the National Assembly are reportedly
forming an alliance with some aggrieved
APC members to produce a speaker and a
senate president.
It has emerged that the People’s Democratic
Party (PDP) is planning to capitalise on the
failure of the All Progressives Congress
(APC) to reach a consensus on the zoning
of key offices in the incoming
administration.
Some APC members, had, in a crucial
meeting in Abuja on Thursday, April 23,
disagreed on the zoning of the Senate
President seat to the North-Central and
Deputy Senate President to the North-East,
as recommended by the party’s National
Working Committee.
Reports say the PDP factions in the two
chambers of theNational Assembly are
forming an alliance with the aggrieved APC
members to produce a speaker and a
senate president different from candidates
approved by the APC.
At the APC meeting, the office of the deputy
speaker was reportedly zoned to the South-
South.
A member of the alliance who spoke to
journalists anonymously said the caucus
will ensure that holders of the offices are not
choices of the APC leaders.
“Although we are not disputing the fact that
the APC should produce leaders of the
National Assembly, we will ensure that
those who will emerge are people we
prefer, not the choices of the APC leaders.
“By doing that, we will snatch the control of
the National Assembly from them, just as
the APC controlled the House through
Aminu Tambuwal,” the source said.
However, the APC National Publicity
Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, had in a
statement earlier this week dismissed the
reports of disagreement in the party over
zoning of offices. He described the claims as
‘products of hyperactive rumour mills’.
'People Have Deserted Aso Rock Because I'm Going' - Jonathan Speaks Emotionally
President Goodluck Jonathan has said he
isn’t surprised that his friends and
associates had deserted him after losing his
re-election bid. He also noted that the
congregation numbers at the Aso Villa
Chapel has dwindled. The president stated
this at the 5th presidential prayer breakfast
which held yesterday at the Banquet Hall of
the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja.
In his words, Jonathan said, “Today
(yesterday), I expected a very low turn-out
because in most cases, when a
government is going, people reduce. You
will notice that even the Aso Villa Chapel, the
number of people that will be coming
become less and less. But when I came in, I
noticed that this whole hall is filled up. So,
I’ve to sincerely thank all of you. We’re all
here because we believe in the power of
prayers in nation building. The essence of
the presidential prayer breakfast is to call on
all Nigerians to come together and pray.
“For us to build Nigeria, we need these
prayers. This should be captioned
presidential breakfast prayer comprising all
aspects of prayers for us to rebuild our
nation.
Yes we have challenges as a nation, but
every other nation passes through
challenges.
I remember in 2009 when I visited the
Nordic countries, they told me they were
celebrating 200 years of peace that has
enabled them to develop. Nigeria was 49
years old as an independent nation in
2009″, he told the gathering comprising
former Head of State General Yakubu
Gowon (rtd) and former Head of the Interim
National Government Chief Ernest
Shonekan.”
isn’t surprised that his friends and
associates had deserted him after losing his
re-election bid. He also noted that the
congregation numbers at the Aso Villa
Chapel has dwindled. The president stated
this at the 5th presidential prayer breakfast
which held yesterday at the Banquet Hall of
the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja.
In his words, Jonathan said, “Today
(yesterday), I expected a very low turn-out
because in most cases, when a
government is going, people reduce. You
will notice that even the Aso Villa Chapel, the
number of people that will be coming
become less and less. But when I came in, I
noticed that this whole hall is filled up. So,
I’ve to sincerely thank all of you. We’re all
here because we believe in the power of
prayers in nation building. The essence of
the presidential prayer breakfast is to call on
all Nigerians to come together and pray.
“For us to build Nigeria, we need these
prayers. This should be captioned
presidential breakfast prayer comprising all
aspects of prayers for us to rebuild our
nation.
Yes we have challenges as a nation, but
every other nation passes through
challenges.
I remember in 2009 when I visited the
Nordic countries, they told me they were
celebrating 200 years of peace that has
enabled them to develop. Nigeria was 49
years old as an independent nation in
2009″, he told the gathering comprising
former Head of State General Yakubu
Gowon (rtd) and former Head of the Interim
National Government Chief Ernest
Shonekan.”
Nigerian John Legend singer and renowned horse
rider 9ice – says he has no problems with
criticism from fans who slammed him for losing
his voice.
Speaking in a recent TV interview, the faded
music star blamed his loss of voice on the
absence of “good music equipment” in Nigeria.
He said:
Get it right; in 2008, 2009 and 2010, imagine
someone screaming for three years, how e no
go lose him voice?
Most of our productions are not good and most
of our speakers are not good. Hear me, I am not
saying the DJs or the sound managers are not
good. But the equipment we have (in Nigeria) are
not good.
So imagine me (singing) on top of my voice for
three years. How I no go lose my voice?
In 2008, I was maybe 28 or 29 and now I am 35
years old. So I would definitely lose my voice and
now I am a more mature person. So criticism
based on those aspects, I am sure they are right.
But you have to take me as I am.
9ice also talked about why he chose to venture
into politics.
rider 9ice – says he has no problems with
criticism from fans who slammed him for losing
his voice.
Speaking in a recent TV interview, the faded
music star blamed his loss of voice on the
absence of “good music equipment” in Nigeria.
He said:
Get it right; in 2008, 2009 and 2010, imagine
someone screaming for three years, how e no
go lose him voice?
Most of our productions are not good and most
of our speakers are not good. Hear me, I am not
saying the DJs or the sound managers are not
good. But the equipment we have (in Nigeria) are
not good.
So imagine me (singing) on top of my voice for
three years. How I no go lose my voice?
In 2008, I was maybe 28 or 29 and now I am 35
years old. So I would definitely lose my voice and
now I am a more mature person. So criticism
based on those aspects, I am sure they are right.
But you have to take me as I am.
9ice also talked about why he chose to venture
into politics.
Nigerian John Legend singer and renowned horse
rider 9ice – says he has no problems with
criticism from fans who slammed him for losing
his voice.
Speaking in a recent TV interview, the faded
music star blamed his loss of voice on the
absence of “good music equipment” in Nigeria.
He said:
Get it right; in 2008, 2009 and 2010, imagine
someone screaming for three years, how e no
go lose him voice?
Most of our productions are not good and most
of our speakers are not good. Hear me, I am not
saying the DJs or the sound managers are not
good. But the equipment we have (in Nigeria) are
not good.
So imagine me (singing) on top of my voice for
three years. How I no go lose my voice?
In 2008, I was maybe 28 or 29 and now I am 35
years old. So I would definitely lose my voice and
now I am a more mature person. So criticism
based on those aspects, I am sure they are right.
But you have to take me as I am.
9ice also talked about why he chose to venture
into politics.
rider 9ice – says he has no problems with
criticism from fans who slammed him for losing
his voice.
Speaking in a recent TV interview, the faded
music star blamed his loss of voice on the
absence of “good music equipment” in Nigeria.
He said:
Get it right; in 2008, 2009 and 2010, imagine
someone screaming for three years, how e no
go lose him voice?
Most of our productions are not good and most
of our speakers are not good. Hear me, I am not
saying the DJs or the sound managers are not
good. But the equipment we have (in Nigeria) are
not good.
So imagine me (singing) on top of my voice for
three years. How I no go lose my voice?
In 2008, I was maybe 28 or 29 and now I am 35
years old. So I would definitely lose my voice and
now I am a more mature person. So criticism
based on those aspects, I am sure they are right.
But you have to take me as I am.
9ice also talked about why he chose to venture
into politics.
Hon Patrick Obahiagbon On Xenophobic Attacks In South Africa
Hon Patrick Obahiagbon on xenophobic
attacks in South Africa:
"The attack on foreigners in South Africa
(xenophobia) is a miasma of a deprecate
apotheosis of a hemorrhaging Pluto crack,
cascading oozing
into a malodorous excresense of
mobocracy. With all termagant ossifying
proclivities of a kakistocracy, our knowledge
centura is enveloped in a
paraphlegic crinkum crankum. Therefore,
the lampooning is cest in deja vu, deja vu
peret ologomabia"
attacks in South Africa:
"The attack on foreigners in South Africa
(xenophobia) is a miasma of a deprecate
apotheosis of a hemorrhaging Pluto crack,
cascading oozing
into a malodorous excresense of
mobocracy. With all termagant ossifying
proclivities of a kakistocracy, our knowledge
centura is enveloped in a
paraphlegic crinkum crankum. Therefore,
the lampooning is cest in deja vu, deja vu
peret ologomabia"
Rochas Okorocha Declared Winner Of Imo State Governorship Election
The incumbent Governor Rochas Okorocha has
secured victory after today’s supplementary polls
to conclude the inconclusive governorship
election in Imo State. Mr. Okorocha, who is the
candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC),
has beaten Emeka Ihedioha, the governorship
candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
by 416,996 votes. Mr. Ihedioha scored 320,705
votes.
In declaring Mr. Okorocha as winner in Owerri
early morning in Nigeria, the Returning officer
stated that that the total number of valid votes
amounted to 782,528.
secured victory after today’s supplementary polls
to conclude the inconclusive governorship
election in Imo State. Mr. Okorocha, who is the
candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC),
has beaten Emeka Ihedioha, the governorship
candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
by 416,996 votes. Mr. Ihedioha scored 320,705
votes.
In declaring Mr. Okorocha as winner in Owerri
early morning in Nigeria, the Returning officer
stated that that the total number of valid votes
amounted to 782,528.
INEC Declares Ikpeazu Winner Of Abia Governorship Election
The Independent National Electoral
Commission (INEC) has declared the
candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party,
Okezie Ikpeazu, the winner of the Abia State
governorship election.
Mr Ikpeazu polled 264,713 to defeat the
candidate of the All Progressive Grand
Alliance, Alex Otti, who polled 180,882
votes.
The result was declared in the early hours
of Sunday after the supplementary election
of Saturday.
Election was held in all the areas earlier listed
by INEC for the re-run election except in
Umunneochi Local Government Area.
INEC had erroneously scheduled election
there, which was not supposed to take
place in the first instance because the Form,
EC40G, was not filled which indicated that
there was no problem in the area.
Abia State is one of the state where
supplementary governorship election was
held on Saturday after election of April 11
was declared inconclusive by INEC.
Other States are Imo and Taraba State.
The incumbent Governor of Imo State has
been declared the winner of the elections
while the result of Taraba state election is
being awaited.
Supplementary House of Assembly election
was also held in some other states in areas
where elections had been declared
inconclusive. The elections were adjudged
peaceful.
Commission (INEC) has declared the
candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party,
Okezie Ikpeazu, the winner of the Abia State
governorship election.
Mr Ikpeazu polled 264,713 to defeat the
candidate of the All Progressive Grand
Alliance, Alex Otti, who polled 180,882
votes.
The result was declared in the early hours
of Sunday after the supplementary election
of Saturday.
Election was held in all the areas earlier listed
by INEC for the re-run election except in
Umunneochi Local Government Area.
INEC had erroneously scheduled election
there, which was not supposed to take
place in the first instance because the Form,
EC40G, was not filled which indicated that
there was no problem in the area.
Abia State is one of the state where
supplementary governorship election was
held on Saturday after election of April 11
was declared inconclusive by INEC.
Other States are Imo and Taraba State.
The incumbent Governor of Imo State has
been declared the winner of the elections
while the result of Taraba state election is
being awaited.
Supplementary House of Assembly election
was also held in some other states in areas
where elections had been declared
inconclusive. The elections were adjudged
peaceful.
Buhari Warns Family Members Against Corruption
. Says: If they broke the law, they’ll
face the wrath
The Pesident-electect, General Muhammadu
Buhari (rtd) has sounded a note of warning
to his family members that he will not use
his powers as president to protect any of
them who broke the law, as he is set to
assume the leadership of the country.
A family member, who attended the
meeting summoned by the president-elect,
told our reporter at the weekend that the
General was very firm and solemn when he
spoke to his ward in his Daura country
home in Katsina State.
General Buhari addressed the members of
the family, comprising of his children and
other extended family members who look
up to him, after he won the March 28
presidential election. He called for the
solemn assembly in between his various
meetings with well-wishers from various
parts of the country who thronged his
country home in order to congratulate him.
According to the member who spoke to
our reporter, Buhari made it very clear to
his family that he would not protect them if
they violated the country’s law, harping on
the anti-corruption mantra, which is one of
the reasons why he received massive votes
during the presidential polls.
Sunday Trust learnt further that he
admonished his family members to seek
meaningful means of earning a living,
giving his life story as an example of how
one could start life from a humble
beginning and achieve great success in life.
The president warned them against
engaging in acts that would tarnish the
image of the incoming administration,
adding that family members who have no
legitimate business or who are not invited
to the Aso Rock would be allowed into the
Presidential Villa.
He also told them that he would not
condone laziness from any member of the
family. He advised them to work hard to
earn a living, saying he worked very hard
to become what he is today.
He reminded them that Nigeria is a great
country with numerous opportunities,
adding that only the lazy ones would
wallow in poverty.
As a military head of state, General Buhari
became popular for his fight against
corruption through the instrument of War
Against Indiscipline. During that regime, a
lot of corrupt Nigerians were arrested and
jailed.
It would be recalled that during the
campaigns for the presidential election,
General Buhari, who is known for his zero
tolerance to corruption and wastage of
public funds, also promised to scrap the
Office of the First Lady, though his wife,
Aisha became involved in the campaign for
his election.
The president-elect, who will be sworn in
on May 29, said that none of his family
members would accompany him to Abuja
without formal invitation. He, however, said
they would have enough time with him
whenever he is in Daura, adding that Aso
Villa is meant for those who are ready to
work, not idle family members.
Speaking in an earlier interview, the Vice-
President-elect, Professor Yemi Osinbajo
had said General Buhari would not spare
anyone who is engaged in corruption, not
even his family members.
Professor Osinbajo had said, “On the
various issue of corruption, what General
Buhari has said categorically is that as far as
he is concerned, the day he is sworn-in as
president, he would have drawn a line.
Anybody who runs foul of the law,
anything that is been investigated before will
continue as it is.
“If you are found to be corrupt, you will
receive the consequence, no matter who
you are. Whether you are his brother,
sister, his friends there will be
consequences. That is what he has said and
I think that is in line with the position of the
party.”
face the wrath
The Pesident-electect, General Muhammadu
Buhari (rtd) has sounded a note of warning
to his family members that he will not use
his powers as president to protect any of
them who broke the law, as he is set to
assume the leadership of the country.
A family member, who attended the
meeting summoned by the president-elect,
told our reporter at the weekend that the
General was very firm and solemn when he
spoke to his ward in his Daura country
home in Katsina State.
General Buhari addressed the members of
the family, comprising of his children and
other extended family members who look
up to him, after he won the March 28
presidential election. He called for the
solemn assembly in between his various
meetings with well-wishers from various
parts of the country who thronged his
country home in order to congratulate him.
According to the member who spoke to
our reporter, Buhari made it very clear to
his family that he would not protect them if
they violated the country’s law, harping on
the anti-corruption mantra, which is one of
the reasons why he received massive votes
during the presidential polls.
Sunday Trust learnt further that he
admonished his family members to seek
meaningful means of earning a living,
giving his life story as an example of how
one could start life from a humble
beginning and achieve great success in life.
The president warned them against
engaging in acts that would tarnish the
image of the incoming administration,
adding that family members who have no
legitimate business or who are not invited
to the Aso Rock would be allowed into the
Presidential Villa.
He also told them that he would not
condone laziness from any member of the
family. He advised them to work hard to
earn a living, saying he worked very hard
to become what he is today.
He reminded them that Nigeria is a great
country with numerous opportunities,
adding that only the lazy ones would
wallow in poverty.
As a military head of state, General Buhari
became popular for his fight against
corruption through the instrument of War
Against Indiscipline. During that regime, a
lot of corrupt Nigerians were arrested and
jailed.
It would be recalled that during the
campaigns for the presidential election,
General Buhari, who is known for his zero
tolerance to corruption and wastage of
public funds, also promised to scrap the
Office of the First Lady, though his wife,
Aisha became involved in the campaign for
his election.
The president-elect, who will be sworn in
on May 29, said that none of his family
members would accompany him to Abuja
without formal invitation. He, however, said
they would have enough time with him
whenever he is in Daura, adding that Aso
Villa is meant for those who are ready to
work, not idle family members.
Speaking in an earlier interview, the Vice-
President-elect, Professor Yemi Osinbajo
had said General Buhari would not spare
anyone who is engaged in corruption, not
even his family members.
Professor Osinbajo had said, “On the
various issue of corruption, what General
Buhari has said categorically is that as far as
he is concerned, the day he is sworn-in as
president, he would have drawn a line.
Anybody who runs foul of the law,
anything that is been investigated before will
continue as it is.
“If you are found to be corrupt, you will
receive the consequence, no matter who
you are. Whether you are his brother,
sister, his friends there will be
consequences. That is what he has said and
I think that is in line with the position of the
party.”
'heavy Toll' Feared After Boko Haram Attacks Niger Army
Boko Haram militants attacked troops from
Niger on an island base in Lake Chad, the
government said on Saturday, in a raid
believed to have taken a heavy toll on the
army.
"At dawn on April 25, fighters from the
terrorist group Boko Haram riding
motorised canoes attacked the island of
Karamga, a position northwest of of the
town of Bosso held by our defence and
security forces," the ministry of defence
said.
"Operations are ongoing with the support
of partners to counter the ambitions of this
terrorist group," the ministry added in a
statement broadcast on television.
The ministry did not indicate if there were
any casualties as a result of the raid.
An official from Diffa, the capital of the
southeast, however warned the death toll
was "very heavy in the ranks of the
Nigerien army," without providing further
details.
State television reported that Niger's
President Mahamadou Issoufou had called a
meeting of the national security council after
the Islamists' attack.
Niger on an island base in Lake Chad, the
government said on Saturday, in a raid
believed to have taken a heavy toll on the
army.
"At dawn on April 25, fighters from the
terrorist group Boko Haram riding
motorised canoes attacked the island of
Karamga, a position northwest of of the
town of Bosso held by our defence and
security forces," the ministry of defence
said.
"Operations are ongoing with the support
of partners to counter the ambitions of this
terrorist group," the ministry added in a
statement broadcast on television.
The ministry did not indicate if there were
any casualties as a result of the raid.
An official from Diffa, the capital of the
southeast, however warned the death toll
was "very heavy in the ranks of the
Nigerien army," without providing further
details.
State television reported that Niger's
President Mahamadou Issoufou had called a
meeting of the national security council after
the Islamists' attack.
John Fashanu And Wife Abigail In Divorce Mess
John Fashanu says wife tried to KILL
him after 'walking in on raunchy sex
party'
The former Gladiators host is now at
the centre of a bitter divorce battle
with Abigail – and also insists SHE
cheated on him with a woman
Soccer legend John Fashanu has accused
his wife of trying to kill him – after she
allegedly found him bedding two women at
the same time.
The retired former Wimbledon and England
striker said estranged Abigail Onyekwelu
went for him with a knife during a furious
row at their home.
Fashanu, also a former Gladiators host, is
now at the centre of a bitter divorce battle
with Abigail – and insists SHE cheated on
him with a woman.
She denies his claims and the astonishing
battle – which includes the accusation that
he bedded their maid – is to be played out
in the high court in Abuja, Nigeria.
Furious Abigail, 48, said last night: “Good
riddance to bad rubbish! I’ve left him and
washed my hands.”
But Fashanu, 52 – dubbed Fash the Bash for
his hardman reputation in Wimbledon’s
famous “Crazy Gang” – hit back with an
extraordinary series of allegations.
He said he had to call in police to protect
him from knife-wielding Abigail and was
devastated to find her in bed with another
woman.
He also alleged that she stole thousands of
pounds in cash from their marital home.
Speaking exclusively to the Sunday People
the star – who now presents the Nigerian
version of TV’s Deal or No Deal – said: “She
attempted to use knives on me. It was
terrifying.
“My life was at stake, there’s no two
ways about that.
“Even if you did think I was sleeping
with the maid, or even if you thought I
was sleeping with Miss Nigeria, don’t
kill me! Just leave me and go. The
violence was just too much.”
6ft 2in Fashanu added: “My life was at risk
and I didn’t want it to happen again. That’s
why I filed for divorce.”
He denied his wife’s claim to have
discovered him in bed with two other
women – one of them their maid.
“I’ve been very fortunate to date
some of the most beautiful women in
the world,” Fash insisted. “I certainly
don’t have to sleep with my cleaner!
“This is me, John Fashanu, you’re
talking to. It’s absolute nonsense. If
she wants to make up that story, at
least let her say it’s Beyoncé or
someone.
“Don’t say it’s my cleaner, that’s just
b******s. It’s not true at all.
“The truth is she’s been cheating on
me with a woman she calls her
spiritual partner.
“I caught them in the bed many times.
That was why I kicked her out of my
house.”
Abigail is the mother of former beauty
queen Adaeze Yobo. Fashanu met her
in 2009. They married two years later
but the relationship hit the skids last
year.[/b]
Father-of-five Fashanu claimed police
are now investigating an attack on
him. He also alleged that officers are
trying to retrieve missing cash from
Abigail.
He said:[b] “I’m the one who is filing
for divorce. I couldn’t stand her and, to
be honest, she probably couldn’t stand
me. With Abigail it was just money,
money, money.
“I’ve never seen a woman who has
such an appetite for money. Nearly
one million Nigerian naira (around
£3,300) was stolen from my house in
Abuja. There are police reports you
can see.
“There were so many assaults, it was just
getting too much. It was absolutely
ridiculous. She attacked me on multiple
occasions. The whole situation was far too
hot for me. There are some wonderful,
wonderful women. It’s just that I met the
wrong one.”
Glamorous socialite Abigail, a qualified
lawyer and mother-in-law to former
Nigerian football captain Joseph Yobo, paints
a totally different picture of the marriage
breakdown.
The mother of four said: “John’s saying
I tried to kill him? Oh my God, this is
so funny. I don’t quite understand all
this.
“How can I kill him? How can
somebody like me kill this huge man
who is an expert in karate. I don’t
understand how I can kill him.”
Told that he had accused her of going to his
house armed with knives before trying to
attack him, Abigail retorted: “Oh my God,
that is ridiculous.”
She also rejected Fashanu’s claim that he
threw her out of his house
after finding her in bed with another
woman.
Abigail said: “He didn’t kick me out of
his house. We were living in my
house. He couldn’t have kicked me out
of my own house – I kicked him out.”
Of the woman concerned, she insisted:
“She is a good friend to me. She has a
husband and children. It is ridiculous. She
was living with me for a while to get back
on her feet.”
[b]Abigail went on: “I caught him in bed
with two women, the housemaid and one
other woman. There were two women, it
was awful.
“They were on the bed. They were
undressed. I said to them, ‘Who are you
and what’s going on here?’
“He told me that he doesn’t know what he’s
doing and I should pray for him. He knows
how to manipulate people, that’s one thing
he is good at.
“I last saw him in April last year. I didn’t
know he’d filed for divorce. He has been
calling people asking them to plead with me
to get back with him.
“I would have filed for divorce myself but I
haven’t because I’ve been very busy. And
he asked me not to because he did not
want to make it known that we had
separated.
[/b]
“So I went on my way and I left him but I
didn’t tell anybody anything.
“I’ve told him, ‘I don’t want you any more, I
have forgiven you, I’m a Christian. But I
don’t want you any more, just leave me
alone.’
I don’t take him seriously. I don’t have time
for him. If I should be angry at anyone, I
should be angry at myself for descending
so low as to enter into marriage with such a
person.”
Responding to claims she stole money
from Fashanu, Abigail added: “Anybody can
say anything – but how can I go to his
house and steal from him in his house?
“I wasn’t living there with him. He’s sick and
he needs help.”
Fashanu was born in London to a Guyanan
nurse, Pearl, and Nigerian barrister, Patrick.
After they split up he had a spell in a
Barnado’s home and was fostered in
Norfolk.
His football career included spells with
Norwich City, Lincoln City, Crystal Palace,
Millwall and Aston Villa.
He joined Wimbledon in 1986 and famously
won the FA Cup in 1988 in a team including
Vinnie Jones and Lawrie Sanchez.
Fashanu scored more than 100 goals during
his 17-year career, which also included two
appearances for England.
After retiring from football he hosted the hit
1990s TV show Gladiators for seven years
alongside Ulrika Jonsson.
In 2003 he starred as a contestant in the ITV
reality show I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of
Here.
His first marriage, to Ivory Coast model
Melissa Kassa-Mapsi, ended in divorce in
2004. Now Fashanu is a famous and
respected figure in Africa.
He has carried out extensive charity work
and is understood to have been a friend of
Nelson Mandela.
He is a UN Ambassador for Nigeria, a
former Unicef goodwill ambassador for 53
African countries and a former board
member of the Nigeria Football Association.
He also worked to develop professional
football across Africa and was Nigeria’s
Ambassador for Sport and Tourism.
Fashanu now presents the Deal or No Deal
Nigeria game show on The Africa Channel
and is a successful businessman with
interests in London and Abuja.
But the star suffered heartbreak when his
brother Justin, who was Britain’s first
openly gay professional footballer, hanged
himself in London in 1988.
After his brother’s suicide, Fashanu
expressed remorse for disowning him
because of his homosexuality.
But he later claimed he did not believe Justin
was genuinely gay.
Wife Abigail claims he has fathered six
children by three different women.
Meanwhile he added: “I filed the divorce
petition in September and it’s listed for
mention on the 19th of next month at the
court in Abuja. We’re trying to move it
through.”
him after 'walking in on raunchy sex
party'
The former Gladiators host is now at
the centre of a bitter divorce battle
with Abigail – and also insists SHE
cheated on him with a woman
Soccer legend John Fashanu has accused
his wife of trying to kill him – after she
allegedly found him bedding two women at
the same time.
The retired former Wimbledon and England
striker said estranged Abigail Onyekwelu
went for him with a knife during a furious
row at their home.
Fashanu, also a former Gladiators host, is
now at the centre of a bitter divorce battle
with Abigail – and insists SHE cheated on
him with a woman.
She denies his claims and the astonishing
battle – which includes the accusation that
he bedded their maid – is to be played out
in the high court in Abuja, Nigeria.
Furious Abigail, 48, said last night: “Good
riddance to bad rubbish! I’ve left him and
washed my hands.”
But Fashanu, 52 – dubbed Fash the Bash for
his hardman reputation in Wimbledon’s
famous “Crazy Gang” – hit back with an
extraordinary series of allegations.
He said he had to call in police to protect
him from knife-wielding Abigail and was
devastated to find her in bed with another
woman.
He also alleged that she stole thousands of
pounds in cash from their marital home.
Speaking exclusively to the Sunday People
the star – who now presents the Nigerian
version of TV’s Deal or No Deal – said: “She
attempted to use knives on me. It was
terrifying.
“My life was at stake, there’s no two
ways about that.
“Even if you did think I was sleeping
with the maid, or even if you thought I
was sleeping with Miss Nigeria, don’t
kill me! Just leave me and go. The
violence was just too much.”
6ft 2in Fashanu added: “My life was at risk
and I didn’t want it to happen again. That’s
why I filed for divorce.”
He denied his wife’s claim to have
discovered him in bed with two other
women – one of them their maid.
“I’ve been very fortunate to date
some of the most beautiful women in
the world,” Fash insisted. “I certainly
don’t have to sleep with my cleaner!
“This is me, John Fashanu, you’re
talking to. It’s absolute nonsense. If
she wants to make up that story, at
least let her say it’s Beyoncé or
someone.
“Don’t say it’s my cleaner, that’s just
b******s. It’s not true at all.
“The truth is she’s been cheating on
me with a woman she calls her
spiritual partner.
“I caught them in the bed many times.
That was why I kicked her out of my
house.”
Abigail is the mother of former beauty
queen Adaeze Yobo. Fashanu met her
in 2009. They married two years later
but the relationship hit the skids last
year.[/b]
Father-of-five Fashanu claimed police
are now investigating an attack on
him. He also alleged that officers are
trying to retrieve missing cash from
Abigail.
He said:[b] “I’m the one who is filing
for divorce. I couldn’t stand her and, to
be honest, she probably couldn’t stand
me. With Abigail it was just money,
money, money.
“I’ve never seen a woman who has
such an appetite for money. Nearly
one million Nigerian naira (around
£3,300) was stolen from my house in
Abuja. There are police reports you
can see.
“There were so many assaults, it was just
getting too much. It was absolutely
ridiculous. She attacked me on multiple
occasions. The whole situation was far too
hot for me. There are some wonderful,
wonderful women. It’s just that I met the
wrong one.”
Glamorous socialite Abigail, a qualified
lawyer and mother-in-law to former
Nigerian football captain Joseph Yobo, paints
a totally different picture of the marriage
breakdown.
The mother of four said: “John’s saying
I tried to kill him? Oh my God, this is
so funny. I don’t quite understand all
this.
“How can I kill him? How can
somebody like me kill this huge man
who is an expert in karate. I don’t
understand how I can kill him.”
Told that he had accused her of going to his
house armed with knives before trying to
attack him, Abigail retorted: “Oh my God,
that is ridiculous.”
She also rejected Fashanu’s claim that he
threw her out of his house
after finding her in bed with another
woman.
Abigail said: “He didn’t kick me out of
his house. We were living in my
house. He couldn’t have kicked me out
of my own house – I kicked him out.”
Of the woman concerned, she insisted:
“She is a good friend to me. She has a
husband and children. It is ridiculous. She
was living with me for a while to get back
on her feet.”
[b]Abigail went on: “I caught him in bed
with two women, the housemaid and one
other woman. There were two women, it
was awful.
“They were on the bed. They were
undressed. I said to them, ‘Who are you
and what’s going on here?’
“He told me that he doesn’t know what he’s
doing and I should pray for him. He knows
how to manipulate people, that’s one thing
he is good at.
“I last saw him in April last year. I didn’t
know he’d filed for divorce. He has been
calling people asking them to plead with me
to get back with him.
“I would have filed for divorce myself but I
haven’t because I’ve been very busy. And
he asked me not to because he did not
want to make it known that we had
separated.
[/b]
“So I went on my way and I left him but I
didn’t tell anybody anything.
“I’ve told him, ‘I don’t want you any more, I
have forgiven you, I’m a Christian. But I
don’t want you any more, just leave me
alone.’
I don’t take him seriously. I don’t have time
for him. If I should be angry at anyone, I
should be angry at myself for descending
so low as to enter into marriage with such a
person.”
Responding to claims she stole money
from Fashanu, Abigail added: “Anybody can
say anything – but how can I go to his
house and steal from him in his house?
“I wasn’t living there with him. He’s sick and
he needs help.”
Fashanu was born in London to a Guyanan
nurse, Pearl, and Nigerian barrister, Patrick.
After they split up he had a spell in a
Barnado’s home and was fostered in
Norfolk.
His football career included spells with
Norwich City, Lincoln City, Crystal Palace,
Millwall and Aston Villa.
He joined Wimbledon in 1986 and famously
won the FA Cup in 1988 in a team including
Vinnie Jones and Lawrie Sanchez.
Fashanu scored more than 100 goals during
his 17-year career, which also included two
appearances for England.
After retiring from football he hosted the hit
1990s TV show Gladiators for seven years
alongside Ulrika Jonsson.
In 2003 he starred as a contestant in the ITV
reality show I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of
Here.
His first marriage, to Ivory Coast model
Melissa Kassa-Mapsi, ended in divorce in
2004. Now Fashanu is a famous and
respected figure in Africa.
He has carried out extensive charity work
and is understood to have been a friend of
Nelson Mandela.
He is a UN Ambassador for Nigeria, a
former Unicef goodwill ambassador for 53
African countries and a former board
member of the Nigeria Football Association.
He also worked to develop professional
football across Africa and was Nigeria’s
Ambassador for Sport and Tourism.
Fashanu now presents the Deal or No Deal
Nigeria game show on The Africa Channel
and is a successful businessman with
interests in London and Abuja.
But the star suffered heartbreak when his
brother Justin, who was Britain’s first
openly gay professional footballer, hanged
himself in London in 1988.
After his brother’s suicide, Fashanu
expressed remorse for disowning him
because of his homosexuality.
But he later claimed he did not believe Justin
was genuinely gay.
Wife Abigail claims he has fathered six
children by three different women.
Meanwhile he added: “I filed the divorce
petition in September and it’s listed for
mention on the 19th of next month at the
court in Abuja. We’re trying to move it
through.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)