LAGOS—A security man, simply identified
as Thompson, has died after drinking a
bottle of a popular alcoholic drink and
smoking five sticks of cigarette in two
minutes, which were the terms of a bet he
entered into with others he met at a joint.
The incident happened at Agege area of
Lagos on May 7, after the deceased bought
bottles of Ogogoro (local gin) for his
drinking companions, who then challenged
him to finish a bottle of bitters and smoke
five sticks of cigarette within a stipulated
time.
If he had won, the friends would have paid
for everything he consumed. Vanguard
gathered that after agreeing to the terms,
the deceased opened the bottle of bitters,
drank it in less than two minutes, smoked
two sticks of cigarette, stood up and began
to walk away. His friend’s story His friend,
28-year-old Earnest Joseph, who had gone
out with him said:
“At about 8am, Thompson returned from
his security guard job, went inside his
room and slept. “Later in the afternoon, two
of his friends came. So I prepared Eba
because he had soup and we all ate. We
went out to a nearby local hot drink vendor,
popularly called Tee Sugar. Thompson
bought N50 quantity of Dongoyaro and
N30 sachet of Chelsea for each of us. “From
there we went to another vendor in the
neighbourhood and met some of
Thompson’s friends from his home town.
He ordered for two full bottles of local gin,
Ogogoro, which we drank together. “As
soon as we finished consuming the first
bottle, Thompson and his relatives began to
speak their local dialect, which I do not
understand. “All of a sudden, the vendor
brought a big bottle of bitters. I asked
Thompson if he was the one that ordered
for the bottle. He said his friends ordered it
and that he wants to prove to them that he
can drink a bottle of Alomo Bitters and five
sticks of cigarettes.
“I tried to stop him but he drank it in less
than two minutes, smoked two sticks of
cigarette and decided to leave. His relatives
called him back to smoke the remaining
three.” Trouble He said trouble started as
soon as he finished the fifth stick. He
reportedly became uncomfortable,
staggering, sweating profusely and
breathing heavily as he walked away.
Joseph said he took Thompson home on
okada. He was said to have vomited several
times and then died at about 8p.m. in his
room. Joseph said:
“I was arrested because I was the one that
brought him home in that condition.”
Confirming the incident, Lagos State Police
Public Relations Officer, Deputy
Superintendent of Police, Kenneth Nwosu,
said the suspect has been arrested and the
case transferred to the Homicide Division of
the Department of Criminal Investigation,
Yaba, Lagos
Thursday, 21 May 2015
We Are Not Part Of Governors Forum Reconciliation
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) under the
leadership of Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau
State has denied any reconciliation with the Rivers
State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi-led faction.
In a statement released in Abuja and signed by
the Secretary and Administrator of the Forum,
Osaro Onaiwu, the governors stated that any
such reconciliation attempt was futile as a
majority of the governors will be out of office in a
matter of days and therefore should leave issues
of reconciliation, reorganisation and a new
Chairman to the incoming governors. The
statement further described the purported
reconciliation as a selfish attempt by a group of
governors to force new leadership of the forum
on the in-coming governors.
The governors noted that both the Chairman,
Jonah Jang and his Deputy, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko
of Ondo State along with a majority of governors
were visibly absent because they did not consider
it a priority at this late hour to be part of a selfish
project.
leadership of Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau
State has denied any reconciliation with the Rivers
State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi-led faction.
In a statement released in Abuja and signed by
the Secretary and Administrator of the Forum,
Osaro Onaiwu, the governors stated that any
such reconciliation attempt was futile as a
majority of the governors will be out of office in a
matter of days and therefore should leave issues
of reconciliation, reorganisation and a new
Chairman to the incoming governors. The
statement further described the purported
reconciliation as a selfish attempt by a group of
governors to force new leadership of the forum
on the in-coming governors.
The governors noted that both the Chairman,
Jonah Jang and his Deputy, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko
of Ondo State along with a majority of governors
were visibly absent because they did not consider
it a priority at this late hour to be part of a selfish
project.
» Tottenham Grants Adebayor Leave After He Contemplates Suicide
Compassionate leave: Emmanuel Adebayor has
been given time off by Spurs.
Emmanuel Adebayor has been given
compassionate leave by Tottenham after
revealing he contemplated suicide.
He has already been ruled out of Sunday’s final
game of the season against Everton and he will
not go on their post-season tour of Malaysia and
Sydney.
It means he has almost certainly played his last
game for the club.
The troubled Togolese striker, 31, has held urgent
talks with his club after the latest round of his
explosive public war of words with his family.
Mirror Sport today published his disturbing
allegations that he had to be talked out of killing
himself by his sister Iyabo.
been given time off by Spurs.
Emmanuel Adebayor has been given
compassionate leave by Tottenham after
revealing he contemplated suicide.
He has already been ruled out of Sunday’s final
game of the season against Everton and he will
not go on their post-season tour of Malaysia and
Sydney.
It means he has almost certainly played his last
game for the club.
The troubled Togolese striker, 31, has held urgent
talks with his club after the latest round of his
explosive public war of words with his family.
Mirror Sport today published his disturbing
allegations that he had to be talked out of killing
himself by his sister Iyabo.
Senate Begins Probe Of Fuel Scarcity
AS fuel scarcity continues nationwide, the Senate
Thursday directed its committees on Petroleum
Resources ( Upstream and Downstream ) to
immediately commence investigation into the
remote and immediate causes of the fuel crisis in
the country.
The Senate Order was sequel to the motion by
the Deputy Senate Majority Leader, Senator Abdul
Ningi, who had called on the lawmakers to pay
serious attention to the fuel crisis that had created
great hardship for Nigerians at the moment.
Senator Ningi wondered why a country that has
abundant oil resources should face the kind of
biting scarcity that had increased the suffering of
Nigerians.
But the Deputy Senate President, Ike
Ekweremadu, who presided over the plenary,
noted that since the Deputy Senate Leader raised
the motion under personal explanation, the senate
would not debate it but would rather approved
his prayers.
Senator Ekweremadu said, ” Ningi’s prayers are
simple and straightforward. He is asking us, as
representatives of the people, to direct our
committees on upstream and downstream, to
find out what is currently going on the oil sector
and possibly find a way of addressing it.
“In that regard, we now ask our committees on
Petroleum Resources ( Upstream and
Downstream), to find out what is going on and
what the government is doing about it and report
back on Tuesday last week. That is our wish”
The Senate Deputy leader had while moving his
motion, said since the Senate still has the
mandate of the people until June 1, it had the
responsibility to intervene in the unfortunate
development.
According to him, “We need to know whether
fuel scarcity has come to stay. We need to know
whether it has become part of our life. We need
to plan.
“By planning and talking about it we our now
sensitising Nigerians to brace up for the
impending issue of fuel scarcity whether it is
going to be here permanently or temporary.
“But we can’t know all these things until we hear
from the experts. Therefore my prayer is to ask
the committee on downstream and upstream to
come up with explanations next Tuesday through
which Nigerians will know and plan their future.
“Otherwise, I think its legally and morally wrong
to keep silent about it, sweep it under the carpet
and to continue to believe these things are usual.”
Thursday directed its committees on Petroleum
Resources ( Upstream and Downstream ) to
immediately commence investigation into the
remote and immediate causes of the fuel crisis in
the country.
The Senate Order was sequel to the motion by
the Deputy Senate Majority Leader, Senator Abdul
Ningi, who had called on the lawmakers to pay
serious attention to the fuel crisis that had created
great hardship for Nigerians at the moment.
Senator Ningi wondered why a country that has
abundant oil resources should face the kind of
biting scarcity that had increased the suffering of
Nigerians.
But the Deputy Senate President, Ike
Ekweremadu, who presided over the plenary,
noted that since the Deputy Senate Leader raised
the motion under personal explanation, the senate
would not debate it but would rather approved
his prayers.
Senator Ekweremadu said, ” Ningi’s prayers are
simple and straightforward. He is asking us, as
representatives of the people, to direct our
committees on upstream and downstream, to
find out what is currently going on the oil sector
and possibly find a way of addressing it.
“In that regard, we now ask our committees on
Petroleum Resources ( Upstream and
Downstream), to find out what is going on and
what the government is doing about it and report
back on Tuesday last week. That is our wish”
The Senate Deputy leader had while moving his
motion, said since the Senate still has the
mandate of the people until June 1, it had the
responsibility to intervene in the unfortunate
development.
According to him, “We need to know whether
fuel scarcity has come to stay. We need to know
whether it has become part of our life. We need
to plan.
“By planning and talking about it we our now
sensitising Nigerians to brace up for the
impending issue of fuel scarcity whether it is
going to be here permanently or temporary.
“But we can’t know all these things until we hear
from the experts. Therefore my prayer is to ask
the committee on downstream and upstream to
come up with explanations next Tuesday through
which Nigerians will know and plan their future.
“Otherwise, I think its legally and morally wrong
to keep silent about it, sweep it under the carpet
and to continue to believe these things are usual.”
Must Read: Shocking Facts About Abortion You Need To Know
Abortion as generally known is the medical
process of ending a pregnancy so it does not
result in the birth of a baby. Research has shed
more light on the disadvantages of having an
abortion.
According to The Foundation for Africa Cultural
Heritage, cancer is now one of the risks
associated with undergoing an abortion.
According to FACH president, Dr. Nkechi
Asogwa, many cases of bosom cancer have
been linked to the aftermath of an abortion.
Asogwa further said that contraceptives and
other birth control pills that have been banned in
the United States due to their side effects were
being shipped to Nigeria, adding that Nigerians
deserve to be told the medical risks involved in
taking birth control pills, to enable them to make
informed choice.
According to her:
“When you terminate a pregnancy you end
many ongoing processes in the body such as the
preparation of bosom for the secretion of milk.
So the tissues that were cut off suddenly would
become fragile and they can trigger the formation
of cancerous cells in the bosom. There are about
five health implications attached to most of these
drugs and that was why they were banned in the
West. But here, no one is asking questions”
Bomedical scientist, Obianuju Ekeocha speaking at
the forum also warned that abortion might
damage the womb and lead to future infertility.
She called on the Federal Government to resist
any pressure from international partners to
legalise abortion.
process of ending a pregnancy so it does not
result in the birth of a baby. Research has shed
more light on the disadvantages of having an
abortion.
According to The Foundation for Africa Cultural
Heritage, cancer is now one of the risks
associated with undergoing an abortion.
According to FACH president, Dr. Nkechi
Asogwa, many cases of bosom cancer have
been linked to the aftermath of an abortion.
Asogwa further said that contraceptives and
other birth control pills that have been banned in
the United States due to their side effects were
being shipped to Nigeria, adding that Nigerians
deserve to be told the medical risks involved in
taking birth control pills, to enable them to make
informed choice.
According to her:
“When you terminate a pregnancy you end
many ongoing processes in the body such as the
preparation of bosom for the secretion of milk.
So the tissues that were cut off suddenly would
become fragile and they can trigger the formation
of cancerous cells in the bosom. There are about
five health implications attached to most of these
drugs and that was why they were banned in the
West. But here, no one is asking questions”
Bomedical scientist, Obianuju Ekeocha speaking at
the forum also warned that abortion might
damage the womb and lead to future infertility.
She called on the Federal Government to resist
any pressure from international partners to
legalise abortion.
Senate Presidency: 59 APC Senators To Select Sole Candidate
Ahead of a one-day retreat organized
by the All Progressives Congress
(APC) for its senators-elect in Abuja
tomorrow, checks indicate that the
party is going ahead with an open
primary to select a sole candidate to
succeed David Mark as Senate
President next month.
A ranking senator from the South west told
Daily Sun yesterday that the APC is set to
organise primary election for all contenders
for the Senate Presidency, “much in line
with how the primary was conducted to
select our presidential candidate in 2014.”
All 59 senators and senators-elect of the
party would be delegates at the primary.
The ranks of the APC senators depleted by
one with the death, on Saturday, May 16, of
Borno senator, Ahmed Khlaifa Zannah.
It is yet unclear whether the primary would
hold in Abuja or Lagos but it was further
gathered that, all the 59 senators and
senators-elect are “expected to sign an
undertaking to abide by the party position
on whoever emerges as the party’s
candidate after the primary.
“Thereafter, the runner-up is expected
to emerge as the deputy Senate
President. In the event where the
runner-up is from the same zone as
the winner of the primary, another
primary election would be conducted
and whoever emerges would be the
deputy.”
Some senators are reportedly not happy
with the arrangement. They would rather
senators are allowed to “choose our leader
in the chamber,” said a senator from the
North west but who declined to be named.
Presently, major contenders are:
Senators Ahmad Lawan (Yobe, North
east), Bukola Saraki (Kwara, North
central), George Akume (Benue, North
central) and Ali Mohammed Ndume
(Borno, North east).
Daily Sun checks reveal that the major
contenders have since sited their campaign
headquarters at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel
in Abuja and spending heavily with block
bookings for presidential suites every week.
The presidential suites are now venues
where the aspirants hold court, and also,
hold regular consultations and schedule
meetings with their returning colleagues as
well as senators – elect across the APC and
the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Another ranking senator privy to the
arrangement claimed that “aspirants have
been picking hotel bills of members of the
incoming Eighth Senate, almost
immediately after the one-week induction
programme organised by the National
Institute for Legislative Studies (NILS).
Meanwhile, about 65 senators, gathered
under the aegis of The Like Minds have
vowed never to allow imposition of a new
Senate “by some highly influential members
of the APC.”
They argued that the initial decision to zone
the position of presiding officers of both
chambers and the endorsement of certain
aspirants by some caucuses, was to ensure
the emergence of anointed aspirant that
would be imposed on the lawmakers.
Some legislators believed that the current
arrangement by the party to conduct a
primary election would not only guarantee
legislative independence but also produce
presiding officers who would not take
orders from any individual within the party.
“Instead of having a Senate President that
would take directives from a particular
individual within the party, we would prefer
someone who is independent-minded…,”he
said.
by the All Progressives Congress
(APC) for its senators-elect in Abuja
tomorrow, checks indicate that the
party is going ahead with an open
primary to select a sole candidate to
succeed David Mark as Senate
President next month.
A ranking senator from the South west told
Daily Sun yesterday that the APC is set to
organise primary election for all contenders
for the Senate Presidency, “much in line
with how the primary was conducted to
select our presidential candidate in 2014.”
All 59 senators and senators-elect of the
party would be delegates at the primary.
The ranks of the APC senators depleted by
one with the death, on Saturday, May 16, of
Borno senator, Ahmed Khlaifa Zannah.
It is yet unclear whether the primary would
hold in Abuja or Lagos but it was further
gathered that, all the 59 senators and
senators-elect are “expected to sign an
undertaking to abide by the party position
on whoever emerges as the party’s
candidate after the primary.
“Thereafter, the runner-up is expected
to emerge as the deputy Senate
President. In the event where the
runner-up is from the same zone as
the winner of the primary, another
primary election would be conducted
and whoever emerges would be the
deputy.”
Some senators are reportedly not happy
with the arrangement. They would rather
senators are allowed to “choose our leader
in the chamber,” said a senator from the
North west but who declined to be named.
Presently, major contenders are:
Senators Ahmad Lawan (Yobe, North
east), Bukola Saraki (Kwara, North
central), George Akume (Benue, North
central) and Ali Mohammed Ndume
(Borno, North east).
Daily Sun checks reveal that the major
contenders have since sited their campaign
headquarters at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel
in Abuja and spending heavily with block
bookings for presidential suites every week.
The presidential suites are now venues
where the aspirants hold court, and also,
hold regular consultations and schedule
meetings with their returning colleagues as
well as senators – elect across the APC and
the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Another ranking senator privy to the
arrangement claimed that “aspirants have
been picking hotel bills of members of the
incoming Eighth Senate, almost
immediately after the one-week induction
programme organised by the National
Institute for Legislative Studies (NILS).
Meanwhile, about 65 senators, gathered
under the aegis of The Like Minds have
vowed never to allow imposition of a new
Senate “by some highly influential members
of the APC.”
They argued that the initial decision to zone
the position of presiding officers of both
chambers and the endorsement of certain
aspirants by some caucuses, was to ensure
the emergence of anointed aspirant that
would be imposed on the lawmakers.
Some legislators believed that the current
arrangement by the party to conduct a
primary election would not only guarantee
legislative independence but also produce
presiding officers who would not take
orders from any individual within the party.
“Instead of having a Senate President that
would take directives from a particular
individual within the party, we would prefer
someone who is independent-minded…,”he
said.
Kaduna Police Arrest 31 Robbery Suspects, Recover 8 Vehicles
The Kaduna State Police Command has
arrested 31 armed robbery suspects
who specialize in snatching of cars,
motorcycles and women handbags.
The Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State
Command, Umar Shehu, said an AK47 rifle,
four bareta pistols, four single barrel short
guns, five single barrel long guns, 39
rounds of live ammunition and 92 live
cartridges were recovered from them.
The Commissioner also disclosed that the
suspects were arrested in Zaria, Kafanchan
and Kaduna, the state capital, by operatives
of the Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB),
during a stop and search operation and
cross fire, following a tip-off from members
of the public.
During the operation, a total number of 8
vehicles of various kinds including a Prado
jeep, 14 motorcycles were also recovered
from the robbers.
Mr Shehu noted ed that the arrests were
made within this month of May, 2015.
According to the Commissioner, the
suspects usually take their stolen vehicles to
Niger Republic, where they sell them to their
accomplices, adding that the command is
working closely with the Interpol in Niger
Republic to track down stolen vehicles and
their buyers.
Other arrests made by the command
include 16 members of a suspected terrorist
group known as ‘Sara- Suka in Rigasa, Igabi
Local Government Area of the state, where
they have been attacking residents and later
killed a middle aged man, injuring two
others.
Mr Shehu however reiterated that the
command would not relent in its fight
against criminals and criminality throughout
the state, urging car owners to come to the
command with their vehicle papers to claim
their vehicles.
One of the robbery suspects, Ibrahim Kabir,
who is a 20 year old boy and a 200 level
Accountancy student of Ahmadu Bello
University, Zaria, confessed to the crime.
Kabir narrated how he got involved in the
crime and however begged for forgiveness.
He also disclosed how they sold the stolen
vehicles at giveaway prices.
arrested 31 armed robbery suspects
who specialize in snatching of cars,
motorcycles and women handbags.
The Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State
Command, Umar Shehu, said an AK47 rifle,
four bareta pistols, four single barrel short
guns, five single barrel long guns, 39
rounds of live ammunition and 92 live
cartridges were recovered from them.
The Commissioner also disclosed that the
suspects were arrested in Zaria, Kafanchan
and Kaduna, the state capital, by operatives
of the Special Intelligence Bureau (SIB),
during a stop and search operation and
cross fire, following a tip-off from members
of the public.
During the operation, a total number of 8
vehicles of various kinds including a Prado
jeep, 14 motorcycles were also recovered
from the robbers.
Mr Shehu noted ed that the arrests were
made within this month of May, 2015.
According to the Commissioner, the
suspects usually take their stolen vehicles to
Niger Republic, where they sell them to their
accomplices, adding that the command is
working closely with the Interpol in Niger
Republic to track down stolen vehicles and
their buyers.
Other arrests made by the command
include 16 members of a suspected terrorist
group known as ‘Sara- Suka in Rigasa, Igabi
Local Government Area of the state, where
they have been attacking residents and later
killed a middle aged man, injuring two
others.
Mr Shehu however reiterated that the
command would not relent in its fight
against criminals and criminality throughout
the state, urging car owners to come to the
command with their vehicle papers to claim
their vehicles.
One of the robbery suspects, Ibrahim Kabir,
who is a 20 year old boy and a 200 level
Accountancy student of Ahmadu Bello
University, Zaria, confessed to the crime.
Kabir narrated how he got involved in the
crime and however begged for forgiveness.
He also disclosed how they sold the stolen
vehicles at giveaway prices.
Saturday, 16 May 2015
» Code Of Conduct Bureau Orders Jonathan, Ministers, Others To Declare Assets «
Conduct Bureau orders Jonathan, ministers,
others to declare assets
May 15, 2015
Written by Yusuf Alli, Abuja
The Code of Conduct Bureau has made Assets
Declaration Forms available to President Goodluck
Jonathan, ministers and political office holders.
Also, all newly-elected governors, National
Assembly and State Houses of Assembly
members have been directed to obtain assets
declaration forms.
It, however, said after the submission of the
forms, its officers will move round nationwide to
verify the claims of political office holders.
According to a notice by the Secretary to the
bureau, Mr. Kolade Omoyola, the filling of assets
declaration forms is in line with the 5th Schedule
to the 1999 Constitution.
The terse notice reads in part: “The Code of
Conduct Bureau wishes to remind all political
office holders to declare their assets on
assumption and vacation of office in accordance
with paragraph II of the 5th Schedule of the 1999
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Assets declaration forms are available for
collection at the Code of Conduct Bureau. Please
note that the declaration of assets does not end
with the submission of forms only as the Bureau
would verify such declarations for further
necessary action.”
others to declare assets
May 15, 2015
Written by Yusuf Alli, Abuja
The Code of Conduct Bureau has made Assets
Declaration Forms available to President Goodluck
Jonathan, ministers and political office holders.
Also, all newly-elected governors, National
Assembly and State Houses of Assembly
members have been directed to obtain assets
declaration forms.
It, however, said after the submission of the
forms, its officers will move round nationwide to
verify the claims of political office holders.
According to a notice by the Secretary to the
bureau, Mr. Kolade Omoyola, the filling of assets
declaration forms is in line with the 5th Schedule
to the 1999 Constitution.
The terse notice reads in part: “The Code of
Conduct Bureau wishes to remind all political
office holders to declare their assets on
assumption and vacation of office in accordance
with paragraph II of the 5th Schedule of the 1999
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Assets declaration forms are available for
collection at the Code of Conduct Bureau. Please
note that the declaration of assets does not end
with the submission of forms only as the Bureau
would verify such declarations for further
necessary action.”
Man Kills Best Friend, Dumps Corpse In Forest
Detectives attached to the Homicide Section,
Ogun State Police Command, are hunting
for a man who lured his best friend into a
forest, killed and abandoned his corpse
there.
The fleeing suspect, John, was said to have
invited his friend, Idris Alaba to a party, but
later tricked into him a forest, where he
used a plank to smash his head. The man
died instantly.
The murder of Alaba was later discovered
after police arrested the two children of
John, just as they had packed their
belongings and were about to run away
from the community.
According to residents at Ibafo, Obafemi
Owode Local Government, Ogun State,
where the incident happened, the deceased
was the head of the vigilante group in the
area.
The suspect’s children said they overheard
their dad, telling somebody that Alaba was
disturbing their business in the community.
Alaba’s journey to the grave started on May
3, 2015 after John invited him to a party in
Shagamu.
The two men left the resident of Alaba at
Ajemobi Street, and rode on a motorbike to
the supposed function.
The family of the deceased however
became worried when the night was far
gone and their father did not come home.
Anxious they called his line, but it was
switched off, they now called the phone of
his friend. John told them that he left Alaba
at the party.
A family friend said: “The kids of Alaba said
they were worried after speaking with John.
He was the one that took their father to the
party. They were also worried about the
brusque way John spoke to them.”
A member of Alaba’s community said:
“Immediately we rushed to John’s home,
along Ebute Ojora Road. We were shocked
to find John’s two kids armed with their
luggage. It was clear they were running
away. We apprehended and handed them
over to the policemen at Ibafo Police
Station.”
One of John’s kids, simply identified as
David pleaded for mercy from the angry
residents. “The kids said they overheard
their father saying the late vigilante man
was disturbing them from carrying out
their business in the community. He said
they would deal with him.”
One of the members of the vigilante group
in the community, Mr. Amos Omoedo,
said: “The children of the deceased called
me and some other members of the group
on Monday morning that they had been
searching for their father since Sunday. It
when we got to Ibafo Police Station with
family members of our boss, that the
children of the suspect told the Divisional
Police Officer (DPO) that their father took the
victim to Makun Forest in Sagamu.”
Local vigilante members from Ibafo,
Abeokuta and Sagamu, moblised and went
straight to the forest.
Omoedo recounted: “When we got to the
forest, it took us hours before we could
enter the forest. The first thing we noticed in
the forest was the foot path they took. We
saw the motorbike tracks. We followed the
tracks and traced the victim. We found him
dead. The plank used in smashing his head
was beside him.”
Ogun State Police Command, are hunting
for a man who lured his best friend into a
forest, killed and abandoned his corpse
there.
The fleeing suspect, John, was said to have
invited his friend, Idris Alaba to a party, but
later tricked into him a forest, where he
used a plank to smash his head. The man
died instantly.
The murder of Alaba was later discovered
after police arrested the two children of
John, just as they had packed their
belongings and were about to run away
from the community.
According to residents at Ibafo, Obafemi
Owode Local Government, Ogun State,
where the incident happened, the deceased
was the head of the vigilante group in the
area.
The suspect’s children said they overheard
their dad, telling somebody that Alaba was
disturbing their business in the community.
Alaba’s journey to the grave started on May
3, 2015 after John invited him to a party in
Shagamu.
The two men left the resident of Alaba at
Ajemobi Street, and rode on a motorbike to
the supposed function.
The family of the deceased however
became worried when the night was far
gone and their father did not come home.
Anxious they called his line, but it was
switched off, they now called the phone of
his friend. John told them that he left Alaba
at the party.
A family friend said: “The kids of Alaba said
they were worried after speaking with John.
He was the one that took their father to the
party. They were also worried about the
brusque way John spoke to them.”
A member of Alaba’s community said:
“Immediately we rushed to John’s home,
along Ebute Ojora Road. We were shocked
to find John’s two kids armed with their
luggage. It was clear they were running
away. We apprehended and handed them
over to the policemen at Ibafo Police
Station.”
One of John’s kids, simply identified as
David pleaded for mercy from the angry
residents. “The kids said they overheard
their father saying the late vigilante man
was disturbing them from carrying out
their business in the community. He said
they would deal with him.”
One of the members of the vigilante group
in the community, Mr. Amos Omoedo,
said: “The children of the deceased called
me and some other members of the group
on Monday morning that they had been
searching for their father since Sunday. It
when we got to Ibafo Police Station with
family members of our boss, that the
children of the suspect told the Divisional
Police Officer (DPO) that their father took the
victim to Makun Forest in Sagamu.”
Local vigilante members from Ibafo,
Abeokuta and Sagamu, moblised and went
straight to the forest.
Omoedo recounted: “When we got to the
forest, it took us hours before we could
enter the forest. The first thing we noticed in
the forest was the foot path they took. We
saw the motorbike tracks. We followed the
tracks and traced the victim. We found him
dead. The plank used in smashing his head
was beside him.”
» Abacha Loot: Secret Deal GEJ 'Approved' To Save Abacha’s Family From Prosecution
For allegedly helping their father plunder
Nigeria of an estimated $5 billion in the
1990s, Mohammed and Abba Abacha, and
other relatives of the late dictator, Sani
Abacha, have been rewarded by the
Nigerian government.
A secret deal between the government and
the Abachas, wants the family to return part
of the loot, in exchange for perpetual
immunity against prosecution.
The deal, kept classified for months, was
personally approved by President Goodluck
Jonathan in July 2014, and jointly authored
by the Attorney General, Mohammed
Adoke.
The terms of the agreement, obtained by
PREMIUM TIMES in March, have alarmed
anti-corruption activists.
“The agreement is (also) a tragic triumph of
impunity,” said The Berne Declaration, a
Swiss nongovernmental organization,
which for years has monitored efforts by
the Nigerian government to recover
hundreds of millions of dollars stashed by
the former military ruler, and his family, in
bank accounts across Europe, and America.
The agreement closes criminal proceedings
for the plundering of the Nigerian treasury
against the perpetrators and their
accomplices, with the result that they go
unpunished.
Foreign banks involved in the heist have
also not been convicted of money
laundering.
Worse, Swiss lawyers and other attorneys
who helped facilitate the so-called out-of-
court settlement, will pocket fees up to five
per cent of all monies recovered from the
family from banks in Switzerland and other
countries. The government expressly
agreed to pay one of the attorneys $28
million.
“This is all the more troubling because
many of the banks involved have not been
convicted of money laundering. It is equally
incomprehensible that the Swiss lawyers
involved may pocket up to 7 percent of the
sum for their services, as this money
belongs to the Nigerian population,” Berne
Declaration said.
The base of the agreement is for the Abacha
family to cooperate with federal authorities
to have the stolen funds repatriated, in
exchange for clemency.
On receipt of the assets, Nigeria will “end
any and all legal proceedings and
investigations against the settling parties
(referring to the Abacha family)”.
The government will “recognise” properties
owned by the family in Nigeria, the
agreement says.
“The FRN (Federal Republic of Nigeria) will
withdraw any and all civil proceedings
against the settling parties,” one clause in
the agreement states.
Another clause says, “The FRN will end,
without any finding of liability or guilt, any
and all proceedings of whatever kind
including criminal, civil or administrative
proceedings contemplated or pending in
any court in Nigeria (including in relation to
forfeiture and or restraint) relating to or
arising out of any investigations into the
resolved matter, …”.
“The FRN will provide to any government,
authority or organisation, where necessary,
information, clearance or such other
documentation or support as may be
required by any or all of the Settling Parties
to ensure and guarantee unrestricted
movement in and out of Nigeria or in any
other state or country,” another clause
adds.
As Nigeria’s military leader between 1993
and 1998, Mr. Abacha stashed away billions
of dollars of public funds in various
accounts abroad.
Transparency International estimates $5
billion was stolen.
The money include those in three accounts
at HSBC Bank Plc, one in Standard Bank Plc
in England; five accounts in CÃtibank Private
Bank of London; one account in Deutsche
Bank International Ltd, in Jersey, United
States; three accounts in Banque SBA SA
and one in Standard Alliance Corporation in
France.
There are also funds in nine accounts in
Luxemburg and Liechtenstein totaling about
$248.64 million and Euros179.14 million,
which was transferred to the Bank for
International Settlements (BI) in 2014.
In June 2014, Liechtenstein agreed to return
$227m, while the U.S. froze some $458m
hidden by Abacha in bank accounts.
Switzerland had earlier returned some $
700m. By March 2015, the country agreed
to return a further $380m.
The recovery of the money had been
blocked by legal action brought by
companies linked to members of the
Abacha family.
The government’s initial charges against
Abacha’s oldest son, Mohammed Abacha,
was for unlawfully receiving government
money from his father.
The Nigerian government agreed to the
secret deal as a sort of plea bargain, to have
the Abacha family drop its case, and allow
the money to be repatriated.
Geneva prosecutors had also closed their
own case against the Abacha.
Anti-corruption activists argue that granting
immunity to those who helped in stealing
the country blind will only embolden others
to do worse.
They also question why the Nigerian
government failed to lay clearly as part of
the agreement how recovered money will
be applied from the benefit of Nigerians.
“The agreement between Nigeria and the
Abacha family, approved by the Public
Prosecutor in Geneva, does not contain a
single provision to ensure that the returned
money will be of benefit to the Nigerian
people from whom it was stolen in the
nineties and who continue to suffer
endemic corruption,” Bernes Declaration
said.
“The entire arrangement is questionable,”
said David Ugolor of the Africa Network for
Environment and Economic Justice. “We
must let Switzerland see the need to
suspend further decision on the return of
the money stolen by Abacha until all the
terms are clearly established in a manner
that would really benefit Nigerians.”
Anchored by Attorney General Adoke, the
agreement compels the Federal
Government to withdraw all pending cases
against any member of the Abacha family
at home and abroad, while all organs of
government, including the National
Assembly, were barred from asking
questions with the intention of recovering
the stolen wealth.
Also, the deal forbids the government from
taking any action to limit the constitutional
rights, including freedom of movement of
the Abachas within and outside Nigeria and
right to property, in connection with the
theft.
Mohammed and Abba Abacha represented
the Abacha family in the negotiations, which
also involved international brokers.
Mr. Adoke represented Nigeria on the
instructions of President Jonathan.
“I hereby confirm that the Honourable
Attorney General of the Federation and
Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Adoke
SAN CFR, has full authority to contract in
that capacity in relation to the Repatriation
Agreement between the Federal Republic of
Nigeria and Alhaji Mohammed Sani Abacha
and Alhaji Abba Abacha,” the president
wrote.
As part of the agreement, Nigeria will pay
four per cent of the sums recovered and
repatriated to Nigeria to Swiss agent, Enrico
Monfrini of Monfrini, Crettol & Associe,
which also entitled to another $5 million for
litigation expenses.
Another 2.8 percent of the recovered or
repatriated sum was agreed to be paid
Christian Luscher of CMS Von Erlach Poncet
Ltd (subject to a cap of $28million), while
the Abacha are expected to settle the legal
fees of their appointed agent, Nicola
Boulton, of Byrne and Partners of London.
Nigeria of an estimated $5 billion in the
1990s, Mohammed and Abba Abacha, and
other relatives of the late dictator, Sani
Abacha, have been rewarded by the
Nigerian government.
A secret deal between the government and
the Abachas, wants the family to return part
of the loot, in exchange for perpetual
immunity against prosecution.
The deal, kept classified for months, was
personally approved by President Goodluck
Jonathan in July 2014, and jointly authored
by the Attorney General, Mohammed
Adoke.
The terms of the agreement, obtained by
PREMIUM TIMES in March, have alarmed
anti-corruption activists.
“The agreement is (also) a tragic triumph of
impunity,” said The Berne Declaration, a
Swiss nongovernmental organization,
which for years has monitored efforts by
the Nigerian government to recover
hundreds of millions of dollars stashed by
the former military ruler, and his family, in
bank accounts across Europe, and America.
The agreement closes criminal proceedings
for the plundering of the Nigerian treasury
against the perpetrators and their
accomplices, with the result that they go
unpunished.
Foreign banks involved in the heist have
also not been convicted of money
laundering.
Worse, Swiss lawyers and other attorneys
who helped facilitate the so-called out-of-
court settlement, will pocket fees up to five
per cent of all monies recovered from the
family from banks in Switzerland and other
countries. The government expressly
agreed to pay one of the attorneys $28
million.
“This is all the more troubling because
many of the banks involved have not been
convicted of money laundering. It is equally
incomprehensible that the Swiss lawyers
involved may pocket up to 7 percent of the
sum for their services, as this money
belongs to the Nigerian population,” Berne
Declaration said.
The base of the agreement is for the Abacha
family to cooperate with federal authorities
to have the stolen funds repatriated, in
exchange for clemency.
On receipt of the assets, Nigeria will “end
any and all legal proceedings and
investigations against the settling parties
(referring to the Abacha family)”.
The government will “recognise” properties
owned by the family in Nigeria, the
agreement says.
“The FRN (Federal Republic of Nigeria) will
withdraw any and all civil proceedings
against the settling parties,” one clause in
the agreement states.
Another clause says, “The FRN will end,
without any finding of liability or guilt, any
and all proceedings of whatever kind
including criminal, civil or administrative
proceedings contemplated or pending in
any court in Nigeria (including in relation to
forfeiture and or restraint) relating to or
arising out of any investigations into the
resolved matter, …”.
“The FRN will provide to any government,
authority or organisation, where necessary,
information, clearance or such other
documentation or support as may be
required by any or all of the Settling Parties
to ensure and guarantee unrestricted
movement in and out of Nigeria or in any
other state or country,” another clause
adds.
As Nigeria’s military leader between 1993
and 1998, Mr. Abacha stashed away billions
of dollars of public funds in various
accounts abroad.
Transparency International estimates $5
billion was stolen.
The money include those in three accounts
at HSBC Bank Plc, one in Standard Bank Plc
in England; five accounts in CÃtibank Private
Bank of London; one account in Deutsche
Bank International Ltd, in Jersey, United
States; three accounts in Banque SBA SA
and one in Standard Alliance Corporation in
France.
There are also funds in nine accounts in
Luxemburg and Liechtenstein totaling about
$248.64 million and Euros179.14 million,
which was transferred to the Bank for
International Settlements (BI) in 2014.
In June 2014, Liechtenstein agreed to return
$227m, while the U.S. froze some $458m
hidden by Abacha in bank accounts.
Switzerland had earlier returned some $
700m. By March 2015, the country agreed
to return a further $380m.
The recovery of the money had been
blocked by legal action brought by
companies linked to members of the
Abacha family.
The government’s initial charges against
Abacha’s oldest son, Mohammed Abacha,
was for unlawfully receiving government
money from his father.
The Nigerian government agreed to the
secret deal as a sort of plea bargain, to have
the Abacha family drop its case, and allow
the money to be repatriated.
Geneva prosecutors had also closed their
own case against the Abacha.
Anti-corruption activists argue that granting
immunity to those who helped in stealing
the country blind will only embolden others
to do worse.
They also question why the Nigerian
government failed to lay clearly as part of
the agreement how recovered money will
be applied from the benefit of Nigerians.
“The agreement between Nigeria and the
Abacha family, approved by the Public
Prosecutor in Geneva, does not contain a
single provision to ensure that the returned
money will be of benefit to the Nigerian
people from whom it was stolen in the
nineties and who continue to suffer
endemic corruption,” Bernes Declaration
said.
“The entire arrangement is questionable,”
said David Ugolor of the Africa Network for
Environment and Economic Justice. “We
must let Switzerland see the need to
suspend further decision on the return of
the money stolen by Abacha until all the
terms are clearly established in a manner
that would really benefit Nigerians.”
Anchored by Attorney General Adoke, the
agreement compels the Federal
Government to withdraw all pending cases
against any member of the Abacha family
at home and abroad, while all organs of
government, including the National
Assembly, were barred from asking
questions with the intention of recovering
the stolen wealth.
Also, the deal forbids the government from
taking any action to limit the constitutional
rights, including freedom of movement of
the Abachas within and outside Nigeria and
right to property, in connection with the
theft.
Mohammed and Abba Abacha represented
the Abacha family in the negotiations, which
also involved international brokers.
Mr. Adoke represented Nigeria on the
instructions of President Jonathan.
“I hereby confirm that the Honourable
Attorney General of the Federation and
Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Adoke
SAN CFR, has full authority to contract in
that capacity in relation to the Repatriation
Agreement between the Federal Republic of
Nigeria and Alhaji Mohammed Sani Abacha
and Alhaji Abba Abacha,” the president
wrote.
As part of the agreement, Nigeria will pay
four per cent of the sums recovered and
repatriated to Nigeria to Swiss agent, Enrico
Monfrini of Monfrini, Crettol & Associe,
which also entitled to another $5 million for
litigation expenses.
Another 2.8 percent of the recovered or
repatriated sum was agreed to be paid
Christian Luscher of CMS Von Erlach Poncet
Ltd (subject to a cap of $28million), while
the Abacha are expected to settle the legal
fees of their appointed agent, Nicola
Boulton, of Byrne and Partners of London.
My Husband Beats Me As If We Are In Boxing Competition - Woman Tells Lagos Court
A trader, Fatimo Nurudeen, on Friday pleaded
with an
Agege Customary Court in Lagos State to
dissolve her
12-year-old marriage for alleged frequent beating
and
fetish practice by her husband.
Fatimo, 31, who lives at 32, Akiode St., Ibafo,
Ogun,
told the court that her husband beats her
frequently.
“I don’t think my husband is normal because he
beats
me as if we are in a boxing competition.
“Also, he brought home a substance suspected
to be
fetish in nature and put it in our room. I was
afraid of
it, and my children and myself had to run for our
dear
lives from our matrimonial home.
“My husband drinks to stupor and smokes Indian
hemp, after which he usually loses self control.
“I do not love him anymore, I want a dissolution
of our
marriage ,” the mother of two children; ages
seven
years and ten years said.
Fatimo also told the court that she had been the
one
responsible for the upkeep of her children before
and
after she had packed out of her husband’s house
three years’ ago.
“I want the custody of my children but I want
him to be
responsible for their monthly upkeep,” she said.
The husband, Ayomide Yakubu, 35, a welder by
occupation, failed to appear in court.
The President, Mr Phillips Williams, told the
woman to
maintain the peace and ordered the court
registrar to
serve Yakubu another court summons.
Williams adjourned the case to June 1 for further
hearing.(NAN)
with an
Agege Customary Court in Lagos State to
dissolve her
12-year-old marriage for alleged frequent beating
and
fetish practice by her husband.
Fatimo, 31, who lives at 32, Akiode St., Ibafo,
Ogun,
told the court that her husband beats her
frequently.
“I don’t think my husband is normal because he
beats
me as if we are in a boxing competition.
“Also, he brought home a substance suspected
to be
fetish in nature and put it in our room. I was
afraid of
it, and my children and myself had to run for our
dear
lives from our matrimonial home.
“My husband drinks to stupor and smokes Indian
hemp, after which he usually loses self control.
“I do not love him anymore, I want a dissolution
of our
marriage ,” the mother of two children; ages
seven
years and ten years said.
Fatimo also told the court that she had been the
one
responsible for the upkeep of her children before
and
after she had packed out of her husband’s house
three years’ ago.
“I want the custody of my children but I want
him to be
responsible for their monthly upkeep,” she said.
The husband, Ayomide Yakubu, 35, a welder by
occupation, failed to appear in court.
The President, Mr Phillips Williams, told the
woman to
maintain the peace and ordered the court
registrar to
serve Yakubu another court summons.
Williams adjourned the case to June 1 for further
hearing.(NAN)
Pipeline Surveillance: Buhari To Revoke Jonathan’s Contracts To OPC, Ex-militant
By Levinus Nwabughiogu, Abuja
Anyone who thinks that the administration
of the incoming president, General
Mohammadu Buhari would tolerate the
surveillance of oil pipelines and waterways
by private individuals or groups should
better think again as there are now plans to
discard the practice and revert to the use of
conventional security agencies.
Saturday Vanguard’s investigations
during the week indicated that already
some highly placed persons in Buhari’s
camp with military and security
backgrounds have begun to fashion
out ways that would facilitate the
process.
It was gathered that the man behind the
process was a Director in the All
Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential
Campaign Organisation.
His briefs included to liaise with experts in
the sector and other people with rich legal
background to work out the template for
the new surveillance policy.
When this is completed, the incoming
administration, we gathered, would
further equip the Nigerian Armed
Forces, especially the Army and Navy,
as well as the police and the Nigerian
Security and Civil Defence Corps,
NSCDC and hand them over the job of
protecting the oil pipelines and other
installations both onshore and
offshore .
The implication of this however, is that
Buhari’s government would stop the
contract with some former Niger-Delta
militants or groups like the Odua People’s
Congress, OPC in the South-west region
which the Jonathan administration had
awarded such contracts.
The contracts to ex-militants to police
Nigeria’s waterways runs into billions of
naira, the money, experts say should have
been invested in the Navy to perform the
role.
In the build up to the last general elections in
the country, the media was awash with
reports that the outgoing president, Dr.
Goodluck Jonathan awarded a surveillance
contract estimated at about N9 billion to the
OPC. OPC leader, Gani Adams severally
thanked President Jonathan for the contract.
Buhari had Wednesday, during his meeting
with Rivers State chieftains of APC in Abuja
warned that his government will not
tolerate”an army within the army or a police
within the police” in the country.
He had also, at a forum in Abuja, told
Nigerians that he would upon assumption
of office reopen the books of the Nigerian
National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC for
proper auditing in a bid to ensure
transparency in the oil sector of the
economy.
Speaking in exclusive interview with
Vanguard, a member of the Board of
Trustees of APC, Chief Sam Nkire said that
Buhari would have to tinker with the
contracts if they were not properly
awarded.
According to Nkire, the outgoing
government of the People’s Democratic
Party, PDP, had a lot of underhand deals
with some groups.
“Well, once a government has been swept
away, it ceases to exist. The new
government takes charge and whatever it
decides to do, becomes the law. If the
government or presidency of Buhari thinks
those contracts were not properly given out
or were not given to qualified people, of
course, the government will cancel those
contracts.
“And from what I know of the incoming
president, he will not waste a day to cancel
those contracts because these are the
reasons why Nigerians rejected the PDP
government. Because, they did things that
should not be done. They did things
without recourse to the law.
“They did things with impunity and
knowing Buhari as a man who abhors
impunity; a man we can say is one of the
incorruptible persons, I will be surprised if
he does not revoke contracts that were
wrongly awarded if he sees them”, Nkire
said.
Other areas the incoming Buhari’s regime
would look into according to Saturday
Vanguard’s investigations include the
Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety
Agency, NIMASA, an agency responsible
for the regulation of the activities of Nigerian
shipping, maritime, labour and coastal
waters and the Federal Inland Revenue
Service, FIRS.
Sources who spoke to Saturday Vanguard
said that the two agencies stink with
corruption and financial improprieties.
“ Two other agencies Buhari must look into
are NIMASA and FIRS. Stories of corruption
in those organizations cannot be ignored.
For the incoming president to be taken
seriously in his pledge to fight and win the
war against corruption, he must sanitize
these places. They stink,” a reliable APC
source added.
Anyone who thinks that the administration
of the incoming president, General
Mohammadu Buhari would tolerate the
surveillance of oil pipelines and waterways
by private individuals or groups should
better think again as there are now plans to
discard the practice and revert to the use of
conventional security agencies.
Saturday Vanguard’s investigations
during the week indicated that already
some highly placed persons in Buhari’s
camp with military and security
backgrounds have begun to fashion
out ways that would facilitate the
process.
It was gathered that the man behind the
process was a Director in the All
Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential
Campaign Organisation.
His briefs included to liaise with experts in
the sector and other people with rich legal
background to work out the template for
the new surveillance policy.
When this is completed, the incoming
administration, we gathered, would
further equip the Nigerian Armed
Forces, especially the Army and Navy,
as well as the police and the Nigerian
Security and Civil Defence Corps,
NSCDC and hand them over the job of
protecting the oil pipelines and other
installations both onshore and
offshore .
The implication of this however, is that
Buhari’s government would stop the
contract with some former Niger-Delta
militants or groups like the Odua People’s
Congress, OPC in the South-west region
which the Jonathan administration had
awarded such contracts.
The contracts to ex-militants to police
Nigeria’s waterways runs into billions of
naira, the money, experts say should have
been invested in the Navy to perform the
role.
In the build up to the last general elections in
the country, the media was awash with
reports that the outgoing president, Dr.
Goodluck Jonathan awarded a surveillance
contract estimated at about N9 billion to the
OPC. OPC leader, Gani Adams severally
thanked President Jonathan for the contract.
Buhari had Wednesday, during his meeting
with Rivers State chieftains of APC in Abuja
warned that his government will not
tolerate”an army within the army or a police
within the police” in the country.
He had also, at a forum in Abuja, told
Nigerians that he would upon assumption
of office reopen the books of the Nigerian
National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC for
proper auditing in a bid to ensure
transparency in the oil sector of the
economy.
Speaking in exclusive interview with
Vanguard, a member of the Board of
Trustees of APC, Chief Sam Nkire said that
Buhari would have to tinker with the
contracts if they were not properly
awarded.
According to Nkire, the outgoing
government of the People’s Democratic
Party, PDP, had a lot of underhand deals
with some groups.
“Well, once a government has been swept
away, it ceases to exist. The new
government takes charge and whatever it
decides to do, becomes the law. If the
government or presidency of Buhari thinks
those contracts were not properly given out
or were not given to qualified people, of
course, the government will cancel those
contracts.
“And from what I know of the incoming
president, he will not waste a day to cancel
those contracts because these are the
reasons why Nigerians rejected the PDP
government. Because, they did things that
should not be done. They did things
without recourse to the law.
“They did things with impunity and
knowing Buhari as a man who abhors
impunity; a man we can say is one of the
incorruptible persons, I will be surprised if
he does not revoke contracts that were
wrongly awarded if he sees them”, Nkire
said.
Other areas the incoming Buhari’s regime
would look into according to Saturday
Vanguard’s investigations include the
Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety
Agency, NIMASA, an agency responsible
for the regulation of the activities of Nigerian
shipping, maritime, labour and coastal
waters and the Federal Inland Revenue
Service, FIRS.
Sources who spoke to Saturday Vanguard
said that the two agencies stink with
corruption and financial improprieties.
“ Two other agencies Buhari must look into
are NIMASA and FIRS. Stories of corruption
in those organizations cannot be ignored.
For the incoming president to be taken
seriously in his pledge to fight and win the
war against corruption, he must sanitize
these places. They stink,” a reliable APC
source added.
Friday, 15 May 2015
Loyalist troops in Burundi early on Friday detained at least three leaders of a failed coup against President Pierre Nkurunziza, with an AFP reporter hearing the arrest by telephone. The coup leaders’ spokesman, Venon Ndabaneze, was speaking to AFP confirming that the putschists had decided to surrender when loyalist troops arrested him, deputy coup leader Cyrille Ndayirukiye and another senior figure among the mutineers. AFP remained on the line as the leaders were detained. The leader of the coup attempt, former intelligence chief General Godefroid Niyombare, also said he was surrendering. “We have decided to surrender,” coup leader General Godefroid Niyombare also said by telephone, adding that troops loyal to the president were approaching him. “I hope they won’t kill us,” he added. It was unclear what happened to him.
An Abuja High Court on Thursday threw
out an application filed to stop Mrs. Patience
Jonathan from holding an emergency
meeting of African First Ladies Peace
Mission (AFLPM) in Abuja today, May 15.
The trial judge, Justice Baba-Yusuf,
yesterday refused to stop the meeting
because the two affidavits filed by the
plaintiffs were contradictory and
incompetent.
The judge said the affidavits were contrary
to Section 115 (3) (4) of the Evidence Act
2011.
The court also held that the plaintiffs slept
on their right since the application was not
presented timeously before the court.
The court noted that the plaintiffs became
aware of the facts they deposed to in their
affidavits since April 23, 2015 but did not
bring the application until May to stop the
event which was to hold today.
The court mentioned that by the nature of
the event, dignitaries must have arrived the
country from all parts of the continent and
by its nature, enormous resources would
have been put in to organise the event.
The motion to stop the event was moved
yesterday and the court delivered its ruling
on the same day since the court had no
choice as the event was fixed for today.
The plaintiffs, who include Nana Module
Onwodi, Ekemma Ugborough Arisa, Louisa
Ono Eikhomun and Deborah Oboh claimed
that the said emergency meeting called by
Mrs. Jonathan was called in “bad faith” as it
was aimed at scuttling any chance of Aisha
Buhari becoming the President of AFLPM.
Other defendants in the matter include Juliet
Mene, Juliet Pearce, Sonia Adolf and Kate
Duru.
The plaintiffs had filed a writ of summons
for themselves and on behalf of concerned
Women for Peace and Development,
seeking to stop the emergency meeting
called by Jonathan aimed at picking a new
President of AFLPM from among the other
African first ladies to succeed her.
They explained that the defendant stepped
into the shoes of President of AFLPM after
Turai Yar’Adua stepped down following the
death of her husband, Umaru Musa
Yar’Adua.
The plaintiffs claimed that the tenure of
office of president of the mission is three
years, which is expected to elapse in July
2015 and therefore any attempt for the
defendant to convene a meeting to elect a
new president would amount to
shortchanging Mrs. Buhari who ought to
get a chance by May 29, 2015 to participate
and even contest the office of president in
July, 2015.
They averred that “the defendant /
respondent’s intention to hold an election on
May 2015 is inimical to the progress and
development of the country” as “not only
shall we be affected as individuals but the
entire nation will be affected as our position
in the committee of African nation’s will be
relegated”.
They further averred that”the other African
nation’s who are members of the Mission
have unanimously agreed that the summit
and the election be held in July”
They submitted that Jonathan’s interest is
“selfish and totally in bad faith” and urged
the court to grant an order of interlocutory
injunction restraining the defendant /
Respondent from convening, hosting the
said meeting for the purpose of the electing
the President for the Mission or from taking
any step that will prejudice or foist on the
applicants and the court a fair accompli
pending the hearing of the suit.
Justice Baba-Yusuf will entertain the
interlocutory application today.
out an application filed to stop Mrs. Patience
Jonathan from holding an emergency
meeting of African First Ladies Peace
Mission (AFLPM) in Abuja today, May 15.
The trial judge, Justice Baba-Yusuf,
yesterday refused to stop the meeting
because the two affidavits filed by the
plaintiffs were contradictory and
incompetent.
The judge said the affidavits were contrary
to Section 115 (3) (4) of the Evidence Act
2011.
The court also held that the plaintiffs slept
on their right since the application was not
presented timeously before the court.
The court noted that the plaintiffs became
aware of the facts they deposed to in their
affidavits since April 23, 2015 but did not
bring the application until May to stop the
event which was to hold today.
The court mentioned that by the nature of
the event, dignitaries must have arrived the
country from all parts of the continent and
by its nature, enormous resources would
have been put in to organise the event.
The motion to stop the event was moved
yesterday and the court delivered its ruling
on the same day since the court had no
choice as the event was fixed for today.
The plaintiffs, who include Nana Module
Onwodi, Ekemma Ugborough Arisa, Louisa
Ono Eikhomun and Deborah Oboh claimed
that the said emergency meeting called by
Mrs. Jonathan was called in “bad faith” as it
was aimed at scuttling any chance of Aisha
Buhari becoming the President of AFLPM.
Other defendants in the matter include Juliet
Mene, Juliet Pearce, Sonia Adolf and Kate
Duru.
The plaintiffs had filed a writ of summons
for themselves and on behalf of concerned
Women for Peace and Development,
seeking to stop the emergency meeting
called by Jonathan aimed at picking a new
President of AFLPM from among the other
African first ladies to succeed her.
They explained that the defendant stepped
into the shoes of President of AFLPM after
Turai Yar’Adua stepped down following the
death of her husband, Umaru Musa
Yar’Adua.
The plaintiffs claimed that the tenure of
office of president of the mission is three
years, which is expected to elapse in July
2015 and therefore any attempt for the
defendant to convene a meeting to elect a
new president would amount to
shortchanging Mrs. Buhari who ought to
get a chance by May 29, 2015 to participate
and even contest the office of president in
July, 2015.
They averred that “the defendant /
respondent’s intention to hold an election on
May 2015 is inimical to the progress and
development of the country” as “not only
shall we be affected as individuals but the
entire nation will be affected as our position
in the committee of African nation’s will be
relegated”.
They further averred that”the other African
nation’s who are members of the Mission
have unanimously agreed that the summit
and the election be held in July”
They submitted that Jonathan’s interest is
“selfish and totally in bad faith” and urged
the court to grant an order of interlocutory
injunction restraining the defendant /
Respondent from convening, hosting the
said meeting for the purpose of the electing
the President for the Mission or from taking
any step that will prejudice or foist on the
applicants and the court a fair accompli
pending the hearing of the suit.
Justice Baba-Yusuf will entertain the
interlocutory application today.
Burundi Coup Leaders Surrender.
Loyalist troops in Burundi early on Friday
detained at least three leaders of a failed
coup against President Pierre Nkurunziza,
with an AFP reporter hearing the arrest by
telephone.
The coup leaders’ spokesman, Venon
Ndabaneze, was speaking to AFP
confirming that the putschists had decided
to surrender when loyalist troops arrested
him, deputy coup leader Cyrille Ndayirukiye
and another senior figure among the
mutineers.
AFP remained on the line as the leaders
were detained.
The leader of the coup attempt, former
intelligence chief General Godefroid
Niyombare, also said he was surrendering.
“We have decided to surrender,” coup
leader General Godefroid Niyombare also
said by telephone, adding that troops loyal
to the president were approaching him.
“I hope they won’t kill us,” he added.
It was unclear what happened to him.
detained at least three leaders of a failed
coup against President Pierre Nkurunziza,
with an AFP reporter hearing the arrest by
telephone.
The coup leaders’ spokesman, Venon
Ndabaneze, was speaking to AFP
confirming that the putschists had decided
to surrender when loyalist troops arrested
him, deputy coup leader Cyrille Ndayirukiye
and another senior figure among the
mutineers.
AFP remained on the line as the leaders
were detained.
The leader of the coup attempt, former
intelligence chief General Godefroid
Niyombare, also said he was surrendering.
“We have decided to surrender,” coup
leader General Godefroid Niyombare also
said by telephone, adding that troops loyal
to the president were approaching him.
“I hope they won’t kill us,” he added.
It was unclear what happened to him.
I Will Return Stronger To Rebuild PDP,Johnathan Tells Party Leadership
*Says he’ll take a short rest outside Nigeria
*Adds: My very close aides did not vote
By Henry Umoru
ABUJA — PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan
has told the National Working Committee,
NWC, of the Peoples Democratic Party,
PDP, that he would return stronger to help
rebuild the party after taking a short break
outside the country with his family.
The President urged the leadership,
stakeholders, leaders, elders and members
of the PDP to put behind them the defeat
the party suffered during the March 28
presidential election where it lost to the All
Progressives Congress, APC, after 16 years
in power and build the party for future
elections.
President Jonathan, who did not actually
blame the leadership of the party for his
loss at the election, was said to have heaped
the blames on some of his very close aides,
just as he told the NWC members that a
Special Adviser from the North did not even
vote on the day of Presidential election.
Vanguard gathered that President Jonathan,
who thanked members of the NWC for
their support, disclosed to them that soon
after the May 29 handover of government,
he would travel outside the country with his
family, rest, recuperate and then come back
to politics later, but not immediately.
President Jonathan who also warned the
leadership of the party against apportioning
blames asked them to ensure that the PDP
does not disintegrate because of March and
April elections.
PDP will bounce back
He said from all indications, the PDP would
bounce back against the backdrop that there
would be the problem of ego where three
persons will be serving as Presidents of the
country with only one elected.
The Wednesday meeting was held behind
closed doors at the Presidential Villa with the
aim of ending the lingering crisis in the
party after the general elections where
some PDP governors, party leaders,
stakeholders and members have been
calling for the sack of the present National
Working Committee, NWC, under Alhaji
Adamu Mu’azu.
The meeting, the first of its kind since the
PDP lost the presidency after 16 years of
leadership to the Presidential candidate of
the All Progressives Congress, APC, General
Muhammadu Buhari, retd, was a
postmortem on the election, to discuss the
way forward for the party especially the
move to heal the inflicted wounds, to
restrategise as well as reposition the party.
It was also gathered that those present at
the meeting used the opportunity to
ruminate on the elections and the loss
where they wished that the PDP would
have won the election.
The ruling PDP, which controlled the
Presidency, the Senate and the House of
Representatives for 16 years since 1999, did
not only suffer Presidential defeat, but it lost
in its traditional states of Plateau; Niger;
Kaduna; Benue; Bauchi and Jigawa.
*Adds: My very close aides did not vote
By Henry Umoru
ABUJA — PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan
has told the National Working Committee,
NWC, of the Peoples Democratic Party,
PDP, that he would return stronger to help
rebuild the party after taking a short break
outside the country with his family.
The President urged the leadership,
stakeholders, leaders, elders and members
of the PDP to put behind them the defeat
the party suffered during the March 28
presidential election where it lost to the All
Progressives Congress, APC, after 16 years
in power and build the party for future
elections.
President Jonathan, who did not actually
blame the leadership of the party for his
loss at the election, was said to have heaped
the blames on some of his very close aides,
just as he told the NWC members that a
Special Adviser from the North did not even
vote on the day of Presidential election.
Vanguard gathered that President Jonathan,
who thanked members of the NWC for
their support, disclosed to them that soon
after the May 29 handover of government,
he would travel outside the country with his
family, rest, recuperate and then come back
to politics later, but not immediately.
President Jonathan who also warned the
leadership of the party against apportioning
blames asked them to ensure that the PDP
does not disintegrate because of March and
April elections.
PDP will bounce back
He said from all indications, the PDP would
bounce back against the backdrop that there
would be the problem of ego where three
persons will be serving as Presidents of the
country with only one elected.
The Wednesday meeting was held behind
closed doors at the Presidential Villa with the
aim of ending the lingering crisis in the
party after the general elections where
some PDP governors, party leaders,
stakeholders and members have been
calling for the sack of the present National
Working Committee, NWC, under Alhaji
Adamu Mu’azu.
The meeting, the first of its kind since the
PDP lost the presidency after 16 years of
leadership to the Presidential candidate of
the All Progressives Congress, APC, General
Muhammadu Buhari, retd, was a
postmortem on the election, to discuss the
way forward for the party especially the
move to heal the inflicted wounds, to
restrategise as well as reposition the party.
It was also gathered that those present at
the meeting used the opportunity to
ruminate on the elections and the loss
where they wished that the PDP would
have won the election.
The ruling PDP, which controlled the
Presidency, the Senate and the House of
Representatives for 16 years since 1999, did
not only suffer Presidential defeat, but it lost
in its traditional states of Plateau; Niger;
Kaduna; Benue; Bauchi and Jigawa.
Man Excretes 70 Wraps Of Cocaine In NDLEA Net
The National Drug Law Enforcement
Agency(NDLEA)at the international wing of
the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport (NAA),Abuja,
has arrested a 39-year-old suspected drug
trafficker, Celestine Ikechukwu Okonkwo,
for excreting 70 wraps of cocaine weighing
1.326kg shortly on arrival from Brazil.
NDLEA Commander at Abuja Airport, Mr.
Hamisu Lawan, who disclosed this
yesterday, said that the suspect tested
positive for cocaine ingestion.
According to Hamisu, “the suspect tested
positive to drug ingestion while returning
from Sao Paulo, Brazil. He later excreted 70
wraps of cocaine weighing 1.326kg.”
Narrating his ordeal in the hands of drug
barons, who sponsored his trip to Brazil
under the guise of white collar job, the
suspect who sells used clothes at Idumota
market, said that he was promised mouth-
watering job opportunities here in Nigeria.
He however said that he was made to
suffer untold hardship before being used in
smuggling cocaine.
Confessing, Celestine said that he was a
happy man until the drug barons
approached him with a promise of better
job abroad.
According to him, “I was in my shop at
Idumota market where I sell used clothes. I
will never forget the day a young man
came to my shop to buy shirt. He told me
he is from Anambra and that he lives in
Brazil. He also promised to help me with a
good job opportunity over there. Honestly,
I was excited and felt it was answer to my
age long prayer. He collected my phone
number and left. This was how it all
started.”
Narrating his ordeal further, he stated that
after three months, the man whose identity
he did not mention called him that he was
back to Nigeria.
In his words, “he prepared my
international passport and also
secured a visa for me. Then he told
me to get set to travel anytime. Few
weeks later, he brought my ticket and
I travelled to Brazil in January 2015. He
gave me the name of the hotel where
I will stay pending when he will get
me a job. I was eventually abandoned
to suffer. When I exhausted my
money, I began to sleep in a church. I
also began to work for a Nigerian
woman who owns a restaurant in
order not to starve to death”.
The suspect also claimed that drug
trafficking was not originally discussed with
him before he left Nigeria.
According to him, “Nobody discussed drug
trafficking with me while in Nigeria. It was
after I had lived in the church for some
months that my sponsor located me in Sau
Paulo. I was told that there is no free lunch
in Brazil and that I have suffered and
experienced difficult life in Brazil. This was
the point they introduced drug trafficking as
the only way out. They said that was what
people do to make money. It took me
about seven hours to swallow 70 wraps of
cocaine. I was inexperienced because
it was my first time. They promised to
pay me N400,000 when I get to
Nigeria.”
Agency(NDLEA)at the international wing of
the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport (NAA),Abuja,
has arrested a 39-year-old suspected drug
trafficker, Celestine Ikechukwu Okonkwo,
for excreting 70 wraps of cocaine weighing
1.326kg shortly on arrival from Brazil.
NDLEA Commander at Abuja Airport, Mr.
Hamisu Lawan, who disclosed this
yesterday, said that the suspect tested
positive for cocaine ingestion.
According to Hamisu, “the suspect tested
positive to drug ingestion while returning
from Sao Paulo, Brazil. He later excreted 70
wraps of cocaine weighing 1.326kg.”
Narrating his ordeal in the hands of drug
barons, who sponsored his trip to Brazil
under the guise of white collar job, the
suspect who sells used clothes at Idumota
market, said that he was promised mouth-
watering job opportunities here in Nigeria.
He however said that he was made to
suffer untold hardship before being used in
smuggling cocaine.
Confessing, Celestine said that he was a
happy man until the drug barons
approached him with a promise of better
job abroad.
According to him, “I was in my shop at
Idumota market where I sell used clothes. I
will never forget the day a young man
came to my shop to buy shirt. He told me
he is from Anambra and that he lives in
Brazil. He also promised to help me with a
good job opportunity over there. Honestly,
I was excited and felt it was answer to my
age long prayer. He collected my phone
number and left. This was how it all
started.”
Narrating his ordeal further, he stated that
after three months, the man whose identity
he did not mention called him that he was
back to Nigeria.
In his words, “he prepared my
international passport and also
secured a visa for me. Then he told
me to get set to travel anytime. Few
weeks later, he brought my ticket and
I travelled to Brazil in January 2015. He
gave me the name of the hotel where
I will stay pending when he will get
me a job. I was eventually abandoned
to suffer. When I exhausted my
money, I began to sleep in a church. I
also began to work for a Nigerian
woman who owns a restaurant in
order not to starve to death”.
The suspect also claimed that drug
trafficking was not originally discussed with
him before he left Nigeria.
According to him, “Nobody discussed drug
trafficking with me while in Nigeria. It was
after I had lived in the church for some
months that my sponsor located me in Sau
Paulo. I was told that there is no free lunch
in Brazil and that I have suffered and
experienced difficult life in Brazil. This was
the point they introduced drug trafficking as
the only way out. They said that was what
people do to make money. It took me
about seven hours to swallow 70 wraps of
cocaine. I was inexperienced because
it was my first time. They promised to
pay me N400,000 when I get to
Nigeria.”
If APC Did Not Win, I Knew I Was Going To Be In Trouble- Gov Amaechi
Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi
yesterday said he would have been
hounded out of the country by the Peoples
Democratic Party (PDP)-led government,
had the All Progressives Congress (APC)
lost the election.
Amaechi spoke at the public presentation of
the compilation of his administration’s
achievements in Lagos. The book
“Dynamics of Change: The Amaechi Years”
is edited by Dr Chidi Amuta and Dr Yemi
Ogunbiyi.
Amaechi said he knew that he would be in
trouble if change did not happen in Nigeria
and was prepared to make the sacrifices
necessary to make it happen.
“I knew I was going to be in trouble.
Anything that would cause that change
not to take place, I was ready to make
that sacrifice. The federal government
sent out a signal that if they won
nobody should let me out of Nigeria
from any airport. One day Asiwaju got
angry with me. He was very angry. I
went to his house with Mallam Nasir
El-Rufai and knelt down, saying ‘please
let’s not disagree, let’s win first and
then we can disagree’.”
“I lost my passport in Ghana and went to
the High Commission. They gave me a
certificate but the Ambassador was given a
query for doing so. I later applied for a
passport and they gave me green, not red.
Now they have given it to me – two weeks
ago,” Amaechi said.
The governor said while his battle with
President Goodluck Jonathan lasted, many
of his friends either abandoned or took care
not to be seen with him in public. He said
he was mostly preoccupied with bringing
change to Nigeria and not about what to get
from the government.
“I told Asiwaju that what is important is to
make a history of the first civilian coup in
Nigeria when your children and
grandchildren read the history with your
name as one of the people who helped
bring about change in Nigeria.
“I said, let us focus on the victory. I
remember the day of the convention, there
were so many intrigues, there will be
convention, there won’t be convention, I
said my leader, if we don’t do the
convention we are finished, the press will
say APC cannot hold a convention, lead us
now, there must be convention and
election. So, he turned to me and said look
for Tunde (Fashola), let us go.”
The event which was well-attended by
chieftains of the APC was a time of tributes
and eulogies for Amaechi by his friends and
colleagues. Some of those present included:
APC national leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed
Tinubu, National Chairman, Chief John
Odigie-Oyegun, former interim chairman,
Chief Bisi Akande and Nobel laureate Prof.
Wole Soyinka.
There were also Governors Ibikunle
Amosun (Ogun), Abdulazeez Yari (Zamfara)
, representatives of Kwara and Bauchi state
governors. governors-elect of Kaduna and
Lagos states, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai and Mr.
Akinwunmi Ambode.
yesterday said he would have been
hounded out of the country by the Peoples
Democratic Party (PDP)-led government,
had the All Progressives Congress (APC)
lost the election.
Amaechi spoke at the public presentation of
the compilation of his administration’s
achievements in Lagos. The book
“Dynamics of Change: The Amaechi Years”
is edited by Dr Chidi Amuta and Dr Yemi
Ogunbiyi.
Amaechi said he knew that he would be in
trouble if change did not happen in Nigeria
and was prepared to make the sacrifices
necessary to make it happen.
“I knew I was going to be in trouble.
Anything that would cause that change
not to take place, I was ready to make
that sacrifice. The federal government
sent out a signal that if they won
nobody should let me out of Nigeria
from any airport. One day Asiwaju got
angry with me. He was very angry. I
went to his house with Mallam Nasir
El-Rufai and knelt down, saying ‘please
let’s not disagree, let’s win first and
then we can disagree’.”
“I lost my passport in Ghana and went to
the High Commission. They gave me a
certificate but the Ambassador was given a
query for doing so. I later applied for a
passport and they gave me green, not red.
Now they have given it to me – two weeks
ago,” Amaechi said.
The governor said while his battle with
President Goodluck Jonathan lasted, many
of his friends either abandoned or took care
not to be seen with him in public. He said
he was mostly preoccupied with bringing
change to Nigeria and not about what to get
from the government.
“I told Asiwaju that what is important is to
make a history of the first civilian coup in
Nigeria when your children and
grandchildren read the history with your
name as one of the people who helped
bring about change in Nigeria.
“I said, let us focus on the victory. I
remember the day of the convention, there
were so many intrigues, there will be
convention, there won’t be convention, I
said my leader, if we don’t do the
convention we are finished, the press will
say APC cannot hold a convention, lead us
now, there must be convention and
election. So, he turned to me and said look
for Tunde (Fashola), let us go.”
The event which was well-attended by
chieftains of the APC was a time of tributes
and eulogies for Amaechi by his friends and
colleagues. Some of those present included:
APC national leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed
Tinubu, National Chairman, Chief John
Odigie-Oyegun, former interim chairman,
Chief Bisi Akande and Nobel laureate Prof.
Wole Soyinka.
There were also Governors Ibikunle
Amosun (Ogun), Abdulazeez Yari (Zamfara)
, representatives of Kwara and Bauchi state
governors. governors-elect of Kaduna and
Lagos states, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai and Mr.
Akinwunmi Ambode.
Imo Poly Staff Drag Rector To Okija Shrine- Vanguard
—The crisis of confidence rocking Imo
State Polytechnic, Umuagwo, Ohaji/Egbema
Local Council Area of the state, has
degenerated to the point of the institution’s
Rector, Rev. Fr. Wence Madu, being dragged to
the dreaded Okija Shrine in Anambra State.
The invitation letter, which was allegedly
extended to the Rector, was signed by one
Ukaegbu N. Ogidi, who claimed that there was
a complaint of injustice against Rev. Fr.
Madu.
While stating that any respondent coming to
Ogwugwu Okija must come with clean hands,
Ogidi also informed the Rector that “Ogwugwu
kills only those whose hands are not clean,
especially those who committed evil against
their fellow human beings at work places,
churches, mosques, markets and other public
places.”
The letter also claimed that Rev. Fr. Madu
knew about the issue at stake, “but turned
around to conspire and deal with an innocent
person.”
The Rector was equally reminded in the mail
that he “should feel free to reverse the
injustice with your conspirators and
collaborators against the complainants to
avoid coming to Ogwugwu and other
unpleasant consequences.”
The custodians of the shrine similarly informed
the Rector that he should on arrival, look for
the Chief Priest for briefing and other
formalities.
Then the threat: “But where you fail to come
because of any reason, we shall come to your
residence or office. The truth must be
uncovered at all cost.”
When Vanguard visited the Rector’s office,
yesterday, to ascertain if he got such an
invitation or not, somebody who claimed to be
a staff of the office said the Imo Polytechnic
boss was not in the office.
State Polytechnic, Umuagwo, Ohaji/Egbema
Local Council Area of the state, has
degenerated to the point of the institution’s
Rector, Rev. Fr. Wence Madu, being dragged to
the dreaded Okija Shrine in Anambra State.
The invitation letter, which was allegedly
extended to the Rector, was signed by one
Ukaegbu N. Ogidi, who claimed that there was
a complaint of injustice against Rev. Fr.
Madu.
While stating that any respondent coming to
Ogwugwu Okija must come with clean hands,
Ogidi also informed the Rector that “Ogwugwu
kills only those whose hands are not clean,
especially those who committed evil against
their fellow human beings at work places,
churches, mosques, markets and other public
places.”
The letter also claimed that Rev. Fr. Madu
knew about the issue at stake, “but turned
around to conspire and deal with an innocent
person.”
The Rector was equally reminded in the mail
that he “should feel free to reverse the
injustice with your conspirators and
collaborators against the complainants to
avoid coming to Ogwugwu and other
unpleasant consequences.”
The custodians of the shrine similarly informed
the Rector that he should on arrival, look for
the Chief Priest for briefing and other
formalities.
Then the threat: “But where you fail to come
because of any reason, we shall come to your
residence or office. The truth must be
uncovered at all cost.”
When Vanguard visited the Rector’s office,
yesterday, to ascertain if he got such an
invitation or not, somebody who claimed to be
a staff of the office said the Imo Polytechnic
boss was not in the office.
Uniabuja Students Lockout FCT Minister Over Students’ Bus, Others
ABUJA- STUDENTS of the University of
Abuja under the aegis, FCT National
Association of Nigeria Students, NANS,
yesterday locked out the Minister of the
Federal Capital Territory Administration,
FCTA, Senator Bala Mohammed and other
government officials over the refusal of the
administration to purchase for them a
School bus.
The protesting students who barricaded the
entrance and exit gates of the FCTA
Secretariat in Area 11, Garki District, Abuja
for about some hours on Thursday,
demanded that the FCTA must purchase a
vehicle for their association immediately to
enable them attend their various
conventions; develop the University of
Abuja’s Unity Park; solve water supply
challenges at the University of Abuja’s mini
campus and furnish the common room of
the NANS Chairman.
The protesting students, led by the
Chairman of the University of Abuja Chapter
of the National Association of Nigerian
Students (NANS), Comrade Friday
Omadewu Adayi, laid siege to the FCTA
Secretariat from 12noon till yesterday
evening insisting that they would not leave
the place unless the FCTA met their
demands.
Following the crippling of business activities
and to avoid any breakdown of law and
order, selected leaders of the students later
met with FCT officials led by the FCT
Education Secretary, Alhaji Kabir Usman
who promised to look into their demands.
The FCTA was of the view that since the
University was a federal one, most of
demands were either untenable or should
have been pursued through the Federal
Ministry of Education which administers the
University of Abuja.
The Secretary announced that the request
by the students for a donation of a vehicle
to the FCT NANS was receiving attention
and would be granted if funds become
available, adding that while the FCTA
acknowledged the right of the students to
request for assistance, it abhors any action
taken to disrupt government activities.
Condemning the act, the FCTA noted that it
was wrong for the students to attempt to
use force to compel government to fulfill
requests that are not statutory
responsibilities of the FCTA, just as it
described the protest as unjustifiable and
embarrassing.
In a statement signed later by the Special
Assistant, Media to the Minister, Nosike
Ogbuenyi, the FCTA said, ” The point
should be stressed that it is not part of
FCTA’s official responsibility to furnish the
NANS Chairman’s common room at the
University of Abuja or to provide internal
infrastructure in Federal universities.
Similarly, government action on the kind of
demands made by the students is
discretionary and dependent on resource
availability.
” Nonetheless, the FCTA cherishes robust
relationship with NANS even though it
frowns at any attempt to hold it to ransom
by students over welfare and logistics
demands by individuals or groups.
“The FCTA advises the students to desist
from lawless acts like blocking of gates.
However, the Administration will continue
to assist students through its various
mechanisms including award of
scholarships. It will equally continue to give
logistics support to students’ organizations
such as NANS provided that due process is
followed and sufficient notice given in all
cases. While we are doing this, we call on
parents to always watch their children and
wards closely by calling them to order
whenever the need arises.
“The FCT Administration through its Water
Board has provided potable and
wholesome water to the residents of the
Federal Capital Territory including
Gwagwalada township by the recent
commissioning of the Lower Usuma Dam
Phases III & IV Water Treatment Plants and
therefore it is the duty of individuals,
institutions and corporate organizations to
undertake water reticulation in their areas of
abode. “
Abuja under the aegis, FCT National
Association of Nigeria Students, NANS,
yesterday locked out the Minister of the
Federal Capital Territory Administration,
FCTA, Senator Bala Mohammed and other
government officials over the refusal of the
administration to purchase for them a
School bus.
The protesting students who barricaded the
entrance and exit gates of the FCTA
Secretariat in Area 11, Garki District, Abuja
for about some hours on Thursday,
demanded that the FCTA must purchase a
vehicle for their association immediately to
enable them attend their various
conventions; develop the University of
Abuja’s Unity Park; solve water supply
challenges at the University of Abuja’s mini
campus and furnish the common room of
the NANS Chairman.
The protesting students, led by the
Chairman of the University of Abuja Chapter
of the National Association of Nigerian
Students (NANS), Comrade Friday
Omadewu Adayi, laid siege to the FCTA
Secretariat from 12noon till yesterday
evening insisting that they would not leave
the place unless the FCTA met their
demands.
Following the crippling of business activities
and to avoid any breakdown of law and
order, selected leaders of the students later
met with FCT officials led by the FCT
Education Secretary, Alhaji Kabir Usman
who promised to look into their demands.
The FCTA was of the view that since the
University was a federal one, most of
demands were either untenable or should
have been pursued through the Federal
Ministry of Education which administers the
University of Abuja.
The Secretary announced that the request
by the students for a donation of a vehicle
to the FCT NANS was receiving attention
and would be granted if funds become
available, adding that while the FCTA
acknowledged the right of the students to
request for assistance, it abhors any action
taken to disrupt government activities.
Condemning the act, the FCTA noted that it
was wrong for the students to attempt to
use force to compel government to fulfill
requests that are not statutory
responsibilities of the FCTA, just as it
described the protest as unjustifiable and
embarrassing.
In a statement signed later by the Special
Assistant, Media to the Minister, Nosike
Ogbuenyi, the FCTA said, ” The point
should be stressed that it is not part of
FCTA’s official responsibility to furnish the
NANS Chairman’s common room at the
University of Abuja or to provide internal
infrastructure in Federal universities.
Similarly, government action on the kind of
demands made by the students is
discretionary and dependent on resource
availability.
” Nonetheless, the FCTA cherishes robust
relationship with NANS even though it
frowns at any attempt to hold it to ransom
by students over welfare and logistics
demands by individuals or groups.
“The FCTA advises the students to desist
from lawless acts like blocking of gates.
However, the Administration will continue
to assist students through its various
mechanisms including award of
scholarships. It will equally continue to give
logistics support to students’ organizations
such as NANS provided that due process is
followed and sufficient notice given in all
cases. While we are doing this, we call on
parents to always watch their children and
wards closely by calling them to order
whenever the need arises.
“The FCT Administration through its Water
Board has provided potable and
wholesome water to the residents of the
Federal Capital Territory including
Gwagwalada township by the recent
commissioning of the Lower Usuma Dam
Phases III & IV Water Treatment Plants and
therefore it is the duty of individuals,
institutions and corporate organizations to
undertake water reticulation in their areas of
abode. “
Govornors Elect Who Are Likely To Lose At The Tribunals
1) Okezie Ikpeazu - PDP Abia state : The swift
reverse of cancellations in 3 LGAs of the sate after
Gov Orji stormed the INEC collation center with
other PDP chieftains is an evidence to reckon with
by the opposition APGA. Many election
irregularities spotted by internation observers in
the state is a point worth it for the opposition
APGA, since they have recorded evidence of
election malpractises. The arrest of 6 INEc staffs
caught thumbprinting for PDP has caused
sleepless nights for the ruling party, as the InEC
staffs has remained in Police custody, till when
needed at the tribunals.
2) Emmanuel Udom - PDP Akwa-ibom state. :
Card readers accrediting largely below the
number of voters the PDP candidte won with is a
pure evidence of fraud.
3) Nyesom Wike - PDP Rivers state: Suffers same
fate as Akwa Ibom
4) Rochas Okorocha - APC Imo state: Looking at
the margin at which the incumbent won, one can
fairly stress that there was irregularities,
Malfunction of card readers at the oppositions
strongholds, arrest of Adhoc staffs working for
the incumbent, delay in results announcement,
(stalemated). A reliable source has it that the
opposition has strong evidence at hand to
surmount the incumbent's victory at the just
concluded pools.
Feel free to add or remove.
reverse of cancellations in 3 LGAs of the sate after
Gov Orji stormed the INEC collation center with
other PDP chieftains is an evidence to reckon with
by the opposition APGA. Many election
irregularities spotted by internation observers in
the state is a point worth it for the opposition
APGA, since they have recorded evidence of
election malpractises. The arrest of 6 INEc staffs
caught thumbprinting for PDP has caused
sleepless nights for the ruling party, as the InEC
staffs has remained in Police custody, till when
needed at the tribunals.
2) Emmanuel Udom - PDP Akwa-ibom state. :
Card readers accrediting largely below the
number of voters the PDP candidte won with is a
pure evidence of fraud.
3) Nyesom Wike - PDP Rivers state: Suffers same
fate as Akwa Ibom
4) Rochas Okorocha - APC Imo state: Looking at
the margin at which the incumbent won, one can
fairly stress that there was irregularities,
Malfunction of card readers at the oppositions
strongholds, arrest of Adhoc staffs working for
the incumbent, delay in results announcement,
(stalemated). A reliable source has it that the
opposition has strong evidence at hand to
surmount the incumbent's victory at the just
concluded pools.
Feel free to add or remove.
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