Over 240,000 Students Now Enrolled In NOUN– VC

Posted on December 22, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Over 240,000 Nigerians are now students of the National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN, a feat which is a reflection of the academic revolution and standard set through re-invigoration of its curriculum and adoption of clear cut academic policies aimed at making education easily accessible and affordable to Nigerians.

Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Abdalla Uba Adamu stated this yesterday in Abuja when he played host to members of the Nigerian Guild Of Editors (NGE) who paid him a courtesy call at his office.

Prof. Adamu said NOUN could not have come at a much more better time in the lives of Nigerians as the institution has not only heavily bridged the gap in affordable education but has helped raised the standard and bar in university education across the country and beyond.

He particularly stated that the institution which today has numerous faculties and courses cutting across different spheres of life has study centers spread across the country to the tune of about 476.

“ I remember how our study center in Kano for instance got flooded following a presentation we made on radio on how even housewives and others could stay at home and earn their degrees after very rewarding educational experience and tutelage with us. This is the kind of opportunity that the University provides .

“We have continued to update and restructure our curriculum in line with NUC guidelines to attain maximum academic excellence and standards in all our faculties and departments and are proud with our achievements over the years, “ Prof Adamu stated.

The director of Learner Support Services of the University, Prof. Stanley Naribo Ngor, who also spoke at the meeting, eulogised the NGE but called for real professionalism in media practice. He said the University was open to collaborations with the NGE and others in empowering journalists and media practioners across the country, especially within the context of intellectual conducts as being pursued by the university.

Earlier, Vice President of the NGE ( North), Suleiman Uba Gaya, who led the NGE team had earlier in his speech requested NOUN to set up two special study centers for the NGE in Abuja and Lagos. He said this will go a long way in harnessing the huge potentials of Journalists in achieving their academic dreams even as it will enhance professionalism in the industry.

Uba who commended the strive of the NOUN, said over the years the institution has indeed become an excellent example of how education and academic brilliance could be entrenched in a developing country like Nigeria.

The Vice Chancellor who agreed to look into the prospects of the proposal, said the institution would look into its prospects within the ambit of regulations of the institution, adding that NOUN was open to partnerships that would help boost the country’s educational standards and development.

Credit:

http://leadership.ng/news/564784/over-240000-students-now-enrolled-in-noun-vc

Kafanchan: Curfew In 2 Kaduna LGs Following Protest Over Killings

Posted on December 20, 2016 by Staff Reporter

A 24-hour curfew has been imposed on Jema’a and Kaura local government areas (LGAs) of Kaduna State.

This followed a protest in Kafanchan over killings and destruction of communities in the Southern Kaduna area.

Thousands of the protesters carried placards calling on the government to put a stop to the attacks.

Trouble broke out, however when the protesters were challenged by another group from the area.

Armed mobile policemen came to the place around 10 a.m. and started firing tear gas into the crowd.

The Interim Management Committee (IMC) chairman of Kaura local government, Mr. Alex Musa Iya, said he and his colleague in Jema’a LG, Dr. Humble Katuka, had to take steps to restrict movement for now due to the security situation.

He said: “It is true that IMC chairman of Jema’a LGA has declared a 24-hour curfew on the entire Jema’a LGA with emphasis on Kafanchan. After studying the situation, I thought it expedient to also restrict movement in Kaura for 24 hours due to the proximity of the two areas. I am happy to inform you that there is calm everywhere now. We shall study the situation and take all the necessary steps to ensure peace and security. The intention is not to hurt anyone. We call on our people to please co-operate in the interest of everyone.”

Earlier in a telephone interview said the Jema’a Local Government interim chairman, Bege Katuka, said, “As a responsible government, it was incumbent on the council to take proactive measures to guarantee the safety of lives and property.”

He urge the people to be calm and remain indoors until the situation improved.

Spokesperson of the youths who carried out the protest yesterday, Mr Nathan Chaweson, expressed regret over ‘the high level of impunity’ exhibited by the perpetuators of the various attacks in Southern Kaduna in recent times ‘even with the presence of security operatives’ at flashpoints.

“Throughout the period the attacks lasted, no single arrest had been recorded. We are pushed to the wall to question the innocence of the government in what has been happening,” Chaweson said.

He challenged the government to rise to the responsibility of protecting lives and property in all parts of the state to give everyone a sense of belonging.

Credit: dailytrust

Muslim Woman Donates Rice To Over 50 Christian Widows For Christmas

Posted on December 19, 2016 by Staff Reporter

One Hajiya Ramatu Tijjani had donated some bags of rice and other food stuff to over 50 Christian widows and their families to celebrate the forthcoming Christmas.

Tijjani, a peace ambassador, made the donation to the widows at the Christ Evangelical Church Ministry in Sabon Tasha, Kaduna.

She said it was part of her efforts to strengthen peaceful co-existence among different faith-based organizations in the country and reduce the hardship most widows face.

She said that she was always happy to render assistance to widows and elderly persons with their children at every time.

Tijjani advised others with generous minds to emulate her by helping the poor and other needy persons at a season like this.

The peace ambassador said that Christmas provides an opportunity for Muslims to demonstrate to their Christian neighbours that Islam is a religion of peace and love.

Tijjani also commended Pastor Yohanna Buru, the General Overseer of Christ Evangelical Church Ministry, for always distributing foods and drinks to IDPs, the destitute and inmates during Ramadan in past years.

He was always serving cooked foods and drinks to widows and orphans during sallah celebration also, Tijjani said.

She said that Buru’s attitude was what impressed her to start rendering assistance to Christian widows as the Yuletide approaches.

Tijjani advised the Federal Government to create institutes of comparative studies which, according to her, can proffer solutions to ethno-religious crises in the country.

According to her, such an institute will also help ethnic groups to better understand themselves, promote religious tolerance and how they can live with one another in peace, she said.

Also, Pastor Yohanna Buru responding on behalf of his church members commended Tijjani for the donation.

He prayed God to reward her abundantly for her kind gesture to the widows in this period.

Credit: dailytrust

Obama Vows Action Against Russia Over Election Hacks

Posted on December 16, 2016 by Staff Reporter

US President Barack Obama has vowed to take action against Russia for its alleged interference in the US presidential election campaign.

“We need to take action and we will,” he told US radio station NPR.

Russia stands accused by the US of hacking the emails of the Democratic Party and a key Hillary Clinton aide, which the Kremlin strongly denies.

Republican president-elect Donald Trump has also dismissed the claim as “ridiculous” and politically motivated.

The intelligence agencies say they have overwhelming evidence that Russian hackers linked to the Kremlin were behind the hacks.

And on Thursday, a White House spokesman said President Vladimir Putin was involved in the cyber-attacks.

Hours later, Mr Obama said: “I think there’s no doubt that when any foreign government tries to impact on the integrity of our elections, that we need to take action and we will, at a time and a place of our own choosing.

“Some of it may be explicit and publicised. Some of it may not be.

“Mr Putin is well aware of my feelings about this, because I spoke to him directly about it.”

Woman Kills Husband In Quarrel Over N200 Soup Money

Posted on December 16, 2016 by Staff Reporter

A young housewife in Sabon Gari, Zaria, is being accused of stabbing her husband to death in the heat of an argument over N200 meant for soup ingredients.

The lady, Zainab Hamisu, who was residing with her late husband, Suleiman Abubakar, 25, was alleged to have committed the act after Abubakar had demanded an explanation on her failure to cook for the family.

An elder brother of the deceased, Isa Abubakar, said: “At 9am of last week Thursday, I was called and told that Zainab had stabbed Suleiman and his intestines were out.

I rushed to the house and met him writhing in pain. We rushed to Major Abdullahi Memorial Hospital, but the doctor insisted that we must inform the police first since it was not an accident. I called the police and they arrested her.”

Abubakar said it was the deceased, before he died three days after the stabbing incident, that told them what transpired between him and his wife.

“He said he gave her N200 to buy soup ingredients to cook

for them. But when he asked for his food, she told him that she had used the N200 to pay her tailor for the clothe he sewed for her. My brother told her that food was more important than dress. The argument became heated and she found a kitchen knife and stabbed him,” Abubakar said. Zainab’s grandfather, Sama’una Maikaji, said they were disturbed by their daughter’s act, saying that the marriage was just about 14 months old.

The Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Aliyu Usman, did not pick his calls, but a police source said Zainab was in police custody with her 30-day-old baby.

Credit: dailytrust

Nigeria Lost Over N1.5 trillion To Attacks By Niger Delta Militants, Oil Vandals In 2016

Posted on December 15, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, NPDC, lost N1.5 trillion due to attacks on its facilities in 2016, an official has said.

Maikanti Baru, the Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, stated this on Wednesday.

In a statement ?signed by Ndu Ughamadu, Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Mr. Baru said that the exploration and production subsidiary of the corporation lost the amount due to attacks on its facilities from January till date.

Mr. Baru disclosed this when he declared open the 2016 NNPC Security Awareness week with the theme:? “NNPC Security: A Task for All Stakeholders”.

He ?lamented the rising spate of criminality in the society at large and in the oil and gas industry in particular leading to loss of much needed revenue.

”At industry level, we are all conversant with the seriousness and frequency with which national assets in form of pipelines, flow stations are vandalised and crude oil and white products stolen with impunity.?

”In 2016, January to date for example, NPDC alone recorded 59 security incidents resulting in crude production shut down/deferment and revenue loss of over N1.5 trillion,” he said.

http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/217964-nigeria-lost-n1-5-trillion-attacks-niger-delta-militants-oil-vandals-2016.html

British Police Nab Six Over Christmas Terror Plot

Posted on December 14, 2016 by Staff Reporter

British police say they have arrested six people suspected of plotting terror attacks for Christmas on behalf of the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group (ISIS) in the United Kingdom.

Police officials said the arrests in the English Midlands city of Derby on Monday foiled a “significant” terror plan that came after months of close surveillance by the MI5 and counter-terrorism police forces.

The detainees, all aged 22 to 36, had planned to set off a bomb in a crowded British shopping center during the Christmas period, according to reports.

The Guardian confirmed the reports, saying, “Material recovered from an address raided in Derby has been initially assessed as being consistent with that needed to make homemade explosives.”

The counter-terrorism unit in Britain also noted that the detentions were linked to “international-related terrorism.”

Further investigations are under way to determine the motives behind the foiled terror plot.

In a late-October report, British security services said they had foiled at least 10 terrorist attacks over the past two years in the country.

“We continue to work at a relentless pace with our key partners, currently dealing with around 550 live cases at any one time. The counter-terrorism network and security services have successfully foiled at least 10 attacks in the last two years, with 294 convictions for terror-related offenses,” said Neil Basu, the deputy assistant commissioner of the Metropolitan Police.

Reps Probe Oil Firms Over N500bn Debt To PPMC

Posted on December 14, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The House of Representatives yesterday commenced the probe of Oando Oil and Total Oil over N500 billion debts the two companies and many others owe the Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC).

The probe also covers companies such as Forte Oil, Conoil, Mobil Oil, Masters Energy Oil and Gas Limited, MRS Oil and Gas, Heyden Petroleum, Rahamaniyya Petroleum, Amicable Petroleum, Aiteo Petroleum, Honeywell Oil, Capital Oil, Felande Petroleum, Sharon Oil and Zamson Petroleum among others.

Inaugurating the ad-hoc panel on the probe in Abuja, Speaker Yakubu Dogara said the committee was expected to make findings that would lead to plugging loopholes in existing laws and practices in the downstream sector of the Nigerian economy.

“We expect that in no distant future, the committee will be inviting some companies and individuals to provide answers to questions as to what happened to the downstream sector. We hope that this committee will conduct its affairs in a serious and corrupt-free manner as the house will not tolerate any evidence of undue influence or improper conduct,” the speaker said.

Chairman of the panel, Abdullahi Gaya (APC, Kano) said “The economy in the present time calls for our concerted efforts to move it forward in the right direction. In numerous ways, members of the present National Assembly have carefully thought out solutions to this challenge and have risen to the occasion.”

Credit: dailytrust

Patience Jonathan Faces Fresh Hurdles Over $15.5m

Posted on December 14, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Detectives have stepped up the probe of former First Lady Mrs. Patience Jonathan by retrieving her service records from the Government of Bayelsa State.
The retrieval of her records is part of the screening of her salary and emoluments as a retired permanent secretary to determine whether her earnings could match the 13 assets traced to her.
Besides the assets, the former First Lady is laying claim to $15.5m in some domiciliary accounts.
The anti-graft agency has written the Rivers State Ministry of Lands and Survey for details on some assets linked with the former First Lady and a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
But officials have blocked access to the documents.
Some of the officials may be investigated for obstructing justice, a source said last night.
It was unclear yesterday whether or not the said officials were acting on orders.
A source close to the investigation said there was no where in the records where the ex-First Lady earned foreign exchange as emoluments and estacodes amounting to over $15.5million she is claiming to own.
An EFCC source said: “This agency has retrieved the original service records of the ex-First Lady from Bayelsa State. Preliminary analysis of her records revealed a lot of discrepancies including issues regarding special promotions given to her which were faulted even by the Office of the Head of Service.
“More importantly, from her records, especially her pay packet of N700, 000, there is nowhere she earned as much as $1million not to talk of over $15million, which she is claiming ownership of.
“We have to go through her records and pay slips to prove that the $15million in question was undeserved and should be seized by the court. All her official estacodes and emoluments were not up to the amount being claimed.
“As far as we are concerned, she has questions to answer in line with Section 7 of the EFCC Act.”
Section 7 of the EFCC Act says: “The commission has power to (a) cause any investigations to be conducted as to whether any person, corporate body or organisation has committed any offence under this Act or other law relating to economic and financial crimes.
“(b) Cause investigations to be conducted into the properties of any person if it appears to the commission that the person’s lifestyle and extent of the properties are not justified by his source of income.”
It was also discovered that although she retired on October 15, 2014, the voluntary retirement was approved on 12th May, 2015.
But detectives are trying to analyse her pay slip to know if she received salaries for eight months after her notice of voluntary retirement.’
“If she did receive salaries within the eight-month period without any refund, she might be liable for another offence. A letter acknowledging her voluntary retirement was specific that any extra salary after notice of retirement ought to be paid,” the source said.
A 12th May, 2015 letter signed by Mrs. Biobelemoye Charles-Onyema, the Permanent Secretary of the Civil Service Commission, confirmed the acceptance of the retirement of the ex-First Lady.
The letter from the Bayelsa State Civil Service Commission to the ex-First Lady said in part: “I am directed to refer to Establishment Circular No. 7/1999 of 5th October, 1999 and to inform you that the Civil Service Commission at a meeting held on 12th May, 2015 approved your voluntary retirement from the Bayelsa State Civil Service as a Permanent Secretary (Consolidated Salary with effect from 15th October 2014.
“I am further directed to inform you to handover all government properties in your possession to the most senior director in your ministry and report to the Permanent Secretary, Establishment, Training and pensions Bureau, Governor’s Office, Yenagoa with your appointment papers and other relevant documents for processing of your retirement benefits.
“Any salary earned after 15th October 2014 will be deducted from your gratuity.”
Meanwhile, the anti-graft agency has written the Rivers State Ministry of Lands and Survey for details on some assets linked with the former First Lady in Port Harcourt.
But the ministry’s officials were said to have blocked access to the relevant documents by the EFCC.
Of 13 properties allegedly linked with the ex-First Lady, eight are said to be in Port Harcourt.
The assets in Port Harcourt are former Customs Service officers mess; two duplexes on 2/3 Bauchi Street; landed property with blocks at Ambowei Street; three Luxury apartments of four bedroom each at Ambowei Street; and Grand View Hotel on Airport Road.
The assets in Yenagoa include two marble duplexes at Otioko GRA by Isaac Boro Expressway; Glass House on Sani Abacha Expressway, which is housing Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board; Akemfa Etie Plaza by AP filling Station, Melford Okilo Road; and Aridolf Resort, Wellness and Spa on Sani Abacha Expressway.
Another top EFCC source, who spoke in confidence, said: “We have officially written the Ministry of Lands and Survey for details on some of the assets of the ex-First Lady and a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke in Port Harcourt but they have not been forthcoming.
“Up till now, they have not made relevant documents available to the EFCC. It is a kind of blocking of access to these land titles which are vital to our investigation. We don’t know whether or not they are acting on orders from above.
“We are hopeful that the officials will cooperate with us. But it is certainly a punishable offence to obstruct investigation by EFCC and other anti-crime agencies.”

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Patience Jonathan faces fresh hurdles over $15.5m

JAMB Meets With CBT Centre Owners Over 2017 Exams

Posted on December 12, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) says arrangements have been concluded to have an interaction with owners of Computer Based Test (CBT) centres in the country ahead of the 2017 UTME.

The board’s Head, Media and Information, Dr Fabian Benjamin, made the disclosure in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos.

According to the statement, the meeting which comes up on Tuesday at the University of Lagos is to fine tune all areas of challenges geared towards conducting a hitch-free examination in 2017.

It said that the meeting would determine the number of centres to be used for the 2017 all CBT Unified Tertiary Matriculation Board (UTME) exercise.

“These are centres that must have a minimum of 250 and above terminals (computers).

“We will not hesitate to disqualify any centre that falls short of the requirements,’’ the statement said.

“We will equally not compromise on the selection of these centres as they will fully be responsible for our registration and examinations and other related responsibilities that they will be saddled with from time to time as we introduce new measures.’’

It added that the board decided to come face to face with owners of these centre to ensure it got first hand information on the challenges they were faced with in the course of the examinations.

“As partners in progress, we need to sit down on a round table and tell each other the truth so as to get to the root of all the hiccups.

“We should all feel concerned even if it was just one centre that had challenges or hitches during the conduct of the last examination.

“Nigerians expect a lot from us and we must strive not to fail them.

“We are looking at strengthening what was done holistically to improve on the previous exercises,’’ the statement quoted the board’s Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede as saying.

It added that the board was committed to giving Nigerians globally accepted standard in the conduct of the examinations.

The statement said that the board would commence the sale of application forms soon and urged prospective candidates not to patronise any self-acclaimed agent as the board had not and would not appoint any.

It urged candidates to always visit the board’s website for information.

The statement noted that in a few months, the board had been working tirelessly on processes that were connected to the conduct of the examination.

It added that the board had taken stock of all the challenges that were recorded during the 2016 exercise, especially CBT centre-related issues.

It said the board had resolved to give every Nigerian child desirous of tertiary education a level playing ground to compete for the available space in these tertiary institutions.

“We are mindful of the fact that any child that writes in a dysfunctional centre is at disadvantage.

“All candidates must have same conditions, atmosphere and working facilities,’’ the statement said.

Credit: NAN

Italy President Starts Talks Over New Government

Posted on December 9, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Italy’s president has started talks with the political leaders of the country to form a new government following the resignation of Prime Minister Matteo Renzi.

President Sergio Mattarella began consultations on Thursday to decide whether to appoint an interim prime minister until upcoming elections scheduled for 2018 or to assign the leadership of the country to an interim government, which should serve until a snap vote could be held in spring.

Mattarella, a former constitutional court judge, began by consulting the speakers of the upper and lower houses of the parliament, Pietro Grasso and Laura Boldrini, respectively. Grasso is widely viewed as one of the possible candidates for new leadership.

Renzi announced his resignation after he lost a constitutional reform referendum on Sunday aimed at reducing the role of Senate and limiting the powers of regional governments. He had said a “No” vote at the referendum would also mean an end to his government.

Rihanna Slams Beyoncé Feud Rumors Over Grammy Nominations

Posted on December 9, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The “Work” singer wants everyone to “drop this topic.” She dismisses the suggestion of her having a beef with Jay Z’s wife, adding, “We don’t need to be putting black women against each other! We deserve to be celebrated, and the Grammy Academy agrees!”

Rihanna accidentally fuelled longstanding rumors of a feud between the women on Instagram yesterday after Grammy nominations were announced. It all started when RiRi “liked” a photo on a fan account that read, “Congrats and all to @badgalriri and all for her 8 Grammy nods but tbh f–k them because they snubbed her for Song of the Year and Album of the Year… I think they didn’t want her tied or passing someone else *cough cough* [lemon emoji]… f–k you Grammys.”

With her nine nominations for Lemonade yesterday, Beyoncé is the most-nominated female artist in Grammy history. Bey is also the artist with the most nominations this year; Rihanna, Drake, and Kanye West tied for second place with eight nominations each.

Desiigner Is Being Sued For $500k Over Allegedly Crashing A Rented Ferrari

Posted on December 7, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Desiigner’ pockets are about to be a little lighter, because he’s being sued for damaging a rented Ferrari back in June. Two of his friends, who have also been named in the lawsuit, allegedly gave the rapper permission to drive the car, however, he crashed it and now the rental company is suing for $500,000!

The 2014 Ferrari is valued at $220k, but they want $500k, because they claim that they’re losing out on as much as $1,599 per day if they were able to rent it.

According to TMZ, “The docs also included a cryptic tweet, supposedly from Desiigner, saying, “If you have a luxury car you better know how to drive.” The rental company thinks it’s a confession, but we checked and the account doesn’t look like it belongs to Desiigner.”

A re for Desiigner tells TMZ, “This is the first that Desiigner or his team have heard about this lawsuit. The minute he has had a chance to consult with his attorney, his managers or his attorney will respond.”

Credit:

Desiigner Is Being Sued For $500k Over Allegedly Crashing A Rented Ferrari!

Two Arraigned Over False Information To Police

Posted on December 6, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Two accused persons, Patrick Onomhante -54, and Dickson Ugoche – 52, have been arraigned before a Lagos State Magistrate Court sitting in Ikeja for allegedly giving false information to the police.

They appeared before Magistrate B. O.Osunsanmi on a three-count charge of conspiracy, false accusation, false statement to a public officer and given false information to the police .

The accused were docked for allegedly making false accusation against, Paul Njoku, who was charged with an offence of threat to life and unlawful diversion of properties knowing same to be false.

They pleaded not guilty. The accused allegedly committed the offence on February 26, 2014 at about 11:45 am at the State Criminal Investigation Department, (SCID) Yaba, Lagos.

The Prosecutor, Inspector SimonImhonwa, said the offence is contrary to Sections 94, 95 (c) and 96 (b) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011.

The defence counsel, A.E.POyenetor, told the court that the first defendant is his uncle and the father of Miss Ugoche, his friend, who bears the same surname .

He told the court,”Yourhonour, this matter has been taken to another court and the defendants have been in custody since then.

The prosecutor did not oppose the bail application.

Magistrate Osunsami granted the defendants bail for N100,000 each with two sureties in like sum.

He said the two sureties must work in a reputable company, have fixed addresses and show evidence of tax payment.

He adjourned the matter till January 13, 2017.

Credit:

http://sunnewsonline.com/two-arraigned-over-false-information-to-police/

Senate Grills NCC, Telecom Operator Over Data Price Hike

Posted on December 6, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) Tuesday said that it intervened with an interim price floor for data services to avert a looming price war in the telecommunications sector.

The explanation of the NCC is coming even as the Minister of Communications, Mr. Adebayo Shittu, asked Nigerians to face reality.

The regulatory commission said that it feared that the price war could eventually lead to a monopoly in the telecom industry that would force small operators to shut down.

It said that monopoly in the telecom sector could also push the country back to the days of NITEL to the detriment of small operators in the sector.

The Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Professor Umar Dambatta stated this when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Communications.

The committee was mandated to investigate the proposed hike in the price of data tariff said to have been ordered by the NCC.

Vice Chairman of the Committee, Senator Solomon Adeola, who presided, noted that there was a public outcry over the proposed data price increase.

Adeola said that Nigerians were united in their opposition that the proposed increase in the price of data should be stopped.

He said that the position of Nigerians was that the idea of hike in data price was ill- advised especially with the biting economic situation in the country.

Professor Dambatta told the committee that the intervention of the NCC was not designed to undermine the consumers.

He noted that if cheap prices were introduced, they may end up undermining the telecom service operators.

He said that if the situation arose where the operators could no longer cope, the consequences could be better imagined.

Senate grills NCC, telecom operator over data price hike

Reps Summon NYSC Director General Over Death Of Corps Members

Posted on December 6, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The House or Representatives on Tuesday summoned the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Brig. General Sule Zakari Kazaure, to appear before its ad-hoc committee investigating the death of three corps members at the NYSC orientation camps.

Majority leader of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila, while contributing the a motion sponsored by the member representing Boluwaduro/Ifedayo/Illa federal constituency of the state of Osun, Olufemi Fakeye, suggested that the NYSC management should liaise with the 36 state governments to construct permanent orientation camps in the states with a fully equipped medical centre.

Gbajabiamila also stated that all youths Corps members should be enrolled under a health insurance scheme for the one year period of NYSC.

He stated that expenses towards the above improvement to the NYSC scheme should be captured in the 2017 budget.

Fakeye in his motion titled ‘Unfortunate and Avoidable Death of late Miss. Ifedolapo Racheal Oledepo, a Corps meber at the Kano state Orientation Camp,’ noted that the demise of the 26 years old first class graduate of Aviation and Transport Management of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology was avoidable.

He stated that the deceased was sick a few days after she reported to the Orientation Camp and promptly reported the condition to camp authorities.

He added that the authorities initially thought she feigned the sickness in order to dodge the routine strenuous exercises which is part of cap activities.

He stated further that although the deceased was eventually admitted to the camp clinic under the supervision of NYSC doctor supported by NYSC nurses, the camp clinic may not be adequate.

“The camp clinic may not have been adequately equipped, as the late Ifedayo was reportedly give some “Placebo” and later injected with some substance, following which a lot of rashes manifested all over her body and her tongue became twisted.

He however suggested that Corps members should be allowed to have adequate rest at the orientation camps and the rigours of camp exercise be relapsed.

Credit:

http://leadership.ng/news/562803/reps-summon-nysc-director-general-over-deaths-of-corps-members

El-Zakzaky: Protest In Abuja Over Court Judgement

Posted on December 5, 2016 by Staff Reporter

A group of protesters stormed the Abuja division of the Federal High Court against the judgement of Justice Gabriel Kolawole that the detained leader of the Shiite Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), Sheik Ibraheem El-Zakzaky be released unconditionally.

Operating under the umbrella of the Coalition on Good Governance and Change Initiative (CGGCI), they aggrieved protesters condemned the judgement describing as “a dangerous precedence would have on law enforcement, security, anti-terror fight, terrorism, extremism and secessionist movements in Nigeria.”

National Chairman of the group, Okpokwu Ogenyi, said the judiciary has dealt a fresh blow to the future of Nigeria by legalizing terrorism while leaving the rest of the people at risk of losing our lives.

Ogenyi who described the judgement as ridiculous, wondered how the judge could order the release of a person believed to be a security risk to the society through his extreme brand of foreign-backed Islamic radicalization programme.

“Nigerians are ever ready to do the needful in safeguarding the future of our dear nation and hence would demand that Justice Kolawole be investigated by the National Judicial Council (NJC).

This could have only been in keeping with fulfilling obligations entered into for less than honourable considerations even as we cannot rule out a judiciary that is taking its pound of flesh from an executive arm that has exposed the sleaze on its soiled bench.

“If the entire judiciary has activated its vendetta against the security agencies that they see as the executive arm, the precedence set by Justice Gabriel Kolawole took things to the ridiculous by awarding N50 million of tax payers’money to finance IMN’s radicalisation programme while also asking that the police further deploy its personnel to protect a man whose sect members would invariably kill like they had killed soldiers and policemen in recent past.

This judge also failed to realize the weight of his utterance that has basically ordered the government to build a new headquarters for a proscribed group – we do hope he will keep himself on the bench for when other terror groups approach to demand for the government to build them headquarters.

“The house demolished in Gyellesu, on which the directive to build a new one for this demagogue, originally belonged to Alhaji Ismail Gwarzo the DG NSO under late General Sani Abacha. El-Zakyzaky was given the seized house by Gen Abdulsalam because people of Babban Dodo had at time also rebelled against IMN occupation which made them to burn his initial hub after he was released from another arrest for insurrection.”

The group said Justice Kolawole had murdered sleep with his ruling adding that he did this confidently because security agencies under obligation use taxpayers’ money to protect him and other judges who do not know the magnitude of the threat that terrorism poses to citizens.

Credit:http://sunnewsonline.com/el-zakzaky-protest-in-abuja-over-court-judgement/

Hundreds Contact Police Over Sex Abuse In UK Football

Posted on December 3, 2016 by Staff Reporter

British police officials say hundreds of people have filed reports of child sex abuse within the country’s football system.

In a statement released on Thursday, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) said 350 people had approached police forces across the UK with allegations of child abuse in football clubs.

Officials said the police would be investigating all of the reports they receive, with many believed to be dating back decades.

“We continue to encourage those who have been the victim of child sexual abuse to report it, regardless of how long ago the abuse may have taken place,” said Chief Constable Simon Bailey, NPCC spokesperson.

“We will listen and treat all reports sensitively and seriously. Anyone with any information regarding child sexual abuse is also urged to come forward.”

The police statement came as the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) said it had received more than 800 calls on a dedicated phone line set up to report abuse in football.

“The number of prominent footballers bravely speaking out about their ordeal has rightly caught the attention of the entire country,” said Peter Wanless, NSPCC chief executive.

“We have had a staggering surge in calls to our football hotline which reveals the worrying extent of abuse that had been going on within the sport.”

The flood of reports follows revelations by former Crewe Alexandra player Andy Woodward detailed abuse he suffered in the 1980s.

Buhari Approves N522.74bn Reimbursement For States Over PCD Over-deduction

Posted on December 3, 2016 by Staff Reporter

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the payment of N522.74 billion as reimbursement for states who were over-charged when Nigeria took a loan from the Paris Club, the London and other offshore lenders.

While Nigeria reached a final agreement for debt relief with the Paris Club in October 2005, some States had already been overcharged.

The Spokesman of Finance Minister, Festus Akanbi who revealed this yesterday in Abuja said the excess deductions also represent external debt service that arose between 1995 and 2002 as a result of First Line Charge deductions from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations.

He said work had since commenced to resolve each State Government’s claim, even as he added that the exercise is expected to take approximately 12 months.

He revealed that the first batch of N153.01 billion was currently being processed for release to 14 State Governments.

He said: “The Federal Government has reached a conditional agreement to pay 25% of the amounts claimed subject to a cap of N14.5 Billion to any given State. Balances due thereafter, will be revisited when fiscal conditions improve. The exercise will be thorough, including a complete reconstruction of records dating back to the period in question.

“In the interim however, State Governors have continued to appeal for release of payment on the grounds of fairness because some States had already received refunds under previous administrations. Mr. President’s overriding concern is for the welfare of the Nigerian people considering the fact that many States are owing salaries and pension, causing considerable hardship.

Therefore, to ensure compliance with the directive that a minimum of 50% of any amount disbursed is dedicated to this, funds will be credited to an auditable account from which payments to individual creditors would be made. Where possible, such payments would be made to BVN linked accounts and verified”, Akanbi explained.

On the request by State Governments for a refund of amounts owed by the Federal Government, Akanbi said President Buhari directed that claims be subject to verification by the Debt Management Office, stressing that a team was established and given the mandate to scrutinise claims and reconcile with available records.

“The brief for the team was also extended to include a review of interim payments made under previous administrations”, he stated.

The Minister’s Spokesman also added that reconciliation of states’ claims was ongoing, even as he noted that there was a possibility the final outcome might show an under or overstatement of claims.

“To this end, an undertaken has been signed by State Governors, declaring that in the event the amount already paid exceeds the verified claim, the surplus would be deducted directly from the State’s monthly FAAC allocations”, he said.

Akanbi maintained that the release of these funds was intended to support the fiscal stimulus programme of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration to provide direct stimulus through government spending.

“It is particularly aimed at boosting demand at consumer level and reversing the slowdown in economic activity”, he said.

Credit:

http://sunnewsonline.com/buhari-approves-n522-74bn-reimbursement-for-states-over-pcd-over-deduction/

How 6 Labourers Beat Farmer To Death Over 12 Bags Of Rice

Posted on December 2, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Kwara State Police Command, yesterday, said it has arrested six middle-aged rice harvesters, who killed their landlady, who owned a farm, and stole her 11 bags of rice.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olusola Amore, told journalists at the police headquarters that the deceased rice farmer, Mrs Florence Ede, had hired the six men to harvest the rice on her farm in Yashikira, Baruten Local Government Area of the state.

The Commissioner said that Mrs Ede went to the farm with the six labourers, identified as Kofi Kawku, Ali Sabi, Ali Dauda, Gomina Umaru, Abubakar Basira and Ayuba Adamu, and harvested the 11 bags of rice.

The work lasted till night, when Mrs Ede paid the labourers and told them to go, and that she would sleep in the farm and leave the next morning. The six men came back at midnight, beat the woman to death and took away the bags of rice. He said the six suspects have been arrested with the 11 bags of rice, a Golf car used in conveying the bags and the stick with which they killed the woman, adding that they have confessed to committing the crime.

The Police Commissioner also told journalists that three suspected members of Eiye and Aye secret cults, who have been terrorising Ilorin residents have been arrested. The suspects, Ibrahim Imam, Saliisudeen Imam and Saheed Mubaraq, according to him, confessed to have been involved in series of attack that led to many deaths in the state capital.

He added that three live cartridges and charms were recovered from them. Also, yesterday, the Command disclosed that it has set up a committee that will address the clashes between herdsmen and farmers in the state.

The committee, according to the Police Commissioner, comprised the divisional police officers in all 16 local governments, chiefs and farmers.

Credit: Vanguard

Nigerian Arrested In Mauritius Over ‘Heroin In Cosmetic Containers’

Posted on November 30, 2016 by Staff Reporter

A Nigerian student has been arrested in Mauritius following the seizure of alleged heroin hidden in small pots of a cosmetic brand.

Uchenna Philips Okafor, 23, was nabbed by police on Tuesday in the sea side town of Flic-en-Flac during a sting operation.

Mr Okafor, who lives in Mauritius, has not yet commented on the allegation that he was dealing in drugs.

About 250 grams of heroin worth 3.7 million Mauritian rupees ( $103,000, £82,397) was concealed in 26 small containers of a cosmetic brand, and intercepted at the island’s main airport on Sunday by customs officers and bloodhounds of the Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit, police say.

The consignment, allegedly addressed to Mr Okafor, had been sent from Charles de Gaulle airport in France.

Police allege that South African rands, US dollars, Mauritian rupees and Bangladesh takas were seized from Mr Okafor’s home, along with a fake Mauritian identity card.

He is expected to appear in court today, and will answer to a provisional charge of attempting to take a delivery of drugs.

Credit: BBC

LASU To Admit Over 5,000 Students For 2016/2017 Academic Session

Posted on November 30, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Lagos State University, LASU, on Wednesday said it would admit between 4,800 and 5,200 candidates for the 2016/2017 academic session.

Olanrewaju Fagbohun, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Lagos. ?
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Mr. Fagbohun said the difference in the figure was to give room for other developments during the exercise.

According to him, some of the students offered provisional admissions may not be able to register, and others may have gained admission elsewhere, among other reasons.
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He said the carrying capacity quota for the university from the National Universities Commission (NUC) was actually over 7,000.

But, the university’s authorities do not want to stretch the available faculties because of greed, he said.

“As a responsible institution that had conducted an audit of the available facilities, we have decided not to go beyond admitting 5,200 candidates until we expand our facilities.
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“ We will continue to improve on our facilities to meet up with the NUC quota and give room for more applicants to choose the university as their preferred first choice, “he said.
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According to him, the current population of students in the university is over 13,000 and the management is adhering to the NUC’s guidelines regarding teacher: students ratio.?
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Mr. Fagbohun also said 32 of its programmes would be undergoing NUC’s accreditation from November end ?and the university was prepared for it.

Credit: NAN

PMB, Yari Meet Over Killings In Zamfara

Posted on November 29, 2016 by Staff Reporter

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday met behind closed doors with Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja over the recent killings and abductions in his state.

Speaking with State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, Yari disclosed that he came to brief the president about the security situation in his state which has reached alarming proportions.

He said, “As you are aware, some villages in Zamfara State have been under attacks by bandits and the President has carried out his constitutional responsibility by sending security men to the state.

“So I am here to brief him on the security situation in the state. The operation is ongoing and is going on successfully. I am rushing back there to visit the troops in order to boast their morale.

“I will be with them throughout the week. In this kind of situation, you have to be with the people in order to show them that you are concerned as a leader.

“I believe the security agencies are doing their best and we will continue as government to give them the support needed to make the operation successful.

He expressed hope that the military will remain there for longer time adding that the state is ready to take care of their logistics.

“The problem we have is that the state is surrounded by forests. The military men there are currently in about six camps. We hope they will stay there for a while.

“We thank God that the 40 people are back with their families. We have retrieved them from their abductors and we have returned them to their families without any injury. We also did not pay any ransom,” he added.

Credit:

http://leadership.ng/news/561775/pmb-yari-meet-over-killings-in-zamfara

Sheriff Sues Borno State Over Boko Haram Comments

Posted on November 28, 2016 by Staff Reporter

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Senator Ali Modu Sheriff has sued the Borno state government after being recently accused of having knowledge about Boko Haram.

Addressing newmen on Monday, on Sheriff’s behalf in Abuja, the deputy national chairman for his People Democratic Party-led faction, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh announced that Sheriff has sued the Borno State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, ?Barrister Kaka Shehu Lawan?.

He said in Suit No. FCT/HC/CU/2494/2016, Barrister Lawan and three other persons are the defendants.

?”It is on record that when Sheriff was Governor of Borno State, he suppressed and completely routed the Boko Haram like Buhari did in 1993. ?Boko Haram Killed 5 members of his family in the process of his fight against them.

“But when the current Governor of Borno State, Shetima took over office Boko Haram became emboldened, virulent and malignant.

“Note also that Shetima became Governor because Boko Haram killed the man who was to be Governor. His death paved way for the emergence of Shetima who willingly and deliberately encouraged Boko Haram,” he said.

Credit: dailytrust

Airports: Concessioning To Wait Until N120bn Fund Probe Over – Reps

Posted on November 24, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The House of Representatives has called on the minister of state for aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, to suspend plans on the proposed concession of airports until he is able to brief the House as well as Nigerians, the benefits of the concession as well as how it will tackle the challenges the aviation sector faces.

It also called for the probe of the former minister of aviation, Sen. Stella Oduah, over the diversion of the N120 billion aviation intervention fund provided by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in 2012.

These were part of recommendations of the report of the House Committee on Aviation on the investigation into how to rescue the airline industry from imminent collapse, which was considered yesterday.

The House is also to invite Sen. Sirika to brief it on his plans and programmes for the aviation sector, including the current status of the ongoing remodelling of international airports, the reasons behind the scope and design of the remodelling. He is also to provide detailed drawings and specifications of current design in order to enable the ascertainment of the action cost of ongoing work compared to the loan received.

The report’s recommendations include: “Urge the minister of state, aviation, to stay action on the proposed concession of airports until the minister has been able to brief the House and Nigerians on how the proposed concession will remedy the challenges facing the sector and benefit consumer.

“Refrain from taking any action on the concession agreement between FAAN, and Bi-Courtney till the case is determined by the Supreme Court.

“Invite the governor of Central Bank of Nigeria and airline operators (Domestic and International) to deliberate on the possibilities of CBN’s intervention in the crisis of foreign exchange for the airline industry.

“Call on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the diversion of the N120 billion aviation intervention fund provided by the CBN in 2012.

“Meet with the management of Aviation Regulatory Agencies (FAAN, NCAA, NAMA, AIB, etc) to deliberate on the possibilities of denominating the aviation sector in local currency (Naira).

“Urge the management of Arik Air to reconcile its accounts with FAAN with a view to paying off its debts”.

The committee also recommended that the House invite Asset Management of Nigeria (AMCON) to appear before the it and fully brief the House of its plan of action to resuscitate the airline, Aero Contractors.

It further urged the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to, as a matter of urgency, make aviation fuel available regularly at affordable prices and make effort to refine aviation fuel (Jet 1) locally.

Credit:

http://leadership.ng/news/cover-stories/560921/airports-concessioning-to-wait-until-n120bn-fund-probe-over-reps

Army, Amnesty International, Trade Words Over Alleged Killing Of 150 Pro-Biafra Activists

Posted on November 24, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Amnesty International, yesterday, came out with a report stating that the Nigerian security forces led by the military, embarked on a chilling campaign of extrajudicial executions and violence resulting in the deaths of at least 150 peaceful pro-Biafra protesters in the South Eastern part of the country.

Attributing their findings to an indepth investigation it carried out, the international body stated that analysis of 87 videos, 122 photographs and 146 eyewitness testimonies relating to demonstrations and other gatherings between August 2015 and August 2016, consistently showed that the military fired live ammunition with little or no warning to disperse crowds. It also finds evidence of mass extrajudicial executions by security forces, including at least 60 people shot dead in the space of two days in connection with events to mark Biafra Remembrance Day.

“This deadly repression of pro-Biafra activists is further stoking tensions in the South East of Nigeria. This reckless and trigger-happy approach to crowd control has caused at least 150 deaths and we fear the actual total might be far higher. The Nigerian government’s decision to send in the military to respond to pro-Biafra events seems to be in large part to blame for this excessive bloodshed. The authorities must immediately launch an impartial investigation and bring the perpetrators to book,” said Makmid Kamara, Interim Director of Amnesty International Nigeria.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/11/army-amnesty-international-trade-words-over-alleged-killing-of-150-pro-biafra-activists/

Oil Era Will Soon Be Over- Osinbajo

Posted on November 23, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Nigeria’s Vice President Yemi Osinbajo warns that the nation’s reliance on oil as a means of sustenance will soon be over with the development of technology. Osinbajo spoke today at the E-Nigeria summit, organised by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) with the theme “leveraging i.T. Innovation for economic diversification”.

His speech reads:

It is my pleasure to be with you today at this 9th edition of the e-Nigeria summit. I don’t think there is any subject of greater importance in Nigeria today than the theme of this summit which is Leveraging IT Innovation for Economic Diversification. The Director General of NITDA, Mr Musa Ali Ibrahim and his team truly deserved to be commended for this excellent and innovative idea. Their choice of subject and task that they’ve set for themselves are entirely spot on.

Every once in several centuries comes an innovation that completely redefines every aspect of human life and experience. The printing press for example is described as the turning point at which knowledge began freely replicating, and quickly assumed a life of its own. The invention of the telegraph was so revolutionary that a notable commentator said that before it “information was moving only as quickly as a man on a horseback.”

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/11/oil-era-will-soon-says-osinbajo/

Ondo Guber: Jegede Calls For Calm Over Appeal Court Verdict

Posted on November 19, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The factional candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the November 26, 2016 Governorship election in Ondo state, Eyitayo Jegede SAN has called for calm among his supporters following the decision of the Appeal Court Justices sitting on party’s governorship candidate tussle to adjourn its judgment earlier scheduled for today.

The three man appellate justices headed by Justice Ibrahim Salauwa had announced to the parties that some set of applicants who had before now submitted a petition against the previous panel, had again filed a motion against the new panel at the Supreme Court seeking to stop further proceedings in relation to all matters touching on the Ondo State PDP governorship candidature.

It would be recalled that the Court of Appeal had fixed Friday 18th November 2016 to deliver judgment in respect of an appeal filed by Eyitayo Jegede SAN against the decision of Hon. Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court Abuja which ordered the substitution of his name with that of Jimoh Ibrahim for the Ondo November Governorship Election.

Jegede in a statement by the Head of Media and Publicity of his Campaign Organization, Kayode Fasua said he was not unmindful of the fact that the temporary setback is the handiwork of some anti-democratic elements hell bent on truncating his mandate for the November 26, 2016 polls.

Credit:

http://leadership.ng/news/560143/ondo-guber-jegede-calls-for-calm-over-appeal-court-verdict

Saudi Activist Given 2-year Jail Term Over Tweets

Posted on November 16, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Saudi Arabia has handed down a 2-year prison sentence to an activist on charges that he used Twitter to encourage protests against the ruling Al Saud regime and to urge the release of political prisoners.

The unnamed man was found guilty and sentenced to jail by the Specialized Criminal Court in Riyadh on Wednesday for his tweets, among other offenses. This Saudi court’s jurisdiction involves terrorism-related charges.

The activist was accused of opening Twitter accounts and using them to call for gatherings against the Saudi regime, and inciting “riots” to demand the release of detainees who are imprisoned for security and terrorism charges.

His charges included being hostile to the Saudi dynasty and publishing posts offensive to security forces as well as King Salman.

According to Saudi media, the man’s mobile has been confiscated and his active Twitter account shut. He is also barred from traveling and posting messages on social media sites for two years after his release.

The monarchy is consistently singled out and criticized for its widespread violation of human rights. US-based Human Rights Watch and UK-based Amnesty International have both condemned Saudi Arabia for cracking down on activists and political dissidents.

Back in March, the Amnesty released a statement, saying the kingdom had enforced an “abusive” anti-terror law, which associates peaceful protests with terrorism and allows it to hand down lengthy jail terms to peaceful critics and human rights activists after holding “deeply unfair” trials for them.

Saudi Arabia has put several prominent reform activists behind bars since 2001 when the country’s first criminal procedure code was introduced.

The regime allows for up to 10 years of imprisonment for anyone who is charged with offending the Saudi monarch and causing panic among the public.

Policeman Gets Life Sentence For Killing Man Over Cup Of Tea

Posted on November 16, 2016 by Staff Reporter

An Egyptian court sentenced a policeman who killed a man over the price of a cup of tea to life in prison on Wednesday, a rare lengthy punishment for police violence in a country that rights activists say has a culture of impunity.

Public anger over allegations of police brutality has been bubbling over the past year, with several incidents spilling over into skirmishes and protests, five years after an uprising in which police officers were a major focus of discontent.

The policeman sentenced on Wednesday shot three people in a Cairo suburb after an argument over the price of a cup of tea, killing one of them and causing a riot. The sentence, issued after he was convicted of murder, can be appealed. Life sentences in Egypt normally run for 25 years.

Activists say police brutality is widespread in Egypt, enabled by a culture of impunity. The Interior Ministry says abuses are isolated and incidents are investigated.

Anger over perceived police excesses helped fuel the 2011 uprising that began on a Police Day holiday and ended the 30-year rule of autocratic President Hosni Mubarak. Since then, police have regained considerable powers and human rights groups say they have returned to their old ways.

In February, a policeman shot dead a driver in the street in an argument over a fare, prompting hundreds of people to protest outside the Cairo security directorate.

There were also riots in the northern, Suez Canal city of Ismailia and southern Nile city of Luxor over the authorities’ handling of at least three deaths in police custody in a single week in November last year.

Ambrose Alli University Shut Over Violent Protest By Students

Posted on November 14, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Academic activities at the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma in Edo State have been shut down indefinitely as a result of students protests yesterday that almost went violent as students reportedly clashed with police and soldiers.

It was gathered that the students were protesting what they termed subtle attempt by the management of the school to increase students’ school fees.

The students kicked against the policy of the current management which said 200 level students should pay the exact money they paid last session in 100 level which is against the previous system where the students pay less as they move higher.

The students refused all entreaties from the school management. They seized a truck load of rice which they reportedly set ablaze after allegedly emptying the contents.

When the entreaties failed, the management conveyed an emergency Senate meeting where the action of the students was condemned and school shut indefinitely.

A press statement signed by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Edward Aihevbe, said the decision to close the institution indefinitely was reached after the University’ Senate reviewed the students’ protest.

He said the university’s Senate viewed the protest as uncalled for and unnecessary as management was already looking into their grievances. The students barricaded the Benin-Ekpoma-Auchi highway.

He denied social media report that two students were shot by security agents.

He said the students were given until 4pm to vacate the institution. “No student was shot. They barricaded the highway and soldiers escorting an Army vehicle that was passing the road had to shoot into the air to scare the students away.”

Credit: leadership

Jibrin Writes Buhari Over Budget Padding Scandal

Posted on November 12, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Suspended lawmaker, Abdulmumin Jibrin, has written an open letter to President Muhammadu Buhari, imploring him to end his long silence about the budget fraud allegations in the House of Representatives.

It is the first time the embattled lawmaker will write directly to the president since the controversy broke out —and he used it to attack Speaker Yakubu Dogara and other usual targets.

In the letter, Mr. Jibrin said he decided to write the president and copy the public after all his efforts to have an audience with the him were frustrated.

“I write this letter to you as a last resort to seek action on the allegations of budget fraud, abuse of office and corruption I levelled against Speaker Yakubu Dogara and three other Principal Officers of the House of Representatives,” Mr. Jibrin said.

The letter came a few days after he said he’d gone on exile partly because of the president’s reluctance to intervene in the scandal which has been rocking the National Assembly for four months.

“The silence of the presidency is no longer sending the right message to Nigerians and the international community,” Mr. Jibrin said in a statement on November 7.

In his letter on Friday, Mr. Jibrin, who was suspended on September 28 over his face off with lawmakers, informed the president about alleged sharp practices of House members and called on him to act.

“Your Excellency, the House of Representatives stinks of corruption and something urgent must be done to salvage the situation,” Mr. Jibrin said. “We have a golden opportunity to show the world that there is zero tolerance for corruption under your leadership.”

Mr. Jibrin said the president should order prioritised investigation into the padding claims with a focus on bringing culpable members to justice.

“I pray that you direct the various agencies that I submitted petitions to expedite action on the matter as Nigerians and the world are watching to see how we will deal with this issue of incontrovertible corruption by Speaker Dogara and others and systemic corruption in the House,” Mr. Jibrin said.

Mr. Dogara’s spokesman, Turaki Hassan, declined comments on Friday night. But his principal has repeatedly denied all the allegations of budget padding against him.

The demands for Mr. Buhari’s intervention stand in sharp contrast from Mr. Jibrin’s October 1 statement in which he described the president’s silence as “a blessing in disguise.”

“If Mr. President had jumped into the matter at the early stage, trust Nigerians, they would have concluded that the presidency is using me to fight the House,” Mr. Jibrin said in his Independence Day statement. ”Such perception and blackmail would have been difficult to deal with.”

The lawmaker went on exile last week, sparking speculation that he fled the country to avoid a pending charges against him by the authorities.

But he denied fleeing from prosecution, said he travelled because his safety was not guaranteed in Nigeria and he’ll return to the country when invited to testify in the budget fraud investigation.

“I will be available once my attention is required in respect of my petition against the Speaker and others or any petition that may come against me,” he said.

Credit:

http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/215151-budget-padding-scandal-jibrin-writes-buhari.html

22 Arrested Over Street-lights Vandalism In Kaduna

Posted on November 10, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Security agencies in Kaduna have arrested 22 suspects for vandalizing and stealing solar street lights installed by the Kaduna State Government. Spokesman to governor Nasir Ahmed el-Rufai Samuel Aruwan, disclosed on Wednesday that 19 out of the 22 suspects have been charged to court.

Aruwan, further reiterated the state government’s commitment to prosecute anyone found vandalizing or stealing public properties.

He stated that “security operatives have arrested 22 suspects for vandalizing and stealing of solar streetlights fixed by the state government. Others in the net are buyers of the stolen properties within the metropolis.

“After careful combing of the crime scene, solar batteries and their covers and one iron saw were recovered inside the cemetery along Bashama road, Tudun-Wada area of the metropolis.

Credit:

http://leadership.ng/news/558627/22-arrested-over-street-lights-vandalism-in-kaduna

DHQ Considers Recall Of South African Mercenaries Over Boko Haram’s Resurgence

Posted on November 9, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Rattled by the recent killings of the Commanding Officer of the 272 Special Task Force Task Battalion, Lt. Col. Muhammad Abu-Ali and six soldiers by members of Boko Haram, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) is mulling over whether to reach out to President Muhammadu Buhari on the urgent need to recall the South African mercenaries recruited by former President Goodluck Jonathan to help finish off the terror group.

Sources, who spoke from both the presidency and DHQ yesterday in Abuja, said some army chiefs have decided to impress it on the president that the sophisticated weapons the South African mercenaries possess could help in “finishing off members of Boko Haram” that has witnessed a resurgence in the war between the terrorists and Nigerian troops.

It was gathered that members of Boko Haram might have experienced a boost, especially after they received a huge payout from the presidency for the release of 21 Chibok girls recently.

In the last few weeks, there has been an upsurge of suicide bombings linked to Boko Haram. The terror group has also killed several Nigerian troops fighting in the North-east, including Abu-Ali and his men, who were given a national burial at the military cemetery, Abuja on Monday.

Senate Summons Labour Minister Over Unemployment

Posted on November 8, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The senate yesterday summoned the minister of Labour and productivity, Dr Chris Ngige to appear before it to provide insight into government’s road map towards tackling the alarming unemployment rate in the country and consequently review and reinforcing the blueprint.

This followed a motion by Sen Duro Faseyi (PDP Ekiti North) on the intolerable upswing of unemployment in Nigeria.

The senate said that it was worried that the economic recession which has hit the country would multiply the level of unemployment in the country as more companies have already started downsizing in order to cut cost , which according to them would compound the unemployment situation in the country.

It urged government to declare a state of emergency on unemployment with a view to confronting the challenge squarely.

The senate also directed government ministries and agencies and parastaltals , particularly the security outfits to enlist more Nigerian youths as s measure towards enhancing security around the country as well as ease unemployment.

It further directed the senate committee on labour and productivity to organise a one day retreat to dicuss the issue of unemployment with a view of addressing the challenge.

http://leadership.ng/news/558304/senate-summons-labour-minister-over-unemployment

Solange Subjects Herself To Over 40 Hours Of Braiding & Beading For Saturday Night Live

Posted on November 7, 2016 by Staff Reporter

On Saturday night, Solange Knowles gave her first televised performance of music from her latest studio album A Seat at the Table. Appearing on Saturday Night Live, the younger Knowles made quite an impression on social media for the look she chose.

Weeks before her performance, Solange uploaded a mood board of sorts to Instagram, captioning it “Hero’s.” Among the chosen women on the collage were Diana Ross, the Supremes, Nina Simone and even older sister Beyoncé.

Onstage, those touch points manifested themselves into Solange’s beaded bodysuit and elaborate oversize earrings, custom designed by Erickson Beaman. Underneath the bodysuit, Solange donned an all-white set from La Perla lingerie. Although that look, styled by Jason Rembert, made an impression, it was something else that caught hold on social media.

In addition to the bodysuit, the “Cranes in the Sky” chanteuse wore an elaborate headdress. Social media users were quick to point out what it looked like: a dream catcher.

Instead, the piece was 40-plus hours of work. Shani Crowe not only braided Solange’s hair but also braided and beaded the elaborate piece especially for the performance. Makeup artist Dana Delaney gave the look its final polish with products from Make Up for Ever and Clinique, adding the perfect shine and glimmer to an already-goddesslike look.

Credit: yahoo

Talks With Boko Haram Over Chibok Girls Still On- FG

Posted on November 7, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Contrary to speculations that talks with Boko Haram over the remaining 197 abducted Chibok girls have broken down, the Federal Government has insisted that negotiation for their release is ongoing.

Three weeks ago, 21 of the girls were released, a development that rekindled the hope that others will get freedom.

One of the girls was found at the weekend with a baby. Troops of the 121 Battalion, Nigerian Army deployed at Pulka, Gwoza Local Government Area, Borno State, found Maryam Ali Maiyanga and her 10- month-old baby while screening escapees from Sambisa Forest.
Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed stated that there was no truth in the speculation making the rounds in Abuja.

The minister told said that the talks were still on, though he did not give details because of the security nature of the negotiation.

An earlier effort in the last few days to get information on the negotiations did not yield any positive result as security sources would not discuss the matter. Worse, there was no word from official security agencies as the Department of State Services (DSS) remains without a spokesman.

“It is not true (that the talks have broken down). Talks are still very much on course,” was all Mohammed volunteered.

Another source disclosed that as recently as last week Monday, when questions were put to the security services, they volunteered that negotiations were still on. “We make it our business to find out the level of negotiations going on, and of course with the way we asked, it was not possible for them to deceive us on the matter,” the source added.

It was learnt that the alleged freeze in discussions followed the failure of both parties to agree on the issue of money, though it could not be confirmed what money had to do with the negotiations, since the government has continued to maintain that it did not pay for the release of the first 21 girls.

The source said the insurgents’ negotiators appear to be asking for more money and release of some of their men in the government custody. “They are not happy with the initial claim that the girls were released for free,” a source said.

http://guardian.ng/news/talks-with-boko-haram-over-chibok-girls-still-on-says-government/

Navy Arrests Three Cameroonians, Nigerian Over Oil Theft

Posted on November 1, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base, Ibaka in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, has apprehended three Cameroonians and a Nigerian with 66 drums containing 250 litres each of product suspected to be Premium Motor Spirit.

The suspects include Kokah Ekema, 38; Money Francis, 27; Nako Otto, 25; and a Nigerian, Who-Knows Nya, 30 years.

The Commanding Officer of the base, Navy Captain Siyanbade Adedokun, who paraded the suspects before journalists in Ibaka on Tuesday, said one Cotonou wooden boat equipped with two 40 horsepower outboard engines had also been seized from the suspects.

Adedokun stated that all the suspects would be handed over to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps.

“We have arrested three Cameroonians and one Nigerian with 66 drums of 250 litres of product suspected to be Premium Motor Spirit. All the suspects will be handed over to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps.

“The more we patrol, the more we make the maritime environment safe for legitimate business to thrive and at the same time we try to patrol our waterways, basically concerning the strategic nature of the base, just very close to an international water.

“It is a very strategic place to police so that we won’t have people from neighbouring countries coming to perpetrate illegality in the country,” he said.

Adelakun, who frowned at the sabotaging manner exhibited by the criminals regarding the economy, added that the Navy’s standard strategy would not allow them any breathing space.

He, however, attributed the success recorded to frequent patrol of the nation’s waterways and creeks, based on credible information.

The state commandant of the NSCDC, Obiajulu Obiageli, who received the suspects from the Navy, praised the commanding officer for working hard to protect the territorial integrity of the country.

She noted that the trend would also sustain business activities in the maritime sector.

Obiageli, who was represented by the Chief Inspector of the corps, Victor Uweh, assured the Navy that the corps would carry out its statutory mandate by investigating the suspects.

She noted that if the suspects are found culpable, they would face the wrath of the law.

Credit:

http://punchng.com/navy-arrests-three-cameroonians-nigerian-oil-theft/

Man Beats Wife To Stupor Over Accusation Of Snoring

Posted on October 28, 2016 by Staff Reporter

A 30-year- old, commercial motorcyclist, Tukur Paul on Friday beat his wife, Mrs Jennifer Paul to stupor over her accusation of snoring. It was the intervention by neighbours and passers-by that saved her from further attack.

One of the neigbhours Lawrence Oluwanishola, who witnessed the fight, told NAN that the couple who resides at Masaka, Nasarawa State, were fond of constituting nuisance to the environment through constant query.

According to him, it all started at about 9 p.m. on Thursday when neighbours ran outside at the shout of the wife who was seriously beaten by her husband.

“How on earth in this present modern world will a man beat up his wife over trivial issue? We learnt that the wife preventing the husband from sleeping just because he was snoring,” Oluwanishola said. He said that so many cases of divorce in the society could be prevented, if minor issues like this are promptly settled by couples.

“This is not a case of extra-marital affairs that usually lead to divorce, but a mere misunderstanding that could be controlled with little patience,’’ he said.

However, when NAN spoke with the husband, he said his wife prompted him to beat her after several warnings. “She prevented me from sleeping after having a hard day, I pleaded with her but refused,” he said. Paul said having gone through a hectic day, that he decided to have some rest but was prevented by his wife because he was snoring.

“What happened, I will say is the devils handiwork? I lost my motor bike which has been helping me to fend for the family.

“I immediately contacted the police who was able to help me get it back. I brought it back home and all these while my wife could not call to know where I was. I got home only for me to have some rest and after dozing off; my wife woke me up to tell me I was disturbing her with my snoring,” he said.

Paul who later apologised to his wife thanked the neighbours for the brotherly love they have extended to his family. The wife said the incident was due to communication gap, which was misinterpreted.

“I was angry because the husband left me and the children without telling us where he went. The couple had been living together for past nine years and the union is blessed with three children.

Credit: NAN

Court Dissolves 12 Year Old Marriage Over Attempted Child Sacrifice

Posted on October 28, 2016 by Staff Reporter

A Customary Court in Mapo, Ibadan on Friday dissolved a 12-year-old marriage between an Ibadan-based businesswoman, Sekinat and her husband Raufu Abdulakeem, over attempted child sacrifice.

The President of the court, Mr Ademola Odunade, held that there was nothing the court could do since Sekinat and Raufu had both concluded to part ways.

Odunade, however, awarded custody of the two children produced by the union to Sekinat for proper motherly care.

He directed Raufu to pay a monthly feeding allowance of N3,000 for the upkeep of each of the two children in addition to been responsible for their education and other welfare.

Sekinat had said that Raufu sent her away from the house in order to offer their 11-year-old child for sacrifice.

“My lord, after Raufu, had sent me packing from his home more than a year ago, I came across our 11-year-old child recently and I saw multiple razor mutilation all over his body.

“It was a gory site to behold and I immediately became apprehensive of what my two children were undergoing in my absence with Raufu.

“Then, the child told me that his father, Raufu took him to a ritualist who compelled him to carry some sacrificial objects at 1:00 a.m. after designing his body parts with razor mutilation.

“The boy further said that his father, Raufu, had alleged that he was trying to prevent him from further stealing and that was the reason for the sacrifice.

“My lord, the fundamental questions at this point is that Raufu is an Alfa with strong Islamic background, what is his association with a herbalist and making a child at that tender age to undergo such a midnight exercise.

“Before sending me out of his house, Raufu had subjected me to such dehumanising experiences such as regular battery and inadequate care for I and the two children.

“I have all along been responsible for the welfare of the children and I want to have custody of all the children because he might use them for ritual,” Sekinat stressed.

Raufu, however, denied the allegation.

He acknowledged that it was true that he took his son to a ritualist and the intention was to cure him of the spirit of stealing in him.

“My lord, he is my son, I cannot use him for anything negative, but to take care of his spiritual deficiency,” Raufu said.

Credit: NAN

EFCC Arrests Reuben Abati Over N100 Million Funds

Posted on October 24, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Reuben Abati, a former spokesman to former President Goodluck Jonathan, over allegations of financial crimes.

According to an EFCC source, Abati is being interrogated over allegation of collecting about N100 million from the former National Security Adviser (NSA) Sambo Dasuki.

The source added that Abati is likely to be detained by the EFCC in its Abuja detention facility.

Credit: dailytrust

New Poll Shows Clinton Over Trump By Double-Digits

Posted on October 24, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Hillary Clinton has a 12-point lead over Donald Trump and has reached 50% support nationally among likely voters, a new ABC News tracking poll shows.

The poll shows Clinton with 50% support to Trump’s 38%, with 5% backing Libertarian Gary Johnson and 2% supporting the Green Party’s Jill Stein.

The poll comes on the heels of the third presidential debate, which a post-debate CNN/ORC snap poll showed Clinton won.

The ABC News survey’s results show Clinton with a 20-point advantage among women, and a 3-point edge with men — a group that has tilted toward Trump for most of the 2016 race.

Clinton leads among voters of all education levels — but her 3-point advantage with those without college degrees is smaller than her 20-point lead among voters with college degrees.

Conway touts Trump’s ‘drain the swamp’ message, admits ‘we are behind’

Trump’s strongest group remains white, non-college educated voters, who back him 55% to 36%.

The results showing Clinton with a growing lead largely match CNN’s Poll of Polls, which averages recent national surveys. That Poll of Polls shows Clinton ahead 48% to Trump’s 39%.

The ABC News poll was conducted October 20-22 and includes 874 likely voters. Its margin of error is plus or minus 3.5 percentage points.

Credit: CNN

NDLEA Arrests 20 Suspects Over 61.465kg Of Hard Drugs In Adamawa

Posted on October 21, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Adamawa Command of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 20 suspects in connection with 61.465kg of hard drugs.

State Commander of the Agency, Musa Kibo revealed this to newsmen in Yola, Thursday saying the suspects were arrested at Yola abattoir and Jambutu Central Motor Park, adding that the arrest was made possible following the command’s efforts to raid the society free of drugs in the state.

He pointed out that the operation was conducted to dislodge some major drug abuse joints in Yola saying large quantities of Tramadol 250 mg was seized from the suspects.

“The command, during its relentless raid, dislodged drug joints which include Yola Abattoir Market, Jambutu Motor Park, Madam Street and Falujah market.”

“A total of 20 suspects were arrested, including the seizure of 61.456 Kg of assorted hard drugs such as Cannabis Sativa ,Tramadol 250 mg, Diazepam, Rophnol, Cough syrup with codeine and extol-5.”

Credit:

http://leadership.ng/news/555449/ndlea-arrests-20-suspects-over-61-465kg-of-hard-drugs-in-adamawa

Borno To Discharge Over 2000 Treated Malnourished Children

Posted on October 21, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Over two thousand children treated for severe acute malnutrition are set to be discharged from the Borno State Nursery village where they were admitted, the State Chairman of Emergency Management Agency, Engr. Satomi Ahmed has said.

The Borno SEMA boss who spoke exclusively to our correspondent in Maiduguri disclosed that most of the children that were admitted in the centre with severe malnutrition problems have been stabilized and their parents are earner to return home which is why the authorities are considering to discharge them soonest.

“There are about 2,011 children that were admitted at the Borno State Nursery Village which was established to take care of cases of malnutrition crisis that broke up in the State. Today, there is a drastic recovery in the conditions of the children. Most of them have been stabilized and are fully recovered and we don’t intend to keep them any longer at the facility because their parents are Esther to go back to Bama, their community. We will discharge them very soon,” Engr. Satomi disclosed.

Borno to discharge over 2000 treated malnourished children

Buhari Presides Over FEC Meeting (SEE PHOTOS)

Posted on October 12, 2016 by Staff Reporter

President Muhammadu Buhari presides over Federal Executive Council Meeting at the Council Chamber in Abuja with Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo and SGF, Eng Babachir David Lawal in attendance.

See photos as captured by Sunday Aghaeze (The Nation Newspaper):

OCT 12 2016 FEC MEETING. 2A R-L; President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo and SGF, Eng Babachir David Lawal as President presides over Federal Executive Council Meeting at the Council Chamber in Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. OCT 12 2016.

OCT 12 2016 FEC MEETING. 3 R-L; Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, Minister of Steel and Mining Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi, Minister of Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung and Minister of State Steel and Mining Development, Alhaji Abubakar Bawa Bwari as President Muhammadu Buhari presides over Federal Executive Council Meeting at the Council Chamber in Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. OCT 12 2016

Minister of State Budget and National Planning, Hajiya Zainab Ahmed and Minister of Budget and Natioal Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma as President Muhammadu Buhari presides over Federal Executive Council Meeting at the Council Chamber in Abuja.

L-R: Minister of State Agriculture, Mr Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, Minister of Defence, Brig General Mansur Dan-Ali and Minister of Environment, Hajiya Amina Mohammed as President Muhammadu Buhari presides over Federal Executive Council Meeting at the Council Chamber in Abuja.

FG May Close Seme Border Over Smuggling

Posted on October 11, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Nigeria may close its borders with Benin Republic to stem smuggling of rice and other consumables as well as the illegal importation of weapons into the country.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, who expressed government’s displeasure over the porosity of the Seme border, said, it has rubbished efforts of the present administration in diversifying the economy, especially, through agriculture. He warned that government may be forced to take very drastic measures.

Speaking in Abuja when the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, led by its chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, visited the ministry, yesterday, as part of its oversight functions, Ogbeh recalled that former President Olusegun Obasanjo had threatened to shut the border but was prevailed upon by the then President of Benin Republic, Mr. Boni Iyayi, to rescind the decision.

“If that border will be a threat to the survival of Nigeria; we may decide to take very drastic action,” Ogbeh stated.

On his part, Senator Adamu urged government not to succumb to propaganda.

of those he described as powerful importers, who, according to him, “are bent on keeping farmers in foreign lands in business,” while their Nigerian counterparts live in penury.

He added that “the 70 percent tariff on rice should be maintained and progressed, proportionally, as the deadline for rice importation draws nearer.”

Credit:

http://sunnewsonline.com/smuggling-fg-may-close-seme-border/

Most Senior Elected Republican Withdraws Support For Trump Over Sexual Comment

Posted on October 11, 2016 by Staff Reporter

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The most senior elected US Republican official has said he will not defend Donald Trump, after remarks he made about groping women led to outrage.

House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan vowed to focus on defending seats in Congress, but did not end his endorsement of the party’s nominee.

Mr Trump tweeted that Mr Ryan should not waste his time fighting him.

Earlier Democratic rival Hillary Clinton cast doubt on Mr Trump’s apology for the 11-year-old remarks.

On Sunday, Mr Trump described his words as “locker-room talk”.

In a bitter televised debate, a month before the US presidential election, Mr Trump denied he had groped anyone.

Mrs Clinton tweeted on Monday that, if he stood by this assertion, he was “clearly not sorry”.

U.N. Warns Russia Over Syria Air Strikes

Posted on October 4, 2016 by Staff Reporter

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad al Hussein warned Russia on Tuesday over the use of incendiary weapons in Syria’s besieged enclave of eastern Aleppo, and said crimes by one side did not justify illegal acts by the other.

Zeid said that the situation in Aleppo demanded bold new initiatives “including proposals to limit the use of the veto by the permanent members of the Security Council”, which would enable the U.N. body to refer the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

“Such a referral would be more than justified given the rampant and deeply shocking impunity that has characterized the conflict and the magnitude of the crimes that have been committed, some of which may indeed amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity,” Zeid said in a statement.

Syria’s government and its allies had undertaken a “pattern of attacks” against targets with special protection under international humanitarian law, including medical units, aid workers and water-pumping stations, he said.

Russia is a key player in the Syrian civil war by virtue of its military support for President Bashar al-Assad and its role as one of five veto-holding powers on the Security Council.

The use of indiscriminate weapons such as incendiary weapons in heavily populated areas was of particularly grave concern, Zeid said, drawing a parallel with the battles of Warsaw, Stalingrad and Dresden during World War Two.

There is no statute of limitations on international crimes, his spokesman Rupert Colville said.

“I remind all State parties to Protocol III of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons, including the Russian Federation, that they are strictly prohibited from using incendiary weapons in airstrikes on heavily populated areas, and that the use of such weapons by ground forces is severely restricted,” Zeid said.

The rebels’ use of inaccurate “hell-fire cannons”, homemade mortars that fire gas cylinders packed with explosives and shrapnel, was also totally unacceptable, he said.

Designating the enemy as a “terrorist organization” was not an excuse to ignore the laws of war, Zeid said.

Niger Delta Crisis Will Be Over Soon, Buhari Tells Obama

Posted on September 21, 2016 by Staff Reporter

President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday assured Barack Obama, the American President, that Nigeria was making steady progress towards resolving the Niger Delta region problem, which had led to economic sabotage on a grand scale.

This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity.

Adesina said the president gave the assurance at a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the ongoing 71st edition of the UN General Assembly, holding in New York.“We are making definite progress on how many factions of the militant groups exist, their leadership and operational basis, and we have equally sought the cooperation of the oil majors.

“In a short while, I believe the issues would be resolved,’’ Buhari said.

He thanked America for assisting Nigeria in provision of armaments, training for Nigerian troops, and sharing of intelligence, which had led to the degradation of Boko Haram in the North East.

Buhari said the country was open to support in combating the humanitarian crisis currently ravaging the region.

He said the farming season was good in 2016, with the prospect of good harvest, and “Nigeria is on the road to food self-sufficiency soon.

http://guardian.ng/news/buhari-to-obama-niger-delta-crisis-will-be-over-soon/

Ex-President Yar’adua’s Househelp Arrested Over N91m Missing Goods

Posted on September 20, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Police Command in Katsina on Tuesday said it had arrested a 60-year-old househelp of Hajiya Turai Yar’adua, the wife of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua over missing goods worth N91 million.

Alhaji Usman Abdullahi, the police Commissioner in the state, disclosed this to newsmen on Tuesday in Katsina.

“The Police have arrested Alhaji Yusuf Sarkin-gida after a formal complaint by Hajiya Turai Yar’adua to the Police two weeks ago. “The suspect is the custodians of all the keys and property of Hajiya Turai Yar’adua for the past forty years.

“There are 37 boxes in the custody of the suspect, but only 27 boxes are in the store.

“The several items in the 27 boxes are completely missing and the suspect has failed to give full explanation on the goods and items in the boxes,” he said.

The Commissioner said the suspect had been serving the Late Umar Yar’adua’s family for the past 40 years even before her husband became the governor and later the President of Nigeria. Abdullahi said the suspect was in Police custody, where he was assisting them to conduct intensive investigation on the missing items.

When contacted, the spokesperson of Sarkin-gida’s family, Alhaji Mohammed Yusuf, said their father was innocent of the charge lavelled against him. He said the arrest and detention of their father before the Eld-el-Kabir celebration had thrown the family into confusion.

He appealed to Human Rights Organisations to come to the rescue of their father.

Credit:

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/09/ex-president-yaraduas-househelp-arrested-n91m-missing-goods/

FG Places States, LGAs On Red Alert Over Fresh Polio Outbreak

Posted on August 13, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The federal government has put states and local governments on red alert over the fresh cases of wild polio virus (WPV) in Borno State. Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole in a statement yesterday called on states and local governments to redouble their efforts in safeguarding their territories from importation of the virus. He said they can also do so by providing the required leadership and ensuring accountability among healthcare workers and other stakeholders.
The minister who confirmed the outbreak of the disease said that itaffected two children from Gwoza and Jere local government areas of the state.

Adewole said the discovery and confirmation of the outbreak was as a result of strengthened surveillance due to improved accessibility which has been made possible by the recent military action in liberating more communities in the North-eastern part of the country.
He said the detection of children paralysed by polio was also a reminder that the country needs to remain vigilant and immunise all eligible children with polio vaccine until the disease is completely eradicated worldwide.
The minister also directed the deployment of a national emergency response team, comprising government and partners to Borno State for immediate polio vaccination campaign, targeting eligible children to prevent the spread of the virus locally and internationally.
As an immediate response, about one million children are to be immunised in four local government areas of Borno. Children in adjoining states of Yobe, Adamawa and Gombe will also be immunised bringing the number to about five million in the four states.

Credit: dailytrust

Protest Rocks Asaba Over Herdsmen Killings

Posted on April 21, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Credit: NationalMirror

How Husband Killed Wife Over Inheritance

Posted on April 9, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Late Fatima Ibrahim had closed from her place of work, Zubairu Pilot Primary school in Dutsinma town where she teaches Basic Science. Passing through her family home, where she exchanged pleasantries with relatives, she retired home at her residence at the Low-Cost Housing Estate. Little did family and friends know that they were saying final farewell to her, as her lifeless body was discovered the next day in bed, with blood trickling from her mouth, and bruises on one side of her face.
The deceased, a 32-year-old mother, was married to Umar Manu, a staff of the Federal University Dutsinma, Information and Communication Department, who hails from Zaria, Kaduna State and is the prime suspect in the case. The couple have a three-year-old son.

It was gathered that trouble started for late Fatima when her father, Alhaji Ibrahim Habibu, died in December 2014 and she inherited his wealth. He was until his death a regional manager with a major bank in Sokoto.
According to late Fatima’s uncle and spokesman of the family, Babangida Habibu, since the death of the father, Manu went all-out to get his wife’s share of the inheritance divided among late Alhaji Habibu’s children. He said: “On our part as family, we resolved to do all possible to protect his property, and committee was set up to share the inheritance appropriately, making sure accounts were opened for each and every one, with each share of money lodged within.”
Late Fatima’s uncle said about seven months back, his niece reported her husband’s changing attitude and the family had to intervene, and invited him along with his parents to iron things out. But, Habibu said, after a while she complained again. “It was at this point that she chose to move out to a new place, where he still visits on the pretence of wanting to see his son,” he said.
Habibu said: “Manu had earlier been threatening Fatima for a while, and even on that fateful day he called to ask her to make available N800,000 for him to settle some debts. Mark you, she had always tried to let him know that the money he assumes she had was not in her custody, but he never wanted to hear that.”
Manu, according to Habibu, visited the deceased at her residence on the day the murder was perpetrated, at about 8:30pm, entering in and out of the compound twice before he finally left after 11:00pm. “But the next day, Fatima’s maid met her lifeless body on the bed and raised alarm,” he said, adding that Manu was apprehended and handed over to the police where he has owned up, and confessed to the killing, even narrating how he did it.
According to late Fatima’s uncle, the deceased’s family have said all they want now is for the law to take its course.
State Commissioner of Police, Abdullahi Usman, who confirmed the arrest of Manu, said investigation has opened up on the matter.
Late Fatima was born in 1984, and bagged a Bachelors Degree in Biology from Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto.

Credit: dailytrust

Over 3000 IDPs Stranded In Recaptured Borno Communities

Posted on April 8, 2016 by Staff Reporter

More than 3000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are said to be stranded without food, water and shelter after the Nigerian Army recaptured Rann and other surrounding communities of Borno state from Boko Haram terrorists recently.

Troops of newly-inducted 3 Battalion, 22 Brigade, in conjunction with Army Headquarters Strike Group (AHQ SG) and the Armed Forces Special Forces (AFSF), carried out a clearance operation of Rann, the headquarters of Kala Balge, a border community with Cameroun Republic and about 200 km drive from Maiduguri, the state capital.

The gallant troops cleared the remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists hibernating in Kala Balge general area. The triumphant troops apart from killing 22 terrorists cleared pockets of the terrorists in Wumbi, Tunish, Tilem and Malawaji. Others are Makaudari, Daima, Buduli, Sadigumo, Jiwe, Sidigeri and Kala villages.

But sources said Correspondent that after the clearance operations that over 3000 people mostly women and children, who survived the onslaught were now taking refuge at Kala Balge without means of having food or water, as there were no presence of officials from National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) or Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to render humanitarian services following inaccessibility.

Confirming the development, Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Hon. Usman Zannah in an interview expressed concern on the plights of the stranded victims and promised that Government is taking immediate measures to address the myriads of problems being faced by the trapped innocent civilians in Kala Balge.

“We just received a message that more than 3000 people mostly women and children are stranded after the liberation of Kala Balge and other surrounding villages, we have started mobilizing security operatives, SEMA officials and members of the civilian JTF to deliver relief materials to them as soon as possible.”

Credit: vanguardngr

Watch Blac Chyna Tease Rob Kardashian Over A Sexy Lap Dance

Posted on March 28, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Rob Kardashian and Blac Chyna, are continuing on their strip club tour of Atlanta, and they are joking it up on Snapchat and Instagram. In the below clip, Blac Chyna teases Rob, accusing him of wanting a “private booty dance!”

“This ain’t Tootsies, bro! This is Onyx,” she says, referring to famed Atlanta strip clubs.

She continued going off on Rob and bounced checks. “Rob, if you sign another bounced check and I take it to the bank, this relationship is gonna be over. Aight? No more! No more forgery.”

Obviously it’s all in loving jest because Rob also posted this gorgeous shot of Blac Chyna and captioned it “my pretty mama.”

Credit: Cosmopolitan

Over 1,500 Militants To Surrender Arms To FG

Posted on February 15, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Following the intervention of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, over 1500 Niger Delta militants have expressed their desire to embrace amnesty and surrender arms to the federal government.

Commanders from Arepo, Ikorodu, Abule, Fatorla, Ibafo, Magboro, Epe, Itokin, Ilepete, Okenekene, Agric, Gbokoda camps, Camp 5 and environs, in a statement made available to Daily Sun, expressed their desire to surrender arms and embrace the amnesty program as long as the Federal Government is sincere.

The groups hinged their decision on the peaceful approach of Kachikwu, even as they declared that all Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) facilities and its subsidiaries must work for Nigeria’s progress and economic efficiency in the face of dwindling oil prices.

The statement signed by General OC Babaeere and General America Tekeiminikpoba on behalf of other commanders, said: “We write to express our desire to surrender our arms and embrace the amnesty program as long as the federal government is sincere.

“With the timely intervention of the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, we the Commanders from Arepo Camp, Ikorodu Camp, Abule Camp, Fatorla Camp, Camp 5, Ibafo Camp, Magboro Camp, Epe Camp, Itokin Camp, Ilepete Camp, Okenekene Camp, Agric Camp, Gbokoda Camp and their environs, have made up our minds to accept amnesty because of the peaceful approach of the Minister of State for Petroleum.”

Credit: Sun

EFCC Detains Ex-Chief Of Air Staff Over N29billion Arms Deal

Posted on January 28, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested and detained the immediate past Chief of Air Force, Adesola Amosu.

Mr. Amosu, an air vice marshal, who was retired last year, alongside other military chiefs, is allegedly being detained over allegation of corruption in arms procurement during his tenure. An official of the EFCC confirmed the development.

The official said Mr. Amosu was arrested on Wednesday.

President Muhammadu Buhari had recently directed the EFCC to investigate the former air chief and other serving and retired military officers over alleged misconduct established against them.

Among those to be investigated include the embattled former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, former Chief of Defence Staff, Marshal Alex Badeh and another former Chief of Air Staff, Mohammed Umar.

Mr. Dasuki is currently facing charges over alleged $2.1 billion arms procurement deal.

Credit: PremiumTimes

Soyinka Responds To Rivers Govt’s Call For His Probe Over N82 Million Dinner

Posted on January 7, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka, has responded to claims by the Rivers State government that its former governor, Rotimi Amaechi, spent N82 million to organize a dinner in his honour.

In a statement, Wednesday, Mr. Soyinka said the “unprecedented call” for his probe was a form of corruption fighting back.

“This morning, I saw only the headlines in one or two print media regarding the 80th Birthday dinner to which I was hosted by the former governor of Rivers State, the Honorable Rotimi Amaechi, now Minister of Aviation,” said Mr. Soyinka.

“I ignored them. It was not, and remains not my business to probe into the catering and logistical implications of the hundreds of institutions and governments all over the world to whom I acknowledge an immense debt of unsolicited recognition over the years.

“Since then however, I have learnt of some unsavory statements by the insecure incumbent of the Rivers State government Lodge. These included a loose invitation to anti-crime agencies to investigate the potential crime of being honoured through any occasion.”

Credit: PremiumTimes

TUC Blasts Tinubu Over Renewed Call To Remove Oil Subsidy

Posted on December 20, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has condemned the push for the removal of subsidy by the National Leader of the All progressives Congress (APC) and former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

TUC said that the statement credited to Tinubu during the memorial conference organised in honour of the late Dr. Bala Usman in Kaduna last Friday that the policy has overstayed its usefulness, “is not only unfortunate, it is rather ironic that it was made in the ten year anniversary of Dr Bala Usman, who gave up all privileges in the pursuit of common man’s happiness.

TUC, in a joint statement by its President, Comrade Bobboi Kaigama and Secretary General, Musa Lawal, said that “were Bala Usman to be alive today, he would fight to ensure that the policy is not abolished without functional refineries.”

TUC said that subsidy is an accepted policy the world over targeted at specific items to either cushion the effect of harsh environment for the benefit of the less privileged or to encourage people into less attractive but important aspects of national economy.

“Thus most countries in the world subsidise most commodities to benefit their citizens . But unfortunately the masses of the country never benefited from it, no thanks to the cruel and insensitive posture of successive leadership.”

Credit: Vanguard

Northern Governors To Meet Over Zaria Killings

Posted on December 18, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Governors of the 19 northern states under the auspices of the Northern States Governors Forum, have summoned an emergency meeting to discuss recent happenings in the region, particularly the recent fracas between the Nigerian Army and members of Shi’ites group, which led to the deaths of many persons in Zaria, Kaduna State.

The governor of Borno State, Kashim Shettima, who doubles as chairman of the forum, announced Wednesday night that the 19 governors would be holding an emergency meeting on Saturday in Kaduna.

Mr. Shettima’s spokesperson, Isa Gusau, said the decision to hold the meeting followed consultations between the governors on Wednesday night after reviewing recent developments in parts of northern Nigeria.

He said the northern governors were worried by the situation and hence their resolve to wade into the matter.

“The governors call on citizens and all parties associated with the incident in Zaria to be calm and exercise restraint, assuring that far reaching steps will be taken to guarantee restoration of normalcy in a sustained manner.

“The governors call on citizens to go about their activities peacefully and in obedience to lawful provisions,” Mr. Gusau said.

Mr. Gusau also said governors across the 19 states would at all times take measures that will promote peace and public safety as well as justice and fairness to all citizens in line with constitutional provisions.

Credit: PremiumTimes

Cassie Dumps Diddy? See Her IG Post

Posted on December 11, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Looks like something has been happening under our noses…

So, Diddy was recently spotted with his ex allegedly leaving a sex shop and remember Cassie was absent during Diddy’s grand birthday party, and then she posts this?

Well funny thing is, she deleted it like an hour after she posted it. Is Diddy going back to his ex? Is Cassie dumping him. What really happened?

cassie

cassieYesssss ???

Fuel Scarcity Will Be Over In Days– Minister

Posted on December 3, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The Minister of Information and Culture, Mr Lai Mohammed, has assured Nigerians that the current fuel scarcity would be over in a matter of days.

The minister gave the hint on Wednesday in a statement signed by his spokesman, Segun Adeyemi, following the approval of a supplementary budget that made provision for the subsidy payment by the National Assembly (NASS).

He said: “We can confidently announce here today that the scarcity will end in a few days. Subsidy payment till the end of the year has been approved by the National Assembly, and as you know, we cannot spend money without approval,” the Minister said in Abuja.

Credit: ChannelsTV

Rick Ross & GF’s 2 Months Old Engagement Is Over

Posted on November 4, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The engagement between Rick Ross and Lira Mercer only lasted two months, allegedly following a huge fight between the two.

El-Rufa’i Saves Over N1.2b In Three Months, Says Special Adviser

Posted on August 25, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Less than three months of his assumption, Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State has saved over N1.2billion for the government. This was made possible by his the policies of blocking leakages and cutting cost of running government, embarked upon within the period in review.

The Special Adviser on Politics to the governor, Alhaji Uba Sani, who made this disclosure in a chat with journalists, explained that the money was recovered from the free essential commodities, like rice millets, maize, sugar, groundnut oil etc, which were being shared to some wealthy people in the state during every Ramadan Fasting, Sallah and Christmas.

According to him, over N500m each was recovered from both festivity gifts, sponsorship to Hajj and Jerusalem pilgrimages annually by the state government, while the rest was recovered from the bio-metric exercise of government workers, as well as the voluntary cutting of salaries to half.

Read More: dailytimes

“Days Of Boko Haram Is Over”- Buratai

Posted on August 24, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The Chief Of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant- General Tukur Buratai, at the weekend assured that activities of the Boko Haram insurgents would end in a matter of days.

The army chief, who made the vow during an interview with journalists at Dikwa, shortly after addressing troops, who made further advance to rout the militants from their strongholds, said without mincing words that “I want to assure the good people of Nigeria that the days of Boko Haram is over.

In just matter of days we are ending this nonsense and all those who had been displaced from their homes would return and continue with their normal activities.”

Read More: sunnewsonline

Moses Siasia To Dump PDP, Over 700 Youths May Follow Suit

Posted on August 19, 2015 by Staff Reporter

35-year old governorship aspirant in Bayelsa State, Moses Siloko Siasia is set to dump the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for a new political party. He is expected to lead over 700 youth leaders across the eight local government areas of the state to the new party.

A source within the Moses Siasia campaign organization said that the decision by the astute businessman to dump the PDP is based on the injustice to other aspirants by the newly selected excos of the party loyal to Governor Seriake Dickson and lack of internal democracy within the various organs of the party in the state. The source also hinted that over 15 political parties within the state are willing to adopt Siasia as their sole candidate.

Read More: vanguardngr

NUJ President Blasts Online Media Over Non Ethical Standards

Posted on August 14, 2015 by Staff Reporter

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The Newly elected President of the Nigerian Union of Journalist, (NUJ) Abdulwaheed Odusile yesterday , blasted the activities of Online Media (Citizen Journalists) for not upholding the ethics of the profession in their reportage.

He said “the Union is set to compile a lists of credible Online Media as a means to upholding ethics and weeding out non professionals in the profession”.

The President spoke during the public presentation of ‘Reportage of 2015 Elections:A Monitoring Scorecard of Print and Online Media’ a publication of the International Press Council, the Nigerian Press Council and the Democratic Governance for Development Project (DGD) supported with funds from the UKaid, EU, Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada and the United Nations Development Project (UNDP) among others.

Read More: leadership

Osun Assembly Queries Aregbesola Over Alleged Mismanagement

Posted on June 25, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Osun State House of Assembly has asked the state governor Mr Rauf Aregbesola to forward his response on the allegations raised by Justice Oloyede Folahanmi of Osun State High Court, accusing the governor of mismanagement of the resources of the state.

The speaker admitted that a copy of the petition had been made available to him on Wednesday through his Office. In the letter attached to the petition sent to the governor, the parliament demanded comments on the content of petition without delay.

Credit: vanguardngr

Tinubu,Tambuwal Fight Over Speakership

Posted on June 1, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The battle for the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives may be causing rift between the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the immediate past Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal. The rift is said to be posing a serious threat to the harmony that exists in the party.

The rift may have inadvertently opened new fronts of dichotomy between the original members of the APC at inception and those that are referred to as joiners.

Attempt by Tinubu to make sure its candidate, Femi Gbajabiamila, emerges the new Speaker have been met with stiff resistance from supporters of Hon Yakubu Dogara, the chairman of the House Services Committee, who is widely believed to enjoy the full backing of the former Speaker and his Deputy, Emeka Ihedioha.

Apart from Tambuwal’s influence in the House, it was further learnt that some of the lawmakers want to cease the opportunity to whittle down Tinubu’s growing powers in the party.

Read More: TheSun