FOLLOWING likely loss of cases against the eligibility of the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, some governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) met on Thursday night on how to push for criminal charges against the former Head of State.
The governors were yesterday in Abuja frantically looking for evidence against Buhari to stop him from contesting the March 28 presidential election.
Some people , it was learnt, might be instigated by the governors to write a petition to the IGP , Suleiman Abba urging him to look into allegations of forgery and perjury against Buhari.
The PDP had said that Buhari claimed to INEC that his West Africa School Certificate was with the military authorities but that with the latter denying that it had the certificate, Buhari has committed perjury. The governors, it was further learnt, may also ask the IGP to revisit the PTF report .
Buhari headed the PTF, an intervention agency set up by the regime of late Head of State General Sani Abacha . Former President Olusegun Obasanjo later investigated the agency, but found nothing against Buhari. Last month, Obasanjo gave the APC candidate a clean bill while running the PTF.
Investigation by our correspondent revealed that the affected governors were uncomfortable that legal advice had pointed to likely loss of all cases against Buhari’s eligibility.
It was learnt that the affected governors had a session in Abuja on Thursday night on how to “stop Buhari” at all cost.
They were said to be disappointed that “presumption of innocence” is heavily in favour of Buhari.
A reliable source said: “Some PDP governors and some forces against Buhari have received in-depth legal advice, indicating that all the suits against Buhari are mere academic exercises.
“These governors, who met in Abuja on Thursday, have become frustrated. They are looking for any shred of evidence to level criminal charges against Buhari.
“They have realized that without concrete facts and evidence, they cannot get any fiat to prosecute Buhari and stop him from contesting.”
Another source said: “The governors and some forces are plotting to cook up frivolous allegations which they will present in a petition to the Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba, to enable the police investigate Buhari.
“You can see that these forces are working on Plan B to disqualify Buhari to scuttle the rescheduled general elections.
“They know that there is no way they can disqualify Buhari without creating crisis nationwide.”
As at press time, it was gathered that no petition has been submitted to the police.
A police source said: “If there are issues against Buhari, we have to subject these to thorough investigation which cannot be conducted overnight.
“And investigation of any kind takes time.”
But a reliable source in the APC said going by legal precedents, those behind eligibility suits against Buhari are wasting their time.
The source said: “Whatever plot they are planning, we will rise to the challenge. It is just unfortunate that they want to win election through the backdoor.
“They are just afraid of going to the poll with Buhari. We know that since they postponed the elections, they must be working on some mischief.
“Going by the security siege on APC leaders and telephone bugging, they are building up a new plot.
“If you look at Section 131 of the 1999 Constitution, Buhari is eminently qualified to contest the presidential election.”
Section 131 says: “A person shall be qualified for election to the office of President if (a) he is a citizen of Nigeria by birth; (b) he has attained the age of forty (40) years; (c )he is a member of a political party; and (d) he has been educated up to at least School Certificate level or its equivalent.
“In Section 318, School Certificate or equivalent means (a) a Secondary School Certificate or its equivalent, or Grade II Teacher’s Certificate, the City and Guilds Certificate; or (b) education up to Secondary School Certificate level; or
“(c) Primary Six School Leaving Certificate or its equivalent and (i) service in the public or private sector in the Federation in any capacity acceptable to the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) for a minimum of 10 years; and
“(ii) attendance at courses and training in such institutions as may be acceptable to the Independent National Electoral Commission for periods totalling up to a minimum of one year, and
“(iii) the ability to read, write, understand and communicate in the English Language to the satisfaction of the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC); and
“(d) Any other qualification acceptable by the INEC.”
PDP governors in the north are uncomfortable with Buhari in the race. Their fear is that they may not realise their second term or senatorial ambition with the general in the race.
http://thenationonlineng.net/new/pdp-govs-fresh-plot-stop-buhari/
Saturday 14 February 2015
Pdp Govs In Fresh Plot To Stop Buhari - Politics
Thugs In Army Uniform Attack APC Members, Kidnap 4 (Pics) - Politics
Hoodlums suspected to be on the payroll of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Friday stormed some communities in Gbonyin and Irepodun/Ifelodun local governments, attacking the supporters of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and destroying billboards and posters of its candidates in the March 28 and April 11 general elections.
The State APC in a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatubosun, stated that the thugs armed with guns and machetes stormed Igbemo-Ekiti where they disrupted APC ward meeting.
He disclosed that the suspected thugs, dressed in military uniform abducted Chief Peter Akinsola , Mr. Olusola Bello, Mr. Olujimi Ogunade, and 22-year-old Adefemi Ojo during the raid.
However, Deputy Chairman of PDP in the State, Mr Tayelolu Otitoju denied the involvement of his members in the attack, saying the party members were peace-loving and could not have involved in act that could portray the State in bad light.
“We are the ones in the glass house now and whoever lives in the glass house doesn’t throw stones. So, our members had been seriously warned on the need to eschew violence,” he said.
But the APC spokesman in the State insisted that investigation conducted by the party revealed that the PDP was responsible for the attack .
He said a car belonging to ward chairman was damaged while several members were attacked in an Fun of violence that lasted several minutes.
According to Olatubosun, they came back in the night unleashing fiercer violence, abducting four members in the process.
“They started their raids from Ijan-Ekiti where they shot sporadically into the air. Residents scampered to safety as thugs went about destroying APC candidates’ billboard and posters.
“After Ijan-Ekiti operation, they headed for Iluomoba-Ekiti where APC ward meeting was disrupted.
Billboards and posters of APC candidates, including the chairs and tables were destroyed before moving to other communities in Gbonyin to unleash violence,” the spokesman explained.
He added that the thugs returned to
Igbemo-Ekiti at night in three Hilux vans backed by policemen shooting and destroying the billboards and posters of APC candidates, including those of Mr Rotimi Odu, a member of the House of Assembly seeking re-election.
Olatubosun called on the security agencies to intervene to save the lives of those abducted while also urging the police to be even-handed in the current violence being unleashed on APC members by the governor’s thugs.
http://dailypost.ng/2015/02/14/suspected-pdp-thugs-kidnap-four-apc-stalwarts-in-ekiti/
The State APC in a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatubosun, stated that the thugs armed with guns and machetes stormed Igbemo-Ekiti where they disrupted APC ward meeting.
He disclosed that the suspected thugs, dressed in military uniform abducted Chief Peter Akinsola , Mr. Olusola Bello, Mr. Olujimi Ogunade, and 22-year-old Adefemi Ojo during the raid.
However, Deputy Chairman of PDP in the State, Mr Tayelolu Otitoju denied the involvement of his members in the attack, saying the party members were peace-loving and could not have involved in act that could portray the State in bad light.
“We are the ones in the glass house now and whoever lives in the glass house doesn’t throw stones. So, our members had been seriously warned on the need to eschew violence,” he said.
But the APC spokesman in the State insisted that investigation conducted by the party revealed that the PDP was responsible for the attack .
He said a car belonging to ward chairman was damaged while several members were attacked in an Fun of violence that lasted several minutes.
According to Olatubosun, they came back in the night unleashing fiercer violence, abducting four members in the process.
“They started their raids from Ijan-Ekiti where they shot sporadically into the air. Residents scampered to safety as thugs went about destroying APC candidates’ billboard and posters.
“After Ijan-Ekiti operation, they headed for Iluomoba-Ekiti where APC ward meeting was disrupted.
Billboards and posters of APC candidates, including the chairs and tables were destroyed before moving to other communities in Gbonyin to unleash violence,” the spokesman explained.
He added that the thugs returned to
Igbemo-Ekiti at night in three Hilux vans backed by policemen shooting and destroying the billboards and posters of APC candidates, including those of Mr Rotimi Odu, a member of the House of Assembly seeking re-election.
Olatubosun called on the security agencies to intervene to save the lives of those abducted while also urging the police to be even-handed in the current violence being unleashed on APC members by the governor’s thugs.
http://dailypost.ng/2015/02/14/suspected-pdp-thugs-kidnap-four-apc-stalwarts-in-ekiti/
INEC Will Announce Election Results Within 48 Hours - Politics
Birnin Kebbi – Hajia Amina Zakari, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) National Commissioner, has reiterated the commission’s determination to announce the presidential and governorship elections within 48 hours after voting.
She spoke on Saturday in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi, during a public sensitisation and practical demonstration of accreditation and election processes.
Zakari said that the demonstration was to enable the commission to make amendments in areas of difficulty.
According to her, the demonstration will also enable electoral officers to be familiar with the process of accreditation and smooth election.
She appealed to registered voters to ensure they were in queue on time for accreditation, assuring them that collation of votes would be done properly after voting.
She said that the new modifications for the 2015 general elections would ensure free, transparent and fair elections.
Zakari said that changes in the date of the election had enabled the commission to perfect the process.
“The commission would treat observations and ensure smooth conduct of the election proper and to avoid hitches and criticisms’’, she said.
She also promised that adequate security would be provided at all stages of the elections.
According to her, the working relationship between INEC and security agencies is cordial. (NAN)
She spoke on Saturday in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi, during a public sensitisation and practical demonstration of accreditation and election processes.
Zakari said that the demonstration was to enable the commission to make amendments in areas of difficulty.
According to her, the demonstration will also enable electoral officers to be familiar with the process of accreditation and smooth election.
She appealed to registered voters to ensure they were in queue on time for accreditation, assuring them that collation of votes would be done properly after voting.
She said that the new modifications for the 2015 general elections would ensure free, transparent and fair elections.
Zakari said that changes in the date of the election had enabled the commission to perfect the process.
“The commission would treat observations and ensure smooth conduct of the election proper and to avoid hitches and criticisms’’, she said.
She also promised that adequate security would be provided at all stages of the elections.
According to her, the working relationship between INEC and security agencies is cordial. (NAN)
Stealing Same As Corruption, Lawyers Caution GEJ
Lawyers have warned President Goodluck Jonathan over continually saying that stealing is not corruption.Recall that the president for the 8th time on Wednesday during the Presidential Media Chat tried separating the act of stealing from that of corruption.
“If somebody is a thief, he is a thief. We should not use the word ‘corruption’ to cover a case of stealing. Thieves should be called thieves,” the president had said.
However, Professor Itse Sagay, who is a lawyer and human rights activist, has taken up the issue. In a telephone conversation with Punch, Sagay said there was no technical difference between the two acts, and that people involved in either should be made to face the wrath of the law.
He said, “In a broad legal sense, they are the same. Stealing is taking what belongs to another person without the consent of the owner with the intention of keeping it permanently.
“Corruption is using an office to acquire the resources of an organisation without working for it and without the organisation’s awareness. Looking at it, using an office as a political office holder to acquire what belongs to the state results to stealing.
“Ultimately, every act of corruption is an act of stealing. There is no question about it. There is no moral or ethical difference between them. Both are criminal, immoral and anti-social acts and nobody should attempt to make one look lighter than the other. People who commit either should be dealt with seriously.”
Another civil rights lawyer, Fred Agbaje, said President Jonathan’s differentiation between the acts was clear evidence that the president’s government is corrupt. Fred Agbaje said this is because those two words are same offence in different letters.
He said: “Defence of stealing as different from corruption is indicative of the fact that President Jonathan’s administration is morally bankrupt.
“What the President has said is an admission of guilt and that his government is corrupt. It is a distinction without substance. It is calling one object two different names.
The nomenclature may differ, but the substance of both allegations is the same.
“Which of them is allowed in our law whether he calls them in different names? They are both punishable under our penal laws. Stealing is even worse than corruption. Both of them carry a legal element of deliberately taking what does not belong to someone with the intent of depriving the taxpayers.”
The president’s ‘stealing is not corruption’ statement prompted various reactions from many people when he first made it. At the Presidential Media Chat yesterday, February 11, Jonathan was again asked to give more clarification on
“If somebody is a thief, he is a thief. We should not use the word ‘corruption’ to cover a case of stealing. Thieves should be called thieves,” the president had said.
However, Professor Itse Sagay, who is a lawyer and human rights activist, has taken up the issue. In a telephone conversation with Punch, Sagay said there was no technical difference between the two acts, and that people involved in either should be made to face the wrath of the law.
He said, “In a broad legal sense, they are the same. Stealing is taking what belongs to another person without the consent of the owner with the intention of keeping it permanently.
“Corruption is using an office to acquire the resources of an organisation without working for it and without the organisation’s awareness. Looking at it, using an office as a political office holder to acquire what belongs to the state results to stealing.
“Ultimately, every act of corruption is an act of stealing. There is no question about it. There is no moral or ethical difference between them. Both are criminal, immoral and anti-social acts and nobody should attempt to make one look lighter than the other. People who commit either should be dealt with seriously.”
“What the President has said is an admission of guilt and that his government is corrupt. It is a distinction without substance. It is calling one object two different names.
The nomenclature may differ, but the substance of both allegations is the same.
“Which of them is allowed in our law whether he calls them in different names? They are both punishable under our penal laws. Stealing is even worse than corruption. Both of them carry a legal element of deliberately taking what does not belong to someone with the intent of depriving the taxpayers.”
The president’s ‘stealing is not corruption’ statement prompted various reactions from many people when he first made it. At the Presidential Media Chat yesterday, February 11, Jonathan was again asked to give more clarification on
what he meant by his famous phrase, but this time the president’s response triggered the displeasure of the All Progressives Congress vice-presidential candidate, Professor Yemi Osinbajo.
Boko Haram Warns Gombe People From Voting In Letter
Just few hours after a breaking news about Gombe, the capital of Gombe state, being under serious attack from Boko Haram terrorists, another surprising one is here!
Earlier today, hundreds of Boko Haram Islamists were said to have invaded the city of Gombe, firing heavy guns. However, AFP reports that some of the locals made it known that the insurgents threw leaflets at them. Leaflets with writings that suggest that they should not vote, come the March and April elections.
A Twitter user has however confirmed the claims of the locals by tweeting the photo of this leaflets in which was written in Hausa language warning Gombe people not to vote! See the tweets and the letter below:
Here is the letter on a closer view…
Recall that two weeks ago a bomb got detonated in a tricycle station on Abubakar Habu Hashidu Road some 200 meters from the stadium in Gombe state where a PDP presidential rally was being held.
Earlier today, hundreds of Boko Haram Islamists were said to have invaded the city of Gombe, firing heavy guns. However, AFP reports that some of the locals made it known that the insurgents threw leaflets at them. Leaflets with writings that suggest that they should not vote, come the March and April elections.
A Twitter user has however confirmed the claims of the locals by tweeting the photo of this leaflets in which was written in Hausa language warning Gombe people not to vote! See the tweets and the letter below:
Here is the letter on a closer view…
Recall that two weeks ago a bomb got detonated in a tricycle station on Abubakar Habu Hashidu Road some 200 meters from the stadium in Gombe state where a PDP presidential rally was being held.
Nollywood Actor Intentionally Infects Wife With HIV
Popular Nollywood actor Hanks Anuku, who is known for playing criminal roles in Nigerian movies, has revealed he tested positive for HIV.
The Nollywood actor also revealed how he deliberately infected his wife with the deadly disease. Pulse reports that the actor, now a born-again Christian, who is based in Ghana, talked in an interview about how he went to Zambia for six months in April 2011 without his wife and two kids, to take part in plays teaching about HIV and AIDS. While there he enjoyed life, sleeping with about 80 women.
“Life in Zambia was heaven on earth because we could enjoy life, moving in all places but I was missing my family. During that time I had quite a number of sexual activities and I slept with different women. When I came back home I never took care of the family. I started drinking life a fish and became an irresponsible husband leaving the entire burden to my wife,” he said.
The veteran actor also revealed that while knowing he could well be HIV positive, he infected his wife .
“I got tested while I was in Zambia after one of my girlfriends advised me about her pregnancy. She had gone for pregnancy tests and during that time she was tested for HIV and the results was shocking, she was positive. She forced me to get tested but I could not come to terms with the results. After I got tested I came back to Zimbabwe and I kept quiet about the issue. I never told my wife about the issue. I infected her but I regret. I later on received some counseling and it went well,” he explained
“During my peak of popularity I had sex with approximately 80 women, within Harare and Zambia. In 2002 it was so amazing to be on TV. I abused the fame. To make matters worse I lacked counseling and I failed to handle it properly, leaving me in this mud. I am now a born again Christian with UFIC under the guidance of Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa.” he said.
In a recent interview the actor revealed that he left Nigeria for Ghana in order to be close to God.
READ MORE: http://www.naij.com/385109-nollywood-actor-intentionally-infects-wife-with-hiv.html
Hanks Anuku
“Life in Zambia was heaven on earth because we could enjoy life, moving in all places but I was missing my family. During that time I had quite a number of sexual activities and I slept with different women. When I came back home I never took care of the family. I started drinking life a fish and became an irresponsible husband leaving the entire burden to my wife,” he said.
The veteran actor also revealed that while knowing he could well be HIV positive, he infected his wife .
“I got tested while I was in Zambia after one of my girlfriends advised me about her pregnancy. She had gone for pregnancy tests and during that time she was tested for HIV and the results was shocking, she was positive. She forced me to get tested but I could not come to terms with the results. After I got tested I came back to Zimbabwe and I kept quiet about the issue. I never told my wife about the issue. I infected her but I regret. I later on received some counseling and it went well,” he explained
“During my peak of popularity I had sex with approximately 80 women, within Harare and Zambia. In 2002 it was so amazing to be on TV. I abused the fame. To make matters worse I lacked counseling and I failed to handle it properly, leaving me in this mud. I am now a born again Christian with UFIC under the guidance of Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa.” he said.
In a recent interview the actor revealed that he left Nigeria for Ghana in order to be close to God.
READ MORE: http://www.naij.com/385109-nollywood-actor-intentionally-infects-wife-with-hiv.html
Man Caught Having Sex With Woman’s Corpse In Mortuary
A 26-year-old homeless man was caught having with a female corpse at Hill Watson Peoples Funeral Service in the Georgian city of Columbus, USA.
Police officers detained Domonique Smith for stealing a bicycle but the subsequent investigation revealed that the young man is also guilty of another crime. It appeared that Mr Smith who lives on the street broke into the funeral home and had sexual contact with the body of an unnamed woman.
Commenting on the incident Captain Gordon Griswould said, “The investigation led us to believe he had a sexual act with the woman’s body. This is extremely rare.We look for the best protection and security for the families we have served in this community for 65 years.”
Police believe that the incident is the first necrophilia case in the area, while the funeral director declined to comment on the details. Smith was dragged to court where he pleaded guilty to all charges and now remains behind bars.
Necrophilia, also called thanatophilia or necrolagnia, is the sexual attraction to corpse. The individuals’ motivations for their behaviors are various: the desire to possess a non-resisting and non-rejecting partner, reunions with a romantic partner, sexual attraction to corpses, comfort or overcoming feelings of isolation, or seeking self-esteem by expressing power over a homicide victim
Police officers detained Domonique Smith for stealing a bicycle but the subsequent investigation revealed that the young man is also guilty of another crime. It appeared that Mr Smith who lives on the street broke into the funeral home and had sexual contact with the body of an unnamed woman.
A 26-year-old homeless man was caught having with a female corpse
Police believe that the incident is the first necrophilia case in the area, while the funeral director declined to comment on the details. Smith was dragged to court where he pleaded guilty to all charges and now remains behind bars.
Necrophilia, also called thanatophilia or necrolagnia, is the sexual attraction to corpse. The individuals’ motivations for their behaviors are various: the desire to possess a non-resisting and non-rejecting partner, reunions with a romantic partner, sexual attraction to corpses, comfort or overcoming feelings of isolation, or seeking self-esteem by expressing power over a homicide victim
PHOTO: P regnant Woman Delivers At Campaign Rally
It was a thing of joy, a sign of blessing and endorsement from God when a woman gave birth during the campaign rally of Muma Gee last Friday.
READ ALSO: Prince Eke, Muma Gee Share Pics Of Their Twins’ Dedication
Immediately the Mother of the newly born baby named the child Muma Gee, as a sign of remembrance of the encounter with the great woman.
And to crown it all, the baby was given instant scholarship from Muma Gee, starting from the age of 2. With this development, the people of Ikata village in ward 6 in Ahoada East LGA are more conceived that Muma Gee is the chosen one who will bring Goodluck in their lives.
READ ALSO: Governor Uduaghan Declares For Senate
It will be recalled that News coming out states that Gift Uwame also known as Muma Gee and Nollywood actress, Funke Adesiyan have decided to contest under the umbrella of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Muma Gee is known for her popular album Kade and is trying to get a seat in the Federal House of Representatives via the Abua/Odua and Ahoada East LGA constituency in Rivers State.
READ ALSO: Prince Eke, Muma Gee Share Pics Of Their Twins’ Dedication
Immediately the Mother of the newly born baby named the child Muma Gee, as a sign of remembrance of the encounter with the great woman.
And to crown it all, the baby was given instant scholarship from Muma Gee, starting from the age of 2. With this development, the people of Ikata village in ward 6 in Ahoada East LGA are more conceived that Muma Gee is the chosen one who will bring Goodluck in their lives.
READ ALSO: Governor Uduaghan Declares For Senate
It will be recalled that News coming out states that Gift Uwame also known as Muma Gee and Nollywood actress, Funke Adesiyan have decided to contest under the umbrella of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Muma Gee is known for her popular album Kade and is trying to get a seat in the Federal House of Representatives via the Abua/Odua and Ahoada East LGA constituency in Rivers State.
I Believe In Buhari- Obasanjo
Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has disclosed that he believes in the leadership qualities of General Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate.
Obasanjo stated this while answering questions from newsmen who waited at his Presidential Hilltop, Abeokuta Saturday morning. “I believe General Buhari will fight corruption, he will give firm leadership. When he was there before, he was a military and military leader is both the executive and the legislative but in democracy, it is not possible like that.
“Moreso, military has been rendered impotent and I believe he will do everything to resuscitate it because he knows the military well, so he will do it, if he fails to do it, I will say shame unto him,” Obasanjo posited.
Obasanjo in his submission, appealed to President Jonathan not to listen to those who are creating phobia of Buhari and phobia of enquiry, adding that, the President has done well and he should rather have a dignified exit which will acclaim him as a patriot and true democrat.
He also appealed to the APC presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari to ensure that after the election, which he believes Buhari will win, must find a way to allay the fears of many who see him as a threat in the area of human right, obedience of our constitution and rule of law.
On his final analysis, tasked every Nigerians to play their parts in the progress and development of this great country, saying, ”for me I would not stop, there is nothing better than democracy. And for those who are pushing President Jonathan,he should beware because when the chips are down, he will be naked and they will mock him at the end. I wish President Goodluck Jonathan, General Muhammed Buhari and every Nigerian every good wish,” the former President concluded.
It will be recalled that former President Olusegun Obasanjo warned President Goodluck Jonathan of the possible dire consequences of delaying the elections.
Obasanjo spoke to journalists at his Presidential Hilltop Estate, Abeokuta mansion in Ogun State. He opined on the state of the nation and gave his opinion on the elections postponement.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and General Mohammadu Buhari (retd)
Obasanjo stated this while answering questions from newsmen who waited at his Presidential Hilltop, Abeokuta Saturday morning. “I believe General Buhari will fight corruption, he will give firm leadership. When he was there before, he was a military and military leader is both the executive and the legislative but in democracy, it is not possible like that.
“Moreso, military has been rendered impotent and I believe he will do everything to resuscitate it because he knows the military well, so he will do it, if he fails to do it, I will say shame unto him,” Obasanjo posited.
Obasanjo in his submission, appealed to President Jonathan not to listen to those who are creating phobia of Buhari and phobia of enquiry, adding that, the President has done well and he should rather have a dignified exit which will acclaim him as a patriot and true democrat.
He also appealed to the APC presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari to ensure that after the election, which he believes Buhari will win, must find a way to allay the fears of many who see him as a threat in the area of human right, obedience of our constitution and rule of law.
On his final analysis, tasked every Nigerians to play their parts in the progress and development of this great country, saying, ”for me I would not stop, there is nothing better than democracy. And for those who are pushing President Jonathan,he should beware because when the chips are down, he will be naked and they will mock him at the end. I wish President Goodluck Jonathan, General Muhammed Buhari and every Nigerian every good wish,” the former President concluded.
It will be recalled that former President Olusegun Obasanjo warned President Goodluck Jonathan of the possible dire consequences of delaying the elections.
Obasanjo spoke to journalists at his Presidential Hilltop Estate, Abeokuta mansion in Ogun State. He opined on the state of the nation and gave his opinion on the elections postponement.
PDP splits over Jega
Chairperson of the Independent National Electoral Commission Attahiru Jega speaks in Abuja as Nigeria has postponed its presidential election on security grounds as the Boko Haram conflict intensifies. (Stringer, AFP)
Abuja - Less than a day after the Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Campaign Organisation accused the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, of partisanship, the National Chairman of the party, Dr. Adamu Mu’azu, has passed a vote of confidence on the him to conduct the March 28 and April 11 general elections, reports Punch.
Mu'azu, who was speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, said the party has confidence in Jega, especially as President Goodluck Jonathan, who appointed him, has said he does not intend to remove him and members of his team in INEC.
He stated that although the election was postponed because of INEC’s unreadiness, the party was confident that Jega would deliver free, fair and credible elections.
He noted that the postponement of the elections would enable Jega and his team to distribute the remaining voter cards.
Mu'azu"s position contradicts sharply that of the PDP, which called for the ouster of Jega from INEC.
Read more at Punch.
Mu'azu, who was speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, said the party has confidence in Jega, especially as President Goodluck Jonathan, who appointed him, has said he does not intend to remove him and members of his team in INEC.
He stated that although the election was postponed because of INEC’s unreadiness, the party was confident that Jega would deliver free, fair and credible elections.
He noted that the postponement of the elections would enable Jega and his team to distribute the remaining voter cards.
Mu'azu"s position contradicts sharply that of the PDP, which called for the ouster of Jega from INEC.
Read more at Punch.
Mu'azu alerts AU to INEC's PVCs "manipulation
2015-02-13 20:37
A ballot box filled with ballot is pictured before being counted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at a polling station in Yenagoa in Bayelsa State ~ PIUS UTOMI EKPEI
Abuja - The National Chairman of the ruling People's Democratic Party, Ahmadu Adamu Mu'azu, expressed his party's doubts on the Electronic Management Tool (EMT) to be used for the 2015 elections.
He said the scheme left room for the manipulation of the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) distribution, a development he alerted the Africa Union election observers to.
The PDP chairman said while electronic systems were welcome, the electorate was not prepared to be used as "guinea pigs" for the ETM.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) intends to use the system in the elections that were initially slated for Saturday and the end of the month but have been rescheduled by six weeks.
"INEC must ensure a successful test run before approving it for use in the elections. INEC management must get their sums right before introducing the measure. In their own sense of judgment, how does Professor Jega who is the leader of INEC exonerate himself from disenfranchising 23 million Nigerians and telling the world that he is ready for elections. We are saying that he is not ready," Mu'azu said.
He urged AU election observers to report the alleged manipulation of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
"23 million out of the 68 million registered voters by his personal submission in the Council of State that was held last week to review the preparedness or otherwise of INEC to conduct the election; 23 million PVCs were either produced and not distributed or not produced at all. This must be highlighted and made known to the world. Your report must be very explicit to explain what has happened. He is lying," Mu'azu said.
According to a statement by Tony Amadi, Press Secretary to the National Chairman, Mu'azu stated this when a delegation of AU election observers, led by Commissioner for Political Affairs, Aisha Abdullahi, visited him at his office at Wadata House in Abuja.
He said the scheme left room for the manipulation of the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) distribution, a development he alerted the Africa Union election observers to.
The PDP chairman said while electronic systems were welcome, the electorate was not prepared to be used as "guinea pigs" for the ETM.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) intends to use the system in the elections that were initially slated for Saturday and the end of the month but have been rescheduled by six weeks.
"INEC must ensure a successful test run before approving it for use in the elections. INEC management must get their sums right before introducing the measure. In their own sense of judgment, how does Professor Jega who is the leader of INEC exonerate himself from disenfranchising 23 million Nigerians and telling the world that he is ready for elections. We are saying that he is not ready," Mu'azu said.
He urged AU election observers to report the alleged manipulation of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
"23 million out of the 68 million registered voters by his personal submission in the Council of State that was held last week to review the preparedness or otherwise of INEC to conduct the election; 23 million PVCs were either produced and not distributed or not produced at all. This must be highlighted and made known to the world. Your report must be very explicit to explain what has happened. He is lying," Mu'azu said.
According to a statement by Tony Amadi, Press Secretary to the National Chairman, Mu'azu stated this when a delegation of AU election observers, led by Commissioner for Political Affairs, Aisha Abdullahi, visited him at his office at Wadata House in Abuja.
- CAJ News
Nigerians flee naira as politics casts 'dark shroud'
Abuja - Nigerians are dumping the naira as it skids lower by the day, driven by fear of the unknown after authorities pushed back the date of a presidential election.
Already mauled by a halving of oil prices since last June, the naira this week fell through the key level of 200 to the dollar, forcing people like Boyin Akinteye to seek ways of protecting their savings.
In the up-market Dunes shopping mall in Abuja, the freelance gift designer and mother of two young children was buying dollars and moving them into her Bank of America account in the United States.
"The naira's way down," she said. "We're uncertain when or where it's going to end so my husband and I, we took action."
When electoral commission chairman Attahiru Jega revealed on Saturday that national security chiefs had urged him to delay the poll by six weeks to March 28, it reminded many of the cancellation of a 1993 election by the military government then in power. Some wonder if the vote will take place at all.
Author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie wrote in an editorial that "it has cast, at least for the next six weeks, the darkest possible shroud over our democracy: uncertainty."
That uncertainty has already sent foreign portfolio investors scurrying for the exit. But for Nigerians that exit is not always easy to find.
Wiring money abroad is difficult as the central bank caps transfers at $10,000 a day and other countries often ask for proof of how the money was earned and taxed, said a wealthy Lagos-based businessman who asked not to be named.
Spot checks on Nigerians at airports mean smuggling cash out in a suitcase is not an option, the businessman added.
While some middle-class Nigerians keep dollars in onshore accounts, he said he and his friends were worried about the risk of capital controls that could limit withdrawals later. Some, he said, were taking their dollars out now and stuffing them under the mattress.
Despite a call for calm by Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele, the markets are jittery: foreign exchange dealers suspended electronic trading in two consecutive sessions on Wednesday and Thursday because of the pace of the naira's fall.
The currency is already over 20 percent weaker than the central bank's target rate of 168 to the dollar, and black market traders are selling for around 210.
Rates on derivatives contracts suggest the naira could fall another 30 percent in the next 12 months.
One well-connected member of the elite, who declined to be named, said friends were looking at property in London, Dubai and the United States. Dubai is favoured since authorities ask fewer questions about where the money came from, he said.
Nasser Mohammed, the chief executive of a small oil and gas firm, is holding much of his savings in dollars and pounds, while opting not to repatriate cash from operations in London.
"The only way to save your money right now is to keep it in dollars or pounds. Otherwise, it's going to vanish," he said, tucking into a roast chicken lunch at an Abuja restaurant.
The head of strategy at one bank said he was approached by a customer with 3 billion naira ($14.7 million) who wanted to hold some of it in dollars. He advised her against it in case the naira stabilises and she loses out, especially with a wide spread and high bank charges.
The central bank last devalued the currency in November but a further devaluation has already been priced in, he said. On Thursday the bank said it had burned through $1 billion in nine trading sessions in its efforts to defend the naira.
Foreign companies with earnings in local currency are likely to take a hit, although most try to hedge against currency declines by recycling naira locally.
Soap maker PZ Cussons told Reuters: "While there is uncertainty surrounding the election, PZ Cussons remains confident about the medium- and long-term opportunities."
Diageo, for whom Nigeria is the biggest market for Guinness stout, declined to comment.
Many Nigerians are greeting uncertainty, as they often do, with a fatalistic shrug of the shoulders.
"The rich guys are moving money out but I earn in naira, so I'm keeping it in naira," said construction engineer Michael Akinyemi. "What's the point unless you're fleeing the country?"
Sierra Leone locks down 700 homes after Ebola death
Freetown - Sierra Leone said on Friday it had placed hundreds of homes in the capital under quarantine, in a huge blow for its recovery from the Ebola crisis less than a month after it lifted all travel restrictions.
"Some 700 homes have been quarantined for 21 days in the tourism and fishing community of Aberdeen in the west of the capital Freetown, after the death of a fisherman who was later diagnosed Ebola positive," Obi Sesay, of the government's National Ebola Response Centre, said.
- AFP
24-hour curfew in place after Gombe attack
Kano - The governor of Gombe state on Saturday imposed an around-the-clock curfew after an attack by Boko Haram gunmen, his spokesman said.
"Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo has directed that a 24-hour curfew be imposed on Gombe as a result of the security breach in the city," Ayuba Aluke told AFP, referring to the state capital of the same name but specifying that the curfew would be in effect statewide.
"By this announcement residents are to remain indoors until further notice as security operatives work to restore law and order in the city," he said.
"Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo has directed that a 24-hour curfew be imposed on Gombe as a result of the security breach in the city," Ayuba Aluke told AFP, referring to the state capital of the same name but specifying that the curfew would be in effect statewide.
"By this announcement residents are to remain indoors until further notice as security operatives work to restore law and order in the city," he said.
- AFP
Military repels Boko Haram attack on Gombe
Bauchi — The military Saturday repelled an attack on Gombe by Boko Haram who, as they retreated, warned residents not to participate in the country's elections in March.
Scores of the rebels assaulted Gombe in the morning and engaged in heavy fighting with the army. Two air force jets also attacked the rebels.
The Boko Haram fighters left in a convoy of vehicles carrying dozens of corpses, according to residents.
"They were heard telling our people in the villages leading to Gombe that they have not come to harm civilians but the security agents. They were also dropping copies of papers with messages ?written in Hausa warning people not to participate in the coming elections, lest they risk being killed," said resident Malam Hassan.
The Associated Press obtained a copy of the message in which Boko Haram warned that its fighters will attack all polling stations in the March 28 elections. The Boko Haram paper also said residents should not assist the army and pledged not to attack those who stayed out of its fight against the government.
"We are calling on you all to come and join us in the Jihad and embrace Islamic Sharia jurisprudence," said the papers dropped by Boko Haram.
The fiercest fighting was about three kilometers outside the town, resident Jummai Aliyu said.
Gombe has previously been attacked multiple times, including by a car bomb in December that killed at least 20 people.
On Friday, the group staged its first attack on Chadian territory, bringing to three the number of neighboring countries roped into what had previously been an internal Nigerian conflict. The targeted village, Ngouboua, was already home to nearly 3,300 refugees who had fled Boko Haram-related violence in Nigeria, according to the U.N.
Cameroon and Niger have also been attacked. Along with Benin, all three have vowed to contribute to a regional force against Boko Haram that is expected to be launched in the coming weeks, though funding questions remain unsettled.
Scores of the rebels assaulted Gombe in the morning and engaged in heavy fighting with the army. Two air force jets also attacked the rebels.
The Boko Haram fighters left in a convoy of vehicles carrying dozens of corpses, according to residents.
"They were heard telling our people in the villages leading to Gombe that they have not come to harm civilians but the security agents. They were also dropping copies of papers with messages ?written in Hausa warning people not to participate in the coming elections, lest they risk being killed," said resident Malam Hassan.
The Associated Press obtained a copy of the message in which Boko Haram warned that its fighters will attack all polling stations in the March 28 elections. The Boko Haram paper also said residents should not assist the army and pledged not to attack those who stayed out of its fight against the government.
"We are calling on you all to come and join us in the Jihad and embrace Islamic Sharia jurisprudence," said the papers dropped by Boko Haram.
The fiercest fighting was about three kilometers outside the town, resident Jummai Aliyu said.
Gombe has previously been attacked multiple times, including by a car bomb in December that killed at least 20 people.
On Friday, the group staged its first attack on Chadian territory, bringing to three the number of neighboring countries roped into what had previously been an internal Nigerian conflict. The targeted village, Ngouboua, was already home to nearly 3,300 refugees who had fled Boko Haram-related violence in Nigeria, according to the U.N.
Cameroon and Niger have also been attacked. Along with Benin, all three have vowed to contribute to a regional force against Boko Haram that is expected to be launched in the coming weeks, though funding questions remain unsettled.
- AP
MI holds concert in May
Lagos - Rapper, MI Abaga has revealed plans to hold his first Lagos concert in May.
The rapper made the announcement via Instagram.
The Chocolate City artiste released his 3rd studio album, The Chairman in October 2014.
He wrote: "MI live in concert. It’s amazing that for so many years I have never had my concert in Lagos!! Just did the deal for May 3, 2015. I’m excited."
MI will be releasing the music video for 'Bullion Van' soon.
Movies to watch this Valentine's Day
Lagos - Valentine Day is here, and the spirit of love is in the air.
Because falls over the weekend it will be a great time to watch movies that makes ones heart flutter.
It is the perfect time of year to cozy up on your sofa with a bowl of popcorn, snuggle up, and watch love stories.
One gets to share the magical moments with family and loved ones.
Below are 25 movies collated to watch this Valentine, add yours to the list.
1. 500 Days of Summer
2. Crazy, Stupid, Love
3. Titanic
4. Valentine's Day
5. Dear John
6. Keeping Faith
7. When Love Happens
8. The Notebook
9. I Hate Love Stories
10. The Vow
11. Pretty Woman
12. Gone With The Wind
13. P.S I Love You
14. Sound of Music
15. The Wedding Planner
16. How Stella Got Her Groove Back
17. Sweet November
18. Something Borrowed
19. The Fault in our Stars
20. That Awkward Moment
21. The Holiday
22. Love Actually
23. Just Go With It
24. Maid in Manhattan
25. Hitch
India police book Bollywood stars for comedy 'roast'
Mumbai - Mumbai police said Friday they have registered a case against a string of Bollywood celebrities, alleging obscenity in the staging of a comedy "roast" television show which sparked a furore over freedom of expression.
A-list actress Deepika Padukone and filmmaker Karan Johar are among those named in the case over the show AIB Knockout, which was pulled from YouTube after causing uproar in India for its profanities and sexual references.
Police will now investigate the group -- as part of the "first information report" or FIR filed -- including for criminal conspiracy, obscene acts and songs, and words or gestures intended to insult a woman's modesty.
"The FIR is registered against 14 accused at Tardeo police station," Deputy Commissioner of Police Dhananjay Kulkarni, spokesman for the Mumbai force, told AFP, listing the various organisers and participants accused.
AIB Knockout, hosted by Johar in December, comically insulted several Bollywood actors in front of a large audience strewn with celebrities such as Padukone, in a format common in Western countries but rarely seen in India.
The show included Johar and Bollywood actors Arjun Kapoor and Ranveer Singh -- both also booked by the police -- singing a reworking of a song with the Hindi word for penis substituting some lyrics.
A video attracted more than eight million hits in just a few days when it was uploaded on YouTube late last month, but it sparked a fierce backlash.
Religious groups urged police to file charges against the producers, and the right-wing government of Maharashtra state, of which Mumbai is the capital, ordered an investigation.
Earlier this month, the producers said they were pulling the video for "pragmatic" reasons, but added that India needed to confront the fact that freedom of expression was being curtailed.
The "roast" sparked a storm on social media, with a member of India's powerful censor board slamming it on Twitter as "a porn show on stage".
But hundreds of supporters including Bollywood actors and producers also hit back, urging the right to freedom of speech.
India's hardline groups often urge authorities to act against authors and artists whose works they consider insulting to their religion or against society's perceived morals.
Acclaimed Tamil-language author Perumal Murugan announced last month he was quitting writing altogether following protests by right-wing Hindu and caste groups over one of his books.
British author Salman Rushdie, whose novel "The Satanic Verses" is seen as blasphemous by some Muslims, is still banned in India.
- AFP
No pardon for those who shot down MH17
Brussels - An amnesty being offered to conflict parties in eastern Ukraine as part of a new truce deal will not extend to those who brought down Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 last year, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko vowed on Thursday.
"No pardon law will excuse the terrorists who organised the attack [on] the innocent victims of MH17," Poroshenko said in Brussels, after talks with EU leaders.
"We [will] never, ever pardon them, and they should be punished, and it will be under the courts."
He said he delivered his message to Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. The majority of the 298 people aboard the airliner, which was shot down July 17 over eastern Ukraine, were Dutch citizens.
Russian-backed Ukrainian rebels are suspected of being behind the incident, though it is not known who was responsible.
Dutch foreign minister Bert Koenders said justice must be served, while the parliament in The Hague has demanded a guarantee that criminal investigations continue unhindered.
Relatives of the victims had insisted that "those responsible for the crash and therefore for the murder of 298 innocent passengers be investigated, pursued and punished".
- SAPA
10 killed as militants storm Pakistan Shiite mosque
Peshawar - Grenade-toting militants attacked a Shiite mosque in northwest Pakistan on Friday, police said, killing at least 10 people and wounding dozens more, with fighting still ongoing.
The attack comes two weeks after a suicide bombing at a Shiite mosque in southern Pakistan killed 61 people, the deadliest sectarian incident to hit the country in nearly two years.
Senior police official Rana Umer Hayat told AFP several gunmen threw grenades before storming the Imamia mosque in Peshawar, the main city in Pakistan's restive northwest, around the time of the main Friday prayers.
Doctor Mumtaz Khan of the Hayatabad Medical Complex told AFP that at least 10 people had been killed and 63 wounded.
Senior police official Mian Saeed confirmed the death toll, putting the number wounded at "more than 60".
TV footage showed people running away from the scene, some carrying injured on their shoulders, others limping, as police fired shots and checked people at a barrier.
Witness Muhammad Raza told AFP: "There was a huge explosion, I can see many injured lying in front of me."
An AFP reporter at the scene said he had seen at least 40 wounded.
Pakistan has suffered a rising tide of sectarian violence in recent years, most of it perpetrated by hardline Sunni Muslim groups against minority Shiite Muslims, who make up around one in five of the population.
- AFP
Thatcher's lipstick kiss ignites hot bidding
London - A lipstick print on a napkin left by Britain's "Iron Lady" prime minister Margaret Thatcher during a visit to the United States has gone on sale online ahead of Valentine's Day.
The curious collectible, a napkin from the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, has so far fetched bids of 1,950 (2,600 euros, $3,000) on the collectors' site Picollecta.
Thatcher, who former French president Francois Mitterrand once said had "the eyes of Caligula and the mouth of Marilyn Monroe", stayed at the hotel in 2000.
She later travelled to give a lecture at the Ohio Theatre and the website said the napkin was "retrieved from Mrs Thatcher's waste basket in her dressing room by a theatre employee".
The description said the item was "possibly the most personal piece of Thatcher memorabilia to appear on the market".
Thatcher, a hugely divisive free-market advocate who led Britain between 1979 and 1990 and formed a close alliance with US president Ronald Reagan, died in 2013.
Her memorabilia changes hands for tens of thousands of pounds. A bottle of champagne signed by the prime minister was recently sold for 45,0000.
Thatcher's famous handbags can fetch up to 65,000.
- AFP
Gunmen kill Afghan peace council member
Kabul - An Afghan official says gunmen have killed a member of the country's High Peace Council in the southern city of Kandahar.
The provincial spokesman, Samim Akhpelwak, said Friday that Sheirin Agha was assassinated during prayers at a Kandahar mosque on Thursday night.
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani condemned the attack in a statement.
Also read: Taliban claim Kabul attack that killed 3 Americans, 1 Afghan
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the killing, but in the past, the Taliban have attacked members of the High Peace Council, a government body tasked with peace talks with the Taliban insurgency.
Separately, nine Afghans, including several children, were wounded in the crossfire during a clash between the Taliban and policemen in eastern Kapisa province on Thursday.
Kapisa Governr Mehrabuddin Safi says Taliban fighters attacked a checkpoint in Alasaye district, triggering a shootout with the security forces.
FG commits to transformation of Post Office
Abuja - The Minister of Communication Technology, Omobola Johnson, has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) into a viable, socially conscious and profit-orientated entity.
She was presiding over an event where NIPOST and KONGA, the electronic retail firm, launched an eCommerce collection centre at the University of Lagos.
The minister added that through this partnership, NIPOST will be contributing its own share to supporting the growth of retail businesses in Nigeria.
“The first Post office in Nigeria was established over 160 years ago and NIPOST has been fulfilling its mandate of providing universal access to postal services ever since. The Post office has grown to become the most extensive retail network in Nigeria. It is only logical that the eCommerce industry leverage the experience and facilities of NIPOST to provide secure and more convenient services to their customers,” Johnson said.
The collection centre is the first in a series of collaborations between NIPOST and KONGA to address logistics and delivery issues experienced by eCommerce operators in Nigeria.
The partnership to establish collection centres in tertiary locations is a welcome development for both customers and e-tailers and will result in the roll-out of a total of 47 collection centres nationwide over a period of two months.
The new collection centres will serve not only students but a broad spectrum of the population including the larger academic, business and social community in and around the campus.
- CAJ News
Lokoja residents decry poor power supply
Lokoja - Some residents of Lokoja have decried the endemic poor power supply in the Kogi State capital.
Mr Saidu Atuluku, a resident of New Layout, said in Lokoja on Thursday that the situation was becoming unbearable "especially now that the weather is hot."
He added that the situation was getting worse and people were helpless due to low voltage/lack of constant power supply.
"Since the heat started, I find it hard to sleep at nights as there is no power for fan or air conditioner to work."
Ms Afolabi, a resident of Adankolo, said lack of electricity, especially at nights, was having a negative effect on her life.
"My new bundle of joy (baby) no longer sleeps the way he used to, due to the heat.
"I expected that there will be enough power supply for our fans, air conditioners and refrigerator but the situation is getting worse and unbearable instead.
"It is unfortunate that power supply is getting worse at the time we need it most", Afolabi said
She noted Federal Government’s position that irregular supply of electricity will continue unless vandalism of gas pipeline was stopped.
She, therefore, called on government to stop the gas pipeline vandalism in order to improve electricity supply in the state as and in the country in general.
- NAN
University of Maiduguri reopens March 2
Maiduguri - The management of University of Maiduguri said on Thursday that it would re-open for second semester of 2014/2015 academic session on March 2.
The Chief Information Officer of the university, Malam Ahmed Mohammed, stated this in a statement he issued in Maiduguri.
"This is to inform all students, parents, guardians and staff that the University of Maiduguri will re-open for the 2nd semester, 2014/2015 session on Monday March 2, 2015 as contained in the university's calendar.
Also read: Cambridge University clears Buhari over alleged forged WASC result
"Accordingly, lectures will resume on the same day while examinations for the will begin on June 22, 2015", Mohammed said in the statement.
The statement added that the examinations will begin with Education, Law, GST, LLF 190 and English 101 courses.
- NAN
Boko Haram violations on minors among worst in 2014
Lagos - The ongoing brutality by the Boko Haram sect in the country has culminated in one of the worst violations of children’s rights in the world in the past year.
This is according to the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations’ Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict as they marked the International Day against the Use of Child Soldiers.
“In Nigeria throughout 2014, the armed conflict in the north-eastern of the country was one of the world’s deadliest for children,” read a joint statement from the UN Headquarters in New York.
The groups noted there was a dramatic rise in violence, growing recruitment and use of children, sometimes very young.
“The UNICEF is also concerned by reports of this violence against children.”
During the year under review, Boko Haram militants kidnapped more than 200 schoolgirls at a government school in Chibok, Borno State.
Plans to rescue the minors from the clutch of sect members have thus far yielded nothing.
Meanwhile, children are increasingly vulnerable to recruitment and use by armed groups as conflicts around the world become more brutal, intense and widespread, UNICEF and the UN Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict said.
“While Governments of the world have made progress to recognize children have no place in their armies, the recruitment of child soldiers is still a huge problem, especially with armed groups,” said Leila Zerrougui, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict.
According to a statement, out of 59 parties to conflict identified by the Secretary-General for grave violations against children, 57 were named because they were recruiting and using child soldiers.
The sentiments coincided with the marking of the International Day against the Use of Child Soldiers.
The day was initiated in 2002 when the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict entered into force on February 2002. The General Assembly of the United Nations adopted the protocol in May 2000. It has been ratified by 159 states.
This is according to the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations’ Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict as they marked the International Day against the Use of Child Soldiers.
“In Nigeria throughout 2014, the armed conflict in the north-eastern of the country was one of the world’s deadliest for children,” read a joint statement from the UN Headquarters in New York.
The groups noted there was a dramatic rise in violence, growing recruitment and use of children, sometimes very young.
“The UNICEF is also concerned by reports of this violence against children.”
During the year under review, Boko Haram militants kidnapped more than 200 schoolgirls at a government school in Chibok, Borno State.
Plans to rescue the minors from the clutch of sect members have thus far yielded nothing.
Meanwhile, children are increasingly vulnerable to recruitment and use by armed groups as conflicts around the world become more brutal, intense and widespread, UNICEF and the UN Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict said.
“While Governments of the world have made progress to recognize children have no place in their armies, the recruitment of child soldiers is still a huge problem, especially with armed groups,” said Leila Zerrougui, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict.
According to a statement, out of 59 parties to conflict identified by the Secretary-General for grave violations against children, 57 were named because they were recruiting and using child soldiers.
The sentiments coincided with the marking of the International Day against the Use of Child Soldiers.
The day was initiated in 2002 when the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict entered into force on February 2002. The General Assembly of the United Nations adopted the protocol in May 2000. It has been ratified by 159 states.
- CAJ News
Ministry threatens to seal petrol stations selling above N87 p/litre
Abuja - Rufai Mohammed, Weight and Measures Department of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and investment, says the department is ready to seal any filling station that refused to sell petrol at N87 per litre.
Mohammed, Assistant Director of Oil and Gas in the ministry, said this in an interview in Abuja on Thursday.
According to him, most of the stations at the outskirts of the city centre have likely reverted to the N97 per litre when the surveillance team left their stations.
There have been complaints from customers on filling stations at the outskirts of the city centre which sell petrol at N97 instead of N87 per litre as recently directed by the Federal Government due to fall in global oil price.
"At the last visit of the department to many filling stations in the FCT, 84 per cent fully complied; 33 per cent were selling with errors that can be over looked.
"Fifteen per cent were not selling, though they have the product underground; the filling stations were sealed. Five per cent were selling without Certificate of Verification while two per cent were not having the product," he said.
He said any filling station sealed after unsealing the certificate of verification became null and void, adding that the company must obtain another certificate which meant cost implications.
Mohammed said the department had offices in 30 states and there were some states like Ondo State overseeing the activities of Ekiti State while Rivers was overseeing the affairs of Bayelsa office.
He said every month the headquarters received reports from each of the states on their activities.
He noted that every three months, teams were sent out to the states to make sure that the state offices were working according to set guidelines and rules.
The department had on January 20 in Abuja sealed 14 pumps at six petrol filling stations for allegedly under dispensing petrol to motorists.
The enforcement team, led by the department's Acting Director, Mr Mohammed Sidi-Sada, sealed the stations for allegedly manipulating their meters and cheating motorists.
He said the ministry was out to ensure strict compliance with the Federal Government's directive on reduction of petrol pump price from N97 to N87 per litre.
- NAN
Woman dies after receiving no assistance for five days
Abuja - The remains of a middle-aged woman along the Benin-Agbor Expressway have caused a stir after it was discovered that she had been calling for assistance from the same spot for five days.
According to a PUNCH report, the deceased was first sighted at Lucky junction on February 2, where she laid helplessly and periodically called for help after what seemed to have been a rape attack.
It has been reported that the woman was seen bleeding profusely from her private parts but was not helped by neither passersby, nor traders in the nearby market.
Traders subsequently avoided the spot where the woman had died after a foul stench began radiating from her decomposing corpse.
The corpse is said to have been removed by a relative of the deceased.
Joseph Ediogiawerie, Public Relations Officer at the Police, has said that no official report has been made to officials. He had, however, heard of the corpse and subsequently written to council authorities on the matter.
Read more at PUNCH
CBN may devalue naira again
Abuja - Indications have emerged that the Central Bank of Nigeria may devalue the naira again following developments in the foreign exchange market, Punch reports.
The currency has been experiencing free fall since November 25, 2014 when the CBN Monetary Policy Committee devalued it by eight per cent from 155 to 168 against the United States dollar.
The Bankers’ Committee which comprises the Central Bank of Nigeria governor, the deputy governors, chief executive officers of Deposit Money Banks and other stakeholders gave the hint of further devaluation on Thursday just as the nation’s External Reserves dropped by $1bn in 12 days.
Read more at Punch
The currency has been experiencing free fall since November 25, 2014 when the CBN Monetary Policy Committee devalued it by eight per cent from 155 to 168 against the United States dollar.
The Bankers’ Committee which comprises the Central Bank of Nigeria governor, the deputy governors, chief executive officers of Deposit Money Banks and other stakeholders gave the hint of further devaluation on Thursday just as the nation’s External Reserves dropped by $1bn in 12 days.
Read more at Punch
France struggles to assist Boko Haram fight from afar
Paris - France has found itself the best positioned western nation to assist in the regional fight against Boko Haram - but also the most vulnerable to being sucked into an open-ended war, experts say.
Despite the presence of 3 000 troops in the region under France's Barkhane operation battling jihadist groups around the Sahel, Paris insists it will limit itself to "indirect support" of the widening African effort to combat Boko Haram.
But as cross-border attacks and atrocities by the Nigerian extremist group force a growing number of countries to respond, France may find itself unable to merely provide assistance at a safe distance.
A key factor in that dilemma will be whether the 8 700 troops that the governments of Niger, Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon and Benin have committed to fighting Boko Haram in and around the group's northern Nigerian stronghold will suffice to drive back its six-year insurgency that has left over 13 000 people dead.
Logistical and intelligence support
Thus far, that challenge has been answered by the extremists increasing the frequency, violence and audacity of their strikes.
Should that collective African effort fail, Paris would be hard-pressed to continue limiting its involvement to logistical and intelligence support, air surveillance, and military co-ordination - especially if Boko Haram began occupying wider territory outside Nigeria.
"Our role is to aid neighbouring countries facing a mortal threat," said a French diplomatic source, who nevertheless acknowledges it would be difficult to refuse requests for air support from Niger were Boko Haram to escalate attacks inside its border with Nigeria.
'Mortal threat'
A spate of Boko Haram strikes on the southern Niger town of Diffa this week has already led France to dispatch a group of military advisers to the panicked zone, the source said.
French resistance to directly entering the battle would wane further if experienced and formidable Chadian forces suffered serious losses, or otherwise proved incapable of beating the extremist threat down.
Chad boasts by far the mightiest army in the region, and is France's main African military ally. Chadian soldiers provided irreplaceable ground help chasing Islamist militias that had taken control of northern Mali into the desert, as French power struck from the air.
It is now urgent to provide Chad "support very, very fast", the diplomat said, especially because fierce, war-hardened Chadian forces represent "the only rampart" against Boko Haram in the region.
Also read: Boko Haram violations on minors among worst in 2014
In the meantime, Paris might well find it impossible to confine its 3 000-strong regional force to Chad, Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso and Mauritania if Boko Haram continues striking out from Nigeria into southern Niger and western Cameroon - and perhaps even staged its first incursion into Chad.
Unlike its operation against jihadist militias in the Sahel, an active French role in the fight against Boko Haram would likely require troops on the ground as well as the air.
Paris is seeking to avoid such scenarios by urging international partners to join France in helping affected African nations help themselves against the extremists.
"France cannot settle all the world's conflicts," French President Francois Hollande said during a February 5 press conference, at which he scolded global powers for insufficient involvement in combatting Boko Haram.
'Evil genie'
"It's certain that Boko Haram is creating a major crisis, and that all [foreign countries] are responding to it far too slowly," agreed a European diplomat, who nevertheless rejected French criticism that Europe is not trying to help with reminders the European Union has offered Nigeria security assistance for nearly five years - which Abuja has repeatedly rejected.
Specialist Marc-Antoine Perouse de Montclos agreed that because Boko Haram is first and foremost a Nigerian entity, the key to defeating it must come from or through Nigeria's government.
"Resolution to the crisis has to come from Abuja, [which] isn't participating," in the regional battle, Perouse de Monclos wrote in an analysis published on Thursday by the Jean Jaures Foundation.
In it, he suggests a greater role should be played by Britain, since the "former colonial power is maintaining a low profile, [while] France has little or no diplomatic influence".
But with Nigeria's presidential elections now postponed due to the insecurity and chaos created by Boko Haram, one diplomat warns the electoral stakes may now be too high for central powers in Abuja to take on "an evil genie they created themselves, and which has escaped the bottle".
- AFP
NLC delegates destroy ballot boxes
Abuja - The 11th National Delegates Conference of the Nigeria Labour Congress was on Thursday abruptly disrupted as aggrieved parties hijack, and smash ballot boxes being used to elect incoming leaders of the organisation, the News Agency of Nigeria is reporting.
The International Conference Centre’s venue of the conference was thrown into confusion as delegates ran for dear lives after some aggrieved contestants and their supporters suddenly became violent, hijacking and destroying ballot boxes even while voting was still underway.
The Conference, which began Tuesday, was organised to elect new leaders for the country’s central labour union following the expiration of tenure of the current executives.
Also read: NLC fights against elections postponement
It is not clear yet how the event, which had been peaceful since it began suddenly descended into crisis, but the election for the President of the Union had created tension among delegates and split them along partisan lines.
After the disruption, the police took over the venue and delegates were sent away, ostensibly to protect the facility from being vandalised.
Over 3 000 delegates commenced voting on Thursday as the General Secretary of National Union of Electricity Employees, Joe Ajaero and the President of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, Wabba Ayuba, presented themselves for election to replace Adbulwaheed Omar.
With the outcome of the delegates conference, the NLC appears to be heading for a major division.
The International Conference Centre’s venue of the conference was thrown into confusion as delegates ran for dear lives after some aggrieved contestants and their supporters suddenly became violent, hijacking and destroying ballot boxes even while voting was still underway.
The Conference, which began Tuesday, was organised to elect new leaders for the country’s central labour union following the expiration of tenure of the current executives.
Also read: NLC fights against elections postponement
It is not clear yet how the event, which had been peaceful since it began suddenly descended into crisis, but the election for the President of the Union had created tension among delegates and split them along partisan lines.
After the disruption, the police took over the venue and delegates were sent away, ostensibly to protect the facility from being vandalised.
Over 3 000 delegates commenced voting on Thursday as the General Secretary of National Union of Electricity Employees, Joe Ajaero and the President of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, Wabba Ayuba, presented themselves for election to replace Adbulwaheed Omar.
With the outcome of the delegates conference, the NLC appears to be heading for a major division.
- NAN
Nigerians alerted on terrorist movements in Borno
Maiduguri - Security agencies have alerted the public, based on intelligence report, on the impending movement of terrorists in some areas of Borno State, Premium Times reports.
The National Coordinator, National Information Center, Mike Omeri, said a considerable movement of some Boko Haram recruits in Geidam, Mairi and Dupcha might be noticed.
He said the terrorists, who could be moving to their various training camps, had planned on disrupting elections in the area, having boasted about having a strong capacity of over 50 000 members.
Omeri, however, said the Nigerian military forces have fully mobilised and deployed against the insurgents who are being chased and roundly subdued.
He urged the general public to exercise a high level of vigilance and also support the effort of the military to ensure hitch-free elections and a return to normalcy in the area.
Read more at Premium Times
Five dead as Boko Haram carries out first attack in Chad
N'Djamena - Boko Haram Islamist fighters on Friday carried out their first attack inside Chad, killing five people in an early morning assault on a Chadian village and a military camp on the shores of Lake Chad, residents and a security source said.
“They came on board three canoes,” a Ngouboua village resident said.
A security source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the militants had killed at least four villagers and one Chadian soldier before the army was able to push them back.
Boko Haram militants based in northern Nigeria have staged a number of cross-border attacks in recent weeks in their campaign to carve out an Islamist emirate around the Lake Chad area which borders Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon and Niger.
Chad’s army, one of the best in the region, has joined a regional offensive against them and says it has killed hundreds of fighters in the past fortnight.
- AFP
Three arrested over attempt to kill Lagos pastor's wife
Lagos - Three suspects were arrested and arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate Court in Tinubu for allegedly attempting to murder Ibidunni Ighodalo, the wife of Pastor Ituah Ighodalo of Trinity House Church, Leadership reports.
The suspects 24-year-old Abdulkareem Mohammed, 36-year-old herbalist Akeem Makinde-Ewuosi and 29-year-old guard Paul Eke arraigned before the court on a two-count charge of conspiracy and attempted murder.
The suspects, who all reside on Lagos Island, were accused of trying to murder the victim with the same poisonous substance which they used to poison Simba, the pastor’s four-month-old dog sometime between January 28 and February 10, 2015, at about 10pm at 4b Ogun Street, Osborne Foreshore Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos before they were arrested.
They confessed to have poisoned the dog and that they were also planning to getting rid of the wife of the pastor.
Read more at Leadership
Plan by government to clampdown on media condmened
Abuja - The Stop Impunity Nigeria (SIN) Campaign has condemned an alleged plan by the federal government to clampdown on the media, Leadership reports.
A statement signed by Edeatan Ojo of Media Rights Agenda (MRA), one of the organisations that make up SIN, revealed that the media organisations reportedly pencilled down for government action, including the arrest of their top management personnel.
The SIN Campaign warned that such a move would put the democratic process and the forthcoming general elections in jeopardy.
The statement revealed that the Campaign was reacting to media reports of a military meeting held in Kaduna on Tuesday where a plan to clampdown on some media organisations perceived to be unfriendly towards the federal government was allegedly hatched.
Read more at Leadership
A statement signed by Edeatan Ojo of Media Rights Agenda (MRA), one of the organisations that make up SIN, revealed that the media organisations reportedly pencilled down for government action, including the arrest of their top management personnel.
The SIN Campaign warned that such a move would put the democratic process and the forthcoming general elections in jeopardy.
The statement revealed that the Campaign was reacting to media reports of a military meeting held in Kaduna on Tuesday where a plan to clampdown on some media organisations perceived to be unfriendly towards the federal government was allegedly hatched.
Read more at Leadership
Northern group downplays ex-militants threat to unleash terror on Nigerians
Abuja - Apex northern socio-cultural group Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has disregarded the threat by ex-militants to unleash terror in the country if President Goodluck Jonathan loses the presidential election, Leadership reports.
ACF noted with disappointment threats from some elements in the Niger Delta that they will unleash mayhem on the rest of the country if the March/April elections do not produce the result they want.
It said it is regrettable to observe that up till now security agencies have refused to arrest those threatening the nation and beating drums of war.
It would be recalled that ex-militants, Asari Dokubo and Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) threatened to destabilise the country if President Goodluck Jonathan is not re-elected.
Read more at Leadership
ACF noted with disappointment threats from some elements in the Niger Delta that they will unleash mayhem on the rest of the country if the March/April elections do not produce the result they want.
It said it is regrettable to observe that up till now security agencies have refused to arrest those threatening the nation and beating drums of war.
It would be recalled that ex-militants, Asari Dokubo and Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) threatened to destabilise the country if President Goodluck Jonathan is not re-elected.
Read more at Leadership
Imo petitions presidency over soldiers invasion
Owerri - The Imo Government said it had petitioned the Presidency, Army Headquarters, National Security Adviser (NSA) and some human right groups over the invasion of its Government House by soldiers on Tuesday, February 10.
This is contained in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to Gov. Rochas Okorocha on Media, Sam Onwuemeodo in Owerri on Thursday.
The statement said the aim of the petition was for them to investigate the reasons for barricading its main entrance with armoured vehicles.
"Imo believes the soldiers will not have left the barracks with armoured vehicles without somebody ordering them to do so and without the person having his or her reason for doing so.
"Government is concerned with the development because there was no problem of any kind in any part of the state on that day or before it.
"There was no riot. There was no crisis. There was no clash. Then why did the army come? These are questions we will like the authorities we have petitioned, to unveil”, it said.
The statement said some workers in the government house were seriously wounded while running for safety.
It alleged that the soldiers beat up two young men they met at the gate to a state of coma and demanded the reason for the action.
When contacted, the Brigade Commander, 34 Field Artillery Brigade, Nigerian Army, Obinze, Brig. Lanre Bello said the presence of soldiers around the gate of government house was for the protection of lives and property of citizens of the state.
He said it was not to unleash attack on any citizens as alleged by the State Government.
- NAN
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