Saturday, May 31, 2014

PRESIDENT JONATHAN CONDEMNS KILLING OF EMIR OF GWOZA, RESTATES CALL FOR NIGERIANS TO UNITE AGAINST TERRORISM

Alh. Idrissa Shehu Timta
Late Emir of Gwoza
PRESIDENT JONATHAN CONDEMNS KILLING OF EMIR OF GWOZA, RESTATES CALL FOR NIGERIANS TO UNITE AGAINST TERRORISM

President Goodluck Jonathan extends sincere condolences to the government and people of Borno State as well as Northern Traditional Rulers on the death yesterday of the Emir of Gwoza, Alhaji Idrissa Shehu Timta.

President Jonathan utterly condemns the heinous murder of the Emir by brigands and terrorists who waylaid the convoy in which he was travelling with two other Emirs.

The President believes that the brazen attack and the wanton slaying of the respected traditional ruler reinforces the vital need, which he emphasized in his Democracy Day Broadcast, for all patriotic Nigerians, irrespective of where they come from, their religions or political loyalties, to come together and work with urgency and complete unity of purpose to quickly end the murderous attacks by terrorists and insurgents that continue to threaten the security, cohesion and well-being of the nation.

President Jonathan reassures the nation that Nigeria's Armed Forces and security agencies will continue to receive all the empowerment and support they require from the Federal Government to speedily give maximum effect to his orders that they take all necessary action to stop the brigands, terrorists and insurgents who descended to new depths of infamy yesterday with the dastardly killing of a First Class Traditional Ruler.

The President prays that Almighty Allah will receive the soul of the slain Emir and grant his family and subjects the equanimity to bear his loss.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
May 31, 2014

Abati denies Minister's Amnesty Claim

A sharp disagreement and confusion emerged on Saturday over the offer of amnesty by the Federal Government to members of the violent Islamic sect, Boko Haram.
The Minister of Youth Development, Boni Haruna had on Thursday during a programme to mark the nation's Democracy Day titled 'A day with young leaders of Nigeria.' announced that the President had offered amnesty to the insurgents in his determination to bring the ongoing violent attacks to an end.
President Jonathan, who spoke at the occasion after Boni Haruna made the comment, did not make any reference to the Minister's remarks.
Haruna, at the function said: "President Goodluck Jonathan has also declared amnesty for members of the Boko Haram sect. Series of integration programmes have been lined up for the members of the sect who would surrender their arms and embrace peace."

Corpse of Emir of Gwoza recovered – DHQ

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Friday said the body of Emir of Gwoza, who died when gunmen attacked a convoy of three emirs had been recovered.

The gunmen attacked the convoy of emirs of Gwoza, Uba and Askira who were travelling to Gombe for the funeral of the late Emir of Gombe.

This was contained in a statement issued in Abuja and signed by Maj. Gen Chris Olukolade, Director of Defence Information.

The statement said that troops deployed in Garkida responded to the attack and the emirs of Uba and Askira were secured.

It said that troops are currently on patrol along the entire route with a view to apprehending the perpetrators and keeping the area safe.

The Special Task Force (STF) operating in the North-Central part of the country have arrested 23 members of armed gangs terrorising the area.

It said that the suspects, including a hard drugs' supplier, were apprehended during raids on camps and criminal hideouts located in Bukuru, Jos South and Barkin Ladi areas.

It said that all the suspects were currently being investigated before they would be handed over to the appropriate authorities for prosecution.

Source: PM News

Friday, May 30, 2014

Stallion Group presents Made-in-Nigeria Vehicles to President Jonathan

THREE brands of Nissan automobiles, made-in-Nigeria, Nissan Patrol SUV, Almera Sunny saloon car and Nissan NP 300 Pick-Up van, were Thursday presented to President Goodluck Jonathan as they were introduced into the market during an exhibition.

Premier League - Wenger signs new deal, vows to bring more success

Arsenal have confirmed Wenger - who has managed the club for 1,010 matches - has finally penned the deal only a few weeks after ending his nine-year spell without a trophy at the club with their 3-2 extra-time win over Hull in the FA Cup final at Wembley.
Arsene Wenger with recently won FA Cup
Arsenal Manager

“I want to stay and to continue to develop the team and the club," he said. "We are entering a very exciting period. We have a strong squad, financial stability and huge support around the world. We are all determined to bring more success to this club.

“The club has always shown faith in me and I'm very grateful for that. We have gone through fantastic periods and also periods where we have had to stick together. Every time when that togetherness was tested I got the right response. I think I have shown some loyalty as well towards this club and hopefully we can make some more history. I am sure we can.”

PHOTOS: DEMOCRACY DAY: A DAY WITH YOUNG LEADERS OF NIGERIA

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN PRESENTING BOOKLET OF THE 3RD ANNIVERSARY OF THE TRANSFORMATION AGENDA DURING A PROGRAMME WITH THE THEME DEMOCRACY DAY: A DAY WITH YOUNG LEADERS OF NIGERIA IN ABUJA ON THURSDAY (29/4/14)

FORMER HEAD OF INTERIM NATIONAL GOVERNMENT, CHIEF ERNEST SHEONEKAN; DEPUTY SPEAKER, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES EMEKA IHEDIOHA; CHIEF JUSTICE OF NIGERIA, JUSTICE ALOMA MUKTHAR; VICE-PRESIDENT NAMADI SAMBO; PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN AND FIRST LADY, DAME PATIENCE JONATHAN DURING A PROGRAMME WITH THE THEME DEMOCRACY DAY: A DAY WITH YOUNG LEADERS OF NIGERIA IN ABUJA ON THURSDAY (29/4/14)

CHIEF JUSTICE OF NIGERIA, JUSTICE ALOMA MUKTHAR; VICE-PRESIDENT NAMADI SAMBO; PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN AND FIRST LADY, DAME PATIENCE JONATHAN DURING A PROGRAMME WITH THE THEME DEMOCRACY DAY: A DAY WITH YOUNG LEADERS OF NIGERIA IN ABUJA ON THURSDAY (29/4/14)

VICE-PRESIDENT NAMADI SAMBO; PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN AND FIRST LADY, DAME PATIENCE JONATHAN DURING A PROGRAMME WITH THE THEME DEMOCRACY DAY: A DAY WITH YOUNG LEADERS OF NIGERIA IN ABUJA ON THURSDAY (29/4/14)

PRESIDENT GOOLUCK JONATHAN INSPECTING CARS ASSEMBLED IN NIGERIA BY NISSAN DURING A PROGRAMME WITH THE THEME DEMOCRACY DAY: A DAY WITH YOUNG LEADERS OF NIGERIA IN ABUJA ON THURSDAY (29/4/14)

PRESIDENT GOOLUCK JONATHAN INSPECTING CARS ASSEMBLED IN NIGERIA BY NISSAN DURING A PROGRAMME WITH THE THEME DEMOCRACY DAY: A DAY WITH YOUNG LEADERS OF NIGERIA IN ABUJA ON THURSDAY (29/4/14)

PRESIDENT GOOLUCK JONATHAN INSPECTING CARS ASSEMBLED IN NIGERIA BY NISSAN DURING A PROGRAMME WITH THE THEME DEMOCRACY DAY: A DAY WITH YOUNG LEADERS OF NIGERIA IN ABUJA ON THURSDAY (29/4/14)

PRESIDENT GOOLUCK JONATHAN INSPECTING CARS ASSEMBLED IN NIGERIA BY NISSAN DURING A PROGRAMME WITH THE THEME DEMOCRACY DAY: A DAY WITH YOUNG LEADERS OF NIGERIA IN ABUJA ON THURSDAY (29/4/14)
PRESIDENT GOOLUCK JONATHAN INSPECTING CARS ASSEMBLED IN NIGERIA BY NISSAN DURING A PROGRAMME WITH THE THEME DEMOCRACY DAY: A DAY WITH YOUNG LEADERS OF NIGERIA IN ABUJA ON THURSDAY (29/4/14)


Arepo: Family panics over fate of missing cops


The site of the incident. Inset: ElogbamienRELATIVES of one of the nine cops, who were said to have been missing after a shootout between policemen and suspected pipeline vandals in the Arepo community, Ogun State, have expressed fears over the fate of their member. PUNCH Metro had reported on Monday that that there was a gun battle between the police and vandals, and no fewer than seven were feared dead. Our correspondent had reported that the police were first attacked by the vandals, and they had replied with equal firepower. Our correspondent had also reported that the families of some missing policemen had besieged the site, searching for their relatives.

Omeruo signs new Chelsea Deal

Kenneth Omeruo has signed a new deal at Chelsea. Chelsea Football Club announced the new deal on its website.
“Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce Kenneth Omeruo has signed a new contract which will keep him at the club until 2018.
Omeruo who joined Chelsea from Standard Liege in January 2012 and upon signing went on loan to Dutch top-flight side ADO Den Haag said he was happy to have extended his stay at the London club.
“I’m thrilled to sign a new contract with Chelsea and I’m really excited about the future.
“To play at such a fantastic club is a real honour for me and I’ll be working incredibly hard to be successful. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time in England so far and can’t wait to get going.”
The 20-year-old defender, who is part of the Nigeria World Cup squad plays as a centre-back but can also comfortably play on the right.
Omeruo made one appearance for Chelsea’s Under-21s in November having recovered from a shoulder injury that kept him sidelined at the beginning of the campaign. He then spent the second half of the season on loan at Middlesbrough in the Championship, where he made 14 appearances.
Chelsea website said: “The Nigerian has already gained significant experience at international level, becoming an African champion last January before appearing in last summer’s Confederations Cup in Brazil.”
Source: PM News

Police set up team to apprehend False Alarmist in Lagos

The spokeswoman of the Lagos State Police Command, Ngozi Braide, on Thursday said the command had set up a team to apprehend alarmists in the state.
Braide told NAN that circulating false alarms using the social media had done more harm than good to society.
“We have set up a team to monitor people raising false alarms in Lagos. This move is to check rumour mongers. Very soon, some people will be brought to book for misinforming the general public. It is a crime.
“It is wrong for some people to sit somewhere and cook up false story and send it to members of the public. It is evil against the nation. It destabilises the society, people become uneasy and insecure.
“Our men are working on them now. Anyone caught will be dealt with according to the law. We also advise members of the public to ensure that they confirm from security agents around them before spreading any news.

We’re footballers, not gamblers, says Keshi

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi launched a furious defence of his players following Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with Scotland in a match whose build-up had been disrupted over a match-fixing investigation being launched.

Keshi, who captained Nigeria at the 1994 World Cup finals, said his World Cup finals-bound players were not gamblers they were footballers and ridiculed allegations that anything sinister had taken place.

The game was threatened after Britain’s serious crime squad the National Crime Agency were called to investigate a possible threat of match-fixing linked to illegal betting rings ahead of the game at Fulham’s ground in London.

We pray nothing happens to Enyeama – Rufai

SUDDENLY, the raging optimism of the Super Eagles winning the World Cup in Brazil hit all time low on Wednesday after their 2-2 draw with Scotland at the Craven Cottage, London.
The Super Eagles came from behind twice to force the Tartan Army to a 2-2 draw after goals by Charlie Mulgrew and Azubuike Egwuekwe’s own goal were denied victory by substitute Uche Nwofor’s stoppage-time strike.
Ex-international, Peter Rufai who reviewed the match yesterday with special focus on goalkeeper Austine Ejide prayed that nothing happens to number one goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama at the World Cup to warrant the coaches calling Ejide to duty for the Eagles.
‘’We pray that nothing happens to Enyeama to warrant a change’’, Rufai said at ‘’We are Brazil’’ conference by Supersport in Lagos yesterday.

Amosun weeps for Prisoners in Ogun

Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun on Thursday broke into tears at the pitiable sight of inmates at Oba prison in Abeokuta.
Amosun, who had earlier granted amnesty to 15 inmates at Ibara prison also in Abeokuta, could not hold back his emotions at Oba prison over what he described as the “inhuman condition” to which the inmates were subjected.
The governor was informed that majority of the 492 inmates on awaiting trial list at the prison had spent between four and seven years in jail.
He ordered immediate medical attention for the inmates with critical medical conditions and directed that others should be taken to the hospital.

Uganda joins Oil Producers in 2016

Uganda’s finance minister said on Thursday that the country hopes to begin full-scale oil production within two years, but vowed it will not become a petro-state.
Maria Kiwanuka promised that the government would not squander the windfall that will come with the exploration of an estimated 3.5 billion barrels of crude, which could transform the economy.
Speaking at an IMF meeting in Maputo that is plotting “Africa’s rise”, she added that oil would only be one part of a bigger recipe to develop the economy.
“The petroleum sub-sector, however sexy it may be, is only part of the overall economy. Uganda is not Saudi Arabia, it is not Venezuela, we are not even Nigeria.”
Uganda, she said, would remain an agriculture-first economy.
Kiwanuka said the government had already started working to make sure the oil cash will not be siphoned away from the state coffers.
She said a law will come before parliament next month that would form a framework for the sector and would create a single bank account through which oil revenues, taxes and royalties would flow.
“We will not have special accounts here and there,” she said.
“I have a colleague from another African country who told me that when they became finance minister they found the national oil entity had 96 accounts.”
In Uganda, she said, oil “will not be a parallel economy.”
Uganda’s path to production has been a bumpy one since deposits were discovered in 2006 near its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Source: PM News

Professors, perm secs to earn full salaries as pension


PenComThis development will enable them to continue to earn their full salaries in retirement even when they don’t have enough funds in their Retirement Savings Accounts, unlike other retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme. Pension stipends received by professors and permanent secretaries will be augmented by the Federal Government when the new Pension Reform Act is eventually passed into law, investigation has revealed. The National Pension Commission had told the Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service and the House of Representatives Committee on Pension that some categories of workers were unable to get sufficient pension stipends as provided by the law.

Thursday, May 29, 2014

DEMOCRACY DAY 2014 BROADCAST BY PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN

DEMOCRACY DAY 2014 BROADCAST BY PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN
Fellow Nigerians,
1. I greet and felicitate with you all, today, as we mark 15 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in our beloved country.
2. Our dear nation, Nigeria, has certainly come a long way and made notable progress since our first Democracy Day on May 29, 1999 when the military finally relinquished power and handed over to a democratically-elected government, marking the true beginning of a government of the people, by the people, for the people."
3. Although I have ordered a low-key commemoration of this year's Democracy Day in deference to the current mood of the nation, there can be no doubt that the past 15 years, the longest period of sustained democratic governance in our country, have been a blessing to us, as a people.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

PRESIDENT JONATHAN MOURNS EMIR OF GOMBE, MARIAMA KUTIGI AND TESHOMA AMUKA-PEMU

PRESIDENT JONATHAN MOURNS EMIR OF GOMBE, MARIAMA KUTIGI AND TESHOMA AMUKA-PEMU

President Goodluck Jonathan has received with great sadness, news of the passing away in London yesterday of the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Shehu Abubakar.

On behalf of himself and the Federal Government, President Jonathan extends sincere condolences to Governor Ibrahim Dankwanbo and the people of Gombe State, especially the people of the Gombe Emirate who the late Emir ruled with immense wisdom and dedication for many years.

Recalling with appreciation the warm reception and courtesies extended to him and his delegation by the late Emir during his visit to Gombe for the North-East Economic Summit in December last year, the President joins the government and people of Gombe in mourning Alhaji Shehu who will be greatly missed by his people and all who knew him.

President Jonathan also commiserates with the Chairman of the National Conference, Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi, whose wife, Mariama Kutigi, passed away yesterday and the Publisher of Vanguard newspaper, Mr. Sam Amuka-Pemu, on the recent death of his mother, Mrs. Teshoma Amuka-Pemu.

The President prays that God Almighty will comfort both families and grant them the fortitude to bear the loss of the matriarchs who played very commendable roles in improving the lives of their family members and communities.  

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
May 28, 2014

‘My daughter is lost, not dead’

Following widespread ‘rumour’ that the principal victim of the Ejigbo torture saga, Juliana Agoma, had died at an unknown location, new facts have emerged that she may still be alive and the family may have been economical with the truth. Seun Akioye reports
The look on Freeman Agoma, the father of Juliana, one of the victims of Ejigbo torture, otherwise known as Ejigbo 2 in Lagos, revealed he was ready to say the truth regarding the incident which “claimed” the life of his daughter and when he spoke, he was emphatic.
“I wanted to tell Dr. Joe (Odumakin) that Juliana was not dead, but that we have been looking for her for eight months; but the woman who brought me (informant) said I must not say that. She said I must insist that she was dead. But what happened was that she was missing and since we didn’t see her, it was assumed she was dead. Up till now, I have not seen my daughter,” Agoma said.
The story, of the Ejigbo torture victims spiraled on social media in November 2013, two women were shown on video being tortured by a group of men for allegedly stealing pepper worth N50 at the Ejigbo market. The violence prompted human rights activists to organise campaigns for justice for the yet unknown victims. Dr. Joe Odumakin, President, Women Arise Initiative Foundation (WAIF), was prominent in that campaign. Through her, the world was reconnected with the victims (except Juliana) and the family and many of the perpetrators caught and who are now being prosecuted.
Read more ..

Ghana’s President Mahama Tasks Army To Be On Guard For Boko Haram, Other Insurgents

Ghanaian President John D. Mahama has charged the country’s Armed Forces to ‘be on the alert’ for asymmetrical terrorist attacks from Islamist militants, including the Boko Haram. This call is following an upsurge of attacks in Nigeria, as well as a reported heightened activity in the sub-region. Mr. Mahama, who also doubles as the chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), thus tasked his security chiefs to immediately strategize and work towards countering any possible terrorist attack on the country.

Police investigate Nigeria, Scotland match

Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi
Stephen Keshi

Officers from the National Crime Agency, Britain’s equivalent of the FBI which investigates serious and organised crime, are understood to have asked FIFA to issue an alert over potential attempts to rig the game. Police have launched an investigation into attempts to fix a World Cup friendly between Scotland and Nigeria that is due to be played in London on Wednesday, the Telegraph reports. The football match is one of a sequence of friendlies that serve as a warm up for the World Cup in Brazil next month and is due to be played at Craven Cottage, the home of Fulham Football Club.

Onazi: I escaped Jos blasts by 15 minutes

Ogenyi Onazi
Super Eagles and Lazio of Italy midfielder, Ogenyi Onazi, has said that he narrowly escaped being killed in last week’s suicide bombings in Jos, Plateau State.

Onazi, who was born in Jos, told the British Broadcasting Corporation on Tuesday, that he left the popular Main Market in Jos, barely 15 minutes before the first blast rocked the area.

The first and second blasts at the crowded   market killed at least 150 people.

   “I am very, very lucky, just by the grace of God,”   said Onazi who   is now with the Super Eagles in London as they prepare for Wednesday’s(today) friendly against Scotland.

Pension assets hit N4tr

The National Pension Commission, on Tuesday said pension assets were now in excess of N4tr as against estimated liabilities of over N2tr before reform.
Acting Director General, PENCOM, Mrs Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, disclosed this at a World News Conference in Abuja.
The news conference is to herald the ‘African World Pension Summit’ to be held in Nigeria in July.
Anohu-Amazu said more than 98,000 workers had retired so far and were receiving retirement benefits as and when due without any problems.
“In the past, they joined long queues, in fact some even died in the process, in terms of safety, the pension fund assets are ring-fenced,”  she said.

My services are still available – Boko Haram negotiator

Northern-born journalist widely reported to have strong ties with the Boko Haram sect, Ahmad Salkida, has said that he is still readily available to render his services to bring an end to the insurgency in the country.

Salkida was said to be close to the late Boko Haram founder, Mohammed Yusuf, as well as many top shots of the group.

He had since fled to the United Arab Emirates on account of an alleged threat to his life over what he described as his “professional closeness” to the insurgents.

“My first-rate exclusive reports on the insurgency in northern Nigeria served by the Boko Haram militant group unsettled a section of the local authorities. This consequently led to threats to my life. I now live with my family and work part-time in the United Arab Emirates,” a post on his LinkedIn page read.

B’Haram: MTN, forensic expert to testify against Ndume

A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday granted an application by the Federal Government to call two additional witnesses against Senator Aliyu Ndume, who is facing charges of sponsoring the violent Islamic fundamentalist sect, Boko Haram.

The proposed witnesses, according to the Federal Government, are the MTN and a forensic expert. Three prosecution witnesses had already testified in the case.

Justice Gabriel Kolawole, after dismissing Ndume’s opposition to the prosecution’s application on Tuesday, gave the Federal Government seven days to file its additional proof of evidence and serve same on the defence.

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

FG’S TOPMOST PRIORITY NOW IS NATIONAL SECURITY, NOT PUBLIC RELATIONS/NO PLAN TO SPEND $800 MILLION ON IMAGE LAUNDERING

FG'S TOPMOST PRIORITY NOW IS NATIONAL SECURITY, NOT PUBLIC RELATIONS/NO PLAN TO SPEND $800 MILLION ON IMAGE LAUNDERING

Reports in national and foreign media that the Federal Government is currently in the process of recruiting an international public relations firm to "counter mounting criticism both inside and outside the country" are completely false and baseless.

The suggestion that the Federal Government intends to spend a staggering sum of $800 Million on the phantom public relations effort to ease "increasing pressure over its response to the kidnapping of more than 200 schoolgirls" is also wholly untrue.

Coming as they do, at a particularly difficult and sensitive time for the entire nation, the Federal Government considers the reports of a drive to recruit consultants to launder its image highly insensitive, deplorable, absurd and very malicious.

The Federal Government's topmost priority for now is not public relations or image laundering but national security and the ongoing effort to ensure the safe return of the abducted college girls.

We therefore condemn the attempt by purveyors of the bogus reports to incite the Nigerian public against the Federal Government through the circulation of falsehoods.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
May 27, 2014

Big Brother Africa is back, hits screens Sept. 7

Lagos – Africa’s biggest reality series is set to hit the screen again from Sept. 7, and fans should be ready to be dazzled for the drama, loads of laughter and tears.
The assertion is contained in a statement by the Public Relations Officer of Showbizplusng, Azuh Amatus.
“It’s Big Brother Time and since the first season, the reality series has attracted some funny, dramatic, weird and wonderful characters that have kept viewers glued to the screens 24/7.
“Some housemates who have been part of this huge show have had their talents realised.
“And they have gone on to grace TV screens; newspapers and have their profiles trending on every social media site, blog and website.
“Season 9 is no different; in fact, housemates and viewers alike will be pleasantly surprised at how “Biggie“ intends to rise to this one.
“And in truth, Big Brother fashion, fans of the show and potential housemates will have to wait and see how it will turn dreams of some deserving and eager youngsters into reality.
“And subsequently transform them into household names,’’ the statement said.
It added that “entry is open to the same 14 countries with the only exception being Angola which will be replaced by newcomers Rwanda.
“As a result of the change, participating countries this year are Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
“Entries are only open to persons over the age of 21 who are citizens of one of the participating countries and must have a valid passport.
“Producers are looking for persons who are entertaining and passionate about the Big Brother experience; and they have to be fluent in English language.
“Audition dates will be finalised in June and more information on BIG BROTHER AFRICA 9 will be made available over the next month,” the statement said. (NAN)
Source: Vanguard News

Woman ordered to hang for renouncing Islam "gives birth in jail"

A Christian Sudanese woman, sentenced to hang for apostasy in a case that has sparked international outcry, has given birth in jail, her husband said Tuesday.
“Until now I did not see them. They didn’t allow me to go in and see,” Daniel Wani told AFP.
“I’m disappointed really,” he said from a prisons office where he was continuing efforts to see his wife and newborn daughter.
Meriam Yahia Ibrahim Ishag, 27, is being held at a women’s prison in Khartoum’s twin city of Omdurman.
Wani said he and his wife have not yet chosen a name for their baby.

Private Security Companies cannot hire Foreigners


In the file: Nigeria Security and Civil Defence  Corps officers in trainingAyeni made the disclosure in Ibadan, while declaring open a three-day training workshop for PGCs in the state. Adebayo Ayeni, Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Oyo State, on Tuesday, said Private Guards Companies (PGCs) were not permitted to hire foreigners.

The commandant, who spoke on “Private Guards and Security Aids”, said the law empowered the NSCDC to monitor the activities of PGCs, including their processes of recruiting officers.
“We are to ensure that your officers are properly selected and adequately trained.
“Let me remind you that you are not permitted under the law to recruit foreigners in whatever capacity, more so with the current security challenge in the country.”
The NSCDC boss, however, urged participants to see themselves as grassroots security personnel, who must develop wide surveillance beyond their immediate environments.
“Don’t restrict yourselves to places you are assigned to secure alone, please go ahead and poke-nose into the next building, because whatever goes on there might affect you.
“Once you notice anything strange, you are not to wait a second before you make your report.’’
Abraham Fagbemi, Deputy Commandant and Head of Department of the NSCDC Private Guard Company Unit, told participants that they would be trained on the usage of different security tools and equipment.
“You are to also demand from your employers, tools that can be useful for your self-defence and the defence of other peoples’ lives and property.”
NAN reports that the workshop, which had 140 participants, would close on Thursday

Friday, May 23, 2014

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN ARRIVES PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA FOR OFFICIAL VISIT

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN ARRIVES PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA FOR OFFICIAL VISIT

PIC . PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN WITH THE FIRST LADY DAME PATIENCE JONATHAN ARRIVING PRETORIA SOUTH AFRICA ON FRIDAY FOR A HIGH-LEVEL DISCUSSIONS WITH OTHER AFRICAN HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT ON COMBATING TERRORISM IN AFRICA/INAUGURATION OF PRESIDENT JACOB ZUMA FOR A SECOND TERM IN OFFICE




Nigerian Army Recruitment

1.    Applications are invited from eligible Nigerians for commission into the Nigerian Army (NA) as Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) officers. The DSSC is open to both civilians and serving military personnel. However, only serving military personnel sponsored by any of the Services of the Nigerian Armed Forces to civil institutions shall be considered.

CORPS AND SERVICES
2.    Applications  should be into any of the following Corps and Services of the NA:
    a.    Nigerian  Army  Corps of  Supply and Transport.    Applicants must possess a minimum of Bsc (Second Class Lower) degree or HND (Lower Credit) in Hotel and Catering Management.

    b.    Nigerian Army Medical Corps.
        (1)    General Duty Medical/Dental Officers.     Applicants must possess MBBS/BDS or equivalent with not more than 5 years post  qualification experience and must be fully registered with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.

ICAN introduces new syllabus

Alhaji Kabir Mohammed
ICAN President
The Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria has moved to boost accountancy practice in the country by introducing a new professional examination syllabus.

The President, ICAN, Alhaji Kabir Mohammed, who unveiled the new syllabus in Lagos on Tuesday, said the development was a major milestone in the accountancy practice.

The new syllabus, he said, consisted of 16 subjects structured into three levels, namely: foundation level, skills level and professional level.

‘Bird woman’ sons surface, deny mum’s witchcraft accusation'

Two men – children of the unidentified elderly woman who was almost lynched by a mob in the Ajegunle area of Lagos after being accused of witchcraft – have identified the victim as their mother.

They said the octogenarian was not a witch, but a victim of the nature and had been missing from home.

PUNCH Metro had reported on Wednesday that the elderly woman was attacked by a mob which accused her of being a black bird that transformed into a human being.

10 Years Only for Pension Thieves?

THE Pensions Reform Bill now amended and passed by the House of Representatives has, according to the House Committee on Pensions, created ‘new offences and prescribes stiffer penalties that will serve as deterrent to stealing from pension funds’. This is most welcome and deserves commendation as one of the good deeds of a legislature, Nigerians have come to accept as part of the malaise instead of a solution to their problems. 
    Specifically, the amendment prescribes  a ‘harsher penalty of a 10-year jail term for anyone who misappropriates pension fund, in addition to refunding three times the amount embezzled’. This prescription for an offence that, in view of the sordid revelations of the past few years, is rampant in high places is, however, inadequate and must be made truly harsher if Nigerians would not be given the impression that crimes in high places are too often well hidden and, if exposed, too lightly sanctioned.
   Besides, the crime seems to operate as a racket in the public service, regardless of rank because the process of documentation necessarily involves many persons who must collaborate to effect the crime. Hence the difficulty in detection, the scale of the crime and the need for stiffer sanction.

PRESIDENT JONATHAN TO CONFER WITH OTHER AFRICAN LEADERS ON JOINT ACTION AGAINST TERRORISM

PRESIDENT JONATHAN TO CONFER WITH OTHER AFRICAN LEADERS ON JOINT ACTION AGAINST TERRORISM

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will fly to Pretoria, South Africa Friday for high-level discussions with other African Heads of State and Government on combating terrorism in Africa.

The continent's five regions will each be represented by two heads of state and government at the talks which will focus on collective action to effectively roll-back the scourge of terrorism in Africa.

Others  expected at the talks which will take place ahead of President Jacob Zuma's inauguration for a new term in office include the leaders of Ghana, Republic of Congo, Chad, Angola, Rwanda, South Africa, Mauritania, Algeria and Ethiopia.

President Jonathan who will be accompanied by the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Aminu Wali and some key aides will return to Abuja after attending President Zuma inauguration on Saturday.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
May 22, 2014

Direct your protest to terrorists – Jonathan

Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide
FCT Minister of State
President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday urged those who have been protesting the abduction of over 200 schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno State, to henceforth direct their protest to the Boko Haram terrorists and not the government.

The President also urged the protesters to learn from citizens of other countries who do not blame their governments for any terrorist act.

He has however admitted publicly for the first time that his administration was currently consulting with some stakeholders with a view to exploring what he called alternative methods of resolving the present crisis.

Jonathan made the disclosure in a speech delivered on his behalf by the Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory, Olajumoke Akinjide, to a team of #BringBackOurGirls campaigners, led by a former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwezili.

The protesters, who had planned to take their protest to the Presidential Villa where they wanted Jonathan to address them were restricted by security agents to the Federal Secretariat within the Three Arms Zone, a few metres from the Villa gate.

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Address to Bring Back Our Girls Campaigners, May 22

Address by
The Hon. Minister of State, FCT
On the Occasion of  Visit by
#Bring Back Our Girls Campaigners
Thursday, 22nd May, 2014
PROTOCOLS
1.          Good afternoon, my dear brothers and sisters.  As the Minister of State of this great City, Abuja and as a mother like some of you, I, on behalf of Mr. President welcome you all home to the seat of the Federal Government.
2.          The Federal Government is appreciative and supportive of the efforts of your group amongst so many other groups around the world, who have taken out time to demonstrate their disgust and solidarity against the wicked kidnapping of innocent school girls and the senseless mayhem of the Boko Haram terrorists.
3.          Many other groups have sent messages of solidarity and support to the Federal Government in writing and we want to use this opportunity to thank them.
4.          For a government that has placed so much premium on addressing major areas of reform and development in the nation, especially the development of women and the girl-child through increased investment in girl-child education and added opportunity for women, this wicked act has been indeed very painful.
5.          Our present world is under the grip of terrorism. Yesterday, a market in China where ordinary people go to shop was bombed. Two days ago, terrorists visited our beautiful town of Jos and detonated bombs killing scores of people.
Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide
FCT Minister of State
6.          The communities of Kano, Maiduguri, Abuja, Nyanya, Madallah, amongst others, have at various times been bombed. Churches, mosques, parks and newspaper houses have not been spared.  Terrorists and their sponsors have brought terrorism to our land. This is sad.  This we must resist.
7.          In the last three weeks, our country has been in the spotlight. Some evil individuals who call themselves Boko Haram abducted our daughters, the future mothers of our nation, and have refused to release them. This evil act has sparked protests all over the world. This is as it should be. There must be a united movement for the release of our daughters and that movement must now be turned into a united action against terrorism.
8.          Government has mobilized available resources, Military and diplomatic in the search for our girls who have suffered so much trauma in captivity by agents of terror.
9.          From the very first day this kidnapping occurred the Federal Government took action, directing our security services to go after the abductors.  The search for our daughters has now assumed regional and global proportion and our nation has received strong support from our neighbouring countries and the international community including the United States, China, France, the United Kingdom, among others.
10.     The security forces also reached out to the Borno state government and community members for support and collaboration to bring back our innocent daughters. So far, the campaign to bring our daughters back home is on, and is receiving global support.

B’Haram: Army begins mass recruitment

Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade
The Nigerian Army on Wednesday announced the commencement of recruitment into the service.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen Olajide Laleye, said during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday that the exercise, which started with online registration for interested applicants would come to an end on June 21, 2014.

Laleye advised that only those who would be willing to fight in the North-East should volunteer for the recruitment.

Nigerian Military Sights Abducted Chibok Schoolgirls In 3 Boko Haram Camps - PREMIUM TIMES

Nigeria’s Special Forces from the Army’s 7th Division have sighted and narrowed the search for the more than 250 abducted Chibok schoolgirls to three camps operated by the extremist Boko Haram sect north of Kukawa at the western corridors of the Lake Chad, senior military and administration officials have said.

“It has been a most difficult but heroic breakthrough,” one senior military official said in Abuja.

How Boko Haram Ambushed, Killed Some Of Nigeria’s Finest Soldiers Near Sambisa Forest

On May 12 2014, a group of soldiers selected from the Special Operations Battalion of the Nigerian Army headquarters were asked to proceed on an operation in Bita, Borno State. The mission, according to military sources who spoke to SaharaReporters, was informed by actionable intelligence showing that Boko Haram militants had been sighted in the area.

The village of Bita had witnessed numerous attacks by Boko Haram insurgents to the point that the residents had fled since February of this year to other locations, abandoning their community to the militants.

The selected soldiers had been taken from their operational base in Mubi, Adamawa State, and made to join some soldiers from the “213” battalion from the newly created “7 Division” of the Nigerian army stationed inside Maimalari Barracks.

Bird turns to old woman in Lagos

LAGOS — Residents of Ajegunle area of Lagos were, yesterday, thrown into shock, after a bird was said to have transformed into an old woman who confessed to being a witch.
The dark-complexioned nonagenarian with tribal marks, who spoke in Yoruba, told a bewildered crowd that she was on her way back to Ibadan, Oyo State (as a bird) when she missed her track.
She was also said to have told the mammoth crowd that her mystical powers disappointed her because it was dawn.

9 Fulani herdsmen gang-rape 15-yr-old girl, 2 housewives

MAKURDI — No fewer than nine suspected Fulani herdsmen, yesterday, allegedly gang-raped a 15-year-old girl and two housewives (names withheld) at gunpoint, in Tse Ikyuer, Yandev, Mbagwen in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
Two of the victims, who narrated their ordeal to Vanguard in Makurdi, the state capital, said after beating and raping them, the herdsmen also made away with their N60,000 and two phones.
According to the women, who could barely walk, “one of us (the teenage girl) was raped repeatedly, after being thoroughly beaten by the herdsmen. At the moment, she is neither able to walk nor talk.”
Before they were taken to an undisclosed hospital in Makurdi for medical attention by the Police, the women, who spoke at intervals, said: “The men with their leader came to our home in the afternoon and pleaded that we give them water to drink.

48 killed in fresh Borno attacks, Chibok schoolgirls sighted in Chad

Father of kidnapped girls dies of heart attack
NUT shuts schools for Bring-Back-Our-Girls rally
US troops hunt for schoolgirls in Chad

Maiduguri—No fewer than 48 people were killed by insurgent group, Boko Haram, in Shawa and Alagarno villages of Askira Cuba and Damboa local government areas of Borno State, respectively.
The attackers also carted away food items after setting ablaze almost all houses in the villages.
Shawa is about three kilometres south of Kwapchi village which came under attack in the last two weeks, where 12 people were killed with several residential houses set ablaze, while Alagarno village is about 30 kilometres to Chibok town, where about 275 female students of Government Secondary School were abducted by the insurgents and about 117 kilometers from Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
A local resident, Mallam Umaru Saina, who spoke with our correspondent on phone, said about 30 terrorists on 10 motorcycles stormed Alagarno village yesterday at 1:30a.m. and had a field day before they left.

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Egypt’s Mubarak jailed for embezzlement

A court in Egypt has sentenced former President Hosni Mubarak to three years in prison after finding him guilty of embezzling public funds.

His two sons, Alaa and Gamal, were also convicted and given four-year terms.

The three were also fined $3m (£1.8m) and ordered to repay the $17.6m (£10.4m) they were accused of stealing.

The 86-year-old is also on trial for abuse of power and conspiring in the killing of protesters during the 2011 uprising that forced him to resign.

He was found guilty of the charge relating to the protesters in 2012 along with his former Interior Minister, Habib al-Adly, and sentenced to life in prison.

But in January 2013 the Court of Cassation upheld an appeal by the two men against their convictions and ordered a retrial.

In August, a court ordered Mubarak’s release from prison and transfer to a military hospital in Cairo, where he is being held under house arrest.

Source: The Punch

Court declines to reinstate Sanusi as CBN governor

ABUJA— The suspended Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, yesterday, lost his bid to return to office as the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja declined to set aside his suspension by President Goodluck Jonathan.
The court, in its 84-page judgment, said it was bereft of the jurisdiction to reinstate the ousted CBN Governor, stressing that the nature of his suit bothered on a dispute between an employer and his employee, which it said only the National Industrial Court, NIC, has the statutory powers to adjudicate on.

However, before referring the case to the NIC, presiding Justice Gabriel Kolawole described as baseless Sanusi’s claim that he was not an employee of the Federal Government but that of the CBN.
He ruled: “When I read through the arguments of the plaintiff, I then asked myself, so whose employee is he?
“It is not in dispute that the CBN is an agency of the Federal Government and a statutory body created by the National Assembly.

Pandemonium as hoodlums take over Lagos Street

Gun reports tore through the sky on Tuesday afternoon after some hoodlums took over Jones Street, Ebute Meta, Lagos State.

As of 3.30pm when our correspondent left the area, residents could be seen running helter-skelter, as shops were locked while other people were holed up in their houses.

There has been a running supremacy battle in the area between certain gangs which left several people killed.