Saturday, August 30, 2014

Ebola outbreak: Senegal confirms first case

Ebola outbreak: Senegal confirms first case
Senegal had already closed its borders to neighbouring Guinea to try to stop the spread of the virus
Senegal's health minister has confirmed a first case of Ebola, making it the fifth West African country to be affected by the outbreak.
Awa Marie Coll Seck told reporters on Friday that a young man from Guinea had travelled to Senegal despite having been infected with the virus.
The man was immediately placed in quarantine, she added.
The current outbreak, which began in Guinea, has killed more than 1,500 people across the region.
At least 3,000 people have been infected with the virus. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned it could get much worse and infect more than 20,000 people.

Lesotho 'coup' forces PM Thabane to South Africa

Lesotho 'coup' forces PM Thabane to South Africa

Thomas Thabane said he would go back to Lesotho and would step aside if he loses the next election
The prime minister of the southern African kingdom of Lesotho has fled to South Africa, alleging a coup by the army and saying his life is in danger.

Speaking to the BBC, Thomas Thabane said he was in neighbouring South Africa and would return "as soon as I know I am not going to get killed."

Reports from Lesotho say the capital, Maseru, is now calm after soldiers seized key buildings.

Lesotho has seen a series of military coups since independence in 1966.

Mr Thabane has headed a unity government since but suspended parliament in June amid feuding in his coalition.

Lesotho is a largely rural country dominated by mountains and surround on all sides by South Africa
'Illegal coup'

"I have been removed from control not by the people but by the armed forces, and that is illegal," Mr Thabane said.

"I came into South Africa this morning and I will return as soon as my life is not in danger.

"I will not go back to Lesotho to get killed."

However, an army spokesman said the military "supports the democratically elected government of the day," Reuters news agency reported.

Earlier, troops were seen on the streets of Maseru and there were reports of gunfire.

Radio stations were taken off air and phone lines were cut, although later reports suggested they were back working.

Sports Minister Thesele Maseribane told AFP news agency that troops had surrounded State House, a key government building.

Geographically, Lesotho is surrounded by South Africa on all sides.

Muslim Brotherhood's Spiritual Leader's Death Sentence commuted to Life

Badie death sentence reduced to life in Egypt

Grand Mufti commutes death sentence handed to Brotherhood's spiritual leader but six others have death sentence upheld.

Egypt's Grand Mufti has commuted the death sentence handed to the Muslim Brotherhood's spiritual leader, Mohamed Badie, to life sentence.

The death sentences for five others were also reduced to life by Shawki Allam, the country's highest religious authority.

Six others have been sentenced to death in absentia.

Badie was sentenced to life by a court in June for the killing of police officers during a protest. In an unusual move, prosecutors had asked the religious leader to reconsider.

"It is a massive security crackdown aimed at keeping the Muslim Brotherhood out of the political process. A few months ago the Amnesty International called the ruling a mockery of the justice," Shahira Amin, a Cairo-based journalist, told Al Jazeera.

"It looks like some judges are handing down these outrageous sentences to stay in favour with the military-backed authorities and to promote their own personal interests."

"I would say that this [amendment of the sentence] is also due to street pressure. We've seen Muslim Brotherhood protests continue unabated," she said.

"Justice remains elusive in today's Egypt."

Al-Jazeera

Somali and AU forces in al-Shabab offensive

Somali and AU forces in al-Shabab offensive

Somali and African Union forces launch "Operation Indian Ocean" to capture remaining ports held by armed group.

Somali and African Union forces have launched a long-awaited fresh offensive against al-Shabab fighters aimed at capturing remaining ports from the armed group, army and government officials have said.

"Operation Indian Ocean started late last night ... the enemy is fleeing and the forces are making successful advances so far," said Abdukadir Mohamed Nur, the governor of southern Somalia's Lower Shabelle region.

Witnesses reported hearing the booms of heavy shelling, as well as seeing convoys of tanks and armoured vehicles heading towards the al-Shabab stronghold of Bulomarer, about 160km southwest of the capital Mogadishu.

The al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab are still a powerful and dangerous force but have lost a string of towns to the 22,000-strong AU mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

AMISOM and Somali government troops were also seen on roads towards Barawe, the last major port held by the armed group.

"We are heading towards Bulomarer town," Nur added.

"The operations will not stop until the Al-Qaeda militants are eliminated," the AFP news agency reported.

Al Jazeera's Mohammed Adow, speaking from Mogadishu, said: "This offensive is called Operation Indian Ocean. It is about denying al-Shabab any access to the sea to stop the group from bringing in arms."

'Heavy shelling'

"We are hearing heavy shelling," said Ali Mohamed, who lives close to the Bulomarer, adding that fighting close to the town.

"I saw an AMISOM military convoy including several tanks this morning headed towards Bulomarer and Barawe," said Hussein Mumin, another local resident.

The southern port of Barawe is now one of the few major settlements under their control, and is vital to al-Shabab finances, as the main hub of a multi-million dollar charcoal trade.

Al-Shabab are fighting to topple Somalia's internationally-backed government, and regularly launch attacks against state targets, as well as in neighbouring countries that contribute to the AU force.

The fighting comes as UN and aid workers warn large areas of Somalia are struggling with dire hunger and drought, three years after famine killed more than a quarter of a million people.

In January 2013, French commandos carried out a botched raid on Bulomarer in a bid to free a secret agent held hostage. The bid failed and resulted in the death of two French soldiers and the hostage.

Al-Jazeera

Friday, August 29, 2014

PRESIDENT CONDEMNS DISCRIMINATION AGAINST NIGERIANS OVER EBOLA

PRESIDENT CONDEMNS DISCRIMINATION AGAINST NIGERIANS OVER EBOLA, WELCOMES UN'S COMMENDATION OF FG'S SUCCESSFUL AVOIDANCE OF NATIONAL EPIDEMIC
Dr. Adadevoh
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Wednesday in Abuja condemned the stigmatization of Nigerians by some countries over recent cases of the Ebola Virus Disease in the country.
Speaking at a meeting with Mr. David Navarro, a Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General, President Jonathan particularly denounced discriminatory actions such as that which forced Nigeria's team to the Youth Olympics in China to abandon its participation.
Noting that there was no justification for such stigmatization of Nigerians since the Ebola Virus Disease had been effectively  contained in the country and never attained epidemic levels, the President called for the cessation of discriminatory actions against Nigerians over the virus and urged the UN Secretary General, Mr.  Ban Ki Moon  to support the call.
Responding to the Secretary General's commendation of Nigeria's management of the threat of Ebola, President Jonathan praised the Federal Ministry of Health, the Lagos State Government and all Nigerians for the success achieved so far in containing the virus and avoiding a national epidemic.
"All hands have been on deck to contain the virus here. I commend my team and the Lagos State Government. We have been able to set politics aside and work in unison to deal with a national threat.

PHOTOS: PRESIDENTIAL LAUNCH OF e-ID CARD IN ABUJA


President Goodluck Jonathan collecting money with his National Identity Card after launching the e-ID Card in Abuja on Thursday (28/8/14)

President Goodluck Jonathan collecting money with his National Identity Card after launching the e-ID Card in Abuja on Thursday (28/8/14)

FROM LEFT: PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN; DIRECTOR-GENERAL, NATIONAL IDENTITY MANAGEMENT COMMISSION (NIMC) MR. CHRIS ONYEMENAM AND GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR, ACCESS BANK, MR. HERBERT WIGWE

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN UNVEILING THE E-ID CARD  AT THE PRESIDENTIAL LAUNCH OF E-ID CARD IN ABUJA ON THURSDAY (28/8/14) WITH HIM IS THE BOARD CHAIRMAN OF NATIONAL IDENTITY MANAGEMENT COMMISSION, PRINCE UCHE SECONDUS

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN UNVEILING THE E-ID CARD  AT THE PRESIDENTIAL LAUNCH OF E-ID CARD IN ABUJA ON THURSDAY (28/8/14) WITH HIM IS THE BOARD CHAIRMAN OF NATIONAL IDENTITY MANAGEMENT COMMISSION, PRINCE UCHE SECONDUS

Mrs Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, President Goodluck Jonathan, Herbert Wigwe, Uche secondus, Chris Onyemenam

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN (2ND R) MAKING PURCHASE WITH HIS NATIONAL ID CARD AFTER THE PRESIDENTIAL LAUNCH OF E-ID CARD IN ABUJA ON THURSDAY (28/8/14) WITH HIM ARE: DIRECTOR-GENERAL, NATIONAL IDENTITY MANAGEMENT COMMISSION (NIMC) MR CHRIS ONYEMENAM (R) AND A STAFF OF ACCESS BANK

President Goodluck Jonathan collecting money with his National Identity Card after launching the e-ID Card in Abuja on Thursday (28/8/14)

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN UNVEILING THE E-ID CARD  AT THE PRESIDENTIAL LAUNCH OF E-ID CARD IN ABUJA ON THURSDAY (28/8/14) WITH HIM IS THE BOARD CHAIRMAN OF NATIONAL IDENTITY MANAGEMENT COMMISSION, PRINCE UCHE SECONDUS
Courtesy: State House Photo

60% of fuel subsidy funds smuggled abroad –Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday lamented that a number of government programmes, which ought to have been effectively implemented for the benefit of Nigerians, could not be realised owing to poor data management system.

For instance, he listed the abuse of the fuel subsidy scheme, which was meant to reduce the cost of transportation for Nigerians as well as make life more meaningful for the ordinary people, as one of the disadvantages of not having an efficient national identity management system.

Setback in EVD War: Ebola hits P-Harcourt, one dies, 100 isolated

Rivers State. Governor of the state, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi
ABUJA—The battle to contain the spread of the Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, in Nigeria suffered a setback, yesterday, as the virus evaded a surveillance team in Lagos and claimed its first victim, a medical doctor in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Governor of the state, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and the Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu both confirmed the news.
Speaking in Port Harcourt, Governor Amaechi in a special broadcast said: “We woke up this morning to the sad confirmation that the dreaded Ebola Virus Disease has claimed its first victim in Rivers State.

ICAN: APPOINTMENT OF UHY MAAJI & CO AS JOINT AUDITORS WITH PwC

Dear Member,
APPOINTMENT OF UHY MAAJI & CO AS JOINT AUDITORS WITH PwC

As part of its strategies to enhance the technical capacity of small and medium-sized practices (SMPs) and by extension, the quality of financial reporting in the country, the Council of your Institute is championing the concept of joint auditors for corporate entities. This involves the appointment of a lead audit firm and a support audit firm by a client with the mandate to jointly carry out the audit of a given entity within a defined time period usually a year. In other words, both auditing firms will jointly plan, execute the engagement, sign the auditors' report and share rewards in line with agreed proportion. You may have seen the advertorial placed in a series of newspapers by Council designed to create awareness as well as encourage corporate entities to buy into this laudable initiative.

Building capacity of SMPs in this manner, the view of Council, will enable them take advantage of the emerging business opportunities in the country as envisaged by the Local Content Act 2010. It will also assist SMPs to align their operations with best global practices. 
As a professional body founded on integrity and driven by the common good, the Institute is set to lead by example. Accordingly, the governing Council of the Institute, at its August 21, 2014 meeting, appointed the firm of UHY Maaji & co (Chartered Accountants) as joint auditors to PwC for the financial year 2014. This appointment will be presented to the next Annual General Meeting for ratification.

It is instructive to mention that the processes leading to the appointment of UHY Maaji & co as joint auditors were fair, transparent and objective. You would recall that advertisements were recently placed in a series of newspapers when the erstwhile auditors retired. Among the shortlisted and subsequently interviewed firms of chartered accountants, UHY Maaji & Co came first overall. UHY Maaji & Co is a Nigerian firm formed in the country with 100% ownership by Nigerians.

As we press forward with this initiative which will open more economic space for our members, we will continue to engage policy makers, regulators and key players in the economy to persuade them to embrace it in the public interest. We express our profound appreciation to the Big four practising firms for their understanding on this initiative.

With kind regards.

Chidi Onyeukwu Ajaegbu, ACS, MBF, Dip. In Polygraph, FCA
50TH and Golden Jubilee President

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Doctor dies of Ebola in Rivers – FG

Nigeria has confirmed its first Ebola death outside Lagos – a doctor in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, said the doctor had died on August 22, but the results of the tests have only just been made public.

A further 70 people are under surveillance in the city, while his wife, who has taken ill, has been put under quarantine.

The doctor had treated a patient, who later recovered, who had met Patrick Sawyer, the man who took Ebola from Liberia to Nigeria.

West Africa’s health ministers are meeting later to discuss how to tackle the world’s most deadly Ebola outbreak.

Source: The Punch

Monday, August 25, 2014

PRESIDENT JONATHAN APPLAUDS FALCONETS, SAYS TEAM CAN BECOME GREAT FORCE IN WOMEN’S SOCCER

PRESIDENT JONATHAN APPLAUDS FALCONETS, SAYS TEAM CAN BECOME GREAT FORCE IN WOMEN'S SOCCER

On behalf of himself, the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan congratulates Nigeria's under-20 women's football team, the Falconets for winning the silver medal at the just concluded FIFA Under-20 Women's World Cup Tournament in Canada.

President Jonathan assures the Falconets that despite their loss in extra time to their German counterparts in yesterday's very keenly contested final, all Nigerians remain proud of the skillful, highly spirited and patriotic performance they put up throughout the tournament.

Saturday, August 23, 2014

WIN  TOMORROW AND GET HEROINES’ WELCOME WHEN YOU RETURN HOME, PRESIDENT JONATHAN TELLS FALCONETS

WIN  TOMORROW AND GET HEROINES' WELCOME WHEN YOU RETURN HOME, PRESIDENT JONATHAN TELLS FALCONETS

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Saturday spoke with members of the national under-20 women's football team, the Falconets and exhorted them  to go all out for victory against their German counterparts in tomorrow's final of the 2014 FIFA under-20 women's World Cup in Canada.

President Jonathan who is currently on a private visit to Germany called the Falconets at their base in Montreal at about 1515 Hours Nigerian Time and spoke with the captain of the team, Patience Okaeme, top scorer, Asisat Oshoala, Assistant Captain, Deborah Okoye, Courtney Dike, Uchechi Sunday, the delegation leader ,Chief Felix Anyansi Agwu, Head Coach Peter Dedevbo and other members of his team.

The President who commended the players for getting to the finals of the tournament once again, urged them to do their best to exceed their 2010 second place finish by overcoming the German team on Sunday and bringing greater glory, pride and joy to soccer-loving Nigerians.

Thursday, August 21, 2014

National Confab submits Report to the Presidency

Remarks by
His Excellency, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR
On the
Occasion of the Submission of the National Conference Report
President Jonathan and Justice Idris Kutigi
Thursday 21st August, 2014
PROTOCOLS
1.              Mr Chairman, very distinguished delegates, it is with all gladness that I address you this day. After nearly five months endeavour to find the appropriate verb for the noun of our country within the syntax of human experience, you have brought to a grateful Nation, the report of the 2014 National Conference.
2.              I want to congratulate the Chairman and his able team, the Delegates, all Nigerians and indeed everyone who has contributed one way or the other to the successful convocation and conclusion of the Conference.

PRESIDENT JONATHAN  TO VISIT GERMANY

PRESIDENT JONATHAN  TO VISIT GERMANY

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will leave Abuja early Friday on a private visit to Germany.

The President will be accompanied on the trip by some of his principal aides.

He is expected back in Abuja early next week.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 21, 2014

PRESIDENT JONATHAN HAILS FALCONETS’ QUALIFICATION FOR UNDER-20 FEMALE WORLD CUP FINALS

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
 PRESIDENT JONATHAN HAILS FALCONETS' QUALIFICATION FOR UNDER-20 FEMALE WORLD CUP FINALS
 
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan heartily congratulates Nigeria's under-20 female football team, the Falconets on their qualification for the final match of the ongoing FIFA tournament in Canada.

 The President applauds the Falconets' scintillating display which earned them a 6-2 victory in Wednesday's semi-final encounter with North Korea as well as their very commendable performance in earlier matches.
 
As the Falconets prepare for the final match of the tournament against Germany on Sunday, President Jonathan urges them to put in their very best effort to win the under-20 Female World Cup for Nigeria and Africa for the first time in the history of the competition.
 
He assures the girls and their handlers of the full support of the Federal Government and the prayers of all Nigerians for their triumph on Sunday.
 
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 21, 2014

Friday, August 15, 2014

PRESS RELEASE WHICH ALLEGES THAT PRESIDENT JONATHAN HAS REVEALED LOCATION OF CHIBOK GIRLS IS POLITICAL DIRTY TRICK

STATE HOUSE PRESS STATEMENT
PRESS RELEASE WHICH ALLEGES THAT PRESIDENT JONATHAN HAS REVEALED LOCATION OF CHIBOK GIRLS IS POLITICAL DIRTY TRICK

All media organisations and persons on my mailing list should kindly disregard the press release purportedly issued by me earlier today titled: PRESIDENT JONATHAN REVEALS LOCATION OF CHIBOK GIRLS AND EXPOSES BOKO HARAM MASTERMINDS.

No such press release was written or circulated by me. It is clearly the work of fraudsters who have hacked into my email account in an odious attempt to mislead the public at the expense of the credibility of the Jonathan Administration.

We totally condemn this criminal resort to political dirty tricks which seeks to cynically play on national concern and emotions about the Boko Haram insurgency and fate of the abducted Chibok girls.

Aspects of the fraudulent press release, such as its incoherence and invitation to click on a  link,  would have alerted discerning persons who are conversant with the style and format  of my press statements to the possibility  of skulduggery.

I find it necessary, however, to  issue this disclaimer for the benefit of the unwary.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 15, 2014

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Nigeria comeback seals passage, meet New Zealand in quarter final

Nigeria edged England with a 2-1 comeback win to top Group C, leaving the Europeans to head for home. Nigeria have a strong tradition of success at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and displayed their fortitude by coming from a goal down to secure this decisive win.

England opened in perfect fashion scoring in just the fifth minute as Hannah Blundell played a clever through ball for Nikita Parris, who took one touch and then clipped a shot past the advancing Nigeria goalkeeper Ibijoke Sangonuga from the edge of the box.

The African champions drew level in an even contest four minutes before the interval after Loveth Ayila beat her marker with a skilful drag-back and shot powerfully from 25 yards. Goalkeeper Lizzie Durack got a hand to it but was unable to prevent the ball hitting the back of the net.

The second half was a tale of two penalties, with England’s Bethany Mead firstly missing after Parris was adjudged to have been fouled by Sangonuga. Within minutes at the other end, Asisat Oshoala was brought down after dribbling into the penalty area and stepped up to coolly side-foot the resultant spot-kick into the bottom-right corner.


England were saved from going further behind only by the width of the crossbar as Nigeria finished strongly in a match that ended amid joyous scenes on the Africans’ bench.
Nigeria, who will feature in their fifth consecutive quarter-final, now tackle Group D runners-up New Zealand.

Source: Vanguard News

Sunday, August 10, 2014

PRESIDENT JONATHAN CONGRATULATES AREGBESOLA, SAYS OUTCOME OF OSUN ELECTIONS REAFFIRMS  FG'S COMMITMENT TO FAIR ELECTIONS

PRESIDENT JONATHAN CONGRATULATES AREGBESOLA, SAYS OUTCOME OF OSUN ELECTIONS REAFFIRMS  FG'S COMMITMENT TO FAIR ELECTIONS

President  Goodluck Ebele Jonathan congratulates Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun  State on his victory in Saturday's governorship election in the state.

The President commends the Independent National Electoral Commission and  national security agencies for ensuring that the elections were free, fair, credible and peaceful in keeping with the avowed commitment of his Administration.

President Jonathan also applauds the people of Osun State who came out en masse yesterday in all the local government areas of the state to peacefully and freely exercise their democratic right, trusting in his assurance that all necessary measures would be taken to ensure their safety and the sanctity of their votes.

The President  believes  that the free, fair and peaceful conduct of the elections have fully reaffirmed his administration's determination  to positively reform Nigeria's electoral processes.

The outcome of the election has also given the lie to the false, unfair and uncharitable allegations that measures put in place by the federal government for the Ekiti and Osun State elections were partisan and designed to achieve a favourable outcome for his party.

As Governor Aregbesola prepares to begin a second term in office, President Jonathan looks forward to continuing to work with him and other state governors to further improve the living conditions of Nigerians in Osun and other states of the country.

He wishes Governor Aregbesola continued good health and  a successful second term in office.
 
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 10, 2014

Friday, August 8, 2014

Obama authorises air strikes on Iraq

Obama authorises air strikes on Iraq

President Obama: "The US cannot turn a blind eye"

US President Barack Obama says he has authorised air strikes against Islamic militants in northern Iraq, if they threaten US interests or to prevent the slaughter of religious minorities.

However, the president said US troops would be not be sent back to Iraq.

The US has already made humanitarian air drops to Iraqis under threat from Islamic State (IS) militants.

IS has seized Qaraqosh, Iraq's biggest Christian town, prompting residents to flee.

'Coming to help'
Speaking at the White House on Thursday evening after meetings with his national security advisers, Mr Obama said US military aircraft had dropped food and water to members of the Yazidi religious minority community who were trapped on Mount Sinjar by the IS fighters.

Officials had warned that the Yazidis faced starvation and dehydration if they remained on the mountain, and slaughter at the hands of the IS if they fled.

Tens of thousands of Iraqi Christians and Yazidis are understood to have fled their homes, as James Robbins reports
"The US cannot and should not intervene every time there is a crisis in the world," Mr Obama said.

But he said the US could not turn a "blind eye" to the prospect of violence "on a horrific scale", especially when the Iraqi government had requested assistance.

"We can act, carefully and responsibly, to prevent a potential act of genocide," he went on. "Today America is coming to help."

He said that US air strikes would target IS fighters, should the militants' convoys move toward Irbil, where there is a significant presence of US diplomats and military advisers, or threaten Baghdad.

In addition, he authorised strikes "if necessary" to help Iraqi government forces break the siege at Mount Sinjar and rescue the trapped civilians.

He added that the US could and should support moderate forces that could bring stability to Iraq, and he said there was no "American solution" to the turmoil plaguing Iraq.

"The only lasting solution is reconciliation among Iraqi communities and stronger Iraqi security forces," he said.

Analysis: Tom Esslemont, BBC News, Washington

For a president still busy withdrawing his troops from Afghanistan, the situation in northern Iraq has proved decisive.

Doing nothing here was not an option and the US could not turn a blind eye to what Mr Obama called the systematic destruction of Christians and Yazidis.

He employed strong language to seek justification. It was, he said, to prevent acts of genocide.

It is a hugely symbolic and potent term for a president who a year ago decided against military intervention in Syria.

And that was after a red line had been crossed and chemical weapons had been used.

This time, just across the border, the White House has a specific goal - the protection of US assets and embassy personnel in Iraq and to bring urgent relief to the civilians affected.

But to critics it is too limited an operation that will do little to diminish the power of the Islamic State jihadists.

UN: 'Deeply appalled'
The president spoke hours after the UN Security Council met to discuss the situation.

"The members of the Security Council call on the international community to support the government and people of Iraq and to do all it can to help alleviate the suffering of the population affected by the current conflict in Iraq," said UK Ambassador to the UN Mark Lyall Grant.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he was "deeply appalled".

Meanwhile, the US has warned that the situation for Iraq's minority groups is threatening to become a "humanitarian catastrophe".

IS, a Sunni Muslim group formerly known as Isis, has been gaining ground in northern Iraq since it launched its onslaught in June. It also controls parts of Syria.

IS says it has created an Islamic state in the territory it controls.

In other developments:

A suicide bombing in a Shia Muslim area of Baghdad killed at least 14 people
IS said it had captured the strategic Mosul dam on the Tigris river - a claim denied by Kurdish forces who insist they are still in control
At least six people died in a car bomb attack near a Shia mosque in the northern city of Kirkurk
'Catastrophe'

As many as 100,000 Christians are believed to have fled their homes ahead of the IS advance, and most of them are thought to have gone toward the autonomous Kurdistan Region.

IS controls parts of Iraq and Syria and says it has created an Islamic state
Kurdish forces, known as the Peshmerga, have been fighting the IS militants' advance in the area around Qaraqosh for weeks, but on Wednesday night it appeared they had abandoned their posts.

"It's a catastrophe, a tragic situation: tens of thousands of terrified people are being displaced as we speak," said Joseph Thomas, the Chaldean archbishop of the northern city of Kirkuk.

Eyewitnesses in Qaraqosh said IS militants were taking down crosses in churches and burning religious manuscripts.

Pope Francis has made an impassioned appeal to the international community to do much more to address the crisis.

Canon Andrew White: "The international community has got to wake up to the needs of the people. They have nothing"
Last month, hundreds of Christian families fled nearby Mosul after the Islamist rebels gave them an ultimatum to convert to Islam, pay a special tax, or be executed.

Iraq is home to one of the world's most ancient Christian communities, but numbers have dwindled amid growing sectarian violence since the US-led invasion in 2003.

About 50,000 Yazidis, meanwhile, are thought to have been trapped in the mountains after fleeing the town of Sinjar over the weekend - although the UN says some of them have now been rescued.

Almost 200,000 civilians have been displaced from Sinjar town, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has warned.

Those trapped on the mountain are facing dehydration, and 40 children are reported to have died already.
Iraq's minorities
Iraq's Christian population has plummeted in recent years
Christians

The majority are Chaldeans, part of the Catholic Church
Numbers have fallen from around 1.5 million since the US-led invasion in 2003 to 350,000-450,000
In Nineveh, they live mainly in towns such as Qaraqosh (also known as Baghdida), Bartella, Al-Hamdaniya and Tel Kef
Yazidis
Secretive group whose origins and ethnicity are subject to continuing debate
Religion incorporates elements of many faiths, including Zoroastrianism
Many Muslims and other groups view Yazidis as devil worshippers
There are estimated to be around 500,000 Yazidis worldwide, most living in Iraq

Iraqi volunteers have joined government forces to fight against IS militants

IS is also thought to be behind a string of car bombs in Baghdad on Wednesday

Tens of thousands of people from the ancient Yazidi community have left their homes due to the IS offensive

IS views both Christians and Yazidis as infidels.
Source: bbc

Thursday, August 7, 2014

I butcher human beings in 2 minutes, says Boko Haram chief killer

Chief Butcher Zakari Mohammed Ardo
ABUJA — The Chief Butcher of the Boko Haram sect, Zakari Mohammed Ardo, yesterday, gave a chilling description of how the terrorist group used to slaughter people they capture, saying it only takes him two minutes to butcher victims and enemies condemned to death.
Ardo, who had been reported in some media (not Vanguard) as having escaped from Police custody, said the group’s butchering committee was made up of five persons of which he is the chairman, pointing out that the other members will hold down the already tired victim while he cuts off the head.
Speaking through an interpreter in Kanuri, the ‘Chief Butcher’ who claims to be 30 years old and from Darazo Local Government Area of Bauchi State,  said: “I joined the Boko Haaram group two years ago. Before I was arrested, I have slaughtered five people.”

PRESIDENT JONATHAN CALLS FOR MORE U.S. INVESTMENT IN NIGERIA AS BILATERAL TRADE VOLUME HITS $36 BILLION

President Paul Kagame Of Rwanda; President Goodluck Jonathan;
President Mahamadou Issoufou Of Niger Republic And President
Hifikepunye Pohamba Of Namibia At The U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit
in Washington D.C on Wednesday (6/8/14)
PRESIDENT JONATHAN CALLS FOR MORE U.S. INVESTMENT IN NIGERIA AS BILATERAL TRADE VOLUME HITS $36 BILLION
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan said late Wednesday  in Washington DC that the volume of trade between Nigeria and the United States, which has risen to a record level of $36 Billion per annum, will continue to grow with greater cooperation between Nigeria and its allies in the United States Government and private sector.
Speaking at a dinner held in his honour by the United States Chambers of Commerce and the Corporate Council on Africa, President Jonathan said that his administration welcomed the support of the Obama Administration and both organisations for ongoing efforts to positively transform the Nigerian economy and  ensure that it becomes one of the twenty largest economies in the world by the year 2020.

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

US AID Workers with Ebola Improved after receiving Untested Serum

Kent Brantly
Washington (Alliance News) - An American doctor suffering from Ebola was improving at an Atlanta hospital, officials said, as reports emerged Monday that he had received an experimental serum while still in Africa and near death.

The doctor, Kent Brantly, received a dose of an experimental serum before he left Liberia on Saturday, the Christian charity he was working for said in a statement.

Another American aid worker, Nancy Writebol, who also fell ill in Liberia after exposure to the Ebola virus, also received the serum, Samaritan's Purse said. Her condition has improved and she is due to be flown to the US on Tuesday.

Nasarawa Impeachment Fails As Panel Dismisses All Charges Against ‎Governor Al-Makura

The seven-member panel investigating allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Umaru Al-Makura has dismissed all the charges.
Governor of Nasarawa, Al -Makura hugs fellow
APC Governor, Okorocha of Imo State

The panel dismissed the charges after concluding its work and listening to the counsel to the Assembly on Tuesday morning.

Governor of Nasarawa, Al -Makura hugs fellow APC Governor, Okorocha of Imo State
The State Assembly had on Monday declared the inauguration of the panel by the State Chief Judge, Suleiman Dikko, as unconstitutional saying it would stay away from the probe.

But on Tuesday, the Assembly made a u-turn, and sent a legal team led by Ocha Ulegede to represent it before the panel.

PRESIDENT JONATHAN APPLAUDS NIGERIA'S PERFORMANCE AT COMMONWEALTH GAMES

PRESIDENT JONATHAN APPLAUDS NIGERIA'S PERFORMANCE AT COMMONWEALTH GAMES
 
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan congratulates   members of the Nigerian team for their sterling performance at the 2014 Commonwealth Games which ended in Glasgow, Scotland at the weekend.
Blessing Okagbare
 
President Jonathan particularly applauds the elating accomplishment of Blessing Okagbare who gloriously dominated the female sprint events, and other athletes who won medals for the country at the games.
 
The President believes that the athletes' very impressive performance at the  games which resulted in Nigeria ranking 8th out of 71 participating countries  is a further demonstration of the indomitable spirit of Nigerians and the great heights they can attain with hard work, commitment, dedication, courage and patriotism.
 
President Jonathan assures the athletes and their handlers that his Administration will continue to do its best
​to ​ encourage them and support sports development in the country.
 
He looks forward to receiving and honouring the medal winners and their coaches at the Presidential Villa, Abuja
 
REUBEN ABATI
Special Adviser to the President
(Media& Publicity)
August 5, 2014

Nigerian female doctor tests positive to Ebola

ABUJA—The Federal Government has confirmed the first case of Ebola Virus Disease in a Nigerian medical doctor, who was among the people that had the first contact with Mr. Patrick Sawyer, the deceased Liberian and first confirmed Ebola victim in the country.
Men clean their shop in Monrovia where offices were closed for disinfection against the epidemic
of the haemorrhagic fever Ebola on August 1, 2014. The head of the World Health Organization and
presidents of the west African countries suffering the world’s worst-ever Ebola outbreak meet in
Guinea today to launch a $100 million (75 million euros) emergency joint response plan. AFP

Men clean their shop in Monrovia where offices were closed for disinfection against the epidemic of the haemorrhagic fever Ebola on August 1, 2014. The head of the World Health Organization and presidents of the west African countries suffering the world's worst-ever Ebola outbreak meet in Guinea today to launch a $100 million (75 million euros) emergency joint response plan.

Men clean their shop in Monrovia where offices were closed for disinfection against the epidemic of the haemorrhagic fever Ebola on August 1, 2014. The head of the World Health Organization and presidents of the west African countries suffering the world’s worst-ever Ebola outbreak meet in Guinea today to launch a $100 million (75 million euros) emergency joint response plan.

Monday, August 4, 2014

DAYS WHEN POLITICANS CAN MANIPULATE OUTCOME OF ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA ARE GONE FOREVER - PRESIDENT JONATHAN

DAYS WHEN POLITICANS CAN MANIPULATE OUTCOME OF  ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA ARE GONE FOREVER - PRESIDENT JONATHAN

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan declared Monday in Washington DC that the days when a few politicians, acting in concert with their hirelings and thugs, can hijack voters cards and other electoral materials, and manipulate the outcome of elections to their personal advantage are gone forever in Nigeria.
Speaking at a meeting with Nigerian professionals in the United States, President Jonathan said that he remained fully committed to keeping the promise he made in 2011 that he will do everything possible to ensure that the elections in Nigeria become very free, fair and credible.

The President assured the gathering that in keeping with that pledge which has been fulfilled in recent elections in Edo, Ondo and Ekiti States, the Federal Government will take all necessary steps to ensure that no individual, group or political party is able to thwart the legitimate choice of genuine voters in Saturday's  governorship election in Osun State.

Doctor who treated dead Liberian tests positive to Ebola

A Lagos doctor who treated the Liberian man that died few days ago of Ebola Virus has tested positive to the Virus, Nigeria’s Minister of Health said on Monday.
Late Patrick Sawyer flew in to Lagos en-route a trip to Calabar for an official assignment but fell ill in the aircraft.
The Minister of Health, Onyebuchi Chukwu, also said that eight persons that had first degree contact with the Liberian before he got to the hospital had also been quarantined and are under strict observation.
Source: The Punch

Sunday, August 3, 2014

PRESIDENT JONATHAN FELICITATES WITH CHIEF ANENIH AND DR. (MRS.) STELLA OKOLI ON THEIR BIRTHDAYS

PRESIDENT JONATHAN FELICITATES WITH CHIEF ANENIH AND DR. (MRS.) STELLA OKOLI ON THEIR BIRTHDAYS
 
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has reiterated his immense appreciation of Chief Tony Anenih's steadfast dedication and commitment to peace, unity and progress in Nigeria.
 
Writing to felicitate with Chief Anenih on the occasion of his 81st birthday tomorrow, August 4, 2014, President Jonathan also applauded the elder statesman's leadership qualities, courage and forthrightness.
  
"On behalf of my family, the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and on my own behalf, I extend very warm felicitations to you as you turn 81.
 
"Your uncommon leadership qualities, courage, forthrightness, and evident faith in the peace, unity, progress, and prosperity of our dear nation have seen you remain one of Nigeria's most highly respected political icons over the years.
 
"You have constantly given unstinting support to our Administration and  patriotic service to the Fatherland. For this, we remain eternally thankful," the President wrote.
 
He prayed that God Almighty will continue to bless Chief Anenih with many more years of fulfillment and enduring well-being.
 
The President has similarly written to congratulate Dr. (Mrs.) Stella Okoli on her 70th birthday, extolling her courageous life  of uncommon accomplishments and selfless service to others.
 
"On behalf of my family, the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and on my own behalf, I extend very warm felicitations to you on the occasion of your landmark 70th birthday anniversary.
 
"Your life of uncommon accomplishments, lived with unwavering commitment to the highest ideals of diligence, selfless service, courage, and abiding faith, is an enduring source of pride and inspiration to generations of Nigerians – male and female.
 
"I join your family and friends in thanking Almighty God for your life and praying that He continues to protect and prosper you, even as He blesses you with robust health and many more years of abiding fulfillment," President Jonathan wrote.
 
He wished her very happy birthday anniversary celebrations.
 
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 3, 2014

Saturday, August 2, 2014

PRESIDENT JONATHAN GOES TO WASHINGTON FOR US-AFRICAN LEADERS SUMMIT ON TRADE, INVESTMENT, PEACE, SECURITY AND GOOD GOVERNANCE

PRESIDENT JONATHAN GOES TO WASHINGTON FOR US-AFRICAN LEADERS SUMMIT ON TRADE, INVESTMENT, PEACE, SECURITY AND GOOD GOVERNANCE

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will, at the invitation of President Barack Obama, leave for Washington DC early Sunday to participate in a three-day United States-African Leaders Summit.
President Jonathan will join President Obama and about 50 other participating African leaders for discussions that are expected to lead to greater progress in key areas such as expanding trade and investment ties,  promoting inclusive sustainable development and expanding cooperation on peace and security.

The Summit, which is the first of its kind between an American President and African heads of state and government, is expected to  greatly strengthen ties between the United States, Nigeria and other African countries.

In addition to three special sessions on "Investing in Africa's Future", "Peace and Regional Stability" and "Governing the Next Generation", the summit will also feature side-events such as the United States-Africa Business Forum which has the objectives of boosting efforts to strengthen trade and financial ties between the United States and Africa, creating partnerships that will  accelerate job creation, and encouraging even more  American investments in Nigeria and other African countries.

President Jonathan is also scheduled to hold meetings in Washington with key United States political, security and business leaders on the sidelines of the summit to discuss the further expansion of bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in other areas including  the war against terrorism.   

The President will be accompanied to the summit by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Aminu Wali, the Coordinating Minster of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, the Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo and the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd.)

He will return home at the conclusion of the summit on Wednesday.
 
Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 2, 2014

PRESIDENT JONATHAN APPOINTS NEW CEOs FOR NNPC AND NPDC

PRESIDENT JONATHAN APPOINTS NEW CEOs FOR NNPC AND NPDC

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has approved the following appointments and changes in the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC):

1.         Dr Joseph Thlama Dawha – Group Managing Director, NNPC

2.        Mr Anthony Ugonna Muoneke – Managing Director, NPDC

3.        Ms Aisha Mata Abdurrahman – Group Executive Director, Commercial and Investment, NNPC

4.        Dr Attahir B. Yusuf – Group Executive Director, Business Development, NNPC

The new Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Dr. Dawha hails from Borno state. He has served previously as the Group Executive Director, Exploration and Production, NNPC and Managing Director of Integrated Data Services Ltd (IDSL), a subsidiary of the NNPC.

Mr Anthony Muoneke, the new Managing Director of the NPDC, hails from Anambra state. Called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985, he has over 29 years' experience at both local and international levels in the oil and gas as well as the energy and power sectors, including serving as Executive Director, Finance & Admin, Niger Delta Power Holding Company Ltd. (NDPHC).

All the appointments are with immediate effect.  

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 1, 2014

Friday, August 1, 2014

Ebola specimen floods LUTH laboratory

Reports from the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) revealed that blood and fluid specimens of suspected Ebola patients has been sent to their laboratory since the confirmed case of Patrick Sawyer, the late Liberian that died of Ebola disease in Lagos on 25 July.

The specimens which were sent from all over the country include mainly those of the late Sawyer's contacts while he was being treated. However, as the blood and fluid samples kept trooping to LUTH, Chief Medical Director, Prof. Akin Osibogun said none has tested positive except that of the late Liberian.

He confirmed that the hospital has screened at least 20 blood/fluid specimen for the deadly Ebola virus and are still expecting many more. He however, said that the good thing is that LUTH laboratory has the capacity the tests which involves high technology.

"LUTH has the capability to make the diagnosis and I am sure you must have heard that the specimens were sent to this hospital and the diagnosis was made in this hospital. We have the technology to detect the virus or it products or its parts through DNA.

"The specimens keep coming to LUTH because that of the Liberian patient was only one but we have received more than one specimen. None have tested positive so far. I don't know the exact figure at this point but at one point we had well over 20 specimens that have been tested from 20 different contacts, people who likely came in contact with the late Liberian.

"But it is a continuous process. That 20 may not be a figure to work with because they keep sending specimens and facility is available to test them."

He noted that Ebola virus diseases has an incubation period of two to 21 days, noting that, the use of incubation period is that it is used to quarantine the patient. "If you keep a patient for one month and the virus does not manifest, the suspect might be let out of quarantine. But what is important is to watch out for signs and symptoms."

Osibogun advised that at this point in time it is important to bear in mind how the disease is transmitted. "It is usually any contact with any body fluid, blood, sweat and saliva.

"We must wash our hands as often as possible so as to reduce our chances of contamination. It is going to be difficult avoiding crowded places."

He also disclosed that in a disease outbreak like Ebola it is needful to corroborate lab results with a second laboratory to ensure accuracy of result, which they have been doing since the case of the late Liberian.

He said LUTH has set in motion a team to handle any eventuality arising from an unexpected spread of the disease. "We put in place isolation mechanism, and barrier mechanisms. Everything is on standby in the event there is any case in the hospital.

"With regard to enlightening the people, that is being done by the Lagos state Ministry of Health and federal Ministry of Health. Where they have health education units to educate members of the public on how to protect themselves against exposure and to recognize and to have a high level index of suspicion.

"So that if there is any suspected case the report is quickly made. I think we should commend private hospitals because they demonstrated high index of suspicion. Though they said every one demonstrates a high index of suspicion because every one of us has a lot headache but they were able to keep the patient and decline patient from going out of the hospital and they immediately alerted federal and state authorities.

Source: PM News

PRESIDENT JONATHAN APPRECIATES DONORS TO TERROR VICTIMS’ SUPPORT FUND

PRESIDENT JONATHAN APPRECIATES DONORS TO TERROR VICTIMS' SUPPORT FUND

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has expressed his immense appreciation of the kindness of all persons who responded enthusiastically to his appeal for collective action by contributing generously to the Terror Victims' Support Fund during the fund-raising event last night at the Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja.

The President said he was overwhelmed by the expression of support, cooperation and solidarity by Nigerians and friends of Nigeria from all walks of life. It shows that the public is genuinely concerned about the threat of terrorism to our common humanity and stands ready to support worthy causes and pro-people policies.

President Jonathan notes that the overwhelming demonstration of support for the Fund has greatly inspired and encouraged the government to continue to adopt every possible measure and do everything within its powers to bring terrorism in the country to an end as quickly as possible.

The Federal Government's initial target of Fifty billion naira (N50 billion) was exceeded, a clear indication of support for the Federal Government's counter-terrorism strategies.

The President commends the Chairman of the Terror Victims' Support Foundation, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd) and members of the Foundation for accepting to serve the nation in this regard. He is confident and convinced that the Foundation will make judicious and transparent use of the funds in order to ameliorate the negative impact of terrorism in the affected areas.

The total sum of Fifty-eight billion, seven hundred and ninety million naira (N58, 790 billion) was realised during the fund-raising on July 31, 2014 with the highest donation of N10 billion and the lowest individual contribution of N5, 000.

President Jonathan appeals to other Nigerians and friends of the country to make their token contributions to the Fund as the Foundation seeks further support.

REUBEN ABATI
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 1, 2014

Blessing Okagbare Breaks 12-Year World Record To Win 100m Gold In Glasgow

Blessing Okagbare
Nigerian athlete Blessing Okagbare won the gold medal in the Women’s 100m race at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland on Monday evening. She broke Bahamian sprint athlete Debbie Ferguson’s 12-year record of 10.91 seconds by setting a new one at 10.85 seconds.

BBC Sport
25-year-old Okagbare beat Jamaica's veteran athlete Veronica Campbell-Brown and Kerron Stewart who won the silver and bronze respectively. Campbell-Brown finished at 11.02 seconds while Stewart finished at 11.07 seconds.

Blessing Okagbare Bests British Sprinters To Win 200m Gold In Glasgow

Blessing Okagbare won the 200m sprint today (31/7/2014) at the Commonwealth Games in Scotland, finishing ahead of English duo Jodie Williams and Bianca Williams with a time of 22.25 seconds.
Blessing Okagbare
Blessing Okagbare wins 200m race in Glasgow
supersport.com
Though the three British sprinters who took second, third, and fourth place achieved personal best times, they could not best Okagbare, 25, who also won the 100m race on Monday.

"I am happy I won," said Okagbare. "It wasn't favourable weather and running two rounds in one day is new for me."

She furthered, "I wanted something faster. I didn't get the time but I got the win and two golds. It's amazing."

Source: Sahara Reporters

Ebola Scare in Anambra: Govt detains corpse from Liberia

Medical doctors attending to an Ebola virus disease victim
AWKA —A CORPSE of an Anambra State indigene brought from Liberia, yesterday, caused scare of the dreaded Ebola disease in the state, with officials of the state ministry of health directing security operatives to cordon off the mortuary where the body was deposited pending investigations by experts from the Federal Ministry of Health.
The corpse was brought into the country as a cargo and was taken straight to Apex Hospital and Mortuary at Nkwelle Ezunaka in Oyi Local Government Area of the state, apparently by his relations and waiting for burial.
However, somebody from the community, who knew that the man died in Liberia where there have been deaths caused by Ebola disease, informed the Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano. The Governor immediately directed the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Josephat Akabike to take action.

Police nab cleric preparing concoction with placenta

ILORIN— An Islamic cleric, simply identified as Alfa Gani was, Wednesday night, caught in Laduba, Ogidi area of Ilorin West Local Government Area, making concoction with the placenta of a new baby girl he performed her naming ceremony the previous day.
Gani, the house where the placenta was found
After the bizarre incident, sources said human parts were also found in the cleric’s residence.
Consequently, angry members of Laduba community pulled down his two buildings.
It took the intervention of policemen who quickly whisked the cleric and his family away to save them from being lynched.
The latest discovery brings to three, the number of suspected human parts markets discovered in Ilorin and Okuta towns in Baruteen Local Government Area in recent times.
The men of Kwara State Police Command had, penultimate week, paraded three human parts dealers, while the police were still investigating a four-storey building along Airport Road in Ilorin where human parts were also found.

Ebola: 69 under watch, two isolated, says FG

The Federal Government has placed 69 persons who had first contact with the Liberian-born victim of Ebola Virus Disease, Patrick Sawyerr, on surveillance, while two persons have been quarantined, the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, has said.

He also said government had not shut its borders for now, “except when it becomes necessary.”

According to him, the 69 persons will be under surveillance for a period of three weeks from the date of contact in line with the specifications of the World Health Organisation.

The minister at a joint press briefing with the Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, on Thursday on the update of the virus, said Sawyerr with dual citizenship from both Liberia and United States, was confirmed dead barely four days after arrival in Nigeria.

Sudan 'apostasy' woman arrives in US

Mariam Ibrahim
Sudan 'apostasy' woman arrives in US

Mariam Ibrahim, who refused to recant her Christian faith in face of death sentence, now in New Hampshire with family.

A Sudanese woman who refused to recant her Christian faith in the face of a death sentence has arrived in the US, where she was welcomed first by the mayor of Philadelphia as a "world freedom fighter," and later by cheering supporters in New Hampshire.

Mariam Ibrahim flew from Rome, where she had met Pope Francis, to Philadelphia with her husband and two children, en route to Manchester, New Hampshire, where her husband has family and where they will make their new home.

PRESIDENT JONATHAN APPOINTS NEW INSPECTOR-GENERAL OF POLICE

PRESIDENT JONATHAN APPOINTS NEW INSPECTOR-GENERAL OF POLICE

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has approved the appointment of AIG Suleiman Abba as the new Inspector-General of Police.

AIG Abba, currently the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 7, comprising Abuja, Kaduna and Niger states, replaces the incumbent Inspector-General of Police, IGP Mohammed Abubakar who proceeds on statutory retirement today having completed 35 years in service.

The incoming Inspector-General, a lawyer, hails from Jigawa State and is an alumnus of the Nigerian Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies.

Positions previously held by him in the Police include Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department, FCT Command, Deputy Force Secretary and Commissioner of Police, Rivers State.

His appointment is with effect from Friday, August 1, 2014

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