Headlines Today: Bounties On Terrorists, Governors Crisis, Dana Crash 1 Year Ago

The United States’ ransom placed for the capture of Boko Haram and other terrorist leaders, the lingering crisis in the fold of the 36 governors and the celebration of first anniversary of the crash of Dana plane were the major stories in newspapers of Tuesday in Nigeria.

This Day newspaper had a banner headline, “Boko Haram: US Offers $23m Bounty for Shekau, 4 Others“, reporting that in an unprecedented move, the United States on Monday posted up to US$23 million in rewards to help track down five leaders of militant groups accused of spreading terror in West Africa.

The highest reward of US$7 million was offered for the Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau, who last week called on Islamists in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq to join the bloody fight to create an Islamic state in Nigeria.

The Vanguard newspaper also screamed “Boko Haram: Catch Shekau, get N1.1bn – US“, it added that the reward shelled out by the US include US$5 million placed on Mokhtar Belmokhtar, the Algerian-based Al-Qaeda, who led the hostages attack in southern Algerian town of Menas in February 2013. He was later reported to have been killed by Chadian troops in Mali.

Another sum of US$5 million was placed on Yahya Abou Al-Hammam, a top leader of Ansar Dine in Mali, while the names of two others were not available at press time.

The US which has been hesitant to declare Boko Haram a Foreign Terrorist Organisation, (FTO), has set in motion a massive manhunt for the terrorist leaders in West Africa.

The Punch newspaper put it, “US puts $7m bounty on B’Haram leader, Shekau“, saying the Federal Government described the move as a welcome development, acknowledged the growing links between AQIM and Boko Haram, which is under pressure from a military offensive.

As the crisis within Nigerian Governors Forum persist, the Daily Independent newspaper reported “PDP will flush out more governors, retain presidency in 2015 – Tukur”.

It reported that still basking in the euphoria of the recent suspension of the Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, from the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP), National Chairman of the party, Bamanga Tukur, vowed on Monday that he would move against more of those he called “saboteurs” within.

“All agents of destabilisation and distractions in the party must go if the PDP must retain power in 2015,” Tukur told newsmen in Abuja during a press conference to mark 14 years of democracy in Nigeria.

“Northern governors, elders rally behind Niger governor,” led in the Nation newspaper which reported that following plots to remove Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu, no fewer than 10 Northern governors and leaders have mobilised support against moves to destabilize the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF).

They have vowed to prevent forces in the Presidency and some elements within the NSGF from unseating Babangida and the situation had split the rank of the governors leading to the resurgence of Muslim-Christian or Hausa-Fulani/ Minority sentiments.

As the nation mark the first anniversary of the crash of Dana Airline which killed 159 persons, National Mirror newspaper reported, “Dana Air crash: Tears as relatives remember victims“.

It said that tears flowed freely yesterday as the nation remembered the victims of the Dana Air crash which occurred on June 3 last year in Lagos killing all the 153 passengers on board and nine persons on the ground.

President Goodluck Jonathan and Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola joined the relatives of the crash victims to mark the first anniversary of the tragic accident.

The Guardian newspaper captioned “Fresh grief, tributes as Jonathan, Fashola honour Dana crash victims“, reporting that painful memories of the crash of Dana flight 992 in Iju Ishaga, a suburb of Agege area of Lagos State on June 3, 2012 were relived Monday as President Goodluck Jonathan unveiled a cenotaph to commemorate the accident. He also laid a wreath in honour of the 153 victims of the air crash.

Source: http://en.starafrica.com/news/ransom-on-terrorists-crisis-in-governors-forum-dana-crash-anniversary-lead-newspapers.html

Nigeria banning Islamist groups, electricity workers, easing presidents removal lead newspapers

The proscription of Boko Haram and Ansaru, clamour for the arrest of supporters of Islamists, the settlement of exit entitlements for workers of privatized national electricity company and easing the law on impeaching a head of State and his/her vice are some of the leading stories in newspapers in Nigeria on Wednesday.

According to the Vanguard newspaper, “Jonathan bans Boko Haram, Ansaru“, reporting that in its determination to wage war against terrorism headlong, the Federal Government, on Tuesday proscribed two terrorist groups unleashing mayhem on the polity, describing their activities as illegal and acts of terrorism.

The outlawed groups are the Jamaatu Ahlis-Sunna Liddaawati Wal Jihad otherwise known as Boko Haram and the Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan also known as Ansaru.

The Daily Independent newspaper also reported “Jonathan declares Boko Haram terrorist group“, explaining that President Goodluck Jonathan formally approved the proscription of Boko Haram and authorised the gazetting of an order declaring the group’s activities as illegal and “acts of terrorism.”

The order, gazetted as the ‘Terrorism (Prevention) (Proscription Order) Notice 2013‘, according to an Aso Rock statement on Tuesday, “affects both Boko Haram (Jamaatu Ahlis-Sunna Liddaawati Wal Jihad) and another group – Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan.”

The statement by Presidential spokesman, Reuben Abati, said the official ban placed on the two groups by the President was pursuant to Section 2 of the Terrorism Prevention Act, 2011 (As Amended).

The Nigerian Tribune newspaper captioned “Federal Government proscribes Boko Haram, Ansaru“, explaining that by this development, any person associated with the groups can now be prosecuted and sentenced to up to 20 years in prison.

The proscription order warned the general public that any person “participating in any form of activities involving or concerning the collective intentions of the said groups will be violating the provisions of the Terrorism Prevention Act.”

The Guardian newspaper reported the position of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on some supporters of Boko Haram “CAN seeks Buhari’s arrest over alleged defence of Boko Haram“.

The president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, has called for the arrest of former head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, over his statement in which he allegedly questioned the “special treatment” given to the Niger Delta militants by the Federal Government while the Boko Haram members are being killed and their houses destroyed.

Buhari was said to have made the statement while speaking on a Liberty Radio programme, Guest of the week.

In a statement Tuesday in Abuja, the CAN president, who described Buhari as a big security risk to Nigeria’s cooperate existence, added that the comment has not portrayed him as a national leader. He accused him of being the prime leader of the Boko Haram sect.

The Daily Independent focused on payment of severance package staff members of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) with the caption, “Federal Government to pay N384bn PHCN workers’ severance package June 17“.

It reported that the government would commence payment of the N384 billion severance packages to workers of Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN on June 17.

The payment is targeted at removing roadblocks in the privatisation of 15 Electricity Generation Companies, GENCOS and Electricity Distribution Companies, DISCOs, which have been sold to private entities and require labour issues to be resolved before final payments are be made.

The move to ease the removal of President and Vice President attracted some newspapers, including the Nation and Nigerian Tribune, with the Nation leading with, “Reps seek to ease removal of President, VP“

It said a bill to ease the process of impeaching a president and vice-president scaled the second reading yesterday in the House of Representatives.

Also the Nigerian Tribune captioned “Reps want absolute powers for NASS to impeach president”, saying the House of Representatives, on Tuesday, passed for the second reading, a bill which sought to grant absolute powers to the National Assembly to solely initiate and execute impeachment proceedings against a sitting president.

Source: http://en.starafrica.com/news/nigeria-banning-islamist-groups-electricity-workers-easing-presidents-removal-lead-newspapers.html

Constitution review, rejection of ban on Islamists, others lead NG newspapers

The Senate’s review of the 1999 Constitution, electricity deficiency and northern elders’ rejection of the ban on Boko Haram were major stories that led newspapers in Nigeria on Thursday, including the deepening crisis in ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP).The Vanguard newspaper reported “Constitution Review report: Six-year single term for Presidents, Govs”, explaining that the Senate Committee on the review has recommended a single term of six years for President and Governors because of the financial expenses often associated with re-election as well as to ensure that executive heads are freed from distractions.

The report, which was presented to the Senate Wednesday, also shattered the hopes of Nigerians, who desired to have more states created from the existing ones as it said none of the 61 requests for new states complied with the entire provision of Section 8(1) of the Constitution.

Also, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will no longer have the powers to assent to constitutional amendment if the review of the 1999 Constitution scales through.

This Day captioned “New Constitution by Senate”, reporting that after weeks of expectations, the Senate Committee also recommended, among others, barring a vice-president or deputy governor who succeeds a president or governor on account of death from contesting for such offices during a general election.

However, the report as presented by the Deputy Senate President and chairman of the committee, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, was silent on the time of the take-off of the single tenure proposal.

Guardian newspaper captioned the story “Senate votes on constitution amendments in two weeks” and said that a further review of the 1999 Federal Constitution (amended) got closer to being achieved Wednesday as Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Constitution Review presented its report.

Daily Independent newspaper reported the crisis in the power sector which it captioned “120 million Nigerians without electricity – Minister” and reported that Power minister Chinedu Nebo on Wednesday, described the nation’s power crisis as a nightmare.

He lamented that 120 million Nigerians (75 per cent of the population) do not have access to electricity supply.

The minister spoke at the Presidential Villa during a press briefing after the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.

In spite of the suffering inflicted on the people of the North, the elders there are against the ban on Islamists as reported by the Punch newspaper captioned “North kicks against ban on B’Haram, Ansaru”.

It said the North on Wednesday disagreed with the National Assembly on the proscription of two Islamic militant groups – Boko Haram and Ansaru–by President Goodluck Jonathan.

While the North through its two prominent groups, the Arewa Consultative Forum and the Northern Elders Forum, faulted the ban, the National Assembly insisted that it was a welcome development.

To the ACF and the NEF, the Jonathan administration has through the ban thrown a spanner in the works in its efforts to end bloodletting in the North through amnesty for Boko Haram and Ansaru members.

The Nation reported “PDP suspends another governor as crises rage” explaining that the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) seems to be sinking deeper into crises, with yesterday’s suspension of another governor.

Sokoto State Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko was kicked out of the party – temporarily – for alleged insubordination.

He is the second governor elected on the platform of the party to be suspended. Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi was last month asked to stay away from the activities of the party.

The PDP cited Wamakko’s “repeated breaches and disregard” for the party’s constitution as the reason for its action.

Source: http://en.starafrica.com/news/constitution-review-rejection-of-ban-on-islamists-others-lead-ng-newspapers.html

First cremation law in Lagos, ghost workers, tax evasion lead NG papers

The legalization of cremation in Lagos, the first in Nigeria, the government’s assessment of the economy, the discovery of ghost workers and the losses suffered by the nation over non-payment of taxes are some of the major stories that lead Nigerian newspapers on Tuesday.This Day newspaper reported “Fashola Signs Bill Legalising Cremation in Lagos”, adding that the Lagos governor signed the bill despite the protracted controversy that trailed its passage by the House of Assembly.

He also signed into law, two other bills seeking to establish Ibile Oil and Gas Corporation as well as Christian and Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, both of which, he said, were designed to add values to the state and its residents.

Before signing the bill into law, the governor explained that cremation was voluntary, adding that its enactment showed how the concept of globalisation had taken its roots in the state.

The Nation newspaper also reported “Lagos legalises voluntary cremation of bodies” and explained that Governor Babatunde Fashola yesterday signed to provide for voluntary cremation of bodies and unclaimed bodies.

Government’s claim of healthy nation led some newspapers, including the Vanguard which captioned “GDP: We are doing well, Okonjo-Iweala”.

It reported that the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Finance minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, replied critics of government’s economic growth claims, saying that the nation needed Gross Domestic Product (GDP), growth for the economy to impact positively on the people.

Lagos lawyer, Femi Falana, had, last week in Abuja, told the House of Representatives that the impact of the economic growth claimed by Federal Government was not being felt by Nigerians.

Daily Independent newspaper also captioned “FG identifies 46,821 ghost workers in 215 MDAs, saves N118bn”. According to the paper, Government had so far identified 46,821 ghost workers in 215 Ministries, Departments and Agencies, following the introduction of the Integrated Payroll and Personal Information System (IPPIS).

Since the commencement of the IPPIS, according to Finance Minister, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a total of N118 billion (over US$742 million) has been saved by the Federal treasury.

The National Mirror newspaper said “FG uncovers 45,000 ghost workers, saves N118bn, reporting that Government said it had so far eliminated the ghost workers from the federal payroll.

The Blue Print newspaper harped on the losses suffered in evasion of taxes “FG loses US$9.8bn through under-payment of taxes, others – NEITI”.

The newspaper reported that four cycles of audit since the inception of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) have revealed a potential revenue loss to the federation account of about US$9.8 billion, chairman of the National Stakeholders Working Group of NEITI, Mr. Ledum Mitee, has said.

Speaking to State House correspondents after a meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday in Abuja, Mitee disclosed the revenue loss comes from under-assessments and under-payments of taxes, rents, process manipulation and poor interpretation of agreements between government and companies.

He said US$2 billion has been recovered out of the amount through collaboration with relevant agencies working under the aegis of the Inter-Ministerial Task Team (IMTT). It has so far been recovered from additional assessments.

Source: http://en.starafrica.com/news/first-cremation-law-in-lagos-ghost-workers-tax-evasion-lead-ng-papers.html

Nigeria newspapers splash late MKO Abiola, 12th June election, merger parties

The photographs and stories concerning late business mogul and politician Chief MKO Abiola, led all newspapers on Wednesday in Nigeria as the nation’s activists celebrate 12th June, as Democracy Day in honour of the politician who died claiming his mandate from the military junta which annulled the freest and fairest presidential election conducted on 12th June 1993.

The Guardian newspaper captioned “Lessons of June 12, by Soyinka, Abiola-Constello, NLC, others“, reporting that like a festering wound that defies treatment and sticks out implacably, June 12 re-awakens sore memories of the nation’s political failure, injustice and inequity.

Twenty years ago, on June 12, 1993, the nation’s political march being led by the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola was halted.

Abiola, affectionately called MKO, the initials of his names, won the presidential election of that date. But his victory was denied him by the then Military President Ibrahim Babangida.

The Vanguard newspaper also reported “June 12@20: Election that cannot be replicated“, recalling the campaign slogan of Abiola “Nigerians on the march again…; On the march again! Looking for Mr. President…; Mr. President! M.K.Ooooooo… Is our man ooh!“

It said anyone who is up to 30 years and lived in Nigeria in 1993 would be familiar with the above song. It was the first stanza of the late Chief Moshood Kasimawo Olawale Abiola’s ‘Hope 93‘ campaign jingle for the June 12, 1993 presidential elections entitled “Farewell to Poverty.”

NADECO [National Democratic Coalition] Marks the 19th Anniversary of Late Chief M K O Abiola’s 1994 Epetedo Declaration of president Elect held at Epetedo Multi-purpose Hall in Lagos.

Standing on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Abiola beat his National Republican Convention (NRC) challenger, Alhaji Bashir Othman Tofa with 2.25 million votes in a keenly contested race.

The Daily independent newspaper captioned “June 12: No alternative to SNC, NADECO tells FG“.

It said activists from all walks of life on Tuesday converged on Epetedo Multi-purpose Recreation Hall, Lagos, the place where late businessman turned politician, MKO Abiola, declared himself President of the country on June 11, 1994.

Abiola, who was arrested on June 23, 1993, later died at the age of 60 on July 8, 1998 under the regime of General Abdulsalami Abubakar.

This Day newspaper said “Epetedo Declaration…NADECO Recounts How Abiola Beat Abacha’s Security“. Nineteen years after the death of the acclaimed winner of June 12, 1993 election, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, the defunct National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) has revealed how he escaped the security cordon of the then Head of State, the late General Sani Abacha, to declare himself president on June 11, 1994.

NADECO was formed by some politicians and rights activists to campaign for the actualisation of the presidential mandate believed to have been given to the late Abiola before the then military President Ibrahim Babangida annulled the election, setting off a chain of reactions that eventually culminated in the return of democracy in 1999 after Abacha’s death.

The Punch captioned “Abiola’s betrayers still in govt – NADECO“.

NADECO chairman, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (retd.), stated this during the 19th anniversary of June 11, 1994 Epetedo Declaration by Abiola.

The Nigerian Tribune newspaper reported “May 29 lacks what June 12 possesses —Soyinka •NADECO, NLC, NANS, others insist on presidential recognition for Abiola“.

Soyinka: June 12 = Nigeria’s Democracy Day
NOBEL Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has described June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day, a day which, he said “embodies unity of purpose, equity and justice, the manifestation of the sovereign will of a people.“

Soyinka, in a press statement entitled “A message on June 12, Nigeria’s Democracy Day,” said “what June 12 possesses is exactly what May 29, or any other day, lacks.“

The other story, which also attracted the newspapers is the formal application by merger opposition parties to form a formidable party.

This Day newspaper reported “Opposition Parties Apply for Registration as APC“, leading opposition parties have taken a major step towards concretising their plans for a merger by applying to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the registration of new party All Progressives Congress (APC).

The parties are Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), as well as factions of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Democratic People’s Party (DPP).

Addressing reporters shortly after their resumed talks Tuesday in Abuja, the ACN Merger Committee chairman and spokesman for the joint merger committees, Chief Tom Ikimi, said the coalition formally filed an application with National Electoral Commission-INEC last Friday for the registration of APC.

The National Mirror newspaper also reported story which captioned “APC formally applies to INEC for registration“.

Source: http://en.starafrica.com/news/nigeria-newspapers-splash-late-mko-abiola-12th-june-election-merger-parties.html

June 12 celebration, PDP crisis, bloated agencies

The celebration of June 12 as a significant day for the advancement of democracy, the setting up of committee to resolve the crisis in ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the scrapping of over bloated agencies and the death of the composer of Nigeria’s National Anthem were some of the leading stories in newspapers on Thursday.The Guardian newspaper reported “June 12, a watershed, says Jonathan”, saying President Goodluck Jonathan Wednesday declared that the June 12, 1993 presidential election widely acclaimed to have been won by the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola remains a watershed in Nigeria’s political history.

He also identified the promotion of indiscipline as well as the elevation of mediocrity as some of the reasons Nigerians do not have respect for the police.

Jonathan made the observation while inaugurating the Police Service Commission (PSC), chaired by a former Inspector General of Police (IG), Mike Okiro, at the State House, Abuja.

June 12 changed the political history of this country in one way or another. In some parts of the country, some state governments have declared public holiday to mark today but at the centre, it has not been formally recognised as a public holiday.

This Day newspaper also reported “Jonathan: June 12, Unique Date in Nigeria’s History” and explained that Jonathan on Wednesday described June 12, the day in which a presidential election, widely adjudged as the best in Nigeria’s annals, was annulled 20 years ago, as an outstanding day in the nation’s history that should be acknowledged.

As part of activities to mark the day, symposia and rallies were held in Lagos, Ekiti, Ogun, Osun and Ondo States where participants harped on the need to strengthen the current democratic dispensation in Nigeria, which the struggle for the revalidation of the June 12, 1993 presidential election results helped to achieve.

The Vanguard newspaper captioned “IBB has been our pillar – Abiola’s family” and reported that 20 years after the annulment of the 1993 elections presumably won by late business tycoon, Chief M.K.O Abiola, the Head of Abiola family, Mubashiru, exonerated former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida from the complicity that led to the death of Abiola in government’s custody.

Rather, he said that Babangida, who annulled the election, had been a pillar of support to the Abiola family since the business mogul died in detention on July 7, 1998.

“Again, Nigerians remember June 12,” is the lead of Daily Independent newspaper which explained that it was a day of sober reflections on Wednesday as many Nigerians commemorated the 20th anniversary of the annulled June 12, 1993 Presidential election won by late businessman and politician, Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola.

Jonathan has waded into the crisis rocking PDP as he set up a committee to resolve the impasse. This Day reported, “President Sets up C’ttee to Resolve PDP Crises”.

The newspaper said that worried by the myriad of crises bedevilling the ruling PDP, Jonathan has set up a high-powered committee to work out ways of resolving the wrangling among the party bigwigs.

The Punch also captioned “Jonathan moves to resolve PDP crises” and said that there were indications on Tuesday that the Presidency had set up a secret committee to look into the crises rocking the ruling party and proffer solutions to them.

The newspaper also reported that “Oronsaye report: FG may scrap 220 agencies, others” with details that the Federal Executive Council may approve the scrapping of 220 out of 541 federal parastatals, commissions and agencies by the time it concludes discussion on the draft White Paper on the report of the Stephen Oronsaye.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, told journalists at the end of the meeting presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan that the council began a review of the draft White Paper produced based on the report.

The Nigerian Tribune also captioned the story “220 federal parastatals to go as FEC considers Oronsaye’s committee report”.

The death of the composer of the National Anthem, Pa Benedict Odiase,79, was reported by National Mirror newspaper and some other newspapers.

It said Odiase, who composed the national anthem, died on Tuesday night at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, after a brief illness.

Source: http://en.starafrica.com/news/newspapers-awash-with-june-12-celebration-pdp-crisis-bloated-agencies.html

Release of Nigerian Islamists, bail for suspected Hezbollah lead newspapers

Most Nigerian newspapers focused on the meeting and proposed release of 104 suspected members of Boko Haram currently in Lagos prison, arguments against bail application of Lebanese suspected of links with Hezbollah, and the dawn discovery of aircraft in two Lagos petrol stations.The Vanguard newspapers reported “104 Boko Haram suspects set for release”, saying the suspected members of the Boko Haram sect, currently being held at the Kirikiri Minimum and Maximum prisons, Lagos, might soon be released.

The chairman of the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North, Tanimu Turaki, disclosed this to newsmen, on Thursday, when he led the committee on a visit to members of the sect in the prisons in Lagos State.

This Day newspaper reported the story with a different caption “Presidential Committee Holds Talks with 104 Boko Haram Suspects in Lagos”.

It said the Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North Thursday held talks with suspects, in continuation of efforts by the federal government to tackle the insecurity in the area.

It was gathered that both the Kirikiri Medium and Maximum Prisons in Apapa, Lagos, currently house about 104 suspected members of the Islamic sect.

However, it was not clear whether the suspects, 34 of whom were detained at the medium prison and 70 at the maximum section, were arrested in Lagos alone and other parts of the country.

The appearance of three Lebanese suspected to be terrorists and members of Hezbollah attracted many newspapers including the Daily Independent which captioned “Hezbollah: SSS kicks against bail for terror suspects”.

The newspaper reported that the State Security Services (SSS) on Thursday told a Federal High Court in Abuja that it was not in the interest of national security to release three Lebanese arrested in connection with the cache of arms found in a house in Kano.

It also alleged that the accused persons are members of the international terror group, Hezbollah.

These were contained in a counter-affidavit deposed to by an SSS operative, Terseer Ayaka, to oppose the suspects’ application before an Abuja Federal High Court in which the Lebanese are challenging their arrest and detention.

The Punch newspaper captioned the same story “Lebanese suspects are Hezbollah military wing members —SSS”.

It reported that investigations into the activities of the co-owner of Amigo Supermarket, Mustapha Fawaz, and three other Lebanese – Abdalah Tahini, Talal Rouda and Khosai Nouridine – arrested in connection with the armoury and Hezbollah terror cell in Bompai, Kano State, have taken an international dimension, according to the State Security Service.

Also, preliminary investigations have established a more serious case of terrorism against the Lebanese suspects.

The discovery early Friday morning of aircrafts abandoned in two filling stations attracted the newspapers with the Vanguard “Dis-used aircraft litter Lagos roads”.

It said there was panic in some areas of Lagos metropolis, following news of plane crashes and consequently, residents of the areas, some of whom were jolted from sleep, rushed out of their apartments.

The news of the plane crashes were circulated via social media, with a warning to loved ones to avoid places such as Igando, Ojo/Iyana-Iba, Lasu/Isheri Road, Sanya, along the Oshodi/Apapa expressway and Mangoro on the Lagos/Abeokuta expressway.

However, when Vanguard visited Igando, it was a disused aircraft that was sighted. The aircraft which reports say belongs to the late founder of Bethel Ministries, Dr Gabriel Oduyemi, was reportedly intercepted by military personnel along the Ojo/Iyana-Iba expressway.

The Punch captioned “Omotola husband’s scrap plane causes panic in Lagos”, writing that the scrap plane caused panic in the city on Thursday as rumour spread that another aircraft had crashed in Lagos.

A senior employee of the filling station said the plane, with registration number N972TF, was being towed from Muritala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja to Badagry when one of the tyres burst.

The crisis in ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) peaked on Thursday as a governor lambast the national chairman of the party as reported by the Nation newspaper “Governor gives Jonathan peace term: Tukur must go”.

It said despite peace moves, the storm in the party seems to be getting stronger as suspended Governor Aliyu Wamakko has an answer to the problem, asking President Goodluck Jonathan to direct the removal of National chairman Bamanga Tukur for alleged incompetence.

Source: http://en.starafrica.com/news/release-of-nigerian-islamists-bail-for-suspected-hezbollah-lead-newspapers.html
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Ruling party, governors’ crises, terror, corruption lead newspapers

Nigeria newspapers had a field day reporting the crisis in the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as the party seems to be losing the steam, the continued imbroglio in the 36 governors’ forum, and Boko Haram attack on a school as well as corruption among politicians in Africa.The Leadership newspaper reported, “PDP Crisis: Tukur, others NWC members to resign”.

The crisis of leadership rocking the ruling PDP seems to have finally reached its peak with the PDP national chairman Alhaji Bamanga Tukur expected to resign along with other National Working Committee (NWC) members by Thursday this week.

The newspaper gathered last night that the former Bauchi State governor (1999-2007), Ahmed Adamu Mu’azu (Walin Bauchi), may become the next PDP chairman to replace Tukur.

The Vanguard newspaper captioned “PDP CRISIS: Tukur, NWC members to resign Thursday”, reporting that the decision was consequent upon the submission of a report by Senator Anyim Pius Anyim-led presidential committee constituted to study the crisis in the party.

The party said the Anyim’s committee for the NWC members to resign was a political solution to the lingering court cases instituted by some displeased party members against the election of the NWC members.

The Leadership newspaper reported the crisis in Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) which it captioned “Amaechi Governors shun Jonathan’s meeting”.

The meeting between President Goodluck Jonathan and the governors of the 36 states of the federation, LEADERSHIP gathered, on Monday night in Abuja is said to have been poorly attended as the Rotimi Amaechi faction of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) shunned it.

As at the time of filing the report, only about 11 of the Jonah Jang faction had showed up while President Jonathan arrived at the venue about 10pm.

Blue Print newspaper captioned “20 govs shun Jang’s NGF”, writing that Governor Jonah Jang’s claim to the chairmanship of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) received a damning rebuff from a significant number of his fellow governors.

Twenty of the 36 state governors of the federation shunned the meeting convened by the Plateau state helmsman whose claim to the NGF chairmanship is being challenged in court.

The attack on a school by Boko Haram attracted some newspaper, including the Vanguard which captioned “Gunmen kill 7 students, 2 teachers in Damaturu”.

Gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram members, Sunday night, killed seven students and two teachers of Government Day Secondary School, Damaturu, the school authorities confirmed.

The issue of corruption in Africa also hit the front pages of newspapers. The Guardian captioned “Rawlings, others urge Africa to tackle corruption”.

The newspaper said former Head of the Interim National Government (ING), Chief Ernest Shonekan, has warned that the quest to attract foreign investments would be fruitless in the continent if corrupt practices continue to thrive.

Speaking Monday at the start of a conference on “Emerging Democracies in Africa: Challenges and Opportunities,” which was organised by the National Institute for Legislative Studies in Abuja, Shonekan acknowledged the existence of anti-corruption agencies across Africa but remarked, however, that democracy cannot thrive when the citizenry goes to bed daily on empty stomach.

Source: http://en.starafrica.com/news/nigerian-ruling-party-governors-crises-terror-corruption-lead-newspapers.html

Also: South-South elders, Middle Belt tip Jonathan for 2015

Ruling party’s crisis continue to rule newspapers

Nigerian newspapers on Wednesday continued splashing stories on the crisis in the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as the PDP executive members refusing to resign as recommended.The Guardian reported that President Goodluck Jonathan had an emergency meeting with the PDP chairman Alhaji Bamaga Tukur and other executive members who have refused to bow out of office.

The newspaper captioned “Jonathan in emergency meeting with Tukur, others over PDP crisis”, writing a pall of uncertainty fell on the national secretariat of the party in Abuja as speculation about the imminent sack of the Bamanga Tukur-led National Working Committee (NWC) gathered momentum.

The absence of Tukur and other NWC members from office fuelled the fear that the reported recommendation of a committee set up by Jonathan that the entire leadership of the PDP be sacked during the party’s NEC meeting on Wednesday might have gained acceptability by a majority of the party’s stakeholders.

On Tuesday, the NWC team, led by Tukur, went to the Aso Rock Presidential Villa to hold an emergency meeting with Jonathan.

The Vanguard newspaper in its caption “PDP CRISIS: I won’t resign – Tukur”, saying intense horse trading was on last night to determine the fate of embattled National PDP chairman.

While Tukur was adamant last night that he would not step down, his adversaries in the party closed ranks to push him out.

As the crisis rages, a section of the South-West members of the party have endorsed Jonathan for 2015 as reported by Nigerian Tribune newspaper which captioned “West PDP endorses Jonathan for second term”.

It said South West Zone of PDP has endorsed Jonathan for a second term in office, noting that he is constitutionally entitled to seek re-election.

This Day newspaper reported “Tukur Refuses to Resign as PDP NEC Meets Tomorrow”, barring any last minute changes, the party has slated 15th July to hold a mini-national convention to endorse the changes in the NWC expected to take place during tomorrow’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party.

Punch newspaper captioned “I won’t resign as PDP chairman –Tukur”.

“Chairman is there dam! dam! The chairman is not only in office, he is also in power. In PDP, there is no vacancy in the national chairmanship,” he boasted to State House correspondents after the party’s meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja on Tuesday.

Oil theft and losses resurfaced again as Daily Independent newspaper reported “Nigeria loses US$7 billion to oil theft annually – UK group”.

It explained that a group based in the United Kingdom, ‘Stop the Theft’, on Tuesday challenged world leaders to put an end to the international business cartel behind crude oil theft in Nigeria’s Niger-Delta region.

The group, led by Patrick Dele Cole, former International Relations Advisor to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, estimated that oil theft in Nigeria represents over US$7 billion in lost revenue annually.

Boko Haram hit again on Tuesday in Borno state killing 22 persons as reported by This Day newspaper “22 Killed in Renewed Boko Haram Attacks in Maiduguri”.

It said members of the Boko Haram sect seem to be re-emerging from their hiding places in renewed attacks on Yobe and Borno States, as the suspected terrorists struck again in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, on Monday killing nine students writing examinations conducted by the National Examination Council (NECO).

In a separate attack by the group, a farming village of Alau Dam was also overrun where 13 persons comprising fishermen and tea vendors were gunned down. Monday’s attacks were the third in five days.

Source: http://en.starafrica.com/news/ruling-partys-crisis-continue-to-rule-newspapers-in-nigeria.html
See also:
PDP chairman refuses to resign
Armed gang kills 48 in raid

Crisis rocking PDP, ‘baby factory’ dominate newspapers

The crisis rocking the Nigerian ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the rampaging Boko Haram and the rescue of 16 girls from a baby factory in Aba State attracted the attention of national newspapers The Nation newspaper reported “PDP crisis: Metuh, others resign” saying the PDP National Publicity Secretary Chief Olisa Metuh, will be turning in his resignation letter before the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Thursday.

Metuh, who confirmed his resignation to reporters in his PDP secretariat office on Wednesday, said other officials affected by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) report will also resign.

The Guardian newspaper captioned “Metuh, others resign Thursday over PDP crisis”

Metuh and others would turn in their resignation letters before the commencement of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting Thursday.

Metuh said he took the decision after several meetings and consultations with the various stakeholders in the party, particularly those from the South-East geo-political zone.

This Day newspaper took the story from a different dimension with the lead “Nyako, Others Move for Tukur’s Ouster at NEC Meeting Thursday”.

It reports that despite surviving the resignation galore, which has effectively swept away 16 members of the National Working Committee (NWC), the party’s national chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, may still have a battle on his hands when the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the PDP meets in Abuja.

Today’s NEC meeting is the first in almost one year and could spell doom for Tukur as several voting members of the committee, who are dissatisfied with his style of leadership and blamed him for most of the crises in the party, could still push for his ouster.

The Daily Independent newspaper writes “Intrigues, as PDP holds PDP meeting today”

The party’s NEC meeting, which is supposed to hold once every quarter as stipulated in the PDP constitution, is holding today for the first time since the Bamanga Tukur-led National Working Committee (NWC) came on board more than one year ago.

The rescue of 16 girls from a baby making factory led stories in Vanguard newspaper with the caption “DSS rescues 10 pregnant women from Aba baby factory” that the State Security Service (SSS) paraded the young girls, in Umuahia.

The state Director of SSS, Matthew Obodoechi, said the girls and women whose ages range between 17 and 37 were rescued on 17th June.

Obodoechi gave the name of the home as Cross Foundation International, located along Anyamele Street in Umungasi area of Aba.

The Punch newspaper focus “Gunmen kill 48 in Zamfara attack” and explained that gunmen have killed 48 persons in an attack on Kizara in Zamfara State, a government spokesman, Ibrahim Birnin-Magaji, said on Wednesday.

It was learnt that the invaders, who perpetrated the massacre, arrived in the community before dawn on motorbikes.

The gunmen were said to have climbed a hill overlooking the village and opened fire indiscriminately on the residents before carrying out house-to-house attacks.

Source: http://en.starafrica.com/news/crisis-rocking-ruling-party-baby-factory-dominate-ng-newspapers.html
Also:
Confusion in PDP as executive members resign
Kumasi Market women naked demonstration dominate Ghanaian press

NG ruling politburo interim officers, terror war, oil production lead newspapers

The survival of the chairman of ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the appointment of interim 23 members of its National Working Committee (NWC), the war against terror as well as Shell’s suspension of oil production are some of the stories which led newspapers in Nigeria on Friday.The Guardian newspaper reported “Tukur stays, 20 PDP national officers quit”, expatiating that relief came for Alhaji Bamanga Tukur on Thursday as the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) retained him as the party’s National Chairman.

The committee accepted the resignation of 20 other national officers whose elections were faulted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The party also fixed 20th July for the conduct of a special convention to elect persons to fill the vacancies created and fixed 11st July for the conduct of a special congress for the South-West chapter of the PDP.

This Day captioned “How Last Minute Politicking Saved Tukur’s Job”, saying the long-awaited NEC meeting ended in an anti-climax Thursday without a single word of dissent against the beleaguered national chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.

The interim members comprise the acting Deputy National chairman Chibudom Nwuche, who was deputy speaker in the House of Representatives between 1999 and 2003; acting National Secretary, Dr. Remi Akintoye.

“PDP LEADERSHIP CRISIS: Tukur survives” is the lead of the Vanguard newspaper with a new set of acting national officers and deputy national officers pending a special mini-convention of the party slated for July 20 in Abuja.

The Nigerian Tribune reported “PDP NEC OKAYS TUKUR, Approves 23-man interim committee” and said NEC accepted the resignation of 20 other NWC and NEC members .

The Sun newspaper reported President Goodluck Jonathan’s assessment of the war against terrorism and captioned “We’re winning war against terror –Jonathan”.

Jonathan has again assured international investors that Nigeria is winning the war against terrorism and the country’s climate is conducive for investments, the newspaper said.

He gave the assurance at the 14th meeting of the Honorary International Investors Council (HIIC) held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

National Mirror newspaper reported “Again, Shell suspends 150,000bpd production due to oil theft”, explaining that Shell Nigeria Limited, SPDC, has shut the Trans Niger Pipeline, TNP, following an explosion and fire at a crude theft point on a section of the facility at Bodo West in Ogoniland in Rivers State.

The company, which is the operator of NNPC/ SPDC/TOTAL/NAOC Joint Venture, has also suspended the production of about 150,000 barrels of oil worth $16.3million (N2.57billion) per day because of the incident.

Source: http://en.starafrica.com/news/ng-ruling-politburo-interim-officers-terror-war-oil-production-lead-newspapers.html

Also: Nigerian opposition parties formally collapse structure for merger
Nigerian police deployed to curtail killings in Zamfara

Arrest of oil thieves, British £3,000 bond, Boko Haram lead newspapers

The arrest of some oil thieves by the military Joint Task Force (JTF), Britain requiring from Nigerians £3000 bond to enter country the intensification of air and land surveillance on Boko Haram, and South-South governors’ abandonment of governance and politicking in Abuja were some of the stories in Nigerian newspapers on Monday.
Leadership newspaper captioned “Oil Theft: JTF Arrests 13 Suspects, reporting that the Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta area code-named “Operation Pulo Shield” on Sunday announced that it had arrested 13 suspects in a recent operation.

A statement by the JTF in Yenagoa said that the arrests were made in several locations in Delta, Edo and Rivers.

The suspects are helping in preliminary investigations at the Headquarters 3 Battalion before they will be handed over to the appropriate prosecuting agency.

“JTF nabs eight suspects over SPDC pipeline inferno,” is the lead of Vanguard newspaper and said that JTF arrested eight persons in connection with the recent fire outbreak at a Shell Petroleum Development Company, SDPC, pipeline in Bodo West, Gokana Local Government Area, Rivers State.

Also, five suspected crude oil thieves were nabbed in two separate raids in the creek of the delta.

The intensified heat on Boko Haram led some newspapers, including the Punch which reported “Special forces intensify land, air patrols in Borno”.

The Defence Headquarters said its Special Forces are focusing on the new terrorist threats in Borno State through ongoing land and air patrols in Bama and Gwoza.

The army said available information and intelligence were being used to trail terrorists that were regrouping to destabilise the areas, adding that some of them had been apprehended.

Boko Haram insurgents, who were dislodged from their Sambisa Game Reserve by security forces, had reportedly dispatched threat letters to residents of Bama and Gwoza a week earlier, warning of bloodbath in seven days and forcing them to flee their homes.

The Guardian reported “JTF, vigilance group arrest 31 Boko Haram terrorists”. It writes that enlightenment and determination are yielding positive fruits in the fight against terrorism as members of Volunteer Vigilance Youths Group (VVYG) and men of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in Borno State arrested 31 Boko Haram terrorists at various locations in Maiduguri at the weekend.

Their effort drew ovations and commendations from residents and soldiers, as they went after the fleeing suspects after the destruction of their training camps at Sambisa Games Reserves Forests (SGRF) and Kirenoa, a border community with Chad.

According to the VVYG chairman Abubakar Mallum, and his vice Isa Musa, the suspects were nabbed at NEPA Market junction, Anguwar Doki, Shuwari II and Gambouru Market areas of Maiduguri. He added that the terrorists have already been handed over to the various JTF local sector commanders for further investigation.

The proposed introduction of British bonding for some nationals attracted the attention of some newspaper, including the Nigerian Tribune which reported “Nigerians to pay £3,000 to enter Britain”.

The newspaper reported that Britain was planning to force visitors from India, Pakistan, Nigeria and other countries whose nationals are deemed to pose a “high risk” of immigration abuse to provide a cash bond before they can enter the country, a report said Sunday.

The Sunday Times newspaper said that from November, a pilot scheme would target visitors from these three countries plus Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Ghana.

Visitors aged 18 and over would be forced to hand over £3,000 ($4,600, €3,500) from November for a six-month visit visa. They will forfeit the money if they overstay in Britain after their visa has expired.

The Nation newspaper captioned “UK plans £3,000 visa bond for Nigerians, others”. Britain is planning to ask visitors from Nigeria and five other countries whose nationals are deemed to pose a “high risk” of immigration abuse to provide a 3,000 pounds (about N750,000) bond before they can enter the country.

Home Secretary Theresa May said the David Cameron administration is serious about cutting immigration and abuses of the system.

However, Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister Olugbenga Ashiru said they “have not received any communication from the British Government on this policy.

“When we are communicated, we will react appropriately. I don’t believe so. That policy will be highly discriminatory. “

The abandonment of their duty posts by South-South governors for politics in Abuja was the major focus of the Daily Independent newspaper with the caption, “2015: South-South governors abandon governance for Abuja politics”.

The newspaper reported that thought the 2015 general elections are still almost two years away, key politicians in the South South region of the country have abandoned governance at the local level to play “Abuja politics,”

Many of them, especially those elected on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), it was gathered, now spend most of their time to “sort things out” in Abuja.

Source: http://en.starafrica.com/news/arrest-of-oil-thieves-british-3000-bond-boko-haram-lead-ng-newspapers.html
Also: Nigeria warns Britain against bonding citizens

Corruption in electoral body, oil discovery, British visa bond lead newspapers

The admittance of corruption in Nigeria’s electoral agency, the discovery of oil in commercial Lagos, and Britain reconsidering its plan to float £3,000 visa bond on visitors from some countries are the major stories in newspapers on Thursday.The Vanguard lead with “Jega admits presence of corrupt staff in INEC’.

The newspaper reported that the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, has admitted the presence of corrupt officials and staff who aid and abet rigging and other electoral malpractices during elections.

The admittance came as a reaction to various knocks given Jega by some political parties and stakeholders, who converged on Abuja on Wednesday to witness the unveiling and public presentation of Strategic Programme of Action of INEC covering 2012 to 2016.

According to Jega, many staff of the commission who compromised standards, have been either prosecuted or dismissed from their duties. He, however, said the exercise was done without usual media hype.

The Guardian newspaper captioned the same story “Jega admits rot in INEC, unveils 2015 plan”, noting that though INEC was supposed to be an unbiased umpire as regards electoral matters, the body is to some extent bogged down by electoral malpractices.

According to the INEC chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega, electoral fraud is perpetrated by officials of his agency in connivance with politicians.

The reconsideration of the visa bond by Britain led This Day newspapers which captioned “Britain reconsiders 3,000 pounds Visa Bond”. It explained that British Prime Minister David Cameron has halted the controversial plan by his country to demand a £3,000 bond from each visa applicant from “high risk countries”.

Under the proposal canvassed by Britain’s Home Secretary, Theresa May, as part of efforts to cut immigration and abuses of the system, first time visitors from Nigeria, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Ghana, Pakistan and India from November will be required to pay the £3,000 visa bond before they would be allowed to enter Britain.

It said Cameron had told May that he would not sanction any policy that undermines his growth agenda or the “open for business” message he delivered on a recent trip to India.

“The prime minister has not cleared this policy,” said one ally. “He doesn’t want to do anything that cuts across the message he took to India.”

Also the discovery of oil in the nation’s commercial capital, Lagos, was reported by the Vanguard with the headline “Oil discovered in Lagos”.

It said Lagos is on the verge of joining the country’s oil-producing states with the discovery of crude oil in commercial quantities in the coastal state.

Afren Plc and its partner, Lekoil Limited, announced significant oil discovery offshore Dahomey Basin in Lagos, according to the London Stock Exchange.

The Daily Independent newspaper also reported “Optimum, Afren make new oil discovery offshore Nigeria”, writing that the nation’s reserves of crude oil may have received a boost with the discovery of a significant light oil accumulation at the high impact Ogo-1 well located on the Oil Prospective Lease (OPL 310) offshore Nigeria.

The discovery, the said in a statement, is based on the results of drilling and wireline logs.

This Day newspaper also reported the confession of Boko Haram suspects “Boko Haram Suspect Confesses to Killing 23 in 48 Hours”.

It said in a chilling tale, a suspected member of the dreaded Boko Haram sect who was arrested by volunteer armed youths, popularly called Civilian JTF, shocked everyone when he confessed to killing 23 people within 48 hours.

The suspect was arrested by the youths on Tuesday evening at Ngomari ward ‘Bakin Borehole’ in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, and subsequently handed over to the Joint Task Force (JTF) in the state, Operation Restore Order.

Source: http://en.starafrica.com/news/corruption-in-electoral-body-oil-discovery-british-visa-bond-lead-newspapers.html
Also: Nigeria releases detained Kenyan plane
Nigerian electoral commission unveils plan to sustain democracy

Late Abacha’s loot, HIV/AIDS funds, external reserves lead newspapers

The controversy surrounding the recovery of monies stolen by Late Gen. Sani Abacha, the investigation into the looting of HIV/AIDS fund, the stagnation of external reserves and the impasse caused by presidency’s board appointments were some of the stories featured by major newspapers in Nigeria on Friday.

The Vanguard newspaper reported “Nigeria yet to get €175m Abacha loot from Liechtenstein – Adoke”, quoting the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke, as saying that Nigeria was yet to receive about €175 million starched in a foreign account by late military leader, General Sani Abacha.

Adoke, who spoke at the 2013 ministerial press briefing held in Abuja on Thursday to highlight the mid-term achievements of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, said government had intensified its efforts to trace and repatriate Nigeria’s stolen assets abroad.

He said: “In this connection, we have maintained effective liaison and communication with targeted jurisdictions to keep pace with asset recovery proceedings in those jurisdictions.”

On the part of the Nigerian Tribune newspaper, “Federal Government recovers N5.5 bn Abacha loot”, quoted the same Adoke that the government had recovered over N5.5 billion Abacha loot and that negotiation is almost completed to recover another N36.7 billion from two of his associates.

The newspaper also reported that close liaison and negotiation with the Island of Jersey led to the recovery and repatriation of the sum of UK £22.5 million confiscated by the Royal Court of Jersey from Raj Arjandes Bhojwani, an Indian national and associate of General Sani Abacha, on account of his money laundering transactions from Nigeria.

The looting of donor funds for HIV/AIDS intervention attracted the attention of the Nation newspaper “Reps investigate HIV/AIDS funds’ diversion by NGOs”.

The House of Representatives is probing possible pilfering of foreign donations meant to tackle Human Immunodeficiency Virus/ Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV/AIDS, in the country, the newspaper said.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, declared the probe on Thursday after the opening of an investigative hearing on the need to check the activities of governmental and non-governmental organisations working in the area of HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment in Nigeria.

The House said the investigation should not be seen as an attempt to restrict or control the activities on NGOs.

“The menace of HIV/ AIDS affects all Nigerians, as such all efforts must be made to work collectively to tackle the disease.”

This Day reported “Board appointments by Jonathan polarize Senate”, explained that fresh nominations by President Jonathan into some boards and federal government agencies Thursday divided the Senate President, Senator David Mark and his colleagues during plenary.

At the confirmation of nominees into the boards, some senators alleged lopsidedness in the appointments, saying it did not reflect the Federal Character principle.

They were angry that some zones were left out in the appointments while a number of the senators argued that Jonathan flouted Federal

Character principle as spelt out in Section 14 (3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Mark and few other senators reasoned differently.

The Daily Independent newspaper harped on external reserve “External reserve stagnates at US$48 billion”, for over three months this year after months of declining growth, according to data by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The mid-week level represents a decline of US$174 million or 0.36 per cent, compared to the US$48.41 billion reported for May 31, 2013, as the CBN continues its defence of the Naira against major currencies, resulting in an increased Dollar sale at the bi-weekly foreign exchange auction.

At the auction held earlier this week, the apex bank sold $500 million, up by $200 million or 66 per cent, when compared to the $300 million sold at the previous auctions.

Source: http://en.starafrica.com/news/late-abachas-loot-hivaids-funds-external-reserves-lead-ng-newspapers.html
Also: Nigeria, Niger hamonises livestock vaccination to curtail diseases
Business leader calls for US engagement rules with Africa to change
Nigeria to create industrial parks in nine oil-producing state

Nigerian newspapers focus on PDP's reconciliation, African gas company, child marriage

Nigerian newspapers on Tuesday directed attention to the move by the embattled ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) to reconcile the warring factions, the losses suffered by West African Gas Company to the pipeline shutdown, and the Senate's denial of approving child marriage.This Day newspaper reported that, ``Bayelsa Governor Heads 30-man Panel to Reconcile PDP Members'', with details that the crisis-ridden party has launched a fresh bid for peace in the party with the setting up of a National Reconciliation Committee (NRC), headed by Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson.

The constitution of the 30-member committee, which has been saddled with the onerous task of harmonising all interests and achieving genuine reconciliation across the board, was announced yesterday in Abuja.

The party also yesterday resolved the crisis of confidence between its National Working Committee (NWC) and the Special National Convention Planning Committee, headed by a former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana,

The Punch newspaper also reported, ``Crisis: PDP sets up reconciliation panel'' and said that Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State was on Monday named as the Chairman of the 30-man Peoples Democratic Party National Reconciliation Committee.

The newspaper reported that the PDP became more polarised since the conduct of the Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF) election, which the Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, won with 19 votes to 16.

The setting up of the committee came few days after some PDP governors visited former President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where they complained about happenings in the party.


Also on the crisis in the party, five Northern governors visited two former presidents of the country to find a way out, a story the Nation newspaper captioned, ``Our fears, by five governors''.

It said that five governors yesterday pleaded with two former Heads of State -Gen. Ibrahim Babangida and Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar - to prevail on President Goodluck Jonathan to guarantee a free political space for democracy to thrive.

They said their concern was not about which zone will produce the president in 2015, but how to get to 2015.

They urged the two leaders to link up with other statesmen to save the nation's democracy.

The Daily Independent newspaper which also had the stories highlighted the plights of the West African Gas Pipeline Company with a caption, ``West African Firm loses N27 billion to pipeline shutdown''.

It said the West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAGPCo) said on Monday that it lost N27.176 billion to shutdown of its pipeline, which transports gas from Nigeria to Ghana and two other West African countries.

Managing Director of the company, Mr. Charles Adeniji, who disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Lagos, said the amount represented loses in the 344 days of facility shutdown between August 28, 2012 and July 11, 2013.

The company announced the shutdown of its pipeline system 10 months and 14 days ago, after experiencing loss of pressure around the Lome segment of the pipeline, in Togo.

The denial of the Senate that it endorsed child marriage was the focus of the National Mirror newspaper which captioned it, ``Senate denies endorsing underage marriage''.


It said that senators Atiku Bagudu and Akin Odunsi yesterday denied that the upper legislative house had endorsed child marriage, insisting that what they voted for was the process of renouncing Nigerian citizenship.

But another senator, representing Ondo Central Senatorial district, Ayo Akinyelure yesterday wept publicly over his role in voting in favour of child marriage just as he explained that he voted in error.

Reacting to the controversy generated by the voting on some of the proposals contained in the draft amendment bill of the 1999 constitution last week, the senators said that the matter had been blown out of proportion.

Source: http://en.starafrica.com/news/nigerian-newspapers-focus-on-pdps-reconciliation-african-gas-company-child-marriage.html

Also: Mass wedding for 1,100 widows planned in Kano
Over 40, 000 ghost workers in government payroll
Nigeria trade statistics down in first quarter

IFC $2b investments, child marriage, petroleum crisis dominate newspapers

International Finance Corporation (IFC) and World Bank’s proposed $2 billion investments in Nigeria in 2014, Christians attack on Senate over child marriage, crude oil production and pipeline vandalism, and President Goodluck Jonathan’s query to the Central Bank Governor are major stories in newspapers on Wednesday.

“IFC Plans $2bn Investments in Nigeria by 2014” is the caption of This Day newspaper with a report that the IFC, the World Bank’s private-lending arm has disclosed plans to raise its investments in Nigeria by 25 percent to $2 billion by next year.

The funds are to be raised directly by the IFC or mobilised from other sources and would be targeted at industries that offer competitive advantage to the West African nation.

The Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, had said in May the country needed to invest $10 billion on infrastructure annually to keep up with its rising population and expanding economy.

The attack on the Senate by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on the controversial passage of a constitutional clause allowing child marriage was the focus of the Nigerian Tribune newspaper with the caption “Child marriage: CAN president plans to mobilise Nigerians against Senate”.

The newspaper reported that the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, had threatened to mobilise Nigerians against the Senate if it fails to rescind its position on child marriage.

CAN president, who issued the threat in an interview in Jos shortly after an interdenominational service organised by North Central CAN, also charged politicians to stop overheating the polity ahead of 2015 and concentrate on good governance.

He pointed out that marriage should not be for immature people, stating that such people will find it difficult to handle the challenges of marriage.

The production and the crisis in the oil industry was shared by the Guardian and National Mirror newspapers with the latter captioning the story “NNPC expects crude oil production to hit 2.50 million barrel per day soon”.

The Guardian newspaper reported that Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) expects the country’s crude oil production to hit 2.50 million barrels per day (mbpd) with the completion of Nembe Creek Trunk Line (NCTL), in the next few weeks.

Besides, the corporation has faulted Royal Dutch Shell’s claims that it lost $700 million in its global earnings in the second quarter of 2013 due to operational challenges in Nigeria.

The Acting Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of the Corporation, Tumini Green, who made this disclosure in a statement, said that in a fortnight, repair works on the Nembe Creek Trunk Line (NCTL), which has a daily capacity of 150,000bpd, is expected to be completed.

The National Mirror newspaper declared in its headline “NNPC pipelines vandalised, supplies to Warri, Kaduna refineries cut”. The newspaper said the fears of a possible shut down of Warri and Kaduna refineries has heightened as the pipeline which conveys crude oil to the two plants were damaged at several points by vandals.

The pipeline, known as System 2C, runs from the Escravos location of Chevron Nigeria Limited, CNL, in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State to Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company, WRPC, and Kaduna Refinery and Petrochemical Company KRPC.

Spanning about 60 kilometres to WRPC, it was damaged in the creeks of Kokologbene community in Warri South- West LGA.

The Punch newspaper reported President Goodluck Jonathan’s query to the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) over the bank’s audited account with the caption, “Jonathan queries Sanusi over CBN 2012 account”.

It said the president had complained to the Governor Lamido Sanusi, over some items in the apex’s bank’s 2012 audit report.

A confirmation of the query was made by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, when he was contacted by a journalist for a reaction to a publication (not by The Punch) on Tuesday over the report.

Although Abati was not specific in his response, he claimed he was aware that “some issues” came up and the CBN governor was asked to offer further explanations on them.

Source
See also: Prolonged curfew in Postiskum as Nigerian military fight Islamists
Jonathan congratulates Mugabe over re-election

Newspapers scream Boko Haram killings, security meeting

Nigeria’s main newspapers on Tuesday screamed with headlines spotlighting the killing of 60 people in village mosques by Islamists and the summoning of a meeting over the security situation in the country.

This Day newspaper declared, “Gunmen Kill 60 in Attacks on Borno Villages” and said that despite the assurance by the federal government that it is winning the war against terrorism and has successfully dislodged members of the outlawed terrorist sect Boko Haram, 60 people were killed by assailants suspected to be members of the group at the weekend in villages in Borno State.

The attacks, which also led to scores of others being injured, occurred between Saturday and Sunday in Ngom, Maisarmari and Mailari in Konduga and Mafa Local Government Areas of the state.

The rising spate of attacks, especially in Borno and Yobe States, may have formed the main item on the agenda during a meeting on Monday between President Goodluck Jonathan and some service chiefs and members of the cabinet behind closed doors.

The Guardian newspaper captioned it, “Gunmen in military, police uniforms kill 31 in Borno” and expatiated that no single shot was fired. Yet, after the invaders left three Borno communities, 31 people were found killed.

The throats of the victims were apparently slit, thus not attracting the attention of security operatives of the Joint Task Force (JTF).

Some sources blamed the attacks in homes and mosques on Boko Haram.

Meanwhile, the Boko Haram leader, Sheikh Abubakar Shekau, on Monday vowed to fight what he called infidels and the federal government until an Islamic country is established, as directed by Allah in the Quran.

The claims of the JTF and the police on the killings and destruction of their training bases, according to Shekau, are false and misleading.

Shekau spoke on Monday on a video e-mailed to reporters in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

The Vanguard newspaper reported, “44 massacred in Borno mosque” and said the victims were killed as they were praying at a mosque in Konduga town, some 22 miles outside Maiduguri, Borno state, apparently gunned down by suspected Islamic militants.

A Department of State Service, DSS, agent and a member of a civilian vigilante group working with the military said they counted the bodies at the mosque after last Sunday morning’s attack.

The Nigerian Tribune newspaper also reported the same incident , putting the deaths at 63 killed and 26 injured.

Punch newspaper also carried the story but emphasized the emergency security meeting summoned by President Goodluck Jonathan on the issue which it captioned, “Jonathan, security chiefs meet”.

It said that Jonathan again on Monday met the nation’s security chiefs behind closed-doors at the Presidential Villa, Abuja but the agenda was not made public. He said the meeting, which lasted for about three hours, was called to appraise the security situation in the country “across all spheres and assessed the emergency rule in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states as well as the raging issue of oil theft that has depleted the nation revenue base.

The Nation newspaper also focused on Boko Haram’s leader, who released a video claiming the upper hand in the conflict.

The newspaper said: “Boko Haram leader Shekau dares Obama in video” and said that despite being declared a global terrorist and a US$7million reward placed on him by the United States (US), Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau is still talking tough.

Shekau, in a video yesterday, dared US President Barack Obama, French President Francois Hollande and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to come for him, saying: “They are no match for me.”

Source
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US vows to fight Nigeria’s war on terror
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U.S prescriptions to deal with militants, standoff involving INEC, more

The United States’ prescriptions to Nigeria on how to tackle Islamist militants, the threats by 20 de-registered political parties to field candidates in apparent defiance of the electoral commission, and the government’s planned prosecution of oil thieves are the major stories headlined in Friday newspapers. “How to end Boko Haram terrorism” was the headline in The Guardian which reported Washington’s advise on the imperative of tackling terrorist group in Nigeria such as Boko Haram, warning the government in Abuja that until it successfully overcomes the terror group, peace and protection of its citizens should be its paramount objective.

The paper quoted the US Under Secretary of State, Wendy Sherman, during the opening session of U.S.-Nigeria Bi-national Commission’s Regional Security Co-operation Working Group in Abuja, as saying that the most populous African nation’s success was important to his country.

She said that the U.S. would continue to invest in Nigeria’s institutions, people and businesses for the mutual benefit of both countries.

According to her, Nigeria faces several challenges to national and regional stability.

Her words: “The largest of these challenges is, of course, the Boko Haram-led insurgency operating in the country’s North-East that has created widespread insecurity across northern Nigeria, increased tensions between various ethnic communities, interrupted development activities, frightened off investors and generated concerns among Nigeria’s northern neighbours.

This Day newspaper also reported the same story under the headline “US: Boko Haram is Exploiting Religion to Make Nigeria Ungovernable” pointing out that the insurgency was undermining practical solutions to the challenges of development in the north of the country.

The story indicated US concern that militants have taken advantage of popular local frustrations, religious differences as well as economic and social difficulties to undermine the Nigerian state aside from exploiting religious differences to create chaos and render the country ungovernable over the last four years.

It also reported the United States assessing the Nigerian government’s strategies in the fight against terrorism advocating for the introduction of a new approach that would complement its counter-terrorism strategy in place. The US believe an effective economic recovery strategy would attract young people in the north away from such subversive activities.

“U.S. to Nigeria: capture Boko Haram leaders,” is the caption in the Nation newspaper with details indicating that the United States advising Nigeria to hunt down, capture and prosecute leaders of Boko Haram.

The Vanguard newspaper focused on the threat by 20 de-registered political parties to field candidates in future elections with the caption, “20 de-registered parties dare INEC; vow to field candidates in Anambra, Ekiti polls”.

The newspaper reported that the parties de-registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, have vowed to field candidates at the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra State and the Senatorial election in Ekiti State in apparent defiance.

Operating under the aegis of Coalition of Concerned Political Parties, CCPP, the affected parties are demanding the immediate dismissal of the commission’s chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega after they accused him of going against provisions of the constitution.

The coalition at a briefing said that INEC must declare whose interest it was protecting by deliberately flouting the ruling of the court on party de-registration, the paper reported.

The plan to prosecute oil marketers over stolen fund is the main story carried by the Nigerian Tribune newspaper with the caption “Federal government to prosecute indicted oil marketers over $1.5bn stolen funds”.

According to the newspaper, oil marketers found culpable in the oil subsidy scam will soon face prosecution, as the federal government vowed to recover the more than $1.5 billion in excess payments made to them.

Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Co-ordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance was quoted in the report at the just-concluded National Council of Finance and Economic Development summit (NACOFED) in Minna.

Source
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Newspapers spotlight MPs clash, soldiers, Islamists deaths

The Nigerian press on Wednesday led their stables with the clash in the House of Representatives by factions of the embattled ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP), stories on the killing of 150 Islamists and 15 soldiers in a renewed onslaught in crisis ridden Borno State.

The Guardian story screamed with the headline “Reps clash, seven PDP governors restate grievances against Presidency” explaining that despite the on-going peace talks within the PDP, the splinter group is nursing its grievances and was not ready to give up its stance soon.

This indication emerged as supporters of both PDP’s groups in the House of Representatives clashed on Tuesday and crisis broke out when members of the Bamanga Tukur-led faction stormed the venue of a meeting and disrupted an address by the splinter group leader, Alhaji Kawu Baraje.

The Vanguard newspaper also led with the story, “Representatives fight as Baraje’s nPDP visits Tambuwal“.

The battle against Boko Haram claimed more than 150 members and 15 soldiers as reported by This Day newspaper with the caption, “Army: Over 150 Boko Haram Insurgents, 15 Soldiers Killed in Borno“.

It said that the Nigerian Army has rebuffed claims by some online media websites that it lost over 40 soldiers, while 65 others were missing in a surprise ambush by insurgents at Kafiya Forest of Borno State.

It ran a statement by the army saying during the incident, over 150 members of the sect were killed while 15 soldiers and one officer died in action, with nine others missing.

Attahiru described Abba Goroma a chief insurgent commander who was killed as a high value target, on whose head had been placed a N10-million bounty.

“Army kills 150 Boko Haram insurgents, 15 soldiers killed” was the headline in The Nigerian Tribune.

The re-introduction of car and housing loans to workers also attracted the Guardian newspaper with the caption, “Jonathan reintroduces car, housing loans for workers“.

It said that for public and private sector workers in the country, the days may soon be back when they can walk to their banks, auto shops and drive away in brand new cars or become house owners by just filling in a mortgage form.

In fact, from next year, this package is part of the 2014 fiscal plan being worked out by the Federal Ministry of Finance. President Goodluck Jonathan gave a glimpse into the budget in Abuja on Tuesday.

Source
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Ruling party palaver, 2014 budget, soldiers’ deployment lead newspapers

The denial of a deal with President Goodluck Jonathan by the splinter group of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the declared benchmark for the 2014 national budget and the deployment of soldiers to quell the ethnic crisis in Nasarawa state were the major highlights in Nigerian newspapers on Thursday.

The Guardian declared “No deal with Jonathan on 2015, says new PDP” and reported that far from the position of the Bamanga Tukur‘s group, the Alhaji Abubakar Baraje-led PDP has not reached any agreement with Jonathan on re-election in 2015.

The National Publicity Secretary of the Baraje’s group, Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, Wednesday urged Nigerians to ignore all reports that had been published to create the impression that the group had reached accord with Jonathan on 2015, the paper said.

“2015: We have no pact with Jonathan –New PDP” was the headline in The National Mirror which pointed out that there seems to be no end in sight to the crisis rocking the party, as the Abubakar Baraje-led faction denied reaching any agreement with Jonathan on the 2015 presidential election.

Chairman, PDP Governors’ Forum, Godswill Akpabio, had on Monday claimed that the seven aggrieved PDP governors had dropped their demand that President Jonathan should not seek re-election in 2015, stressing that his aggrieved colleagues had consented that the Nigerian leader’s unofficial ambition to run for another term in 2015 was not negotiable.

But the New PDP stated that Akpabio was not saying the truth, in his claims that the aggrieved governors and other members of the new PDP accepted that President Jonathan should contest the 2015 presidential election and that most of their demands were being met.

The Vanguard newspaper took another angle to the story declaring: “Presidency jittery over impeachment fears“. It said that barely 48 hours after a free-for-all ensued at the National Assembly, following the visit of the splinter PDP, indications emerged last night that the Presidency was jittery over the implications of the lawmakers’ action.

It quoted sources close to the Presidency hinting that its strategists were worried that the lawmakers could easily effect a change in the leadership of the national legislature and get at President Jonathan.

The projections in the 2014 budgets were highlighted by some newspapers, including This Day.

“2014: FG Projects N4.5tn Budget, Sets Oil Benchmark at US$74 per barrel” was the headline it carried revealing a federal government plan to propose a budget of N4.495 trillion for the fiscal year 2014 that will be predicated on an oil revenue benchmark of $74 per barrel.

While the proposed budget projection translates to a N492 billion reduction from the N4.987 trillion appropriated by the National Assembly in the 2013 budget, the 2014 oil benchmark of $74 per barrel also marks a reduction of $5 per barrel from the $79 in the 2013 budget.

The Punch newspaper carried the same story declaring: “Federal Government proposes N14tn budget for three years …sets oil benchmark at $74 for 2014“.

“Ombatse violence: Federal Government deploys hundreds of troops to Nasarawa” was the caption in The Daily Trust which disclosed the deployment of troops to Nasarawa state to battle the menace of Ombatse cult group.

It said that hundreds of soldiers have been deployed to the state to contain a wave of deadly violence blamed on the Ombatse militia, which broke out days ago.

Source

These 10 top stories from Nigerian newspapers will make your Sunday morning.

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