₦airaland Forum

Linda Ikeji’s official public statement of her pregnancy

Did you guys read the title of this post? Should I write it again? Oh God, I can’t breath…lol. So let me say that again…I, Linda Ikeji, is going to be a mum. Somebody please pinch me! Gosh, I can’t get over it.

2018 started with me finding out I was pregnant. When I missed my period and my friend and I did a home pregnancy test and it read positive, my friend began to cry with happiness but I was just there staring at the stick like, you’re not messing with me, are you? This is real and not a joke on me, right? I refused to believe it and asked my friend to drive me to a lab for another test. And there it was confirmed, I was pregnant. Me, Linda, I am going to have my own child. Please don’t wake me up from this lovely dream..lol

So many women have had children, so what’s the big deal, huh? Lol. Well, you see me, I’m somewhat of a different case. There’s something about me that I have never talked about publicly before and that’s the fact that I love children so much (I took that from my dad), and I am particularly obsessed with babies, and I mean that literally. Their pureness, innocence, little beautiful faces, tiny hands and soft cheeks make me just want to be around them.

I grew up in a compound with a lot of neighbours and believe it or not, as a teenager/young woman, I was the unofficial resident babysitter. I swear, ask my siblings. I literally carried all the new born babies born in that compound at a period of time until they grew up to a certain age. Their mums used to come drop the babies at our house whenever they were tired or wanted to go out, this was, of course, to the annoyance of my family…lol.

The first baby I carried was a boy named Makoba (wonder where he is now, this was about 20 years ago, he will be a big boy now). From the first day I carried him, I didn’t want to let him go…so every time I had free time, and his mum hadn’t brought him to me, I would walk two floors up, knock on his family’s door and ask them if they wanted me to take the child off them for a while. I was always happy when they said yes. After him other mums started dropping their kids with me.

Back then my sisters and I used to take turns to cook every day of the week. So whenever it was my turn to cook and I was babysitting and they insisted I go cook, I’d tell my sisters to either hold the baby for me so I could go cook or they go cook. They always chose the latter. Lol.

Then my siblings started having children and I started to feel more joy. These were no longer neighbours’ or friends’ children, these were my nephews and nieces. My family! And carrying them brought me even more joy. Like for example, whenever I see my sister Laura’s son, Ryan, I shriek with happiness. He’s the love of my life…lol. If I was planning to go out and I heard my beautiful nephews and niece were coming over to the house, most times, I change plans and just stay home with them. I’m a homebody, I like to stay home (that’s why I bought a big house…lol).

So now imagine that in a few months, I will look down at a baby, and it won’t be a neighbor’s child, a friend’s child, a sister’s child, but my own child, my own flesh and blood, carried in my womb. My own son. It’s surreal. I can’t get over it.

You guys think DJ Khaled is obsessed with his son, Asahd? Wait until this one gets here. He’s not even here yet and I already ordered a Bentley Mulsanne for us. I swear! Lol. Like, I can’t keep calm. Oh and please, nannies, stay away from me. I’ve got this covered! Thank you. Lol.

Sometimes when I’m lying down and I feel him moving around inside me (he’s so hyper already, constantly moving around…lol), I just get up and cradle my tummy and smile. Lol. I can’t wait for these months to go by so I can meet him. My own son!

Dear son, of every dream I have had, every achievement, every milestone, out of all my accomplishments and titles, all the money and worldly possession I have, nothing compares to you. You are my greatest blessing, my gift from heaven, my greatest dream realized. I love you more than life itself and I can’t wait to meet you and give you so many kisses. And of course, spoil you! You will hear ‘I love you’ loud and clear so many times, you will beg me to stop. I can’t wait to hold you in my arms. .

I know I’m going to be the best mum ever! I was born for this and I am finally ready! And now I want to do more, achieve more, so lil man will be proud of his mama.

Considering how much I love children, sometimes I wonder why I didn’t have them earlier. But like my dad said, miracles like this finally happen when God is ready to share you.

Anyway, as you all know, I’ve always shared every milestone, every good thing that’s happened to me over the years with you guys and I definitely wanted to also share this joy with you. I’ve been wanting to scream about this since I found out many months ago but my family and friends have been telling me to ‘calm down Linda, calm down’…lol. I’m now way into my second trimester, so I guess it’s okay to share my joy.

May God grant you what you desire the most and may all your dreams come true.

Oh, by the way, I’ll be having a baby shower in a few weeks and I will definitely love for some of you amazing, loyal female readers to come celebrate with me. Will communicate when the time comes.

Plenty kisses and God bless

Linda Ikeji

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/linda-ikejis-official-public-statement.html

The State, Local Government and Ward Executive members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Benue State on Sunday endorsed Governor Samuel Ortom and Senator George Akume for re-election in 2019.

The party took the decision at the Aper Aku Stadium after its state Congress election which returned all the old Exco led by Comrade Abba Yaro.

In his acceptance speech, Comrade Yaro, who led the endorsement said the duo of Governor Ortom and Senator Akume had demonstrated unequalled wisdom which led to the peaceful party congresses in the state, a development that was difficult to find in other states.

Comrade Yaro while pledging on behalf of others not to disappoint the confidence reposed in them by delegates for the congress, promised massive votes for the APC in the forthcoming 2019 general elections.

Addressing delegates and other party faithful at the congress, Governor Ortom commended them for ensuring a hitch free exercise, saying there was strength and greatness when people unite for a common cause.

He stated that all leaders have different roles but could always come together to address any differences among them for the good of the society.

Governor Ortom congratulated the new party exco at all levels for their affirmation and urged those who had ambitions but could not make it to be patient and work for the victory of APC in the forthcoming general elections, stressing that there would be better opportunities if the party wins in 2019.

He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for sending operation ‘Whirl Stroke’ to dislodge killer herdsmen out of Benue, saying renewed security efforts would end attacks on Benue communities soon.

He urged his subjects to avoid the temptation of reprisal attacks on innocent people, noting that such people were enemies of the state would be drastically dealt with if arrested.


On his part, Senator Akume also appreciated the peaceful nature of the Congress, even as he congratulated the new exco and urged the to keep the party’s flag flying.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/benue-2019-apc-exco-backs-ortom-akume.html

Nigerian entertainer and songwriter, Nicky WD is out with a new single called “Believe”. Fresh out of the stables of his label – Rapalomo Gang, Nicky WD jumps on an upbeat tune created by ID Cleff to deliver a Motivating rap vibe with T-West and this titled – Believe.

When Hustle was being recorded, little did Nicky WD know that it would have such a warm reception, it was just fine blend of raw talent and sheer passion.

The song depicts the strength and hustle of every Nigerian youth and Africa at large, encouraging and giving them hope in themselves and their craft.

“Everyday Me I they Grind , I get this money for my mind , See Double Your hustle cause I don’t get your time…” Which means, Hard Work pays and Never Stop Believing.

Listen & Download “Nicky WD Ft. T-West – Believe” below:-

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/nicky-wd-ft-t-west-believe-music.html

What do you think about this song?

Despite a subsisting postponement order of the congress of the All Progressives Congress in Delta State till Monday by the National Working Committee of the APC, a faction of the party led by Senator Ovie Omo-Agege on Saturday held a parallel congress to elect the state working committee.

The congress, which is currently underway at the St. Mulumba Primary/Secondary School, Okpanam, is being attended by Senator Omo-Agege who represents Delta Central at the Senate; and a four-time governorship candidate in the state, Chief Great Ogboru.

It was learnt that the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, is also pitching tent with this faction of the party in what members described as “a renewed effort to wrestle the structure from the 2015 governorship candidate of the party, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor.”

The NWC had, in a letter addressed to the chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission and signed by APC’s National Secretary, Mr. Mai Mama Buni, confirmed the postponement of the exercise till Monday.


A copy of the letter obtained by our correspondent is dated May 18, 2018.

It reads, “We refer to our letter reference No: APC/NHDQ/INEC/19/018/12 dated 27th April, 2018.

“We wish to advice that we have rescheduled the conduct of our state congresses in Delta State to Monday 21st May, 2018.”

It was gathered that the postponement was as a result of the internal wrangling among the leaders of the party in the state.

A chieftain of the party and Executive Director, Business Development NEXIM Bank, Stella Okotete, who confirmed the holding of the congress, insisted that “the congress was in line with the party guideline.”

She added that the congress was the only genuine one in the state.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/just-in-omo-agege-ogboru-ignore.html

Below are pictures showing late actresses, Moji Olaiya and Aisha Abimbola aka Omoge Campus together. Yesterday was the one year remembrance of Moji Olaiya and it is just days after the death of Aisha Abimbola was announced. The both of them died in Canada.

Moji’s death came a month after she welcomed her second child, Maryam Odutola, on the 17 of March 2017, in Canada.

Born on February 27, 1975, she became popular after a debut role in the Wale Adenuga’s Super Story production, ‘No pain no gain’. She was laid to rest at the Ebony vault cemetery, Ikoyi Lagos on the 7th of June 2017, with stars such as Fathia Balogun, Funmi Mide-Martins, Yomi Fabiyi, Lepa Shandy, Eniola Badmus, Afeez Owo, Ayo Adesanya and Iyabo Ojo in attendance.

She is survived by two daughters, Adunoluwa Farombi and Maryam Odutola.

While fans were preparing for the one year remembrance of Moji Olaiya, they were shocked with the news of the death of another actress, Aisha Abimbola who passed away on May 15, 2018. The actress who became popular with her role in the Bola Igida movie, “Omoge Campus.” died due to breast cancer and has been laid to rest in Canada with the Canadian government taking full responsibility.

May their souls rest in peace.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/see-photos-of-late-actresses-moji.html

As a corrective measure for lateness in a secondary school located in Ayetoro; south-western Ogun State, some students were reportedly tied to the cross and whipped (for their sins)

Upon sighting the barbaric act, a police officer identified as Livinus tried to intervene, by pleading with the school’s owner to free the teenagers.


Sadly, the owner of the school bluntly refused to release the kids, forcing the officer to swing into action

According to Livinus;

“When I tried to untie the pupils, the proprietor and his teachers beat me up,” he told Nigerian newspaper Punch. “Before I returned from picking handcuffs from my car, they had grabbed a friend who was with me… and beaten him up with a horsewhip.”
The suspects were eventually arrested after back-up arrived.

It was gathered that the police officer escalated the matter and the three teachers including the headteacher were taken into custody


Pictures show at least two young people – one boy and one girl – tied to a makeshift crucifix with green string and being flogged by the roadside with horsewhips .


The Ogun State police spokesman Abimbola Oyeyemi confirmed to the BBC the principal, owner and another teacher were arrested and are likely to be charged.
He added: “The act is no longer a corrective measure, it is a barbaric act, it is not acceptable and it will not be tolerated.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/fresh-details-on-sudents-tied-to-cross.html

The Vice President of Nigeria, Prof Yemi OsiNbajo has declared that he didn’t beg to be Vice President, and can leave at short notice if his position though reputable and beneficial, contradicts his Christian beliefs

He said this during stakeholders’ meeting as he responded to posers raised by some Christian leaders at the new Banquet Hall of the Benue State Government House, Makurdi

The Catholic Bishop of Gboko, His Lordship, Williams Avenya, had reminded Osinbajo of the then-presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Muhammadu Buhari’s campaign promises that he would not Islamise the country and would protect the interest of all Nigerians including citizens of minority ethnic groups if voted into power.

Acording to the bishop, the killing of Christians and members of the minority ethnic group particularly in Benue State had proved that the Federal Government under Buhari was not living up to these promises.


In his words;

“The point I’m trying to make is that a day is going to come when you, as the Vice-President, will bear the brunt of that problem of injustices in our land, especially those perpetrated on smaller ethnic groups that have no one to fight for them.“So, as a Christian person, exonerate yourself from this situation,”

Prof Osinbajo reacted saying;

“My Lord Bishop, you said you are not a politician, I am also not a politician. As a matter of fact, I’m also a priest and I’m a Christian, a born again Christian. Because I’m a born again Christian, my destiny is not determined by any man but by God who I serve.

“Let me assure you that under no circumstances, none whatsoever, will I give up my faith or refuse to stand up for my faith.

“You can take that to the bank. Even the position that I currently occupy, I did not ask for it and I’m prepared to leave it at a short notice.

“It doesn’t mean anything. I became a born again Christian after I became a professor, a professor of the law of evidence, a professor of proof.

“But when the Lord Jesus Christ met me, He persuaded me by showing me clearly that there is such a thing as the evidence of things that are not seen.

“It is because of the evidence of things that are not seen, it is because you can make something out of nothing that I stand here today as Vice-President.

“How possible can anyone say that the killing of women and children doesn’t matter because he is Vice-President or because he is President? How is that possible? Certainly, it cannot be for a person who is born again. A renewed mind will know that there is justice, there is consequence even if there is no justice here on earth.”

The Vice-President, while reacting to the issue raised by another speaker, Dr. Magdalene Dura, that the invasion of the state was an ethnic agenda, said no one would deliberately kill his own people.

“I do not accept and I do not believe that there is an agenda. No one will deliberately kill his own people. No one will do so. But we cannot bring back the dead but we can make life more bearable for the living.

“This is why coming here today at the behest of the President is first, to look at the situation myself, to get a first-hand view of the situation because the President has mandated me to take this on board and deal with the issues,”

In his remark, Governor Samuel Ortom appealed to the Federal Government to ensure that peace reign in his state.

The governor said that the killing of the two Catholic priests and 17 parishioners could have caused a religious crisis but for the prompt action of his administration.

He appreciated the Federal Government for deploying more troops to the state as well as releasing funds for control of flood in the state.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/i-didnt-beg-to-be-vice-president-i-can.html

Mass failure in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) is not new. It is becoming the norm in Nigeria’s education sector. Couple of months ago, the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, called for the declaration of a state of emergency in the sector. Recently, the Senate said it too is intervening in the academic crisis. In this report, Head, Education Desk, IYABO LAWAL, explores the history of mass failure in WAEC exams and how to truly resolve the issues

Nigeria’s Senate President, Bukola Saraki, is not known for frivolity. He has a rich political resume; same with educational pedigree. Understanding the undercurrents of the standards of education in Nigeria as borne out by the latest flop in the West African Examination Council-organised exams for O’ level graduates, he did not hesitate to speak out where many have kept silent.

Speaking on the latest mass failure in the WAEC exams, following the set up of a Senate committee, Saraki said, “I am sure the committee will work assiduously to get to the bottom of this matter and see that it is addressed. Indeed the education sector needs some reforms.”

The crisis in the sector was further described by Senator Biodun Olujimi as worrisome.She said, “There is need for revaluation to understand where the missing link is. There is also the need to look at teacher education because we have some teachers who are not properly trained, who don’t do research and cannot read or write. So, how can they teach our children well?”

In 1948, a meeting was held to discuss the future policy of education in West Africa; at the meeting, one Dr. George Barker Jeffery was appointed to visit some West Africa countries such as Sierra Leone, The Gambia and Nigeria. At the end of the visit, Jeffery’s recommendation for the establishment of WAEC in 1952 was adopted.

Established by law to determine the examinations required in the public interest in the English-speaking West African countries, the exam body conducts examinations and awards certificates comparable to those of equivalent examining authorities internationally.WAEC is an examination board formed out of concern for educational development in Nigeria and West Africa at large. The council is said to have developed a team of well-trained and highly motivated staff that conducts examinations at local and international levels.

Since 1984, Nigeria had won the top three prizes put up by the examination body eight times. That was in 1986, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006. On the other hand, Ghana won the prizes on nine occasions: 1990, 1992, 1993, 1994, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013, and 2014.

In the eight years (1985, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1991, 2001, 2007, and 2011) that the prizes had been won by candidates from more than one country, Ghana had trumped Nigeria.However, the issue of Nigerian students sitting for the O’ Level exams organised by WAEC transcends winning top prizes.

To that end, in March, the Senate under the leadership of Saraki directed the Committee on Education (Basic and Secondary) to meet with the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, in order to identify causes of the recurring failure in WAEC results with a view to finding solutions.

That resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Sen. Umaru Kurfi, who described the mass failure of O’ level exams results in the country since 2009 as disgraceful. Kurfi believes that if the trend continues, it will jeopardize the future of today’s youths and the generation after them.

According to him, in the success rate of students who sat the 2009 and 2010 WAEC-organised exams had only 25.99 and 24.94 per cent respectively passed with five credits including Mathematics and English, while the remaining others constituting 70 per cent failed.“In 2011 May/June WAEC, only 86,612 out of the 1,540,250 candidates that participated in the examinations got credit in Mathematics and English. Also in 2011 May/June WAEC, only 86,612 out of 1,540,250 candidates that participated in the examinations got credits in Mathematics and English.

“In 2012 May/June WAEC, only 649,159 out of 1,672,224 candidates that sat for the examinations which represents just 38.81 per cent got five credits and above including in the core subjects of Mathematics and English. In 2013 WAEC, only 29.17 per cent candidates actually passed the November-December WAEC examinations while 70 per cent failed,” Kurfi reeled out the statistics.He added, “In both 2017 and 2018 recent January/February private examinations, only 26.01 per cent and 17.13 per cent candidates had passed with five credits including Mathematics and English respectively, while the remaining over 70 per cent candidates failed.”

The federal lawmaker expressed regret that the future of the country would continue to be bleak if urgent actions were not taken to address the situation.It is the same view expressed by Sen. Barau Jibrin. The legislator stated that urgent steps must be taken to understand causes of the mass failure and lasting solutions to prevent any reoccurrences.

Not only him feels that way. Sen. Emmanuel Paulker said the situation called for a grave concern, attributing the development to the problem from poor quality of education received at the primary school level.

“And it is this same crop of students that will move to the secondary school. Some of them can hardly write or read; without a foundation, there is no way a house can stand. Those formulating our school curriculum must sit up, if not, we have our future doomed,” Paulker argued.On March 13 this year, WAEC had released the result of the newly-introduced February diet for private candidates with only 1,937 out of 11,727 candidates who sat for the exam, obtaining minimum credits and above in five subjects, including English and Mathematics.

Briefing newsmen in Lagos, the Head of National Office, Mr. Olu Adenipekun, pointed out that the 17.13 per cent was lower than the 26.01 per cent recorded for private candidates in 2017. He also disclosed that results of the 1,021 candidates, representing 9.03 per cent, are still being held over reported cases of examination malpractices – the cases were being investigated and reports would be presented to the appropriate committee of the council in due course for consideration.

Adenipekun, who expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of candidates in the examination, said the percentage of pass was lower.Mass failure in exams across the nation is not new and reactions of Nigerians –government officials, teachers and parents have always been the same.Just last year, a mass failure was recorded in the 2017 WAEC exams. At the release of the general results during the 55th Annual Meeting of the Nigeria National Committee, only 34,664 out of 131,485 had five credits including English and Mathematics.

Adenipekun had disclosed that the percentage of candidates in WASSCE, for private candidates, in 2015 and 2016 was 28.58 per cent and 38.50 per cent, respectively.He also disclosed that the results of 14,756 candidates, representing 11.07 per cent of candidates, were withheld for alleged examination malpractice. It was added that cases of withheld results are being investigated and the reports would be presented to the Nigeria Examination Committee for consideration.

In 2015, following the poor outing in the results of candidates that sat the O’ level exam, WAEC said it had found the recipe to the education crisis.One of such recipes was a workshop held in April 2015. At that training programme, more than 400 teachers received training on how to improve teaching and learning in schools.In August 2014, the then HNO of WAEC, Mr. Charles Eguridu, when asked what was responsible for the mass failure had stated, “There are so many factors responsible. One, the teachers are not competent. You can see from the example of what we saw in Edo State, where a teacher could not even read. So how can a teacher impact the knowledge he does not possess? So the quality of teachers in the system is such that one cannot vouch for their competence and you find that even some states were trying to do competency tests for teachers, but this had to be reversed for obvious reasons.

“The other factor is infrastructural decay in the school system. There are no well-equipped libraries or laboratories, and most of the schools don’t have proper amenities. We have seen situations where children were learning under trees. So in such a situation, what do you expect? Another factor that could be responsible is the fact that parents don’t have time to supervise their children. Take the Lagos environment as an example, people leave home as early as 5 am to report to work at 7 am or 8 am, get back home at about 8pm. So what time do they have to supervise their children and ensure that they do their home works or do some reading at home?”

He had added, “Another factor is that the children are distracted. The children are left without being properly counselled. They come back from school and all they are interested in is to either browse the Internet or watch European football leagues, movies and of course, move around with their peers and play football. So, the motivation to read is not even there. When last did we as a people recognise excellence in academia? But footballers are celebrated; they make millions when we win competitions but the best students are not even recognised.

“The most beautiful girl in Africa or Nigeria’s pageant attracts wonderful gifts, money, cars, world tour, and is featured in the media for her beauty. But the one who spent time in the classroom to read and excel in his examination, what do we do for him? He is not celebrated. So the children themselves are not even motivated to read. Why read when playing football for a club side for just six months will give you the money you need in a lifetime?””

To Eguridu, the values of the Nigerian society have become distorted, claiming that Nigerian students are victims of the environment they live in. However, education experts are of the opinion that until the government at all levels up the ante by increasing the spending allocated to education, by improving the quality of capacity of teachers, providing physical and intellectual infrastructure, and incentives for teachers and students, mass failure and malpractice will continue to be the order of the day rather than an exception.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/waec-mass-failure-and-recipe-for-success.html

A video footage showing the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris struggling to read a speech is making waves on the internet.

In the video, Idris was finding it difficult to pronounce words from the already prepared speech before him.

The incident took place in Kano on Monday, May 14, 2018, where he went to commission the Force Technical Intelligence Unit, according to the Voice of Liberty.

IG Vs Senate

On three different occasions, the IG of police has refused to honour an invitation sent to him by the Senate.

The IGP was mandated to appear before the Senate to brief Nigerians on the killings within the country and the treatment meted out to Senator Dino Melaye.

The lawmakers got angry when the police boss because the IGP gave no reason for his absence.

There have been calls for President Buhari to sack Idris for disobeying an order given to him to relocate to Benue state during the killings by Fulani herdsmen.

https://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/police-ig-idris-fumbles-struggles-to.html

The Federal High Court, Abuja has declined the Senate’s application for Stay of Execution of its judgment quashing the suspension of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege.


Details shortly…

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/breaking-court-floors-senates-stay-of.html

Paul Okoye aka Rudeboy, one of the brothers of the defunct popular music group Psquare has clap-backed at an internet troll begging him for school fees.

The “Ifai’’ hit maker on Tuesday pasted his response to the demand by an unnamed troll on his instagram handle @rudeboypsquare.

“As in this life is very funny…some dude have been insulting me for over 6 months…on my post, dm and twitter on a daily basis, “vanity upon vanity’’

“So early this morning he is begging me for skol fees…as in you want to go and study more insult?…sorry you don’t need my vanity on your university,’’ he wrote.

The 36 year-old father of three also added another message “This is not karma, Na karma senior brother’’.

The act of fans begging celebrities for financial assistance to solve one problem or another is not new.

While some artistes willingly give, others would not.

Artists that are always approached by fans and social media followers for assistance include Don Jazzy, Eva Alordia, Darey Art Alade, Tonto Dikeh and many others. (NAN)

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/paul-okoye-claps-back-at-troll-begging.html

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday in Dutse, Jigawa State, said his administration is delivering on promises with clear-cut targets, prudent management of resources and a deliberate policy to plug wastage and pilfering of government resources.

Speaking at the palace of the Emir of Dutse, Nuhu Muhammadu Sanusi, during a two-day visit, President Buhari said the odds of initial dwindling oil prices did not discourage the government from setting targets for lofty developmental projects and achieving more in three years than the 16 years of Peoples Democratic Party’s misrule.

The president said the growing support the administration currently enjoys can be attributed to the understanding of Nigerians of the unpleasant realities it inherited, and the efforts to reposition the economy in spite of “what the opposition keeps sponsoring in the press.”

President Buhari directed the Minister of Water Resources, Sulaiman Adamu, to work with the Jigawa State Government to alleviate the challenge of water scarcity in the state capital, following a complaint by the Emir of Dutse.


On arrival in Jigawa State, the president began his engagements at Auyo, near Hadejia, where he inaugurated the expansion of an irrigation scheme and paid a visit to the Emir of Hadejia, Adamu Maje.

The president, who was received by a tumultuous crowd, thanked the Emir of Hadejia and his people for always supporting him, even when he was an opposition candidate.

He said his visit to Hadejia was more of homecoming, promising to give more attention to the needs of the people in the Emirate.

In his remarks, the Emir of Dutse commended the federal government for its efforts in addressing the challenges of corruption, terrorism and drug abuse in the country.

The emir requested that the Date Palm Research Centre in Dutse, currently under the National Oil Palm Research Institute, be moved to the federal university, explaining that the research centre would be more relevant and functional in the university.

Both Emirs held special prayers for the President and his administration.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/in-3-years-we-achieved-more-than-pdps.html

Two persons die as Shiite, police clash in Abuja
•Buratai gives army three weeks to clear Birnin-Gwari of bandits

Olawale Ajimotokan , Senator Iroegbu in Abuja and Yekini Jimoh in Lokoja
Some suspected Fulani herdsmen early hours of on Monday attacked two communities in Kogi west, killing 10 persons.

THISDAY reliably gathered that the herdsmen invaded two Tivs settlement, one in Ilai, the outskirts of Mopamuro, and the other in Ido-Gbede of Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State at about 4a.m. yesterday.

A source close to the two local government areas told THISDAY that the herdsmen, numbering over 50, invaded the two communities, heavily armed with AK47 rifles.

They equally damaged goods worth several millions of naira and also stole some foodstuffs from both communities during the attacks.
Some of the victims in a phone chat with THISDAY said they were surprised that the Fulani herdsmen attacked them.

According to the victims, the herdsmen invaded the communities at about 4a.m., and immediately they arrived, in the area, they started shooting sporadically which made people to run for their lives.

They disclosed further that 10 persons were killed during the attack on the two communities, stressing that the Fulani herdsmen were fully armed with dangerous weapons such as AK47 riflrs, cutlasses, axes among others.

Meanwhile, the Administrator of Mopamuro Local Government Area, Hon Moses Sunday David, has condemned the attack.
Reacting yesterday, he said: “I am surprised that the attack came barely a week after we had a peace and security meeting at the Elulu’s palace to forestall this kind of unfortunate occurrence.”

In a prompt on-the-spot assessment of the damage, the administrator in company of Alhaji Taofik Isah, Administrator Ijumu Local Government Area and ALGON Chairman, said: “We shall work with the security agencies to see that we rejig security architecture to ensure that people and properties are safe.”

David said he had contacted relevant government agencies immediately as he assured the people of the readiness of government to see that the menace become a thing of the past.

However, the Police Public Relations Officer of the state police command, Mr. William Ayah, when contacted on the attack, said the command was yet to receive any report from the two communities, adding that he was not aware of the incident.

Meanwhile, the Federal Secretariat in Abuja was yesterday locked down after another protest march by the members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) otherwise known as the Shiite Movement yesterday turned violent.

In the ensuing commotion which began about 1p.m., two protesters were feared dead after they were struck by police bullets.
The clashes forced civil servants and other people at the scene to beat a retreat into several offices and the large car park at the Eagles Square.

The members of the Shiite sect, drawn from many parts of the country, are asking the government to release their spiritual leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, who has been held since December 2015.
Initially, the procession was peaceful with the policemen in tow.
The group, chorusing anti-government songs, marched from Shehu Shagari road through Head of Service Complex, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, down to Ahmadu Bello Way.

But in a sudden fit of spark, it turned violent, with the protesters and security operatives in open confrontation.
The Shiite sect lobbed rocks and damaged many police vehicles, while the latter responded with bust of tear gas shots.

The two fatal incidents occurred along Shehu Shagari road and Ahmadu Bello Way, very close to the Ministry of Health building.
The police subsequently reinforced and gained the upper hand after using hot water to disperse the rioters.

Boulders and exhausted shells of tear gas cannisters littered the roads adjoining the Eagles Square.
Though the scope of the riot was a child’s play in comparison to one that happened on April 16, it nevertheless aroused a cause for concern.

Policemen and officers of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps attached to the Federal Secretariat complex were vigilant, so that the riot would not descent into arson and destruction of public assets.
Also, the road leading to the Presidential Villa was blocked until the tension was doused around 2p.m.
Meaanwhile, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, yesterday charged troops to end the wanton killings and destruction of property in the axis within three weeks.

Speaking when he flagged-off the 2 Battalion Forward Operation Base (FOB) at the Birnin-Gwari axis of Kaduna State, he directed the troops to go after the bandits and wipe them out.
The army chief said: “We are no longer going to adopt the defensive approach, it must be offensive. Since the battle has been brought to you, you must take it back and crush them wherever they are.

“The killings must stop, the wanton destructions of properties must stop, not only within Kaduna state but across the country.
“In the next two, three weeks, there must be a very resounding results that will bring these criminals to their kneels finally.

“They are not coming from the moon, or coming from outer space, they are within this territory. I don’t know why you cannot go to where they are and get them fished out.

“Am happy with the initiative of the General Officer Commanding 1 Division and all the commanders for the new approach and I want to see a decisive result at the end of this operation.”

Buratai sais the commanders have briefed him of their challenges and promised that the authorities have already started addressing some of these challenges.

“We must respond decisively and commanders must be personally held responsible for any lapse, they must decide and take appropriate action, and anything outside that, they must be held responsible,” he said.

The COAS said the next deployment must commence immediately, adding that other areas of logistic support and their welfare would be provided for them.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/10-killed-as-suspected-herdsmen-attack.html

NNPC: Repayment of $5.1bn cash call arrears progressing

By Davidson Iriekpen in Lagos and Chineme Okafor in Abuja with agency report

Norwegian oil firm, Statoil, has lost an arbitration dispute to the tune of $1.1 billion against its partners, including Chevron and Petrobras, over the redetermination of shares in Nigeria’s largest deepwater oilfield – Agbami.

A Nigerian-based tribunal made up of three English senior lawyers issued the award that would see Statoil paying Chevron and Petrobras $1.1 billion and losing a 5.17 per cent stake in the Agbami oilfield.

The tribunal rejected Statoil’s request to set aside a 2015 expert determination in favour of the Nigerian subsidiaries of Chevron and Petrobras, and a local partner, Famfa Oil.

The expert determined that the Norwegian giant’s shares in the Agbami oilfield should be reduced from 20.21 per cent to 15.04 per cent.

Statoil, which is majority-owned by the Norwegian government, according to the Global Arbitration Review, revealed the outcome in a disclosure to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Located 110 kilometres of Nigeria’s coast, the Agbami field straddles two oil licence blocks: one is majority-owned by Chevron alongside Petrobras and famfa Oil, with the other owned by Statoil and Chevron.

The oilfield has been jointly developed by the blocks’ shareholders, pursuant to a unanimous agreement under which the allocation of costs and production is linked to the estimated percentage of oil located in each block.

In 2012, Chevron began a contractual process to redetermine the allocation of shares in the oilfield based on newly acquired data.

When the parties failed to agree on the data that should be included, the dispute was referred to an expert from Gaffney Cline and Associates.

Under the contract, decisions by experts can be challenged through ad hoc arbitration under the rules of the Nigerian Arbitration and Conciliation Act.

The expert made an interim ruling in favour of Chevron in 2013.

But Statoil brought the first arbitration to set aside the ruling, arguing that the expert erred by admitting data from after 2007.

Then a tribunal chaired by Australia’s Michael Pryles, including two British Queen’s Counsel, Ian Glick and Stuart Isaac, issued its award in 2015 rejecting Statoil’s claim and upholding the interim ruling.

In the same year, the expert issued a final ruling that Statoil’s shares in the Agbami oilfield will be reduced from 20.21 per cent to 15.04 per cent, promting another arbitration claim by the Norwegian company.

In the latest award, a different tribunal rejected Statoil’s argument that the expert exceeded his jurisdiction in his interpretation of the data.

At the same time, the tribunal rejected a request by the respondent that the award should have a retroactive effect from the date the final expert ruling was made.

How Statoil’s shares will be reallocated is yet to be decided by the various internal mechanisms established under the unit agreement.

While Statoil had previously estimated that the redetermination process was worth $880 million, Norway’s Dagens Neringsliv and Offshore Technology magazine, had valued the dispute at close to $1.1 billion.

The primary issues affecting the value of the redetermination are the future oil production, the price of oil, whether licences for the oil block are extended, and the extended and the effective data of the award.

In its April 25 regulatory filing with the US SEC, Statoil said it was “currently evaluating the arbitration ruling”, which it said will have “no impact on Statoil’s accounting for the Agbami redetermination as the outcome of the expert ruling has been provided for”.

The company said it had recognised the reduction of its stake in the field through its Nigerian tax provision.

Since the Nigerian Arbitration Act requires advocacy to be carried out by local counsel, the parties used Nigerian firms in the arbitration with international counsel in advisory roles.

Hearings in the arbitration concerning the expert’s interim ruling took place in London while those on the expert’s final ruling held in Lagos.

In resolving the dispute, Clifford Chance and Strachan Partners acted for Statoil, Chevron was represented by Uche Nwokedi & Co and Herbert Smith Freehills, while Petrobra used Ashurst and Aelex. FamfaOil relied on the local firm of MFA Solicitors & Co.

Statoil’s challenge of the 2015 award upholding the expert’s interim ruling is pending before the Nigerian Supreme Court.

The company argued that the tribunal misconducted itself in the way it reformulated the issues in dispute and committed serious procedural irregularities by preventing Statoil from submitting evidence on issues that were determined to be highly important to the arbitration.

The award had already been upheld by the Federal High Court in Lagos in May 2017 as well as the Court of Appeal, which ruled that the arbitrators had not misconducted themselves and that Statoil’s counsel had agreed to the tribunal’s formation of the issues.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), which was joined in the proceedings by an order of the court, as it was also a party to the 2005 Agbami agreement, filed an affidavit supporting Statoil.

Despite their disagreements, Statoil and Chevron have been working together in a separate dispute with NNPC over the allocation of crude oil under their production sharing contract (PSC) for one of the blocks that covers Agbami.

In March, the two companies applied to a New York court for the enforcement of a $1 billion award against the NNPC, although the award has been annulled at the seat of arbitration in Nigeria.

NNPC is facing three similar actions in the same court by other oil block operators.

Last year, Petrobras announced that it would sell its stake in the Agbami oilfield, with Famfa Oil, owned by Africa’s second wealthiest woman, Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija, reported to be interested in purchasing it.



Cash Call Arrears



Meanwhile, the NNPC yesterday disclosed that it was making progress with its repayment of the $5.1 billion negotiated cash call debts to international oil companies (IOCs) in Nigeria, stating that both the National Economic Council (NEC) and Federal Executive Council (FEC) were aware of the progress it has made so far.

The NNPC, however, did not disclose how much had been paid to the IOCs, but it told THISDAY that it has kept to the terms of the repayment agreement.

It added that the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) was briefed regularly on the payment details.

“The administration of President Muhammadu Buhari inherited cash call arrears of $6.8 billion, unpaid by previous administrations. President Buhari subsequently directed NNPC to resolve this challenge which had led the IOC JV partners to drastically reduce investment in the Nigerian oil sector.

“Based on Mr. President’s directive, NNPC engaged the IOCs and negotiated the cash call arrears down from $6.8 billion to $5.1 billion, saving the country $1.7 billion. NNPC then set a repayment plan in place,” said NNPC’s Group General Manager, Public Affairs, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, to THISDAY on the phone.

Ughamadu further stated: “The key point with the repayment plan was that the arrears would be repaid from incremental production over a five-year period so that base production would be preserved.

“This arrangement was translated into a repayment agreement which was further endorsed by the state governors at National Economic Council and approved by Federal Executive Council.

“To date, NNPC has kept to the terms of the repayment agreement. The FAAC meeting is regularly briefed on the repayment status and will receive a briefing update at the next scheduled FAAC engagement.”

FAAC meets every month to share federally collected revenue to the three tiers of government in Nigeria under a revenue sharing formula.

The corporation also stated that it increased the supply of gas to the country’s power sector between January 2017 and January 2018 by 89 per cent.

Ughamadu, in a different statement, said the information was contained in the corporation’s monthly financial and operations report for January 2018.

According to him, gas-to-power supply as of January 2018 stood at 731 million metric standard cubic feet per day (mmscf/d) as against 387mmscf/d in January 2017, representing an 88.89 per cent increase.

“An average of 731mmscf/d of gas was sent to over 20 domestic thermal power plants in the month of January 2018, generating thermal power output of 3,076 megawatts (MW) to the national grid, representing 76.7 per cent of the total national power generation,” the statement said.

The report, Ughamadu said, indicated that an additional 365mmscf/d of gas was supplied to the industrial sector to power over 50 companies in the period.

He said total gas production for the month stood at 8,169mmscf/d, of which 14 per cent was supplied to the domestic market, 43 per cent for export, 31% per cent re-injected, and the balance flared.

Ughamadu equally disclosed that total crude processed by the corporation’s two refineries in Kaduna and Port Harcourt for the month of January 2018 was 204,877 metric tonnes.

He said production by the two refineries during the period translated to a combined yield efficiency of 89.97 per cent as against 88.99 per cent in December 2017.

The report said 1,463.66 million litres of petrol and 33.79 million litres of kerosene were supplied in the country through the Direct Supply Direct Purchase (DSDP) arrangement, adding that the corporation’s supply of petrol in the country during the period was far above the normal daily supply of 35 million litres per day to ensure product availability nationwide.

By implication, NNPC supplied an average of 47.2 million litres of petrol daily in January 2018.

The report further reiterated that NNPC was inching closer to choosing financiers for its refineries with a view to achieving 90 per cent capacity utilisation per stream daily before the end of 2019.

It, however, said continuing vandalism of its crude oil pipelines was among its biggest challenges in January 2018, noting that the malaise was putting it in a disadvantaged position.

One hundred and ninety-four pipeline points, it stated, were vandalised in January, with the Port Harcourt to Aba, Aba to Enugu pipeline segment accounting for 187 points or 86.57 per cent of the affected pipelines.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/statoil-loses-5-stake-in-agbami.html

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State are bickering over the vandalising and locking up of a court premises in Port Harcourt on Friday.

The former PDP spokesman, Samuel Wanosike, accused former APC deputy governorship candidate, Asita. O. Asita, and three others of allegedly masterminding the matter.

But, in a swift reaction, APC governorship candidate, Dakuku Peterside, in a radio programme in Port Harcourt, yesterday, accused the PDP and Wanosike of leading youths that opened the court and destroyed properties.

While briefing journalists on Friday, APC spokesman, Chris Finebone, said the crisis confirmed the claim that Governor Nyesom Wike funded a small group in APC to destabilise the party’s congress.

Meanwhile, Wanosike has described the incident as treasonable, calling on President Muhammadu Buhari and the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to arrest and prosecute Asita and the three APC members.

He said: “If the situation repeats itself, we will repeat the action of opening up the court because nobody can cow the judiciary.

Nobody has the right to close the court. What we are saying is that, under Governor Wike, the judiciary and legislature should be allowed to function without hindrance.”


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJR6bIhAG8U

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/pdp-apc-bicker-over-locked-court.html

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that the Federal Government will evolve measures to curb incessant strikes and address grievances by staff of universities in the country.

Buhari, represented by a Director with National Universities Commission, Dr Gidado Kuma, spoke on Saturday at the 23rd, 24th and 25th combined Convocation Ceremonies of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi.

“I have noted with great concern the incessant strikes by teachers and other university workers, even though, most of the demands are germane but the repercussions have negative consequences.

“Let me assure you that this administration will very soon come up with modalities of addressing your grievances without face-offs so that we attain stability and balance in the system.

“The university is unable to conduct convocations as at when due for sets of students, this is not peculiar to your university but rather an underlying difficulty the system has found itself over the years,’’ the president said.

He said that no nation would progress if its educational system was poor.

Buhari said government was looking into the operations of agencies in the education sector to find solutions to the problems militating against their desired impact, especially in the university system.

He said that the essence of creating a specialised university such as ATBU was to assist the country in training future scientists and launch it into the sphere of technological breakthroughs.

Buhari challenged such institutions to surprise Nigerians at occasions such as convocation ceremonies by presenting new discoveries or inventions that would add value to the technology drive of the country.

He said “nations across the globe are in stiff competition, we cannot lay back and take the back seat as simply consumers of other nations’ products but must come with our own products for others to buy.

“Nations are in stiff competition to outwit one another in the area of offering quality knowledge and positive research and we must provide leadership in Africa in this regard.

“Our agencies in charge of educational development must find a way of encouraging our youth to aspire learning in the country’s institutions but as well attract foreign students and researchers so that our global ranking of universities can soar,” Buhari said.

He called on staff of the institution to re-invent the culture of leadership, followership and stewardship, adding that the students should imbibe the virtue of discipline and respect for their teachers and university authorities.

He called on all state governments to support and encourage universities in their catchment areas.

The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Saminu Ibrahim, said that the institution was graduating 8,496 students.

Ibrahim said the graduates included 480 diploma students, 5,637 for first degrees, 1,580 for postgraduate diplomas, 770 for masters’ degrees and 90 doctorates.

He said 118 out of 5,637 first degree students obtained first class grades, 1,618 got second class upper division, 2.609 received second class lower division, 1,431 got third class and 61 had pass.

The vice-chancellor said the College of Medical Science of the university opened with 41 students in 2016/2017 session while 47 students were admitted in 2017/2018 section.

According to him, the institution has commenced the construction of additional three hostels in Gubi Campus and two in Yelwa Campus to ease the problem of accommodation for students.

“We also constructed 250 capacity auditorium, 160 capacity studio and Yelwa Campus water scheme.

“About 490 academic staff of the university were supported to acquire PhDs,” he said.

The Chancellor of the institution, Dr Rufus Aladesanmi, commended both staff and students for exhibiting good behaviour.

Aladesanmi, who is also Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, said “the report I have received from the management on you are quite encouraging.

“Since my assumption of office, there has never been any cause at all for me to intervene in any matter that could have gotten out of hand,” he said.

The chancellor commended the president for responding to numerous challenges of the institution in spite of the economic challenges in the country.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/fg-working-out-modalities-to-phase-out.html

Some hoodlums were on Saturday arrested at the gate of the venue of the Ekiti APC governorship primary election.

It was learnt that one of the suspected hoodlums, who accused the policemen of bias after he was denied access into the venue because he did not have the necessary requirements, had on him charm wrapped in a red piece of cloth.

Also, other suspected hoodlums were arrested and handed over to operatives of the Criminal Investigation Department present at the venue.

The men claimed to be delegates from various wards but they did not possess any of the documents required to ease their entry to the main venue.


Police operatives recovered the sum of N158,000 on them.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/hoodlums-arrested-at-ekiti-apc-guber.html

It will strengthen and encourage faithful to cope with challenges
I’m with Nigerians in spirit, says pontiff

By Bayo Akinloye in Lagos and Alex Enumah in Abuja

Following persistent killings by suspected Fulani herdsmen, Nigerian Catholic bishops have invited Pope Benedict XVI to visit Nigeria, saying that such visit will strengthen troubled Nigerians and encourage them to cope with different challenges.

The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, who was part of arecent “Ad limina” visit by the Nigerian bishops to Pope Francis at the Vatican, announced the invitation in a recent interview with the Vatican News (the mouthpiece of the Holy See), an extract of which was obtained by THISDAY yesterday.

The Lagos prelate remarked: “Oh yes! We’re looking forward to seeing him. Yes, we did invite him and of course, as expected, he couldn’t give us a response then but we hopeful he would react to that. If he does come, it will not only strengthen the people, it will also encourage the people to be able to cope with these different challenges.”
Even though, the Catholic spiritual head had not responded to the invitation to visit Nigeria, Most Rev. Martins noted that the Pope was concerned about the killings going on in the country.
Martins said: “Well, of course, we also asked him what message he wanted us to take back home as a message to our people. He said we should be courageous, particularly with regards to the recent troubles with the terrorists that masquerade as herdsmen. He told us to tell our people that he is with us in spirit and he is with us praying for us; that whatever it is that is possible in order to ameliorate the situation, he is willing to journey with us. We thought that was very good.”

According to the Vatican News website, the Nigerian Catholic bishops, “believe that terrorists and mercenaries have infiltrated the Fulani herdsmen to cause insecurity and mayhem in the Middle Belt of the country.”

Martins also praised the Pope for operating an open-door policy.
“We came in; we wanted to talk about the situation of our people; the situation of their lives and the response had been very cordial in the sense that he is willing to listen to what we have to say. There is that willingness to listen and the willingness to share the kind of challenge that we have. We are there with the Holy Father and he said to us that we could tell him whatever it is that we needed to say even if it meant criticizing him. I thought that was very, very interesting; that we have a man that is open and ready to listen to what other people have to say,” Archbishop Martins said.
The pope was said to be particularly saddened by the recent attack on St Ignatius Catholic Parish, Mbalom, in Gwer West, Local Government Area of Benue state.
During the attack, some men suspected to be herdsmen stormed the church and killed 18 persons, including two reverend fathers, leaving several other parishioners injured.

Lawyer Drags Buhari, AGF to Court over Benue Killings

In a related development, a Makurdi-based lawyer, Matthew Nyiutsa, has approached the Federal High Court, Abuja, for an order compelling President Muhammadu Buhari and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), to proscribe Fulani herdsmen operating in Benue State and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore as terrorist and terrorist organisations respectively.

The plaintiff in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/499/18, is also seeking the prohibition of all activities of Fulani herdsmen in Benue State that have resulted in the deliberate and intentional killings, massacre, wanton destruction of both private and public properties including residential and commercial houses, schools, hospitals/ clinic, markets, water boreholes/reservoirs, invasion of ancestral lands of the inhabitants as acts of terrorism under the Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2011 as amended.

The exparte motion dated and filed at the registry of the court on May 11, 2018 was brought pursuant to order 34 Rule (2) and (3) of the Federal High Court (civil procedure) rules, 2009 and under the inherent jurisdiction of the court.

The lawyer, who resides in Guma Local government Area of the state, said he was one of the numerous victims of continuing Fulani herdsmen attacks on communities in Benue State.

Nyiutsa, wants a declaration of court that the series of armed attacks particularly from January 1, 2018 to May, 2018 on inhabitants of communities in Guma, Logo, Makurdi, Gwer-East, Buruku, Tarka, Katsina-Ala and Ukum local government areas of Benue State by suspected Fulani herdsmen using sophisticated weapons like AK- 47 which had resulted in deaths of over 200 persons, amounted to acts of terrorism as defined under section 1(3) of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2011 as amended.

The plaintiff who is demanding the sum of N50 million as exemplary damages against the respondents further prayed the court to declare that the Attorney General of the Federation and President Buhari (1st and 2nd respondents) have mandatory statutory duties and obligations under section 2 of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act, to act in the circumstances of the prevailing acts of terrorism perpetuated by the Fulani herdsmen by causing an application to lie before a court of competent jurisdiction for, inter alia, an order proscribing the Fulani herdsmen and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore having been reasonably suspected of carrying out the said criminal activities and acts of terrorism as terrorists and terrorists group respectively.

He further prayed the court for a declaration that the threat issued by Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, through Alhaji Abdullahi Bello Bodejo and Engr. Saleh Al- Hassan as National President and Secretary respectively during a press conference at Kaduna sometime in June, 2017, to the effect of mobilising their members and other Fulani herdsmen to cause anarchy in Benue State amounted to support for act of terrorism under section 5 of the Terrorism (prevention) Act, 2011 as amended and therefore renders the said organisation liable to being held as a terrorist organisation.

The plaintiff deposed that he had suffered substantial injury from Fulani herdsmen attacks since 2014 to date.

According to him, in 2014, nine of his family members were killed by armed Fulani herdsmen including another 24 of his family members who were killed by Fulani herdsmen on January 1, 2018 at Tom-atar.

Attached to the suit were copies of death report to Coroner and report by Medical practitioner, and burial programme for mass burial of the deceased victims of the attacks by Fulani herdsmen.

The matter is yet to be assigned to any court.

Catholic Bishops Invite Pope to Visit Nigeria over Herdsmen Killings
. It will strengthen and encourage faithful to cope with challenges
.I’m with Nigerians in spirit, says pontiff

Bayo Akinloye in Lagos and Alex Enumah in Abuja

Following persistent killings by suspected Fulani herdsmen, Nigerian Catholic bishops have invited Pope Benedict XVI to visit Nigeria, saying that such visit will strengthen troubled Nigerians and encourage them to cope with different challenges.

The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, who was part of arecent “Ad limina” visit by the Nigerian bishops to Pope Francis at the Vatican, announced the invitation in a recent interview with the Vatican News (the mouthpiece of the Holy See), an extract of which was obtained by THISDAY yesterday.

The Lagos prelate remarked: “Oh yes! We’re looking forward to seeing him. Yes, we did invite him and of course, as expected, he couldn’t give us a response then but we hopeful he would react to that. If he does come, it will not only strengthen the people, it will also encourage the people to be able to cope with these different challenges.”
Even though, the Catholic spiritual head had not responded to the invitation to visit Nigeria, Most Rev. Martins noted that the Pope was concerned about the killings going on in the country.
Martins said: “Well, of course, we also asked him what message he wanted us to take back home as a message to our people. He said we should be courageous, particularly with regards to the recent troubles with the terrorists that masquerade as herdsmen. He told us to tell our people that he is with us in spirit and he is with us praying for us; that whatever it is that is possible in order to ameliorate the situation, he is willing to journey with us. We thought that was very good.”

According to the Vatican News website, the Nigerian Catholic bishops, “believe that terrorists and mercenaries have infiltrated the Fulani herdsmen to cause insecurity and mayhem in the Middle Belt of the country.”

Martins also praised the Pope for operating an open-door policy.
“We came in; we wanted to talk about the situation of our people; the situation of their lives and the response had been very cordial in the sense that he is willing to listen to what we have to say. There is that willingness to listen and the willingness to share the kind of challenge that we have. We are there with the Holy Father and he said to us that we could tell him whatever it is that we needed to say even if it meant criticizing him. I thought that was very, very interesting; that we have a man that is open and ready to listen to what other people have to say,” Archbishop Martins said.
The pope was said to be particularly saddened by the recent attack on St Ignatius Catholic Parish, Mbalom, in Gwer West, Local Government Area of Benue state.
During the attack, some men suspected to be herdsmen stormed the church and killed 18 persons, including two reverend fathers, leaving several other parishioners injured.

Lawyer Drags Buhari, AGF to Court over Benue Killings

In a related development, a Makurdi-based lawyer, Matthew Nyiutsa, has approached the Federal High Court, Abuja, for an order compelling President Muhammadu Buhari and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), to proscribe Fulani herdsmen operating in Benue State and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore as terrorist and terrorist organisations respectively.

The plaintiff in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/499/18, is also seeking the prohibition of all activities of Fulani herdsmen in Benue State that have resulted in the deliberate and intentional killings, massacre, wanton destruction of both private and public properties including residential and commercial houses, schools, hospitals/ clinic, markets, water boreholes/reservoirs, invasion of ancestral lands of the inhabitants as acts of terrorism under the Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2011 as amended.

The exparte motion dated and filed at the registry of the court on May 11, 2018 was brought pursuant to order 34 Rule (2) and (3) of the Federal High Court (civil procedure) rules, 2009 and under the inherent jurisdiction of the court.

The lawyer, who resides in Guma Local government Area of the state, said he was one of the numerous victims of continuing Fulani herdsmen attacks on communities in Benue State.

Nyiutsa, wants a declaration of court that the series of armed attacks particularly from January 1, 2018 to May, 2018 on inhabitants of communities in Guma, Logo, Makurdi, Gwer-East, Buruku, Tarka, Katsina-Ala and Ukum local government areas of Benue State by suspected Fulani herdsmen using sophisticated weapons like AK- 47 which had resulted in deaths of over 200 persons, amounted to acts of terrorism as defined under section 1(3) of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2011 as amended.

The plaintiff who is demanding the sum of N50 million as exemplary damages against the respondents further prayed the court to declare that the Attorney General of the Federation and President Buhari (1st and 2nd respondents) have mandatory statutory duties and obligations under section 2 of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act, to act in the circumstances of the prevailing acts of terrorism perpetuated by the Fulani herdsmen by causing an application to lie before a court of competent jurisdiction for, inter alia, an order proscribing the Fulani herdsmen and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore having been reasonably suspected of carrying out the said criminal activities and acts of terrorism as terrorists and terrorists group respectively.

He further prayed the court for a declaration that the threat issued by Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, through Alhaji Abdullahi Bello Bodejo and Engr. Saleh Al- Hassan as National President and Secretary respectively during a press conference at Kaduna sometime in June, 2017, to the effect of mobilising their members and other Fulani herdsmen to cause anarchy in Benue State amounted to support for act of terrorism under section 5 of the Terrorism (prevention) Act, 2011 as amended and therefore renders the said organisation liable to being held as a terrorist organisation.

The plaintiff deposed that he had suffered substantial injury from Fulani herdsmen attacks since 2014 to date.

According to him, in 2014, nine of his family members were killed by armed Fulani herdsmen including another 24 of his family members who were killed by Fulani herdsmen on January 1, 2018 at Tom-atar.

Attached to the suit were copies of death report to Coroner and report by Medical practitioner, and burial programme for mass burial of the deceased victims of the attacks by Fulani herdsmen.

The matter is yet to be assigned to any court.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/catholic-bishops-invite-pope-to-visit.html

The Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) on Friday closed its case against a former Governor of Abia, Orji Kalu and two others charged with N3.2 billion fraud.

The EFCC Prosecutor, Mr Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), announced closure of the prosecution’s case at the Federal High Court, Lagos. He, however, informed the court that the prosecution intended to amend the charge against the accused to reflect more evidence.

The EFCC had on Oct. 31, 2016, slammed a 34-count charge bordering on N3.2 billion fraud against Kalu, his former Commissioner for Finance, Ude Udeogo, and Slok Nigeria Ltd. The accused had pleaded not guilty to the charge and were granted bails.

Jacobs had led the 17th prosecution witness, Chidi Chukwuka, in evidence at the last adjournment.

At the resumed trial of the case on Friday, Kalu’s counsel, Mr Awa Kalu (SAN), continued the cross-examination of the witness. Chukwuka had earlier told the court that he was a Deputy Director in the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) and an investigator with the EFCC as at the time of the alleged fraud.


He said during his investigations, he had obtained statements from Mr Samuel Iheke, a former Permanent Secretary in the State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

He said he also obtained statements from Mr Chinedum Elechi, the then Secretary, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Abia.

Awa applied to tender the statements the witness had identified and same were admitted and marked as Exhibits Z to Z9 respectively. When the witness was asked what the state officials had told him was the reason for the N26 million monthly withdrawals from the Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) account of the state, the witness replied: “The officials had claimed that the withdrawals were used for sanitation in Abia State.”

He testified that over N2.5 billion was transferred from the Abia Government House main account to Abia State University and Secondary Education Management Board accounts.

Counsel to the second accused, Mr Solo Akuma (SAN), asked if the witness was fully involved in the investigation to which he responded in the affirmative.


Akuma : By count 24 of the charge preferred by the EFCC against the accused, is it correct to say that the N554 million came in various cheques?

Witness : I don’t know, He said the EFCC did not investigate the accused before the petition from Eyinnaya Abaribe.

Mr Kingsley Nwofo (SAN), counsel to Slok Nigerai Ltd., asked the witness if any of the statements had shown funds move from the Government House accounts to the third accused (Slok), he responded in the negative.

There was no re-examination and the witness was discharged.

Justice Mohammed Idris adjourned the case until May 30 and May 31 for defence to open their case.

The EFCC alleged that Kalu and the others committed the offences between August 2001 and October 2005.

The commission accused Kalu of utilising his company, Slok Nigerai Ltd., to retain N200 million in the account of First Inland Bank ( acquired by First City Monument Bank, FCMB).


It said the sum formed part of funds illegally derived from the coffers of the state government.

The commission also said that the accused had in different bank accounts about N2.5 billion belonging to Abia and diverted about N3.2 billion from the coffers of the government.

The offences contravened sections 15(6), 16, and 21 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2005 and the Money Laundering Act of 1995 (as amended by Act No.9 of 2002 and Section 477 of the Criminal Code Act, Laws of the Federation, 1990.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/alleged-n32bn-fraud-efcc-closes-case.html

The Senate has filed a notice of appeal and a stay of execution on a High Court judgement, nullifying the suspension of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege.

Olu Onemola, an aide to the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, made this known, Thursday evening, in a statement.

“The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, Coram Nnamdi Dimgba .J. in a judgment delivered today, the 10th May, 2018 in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/314/18 between Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege V. Senate & 2 Ors held that the Senate and the Senate President who where the 1st and 2nd Defendants in the suit filed by Sen. Ovie Omo Agege can punish erring members of the Senate. The Court also held that all reliefs of the plaintiff are not grantable as they could not be supported by the processes filed by the plaintiff.

“However, relying on Relief 8 which is the Omnibus prayer, the Court held that the suspension was not in accordance to law, the Senate and the Senate President promptly filed a Notice of Appeal and a Motion for Stay of Execution of the same Judgement on the 10th of May, 2018,” Onemola wrote.

Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court gave the ruling nullifying the suspension on Thursday .


http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/senate-appeals-court-ruling-nullifying.html

Davido’s girlfiend Chioma Avril Rowland is known to be a non fan of social media, however, she is usually quick to shun social media critics and shamers on Instagram. The popular chef recently clapped back on trolls who came at her for taking a photo with her new friend, Cee-C

It appears some fans of the reality tv show which brought Cee-C to limelight,are yet to forgive her for the appalling attitude she exhibited towards Tobi when the show had just a few days to end

Cee-C who was spotted in a private jet with the adorable Chef Chi as the made a trip back to Lagos from Abuja where they had gone to seal a multimillion naira deal, took a photo with daido’s girlfriend which was shared on social media

As expected, Chioma took to her instastory to respond to them, reminding them that it takes barely a second to delete them off her page

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/how-chioma-hits-back-at-trolls-who-came.html

Nigerian dance hall queen Cynthia Morgan who has been out of the screens for sometimes now as she drops a new banger to announce her return.

Cynthia Morgan was signed to Jude Okoye’s record but she left the group Northside Entertainment in an unceremonious way.

The singer has now put up her own record label named “The Cynthia Morgan Company” (TCMC) and has now disguised as she change her stage name to Madrina.

In the spirit of rebranding, the singer released a brand new song with a music video to accompany it which she titles ‘Billion Dollar Woman’ under her label, TCMC.

The video of the music is produced by Tony Ross.

Now that she is back, well she may want to take over the music industry that is now owned by the likes of Niniola and Simi aside Tiwa Savage.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/cynthia-morgan-disguise-as-madrina.html

Former U.S. President Barack Obama, under whose administration the Iran nuclear agreement was reached in 2015, on Tuesday described President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the deal as “misguided.”

Hide quoted text
“I believe that the decision to put the JCPOA at risk without any Iranian violation of the deal is a serious mistake,” Obama said in a statement published on his Facebook account.

His Full statement:
There are few issues more important to the security of the United States than the potential spread of nuclear weapons, or the potential for even more destructive war in the Middle East. That’s why the United States negotiated the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in the first place.

The reality is clear. The JCPOA is working – that is a view shared by our European allies, independent experts, and the current U.S. Secretary of Defense. The JCPOA is in America’s interest – it has significantly rolled back Iran’s nuclear program. And the JCPOA is a model for what diplomacy can accomplish – its inspections and verification regime is precisely what the United States should be working to put in place with North Korea. Indeed, at a time when we are all rooting for diplomacy with North Korea to succeed, walking away from the JCPOA risks losing a deal that accomplishes – with Iran – the very outcome that we are pursuing with the North Koreans.

That is why today’s announcement is so misguided. Walking away from the JCPOA turns our back on America’s closest allies, and an agreement that our country’s leading diplomats, scientists, and intelligence professionals negotiated. In a democracy, there will always be changes in policies and priorities from one Administration to the next. But the consistent flouting of agreements that our country is a party to risks eroding America’s credibility, and puts us at odds with the world’s major powers.

That is why today’s announcement is so misguided. Walking away from the JCPOA turns our back on America’s closest allies, and an agreement that our country’s leading diplomats, scientists, and intelligence professionals negotiated. In a democracy, there will always be changes in policies and priorities from one Administration to the next. But the consistent flouting of agreements that our country is a party to risks eroding America’s credibility, and puts us at odds with the world’s major powers.

Debates in our country should be informed by facts, especially debates that have proven to be divisive. So it’s important to review several facts about the JCPOA.

First, the JCPOA was not just an agreement between my Administration and the Iranian government. After years of building an international coalition that could impose crippling sanctions on Iran, we reached the JCPOA together with the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the European Union, Russia, China, and Iran. It is a multilateral arms control deal, unanimously endorsed by a United Nations Security Council Resolution.

Second, the JCPOA has worked in rolling back Iran’s nuclear program. For decades, Iran had steadily advanced its nuclear program, approaching the point where they could rapidly produce enough fissile material to build a bomb. The JCPOA put a lid on that breakout capacity. Since the JCPOA was implemented, Iran has destroyed the core of a reactor that could have produced weapons-grade plutonium; removed two-thirds of its centrifuges (over 13,000) and placed them under international monitoring; and eliminated 97 percent of its stockpile of enriched uranium – the raw materials necessary for a bomb. So by any measure, the JCPOA has imposed strict limitations on Iran’s nuclear program and achieved real results.

Third, the JCPOA does not rely on trust – it is rooted in the most far-reaching inspections and verification regime ever negotiated in an arms control deal. Iran’s nuclear facilities are strictly monitored. International monitors also have access to Iran’s entire nuclear supply chain, so that we can catch them if they cheat. Without the JCPOA, this monitoring and inspections regime would go away.

Fourth, Iran is complying with the JCPOA. That was not simply the view of my Administration. The United States intelligence community has continued to find that Iran is meeting its responsibilities under the deal, and has reported as much to Congress. So have our closest allies, and the international agency responsible for verifying Iranian compliance – the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Fifth, the JCPOA does not expire. The prohibition on Iran ever obtaining a nuclear weapon is permanent. Some of the most important and intrusive inspections codified by the JCPOA are permanent. Even as some of the provisions in the JCPOA do become less strict with time, this won’t happen until ten, fifteen, twenty, or twenty-five years into the deal, so there is little reason to put those restrictions at risk today.

Finally, the JCPOA was never intended to solve all of our problems with Iran. We were clear-eyed that Iran engages in destabilizing behavior – including support for terrorism, and threats toward Israel and its neighbors. But that’s precisely why it was so important that we prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Every aspect of Iranian behavior that is troubling is far more dangerous if their nuclear program is unconstrained. Our ability to confront Iran’s destabilizing behavior – and to sustain a unity of purpose with our allies – is strengthened with the JCPOA, and weakened without it.

Because of these facts, I believe that the decision to put the JCPOA at risk without any Iranian violation of the deal is a serious mistake. Without the JCPOA, the United States could eventually be left with a losing choice between a nuclear-armed Iran or another war in the Middle East. We all know the dangers of Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon. It could embolden an already dangerous regime; threaten our friends with destruction; pose unacceptable dangers to America’s own security; and trigger an arms race in the world’s most dangerous region. If the constraints on Iran’s nuclear program under the JCPOA are lost, we could be hastening the day when we are faced with the choice between living with that threat, or going to war to prevent it.

In a dangerous world, America must be able to rely in part on strong, principled diplomacy to secure our country. We have been safer in the years since we achieved the JCPOA, thanks in part to the work of our diplomats, many members of Congress, and our allies. Going forward, I hope that Americans continue to speak out in support of the kind of strong, principled, fact-based, and unifying leadership that can best secure our country and uphold our responsibilities around the globe.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/obama-says-trump-misguided-over-iran.html

Kayode Fayemi, a governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti, has denied threatening to cripple the state if he does not win the party’s ticket for the July 14 gubernatorial election.

A group loyal to another aspirant, Babafemi Ojudu, The Ekiti Rebirth Organisation (ERO), had accused Fayemi of making the threat.

Reacting through Yinka Oyebode, his spokesman, Fayemi on Monday described the allegation as “a lie from the pit of hell.”

He added: “The pertinent question to ask the ERO group is where exactly did the minister, Dr Kayode Fayemi make the statement.

“The ERO group is known for their maniacal penchant for fabricating falsehood in the name of propaganda.

“Dr Fayemi never said a thing like that. And if you know his antecedent as a political activist who believes in the rule of law, you will agree with me that the minister is too refined to make such a statement. ERO and its leader, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, are best described as mischief makers. And judging from their actions and utterances so far, you know they are the ones planning to shoot down the state, through their desperation.

“As a matter of fact, the disruption of the primary election was masterminded by the ERO people. For Dr Fayemi, the contest is not a do or die affair. He is a law-abiding citizen and leader of the party who believes in due process.

“The minister believes that having worked with and led the party in the last eight years (remember as governor he was the leader of the party from 2010- 2014 and as minister and the highest public office holder he’s been leading the party in the state since 2014 till date).

“The minister has said it many times that he is prepared to work with whoever emerges as winner in the contest to ensure that the PDP-led government in the state is dislodged.”


http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/fayemi-calls-ojudu-mischief-maker.html

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Vice Chairman, Central Senatorial District of Cross River State, Mr. Cletus Obun has said that the indefinite suspension of ward congresses in the state remains in force.

The congresses, which held last Saturday in the state, were suspended indefinitely following confusions that arose about the alleged bias of the Congress Committee chairman, Dr Stan Ekezie.

The congress materials were taken to the area command of the Nigeria Police in Calabar for safe custody. This is coming on the heels of alleged collation of results and reports that congresses were equally carried out on Sunday.

Speaking with newsmen in Calabar on Monday, Obun said anyone claiming that congresses held in Cross River was trying to mislead the public and the exercise remains suspended until further notice.

“Our demand in Cross River came as a resolution of all stakeholders in the state and was unanimous that a vote of no confidence be passed on him (Ekezie) and the committee as well as the national leadership of the party.

“No congresses should hold in Cross River State until the national convention is held. I am going to be a beneficiary if I remain in office as a Vice Chairman, but it would do this party no good, if we have to keep a perfidious leadership that is antithetical to the aims and objectives of the party and the intent and purpose for which the party was formed and the prospects and potential that this party holds for 2019.

“Therefore, in summary, this party has resolved in Cross River State that the suspension of the conduct of the congresses in Cross River State remains in force.

“The materials are in the custody of the Commissioner of Police. If the National Organizing Secretary, Osita Izunaso, has released photocopies of the materials or other materials for conduct of fresh congresses to suit his script in the state, let the world bear us witness that the materials sent to the state under Dr Ekezie Stanley are in the custody of the Cross River State Police Command signed by all stakeholders under the suspension of the congresses.

”This has been well documented. So anything coming as results from Cross River State APC congresses is nothing but a farce and the imagination and desperation of those who don’t wish APC Cross River well,” Obun said.

“In attendance in the meeting that came up with the resolution was the former governor of Cross River State, Clement Ebri, former members of the National Assembly, sitting Senator, sitting executive members of the state executive committee which passed a vote of no confidence him.

”That is the state congress and that is the highest decision making body at a moment like this. There is no congress of APC Cross River State and the suspension is in force.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/suspension-of-apc-congresses-in-cross.html

Eight years after, facts have emerged on how the Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, nominated the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua for the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize.

The letter titled: ‘Nomination for the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize: Re: Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, President, Federal Republic of Nigeria’ and dated January 6, 2009, was addressed to the Norwegian Nobel Committee, Oslo, Norway.

Ekweremadu predicated Yar’Adua’s nomination on the late president’s inclination for peace and justice for all, noting that although Yar’Adua had the option of full military operation in the Niger Delta, he chose the dialogue and amnesty option in resolving the militancy challenge in the region.

He wrote in part: “President Yar’Adua is a man with natural inclination for peace and justice. He has demonstrated an uncommon ability for achieving peace in his capacities as the President of Nigeria and the Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

“Situations in the Niger Delta region had already assumed monumentally grave proportions bordering on insurgency at the time the President assumed leadership of Nigeria on May 29, 2007.

“The youths of the region had mobilised into the creeks and taken up arms in their tens of thousands under different fronts to wrest the control of their resources from the Federal Government of Nigeria, kidnapping oil workers, and sabotaging foreign oil interests with direct impact on oil productions and revenues.

“Although the president had the usual option of total military engagement to dislodge the militants, with attendant humanitarian consequences in the Niger Delta, he chose the peaceful options of dialogue and unconditional amnesty to all the militants.

“This has been nationally and globally acclaimed as an uncommon masterstroke and a huge success. Over 30,000 militants embraced the olive branch, denounced violence, and turned in their weapons. They are currently quartered in rehabilitation camps where they are also undergoing vocational trainings.

“Furthermore, the president has undertaken robust policy initiatives to deliver physical and human capital development in the region. He has practically committed billions of naira towards this in addition to the mandate of the existing Niger Delta Development Commission and a distinct Ministry of Niger Delta, which he created to directly oversee and speed up development in the Niger Delta area. This has resulted in calm, safety of lives and property in the Niger Delta and the Gulf of Guinea.”

When contacted, the Special Adviser on Media to the Deputy President of Senate, Mr. Uche Anichukwu, who confirmed the authenticity of the letter, however, revealed that the former president did not know about it before his death.

However, a copy of the acknowledgement letter from Nobel Prize Committee was eventually transmitted to his widow, Hajiya Turai Yar’Adua.

“Even though the prize was ultimately clinched by Liu Xiaobo, Ekweremadu was nevertheless happy that the former president’s name had gone down in history as a man naturally inclined to peace and justice and indeed a father to all,” he said. Yar’Adua died on May 5, 2010, after a protracted illness.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/how-ekweremadu-nominated-yaradua-for.html

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Plateau​ State​ on Sunday confirmed that one person was killed and 27 others injured in an auto crash at the state capital, Jos.

FRSC Public Education Officer, Mr Andrew Bala who confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Jos attributed the accident to over speeding.

Bala while addressing NAN said that the accident occurred at 11a.m.

He said an 18-seater bus belonging to Gombe mass transit conveying mostly students and a 10-seater local commercial bus collided.

“The accident occurred around the Living Faith Church, Bukuru, located in Zarmaganda, along Bukuru expressway, Jos South, at about 11a.m.

“The driver of the 18-seater bus died instantly, while 27 others sustained various degrees of injuries.

“Looking at the impact, I think speeding by both vehicles caused the accident,” he said.

Bala said those injured were currently receiving treatment at the Plateau specialist hospital.

He also advised motorists to desist from speeding, particularly during downpour, urging them to always obey traffic rules and regulations.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/jos-auto-crash-1-dead-27-injured-frsc.html

Former United States of America’s Ambassador to Nigeria, John Campbell, has warned the federal government to tread cautiously in the way it is handling the case of the spiritual leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), Ibrahim El-Zakzaky,

He also warned that El-Zakzaky’s ongoing trial could worsen the nation’s security.

In a piece titled, “Nigeria’s Treatment of Shia Minority Recalls That of Boko Haram,” posted on the website of the American think-tank organisation, the Council on Foreign Relations, the former envoy said “there is an escalating conflict between Nigeria’s Shia minority, some of whom are organised into the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), and Nigeria’s secular government” that has been largely overlooked by the Western media.

“The current focus is the eight charges of murder brought by Kaduna State against IMN leader Ibrahim el-Zakzaky, whom the government has detained for two years without charge. Complicating the issue is the Iranian government, which has periodically protested el-Zakzaky’s confinement.

“Beginning in April, there have been daily protests in Abuja and cities in the north against el-Zakzaky’s continued detention. According to the Nigerian media, some of these demonstrations have turned violent and the capital has occasionally been ‘shut down.’ The demonstrations may have provoked the Kaduna State authorities to formally charge el-Zakzaky with murder; if convicted, he could face the death penalty.”

The former US envoy pointed out alleged similarities between the way the founder of Boko Haram, Mohammed Yusuf, was treated and the manner el-Zakzaky’s case is being handled.

He said federal, not state, authorities are holding el-Zakzaky in custody, “and federal spokesmen have said that he cannot be released until the Kaduna State judicial process is completed.

“In December 2015, el-Zakzaky and his IMN group were accused of attempting to assassinate the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, when they blocked his convoy. Following that, the Nigerian Army attacked IMN facilities, killing hundreds of people, including members of el-Zakzaky’s family while the MIN leader and his wife were seriously wounded and arrested.

“The Zaria episode is in some ways similar to the 2009 clash between the army and followers of Mohammed Yusuf in Maiduguri, which led to Yusuf’s death and to the emergence of Boko Haram in its present form. But unlike Mohammed Yusuf, el-Zakzaky has not been murdered by the police.

“Advocacy of violence aside, there are striking ideological similarities between IMN and Boko Haram, at least for outside observers. Both see the secular state as evil; both want an Islamic state based on Islamic law, and both want the end to Western influence, including in education. Both also seek the end of northern Nigeria’s traditional political and religious elite. “For IMN, the model appears to be the aspirations of the post-revolutionary Iranian Islamic state. Boko Haram’s vision appears more nebulous and less developed, but both try to function as a state-within-state.”

Warning the federal government further, the former American ambassador to Nigeria noted: “El-Zakzaky has claimed to have followers ranging from a few hundred thousand to three million. Whatever IMN’s numbers, it has demonstrated the ability to shut down Abuja, if only for a few days at a time. Were el-Zakzaky to be tried, convicted, and executed-the worst-case scenario-Abuja could very well face the ‘black swan’ of an insurrection.”

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/what-el-zakzakys-case-could-do-to.html

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission( EFCC) has traced 61 assets to former Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Oceanic Bank Mrs. Cecilia Ibru in Dubai in its ongoing tracking of looted funds.

The assets include 41 shops, 16 mansions and four park towers. All the properties have been confiscated, but their sale is trailed by controversy because about $4,522,413.20 remain unaccounted for in the last seven years. Out of the over $7million purportedly realised from the disposal of the properties, the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) only received $3,278,238.69 from the proceeds.

The controversy over the sales led to the EFCC’s interrogation of four AMCON officials and former head of the transactions, who is now with a bank. More bankers have been invited for questioning over how the proceeds were wired from Dubai into some individual and companies’ accounts in Nigeria.

But the EFCC may watch-list a United Kingdom (UK) -based lawyer, who was engaged in June 2011 by AMCON to dispose the assets.

According to a fact-sheet obtained, the details of the assets seized from Mrs. Ibru emerged after a crack team of EFCC detectives visited Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to uncover alleged looted funds and assets bought with crime proceeds. Apart from identifying the properties of many politically exposed persons (PEPs), the list of Mrs. Ibru’s assets and their alleged questionable disposal were highlights of the EFCC team’s focus.

Justice Daniel Abutu of the Federal High Court in Lagos on October 9, 2010 sentenced Mrs. Ibru to 18 months imprisonment. He ordered her to forfeit N191billion worth of assets to the Federal Government through AMCON. The assets to forfeit include properties in Nigeria, United States of America, and Dubai.

She was also ordered to forfeit shares in over 100 firms both listed and unlisted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

The fact sheet gave details of the assets traced to Mrs. Ibru , who spent six months in prison in Dubai.

The fact-sheet said in part: “About 61 assets were traced to Mrs. Ibru in Dubai ( UAE). And from the information from AMCON, 41 of the assets were shops, 16 were other types of houses/mansions and four park towers. Some of the towers (A2005, A2008,A 2203) have been linked with two persons.

“While one of the park towers was paid for, three others had not been fully paid for but they have been de registered. Due to non-payment of full purchase price, a Dubai firm, DAMAC, has refused to refund the deposits. “A registered Nigerian company with one banker as alter ego, was engaged by AMCON in June 2011 to provide legal services for the sale of the assets.

“A UK-based lawyer was given the power of attorney which was notarised in Dubai.

“Findings indicated that the attorney engaged allegedly received over $7million but about $4,522,413.20 remained unaccounted for. “The EFCC detectives discovered that AMCON only received $3,278,238.69 from the proceeds of the sale of the assets.”

The anti-graft agency said: “Investigation showed that some of the proceeds of the sales were wired from Dubai into the accounts of some individuals and companies.

“The EFCC team has interacted with four officials of AMCON including a former staff, the ex-Head of the transactions, who is now with a bank.

“More officials of some banks have been invited to come and give us information on third party accounts where the proceeds were deposited.” The EFCC said it had been trying to prevail on Williams to account for the sale of the 61 properties.

The fact-sheet indicated that “the banker was contacted via his Nigerian mobile line but he refused to honour the invitation. An invitation letter was served on his office but he has not responded.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/busted-efcc-allegedly-traces-61-assets.html

The Senate has ordered the immediate reinstatement of wrongfully sacked General Manager Audit and Compliance of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Mrs. Maryam Danna Mohammed.

The resolution followed the consideration of the report of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Pivileges and Public Petition on a petition by Mrs. Mohammed presented to the Senate by Senator Baba Kaka Bashir Garbai (APC, Borno).

The matter was referred to the committee after Baba Garbai (Borno-APC) drew the attention of the Senate to a petition from Mrs. Mohammad against the NDPHC for wrongful termination of her appointment.

Presenting a report on Thursday, chairman of the committee, Sam Anyanwu, noted that the complainant was wrongfully dismissed according to the committee’s findings.

The petitioner had appeared before the committee in February.

Mohammed recalled that she started her career in the then National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) in 1992 as an Officer II Audit and rose through the ranks to the position of Assistant General Manager (Audit) in 2010 while in the service of the erstwhile Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).

She said throughout the 24 years in service, she had never been found wanting in the discharge of her duties or involved in any form of misconduct.

Mohammed said she was shocked to receive a letter dated June 10, 2016 with Ref. No. SGF.55/S.4/52 signed by Babachir Lawal, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and purportedly approved by President Muhammadu Buhari notifying her of her disengagement from service with effect from June 10, 2016.

She said the letter also directed her to hand over to the most senior officer in her department even though her position as a General Manager (Audit and Compliance) was not appointive but a position she earned by growing through the ranks and sheer hard work as a staffer of the company.

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NDPHC, Chinedu Ugbo, told the committee that NDPHC is a private limited liability company and had the right to hire and fire and could take a decision to disengage any staff without stating any reason.

Mr Chinedu stated that on assumption of office as the MD/CEO of NDPHC, he did not meet Mrs. Mohammed and therefore, did not know the reason for her disengagement.

However, Mr. Anyanwu said the committee found out that Mrs. Mohammed’s disengagement was out of order, “because due process in accordance with the terms and conditions of employment and disengagement of officers in the company was not followed”.

The committee also reported that she was not “accused of any offence, or queried or suspended prior to her disengagement.”

“The Senate hereby mandate the NDPHC to reinstate Mrs. Maryam Danna Mohammed and pay all her entitlements because her disengagement did not follow due process”.

The recommendation was adopted by the Senate.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/news-senate-orders-reinstatement-of.html

The adviser to Bauchi State Governor, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, on Special Duties, Sani Mallam has resigned his position with immediate effect

This was just as the adviser admitted that APC is gradually sliding like a sinking ship.

Sani Mallam exclusively told MC EBISCO in an interview on Thursday in Bauchi.

He said, his decision to resign his appointment was to enable him concentrate on campaigning for APC Chairmanship in Bauchi state ahead of the party’s Congress.
According to Mallam, he cannot combine office routine while engaging in campaign for the party’s chairmanship

Mallam, however, said the All Progressive Congress party was sliding gradually due to its current crisis.

He blamed the outgoing team led by Ahmed Uba Nana for the party’s crisis, saying APC popularity is fast drifting.

” There is no justice in the APC currently at all levels and if not addressed, the party may lose to the opposition,” Mallam said.

Mallam stressed that APC supporters will not fold their hands while the governors imposed unpopular candidate during the party’s Congress.

” Let the APC try the mistake of PDP in 2015 and see how the party will lose election to the opposition,” Mallam said.

He then cautioned APC against imposition of candidates for personal interest detrimental to the party.

http://www.mcebisco.com.ng/2018/05/gov-abubakars-adviser-resigns-says-apc.html