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Gunmen kill EFCC’s forensic team leader in Kaduna
By Elor Nkereuwem
September 15, 2010 02:32AM
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is mourning the loss of its key operative, Abdullahi Muazu, who was killed yesterday in his home in Kaduna. Mr Muazu was, until his death, the head of the Forensic Unit of the anti-graft agency.
The EFCC says that there is not enough evidence to suspect any particular person, as Mr Muazu had been involved in several EFCC cases. An operative of the agency, who asked not to be named, told NEXT in Abuja that Mr Muazu was very involved in the ongoing trials of the bank chiefs who were sacked by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) last year.
“Muazu was involved in virtually all our cases because he was the head of the Forensic Unit, so it is difficult to say that we suspect any particular person,” the EFCC official said. “I know that he was very much involved in all the trials of the Bank Chiefs, you know with checking finger prints and all that.” The spokesman of the commission, Femi Babafemi, in a press statement made available to NEXT, condemned the killing; adding that the anti-graft agency is strengthening its resolve to go ahead with its duties.
“Information reaching the Commission today confirms that our head of forensic unit was killed in a cruel manner in the early hours of today by unknown assailants. Those behind this attack may have succeeded in killing a strategic hand and a key witness in some of our on-going cases, but their act has failed to dampen our spirit or deter us from continuing our investigation and prosecution of all forms of economic crimes and corruption in the country,” Mr Babafemi said.
Ominous killings
Mr Babafemi also said that the commission has launched an immediate investigation into the matter.
Mr Muazu’s death is coming just one day after the gruesome murder of an agent of the State Security Service (SSS), Garba Bello, who was killed alongside his children and wife in Kano.
Bamidele Aturu, a Lagos Attorney, described the murder of the SSS agent as “ominous”, while alluding that the death is related to the coming 2011 elections. Mr Aturu also expressed a lack of faith in the ability of law enforcement agencies in the country to apprehend the killers.
“One must confess that it is futile to call on the security agencies to fish out sponsors of gruesome and cold blooded murders such as the one that happened in Kano on Monday,” he said. “They seem eternally incapable of that. We can only hope that this latest killing might just be an exception in the sea of murder riddles in a country that spends billions of dollars on security at all levels of governance or mis-governance.”

Burglars rob Ogun governor’s wife’s office
By Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji
September 15, 2010 03:18AM
Burglars, in the early hours of yesterday, broke into the office of Funke Daniel, the wife of the Ogun State Governor, Gbenga Daniel.
The burglars reportedly carted away properties and an undisclosed sum of cash from Mrs Daniel’s office, in Abeokuta, the state capital. Sources said the robbers were at the office, located within the complex of the South-West Resource Centre on Presidential Boulevard at about 1.00am, and forced their way into the private office of the governor’s wife through one of the windows. They allegedly assaulted some private security guards in the building, injured some of them, and bound them up while the robbery lasted.
One of the injured guards was said to be receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital as at the time of writing this report. At the scene, Mrs Daniel was seen discussing the incident with some of her aides and staffers, and later left for the governor’s office, to inform her husband.
The burglars also carted away computers from the South-West Resource Centre, located within the same vicinity. Efforts to contact the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Musa Daura, were unsuccessful as calls and texts made to his mobile phone went unanswered.

Edo police cast blame over failure to stop kidnappers
BY JETHRO IBILEKE
September 15, 2010 02:44AM
The Edo State command of the Nigeria Police on Tuesday attributed the recent spate of kidnappings and other violent crimes in the state to the delay in reporting criminal cases to enable the police authorities embark on prompt action.
Residents of the ancient city were just recovering from the shock of the brutal assassination of 86-year-old female politician, Grace Osakwe, when the news of the abduction of Olabisi Ihenyen, the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Psychiatric Hospital, Uselu, Benin, and her husband, Lionel, broke.
To compound the apparent embarrassment of the security agencies and their failure to check the spate of kidnappings, Lucy Omagbon, a former commissioner of Lands, Survey and Housing in the state, was also reported kidnapped last Sunday.
Delay by relatives
Reacting to the security situation in the state, the command’s acting public relations officer, Ejiroro Ahwara, decried the delay in reporting such cases to the command by relatives of victims.
He stated that rather than prompt reporting of abduction cases to the police, relatives of the victims usually engage in negotiation with the kidnappers.
“The police are compelled to work under critical situations when the families of the victims are already negotiating with the kidnappers,” he said.
Mr Awhara appealed to members of the public to always be on the alert and also to report criminal activities and any suspicious movements to the police on time. He also revealed that the abductors of Mrs Omagbon had contacted her relatives.
Mrs Ihenyen and her husband regained their freedom from their captors on Monday night, although this could not be confirmed as at press time. It was also not clear how much their family paid out in ransom. We, however, gathered that the family had offered the sum of N5 million to the kidnappers, which was allegedly refused.
Medical workers in the state, especially in Benin, had embarked on strikes to protest the kidnap of medical personnel and to pressurise the government to crack down on kidnap gangs in the state.

120 prisoners freed by Boko Haram return
by Sebastine Ebhuomhan
September 15, 2010 03:03AM
About 120 prisoners who were recently freed when members suspected to be of the Boko Haram sect attacked the Bauchi Prison, have willingly returned to the prison.
The Minister of Interior, Emmanuel Ihenacho, disclosed this in Abuja while explaining what the federal government was doing to forestall the threat of further attacks from the religious sect that has held the northern part of the country by the jugular since last year.
Although details of the returnee prisoners could not be ascertained as to whether they were awaiting trial prisoners (ATPs) or those serving various sentences, a prison source who asked not to be named said that they are prisoners serving light sentences.
Mr Ihenacho said the suspected Boko Haram members actually launched the attack with the sole aim of freeing over 100 of their members detained in the prison in relation to last year’s disturbances that accounted for the death of about 1000 persons and destruction of several property.
Safe and secure
The minister disagreed with those who have accused the federal government of being helpless, saying it was committed to the security of lives and property at the prison.
He added that there were a total of 759 inmates under the prison’s guard, out of which 721 were freed during the jail break, leaving a balance of just 28 inmates.
Mr Ihenacho did not explain what will happen to the 120 prisoners that returned on their volition, whether they will be considered for future government pardon or not, but he did add that the nationwide prison security system and related security agencies will mount a concerted search to track down the fleeing inmates.
He promised that the government will reinforce the monitoring of security situations in the contingent states of the sect’s spread, especially those of the north-east geopolitical region, to forestall a possible spill-over.
Clarifying on the casualty figure from the jailbreak, the minister said only two un-identified persons were confirmed dead, along with a mobile policeman, while three other prison officials who sustained severe injuries are currently receiving treatments.

Tribune

Niger PDP backs out of IBB declaration •As ex-military leader begins campaign today in Abuja •Holds secret meeting with Atiku
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Written by Dipo Laleye, Idowu Samuel, Adewale Ajayi, Soji Ajibola and Sola Mohammed Wednesday, 15 September 2010
AS General Ibrahim Babangida begins his campaign today at the Eagle Square, Abuja, it has been confirmed that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Niger State will not be officially represented at the event.
The executive members of the party at all levels will not be present at the launch in their official capacities, Nigerian Tribune also gathered.
According to Nigerian Tribune findings, the decision was taken because “General Babangida is still an aspirant, we should not be seen to be openly supporting one aspirant over the other.
“Anybody going to Abuja is going on his own,” the source said, adding that “we must be seen to be neutral, until when we have a candidate, then we will come out openly.”
However, it was learnt that the Niger State governor, Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, would be attending the event by virtue of his position as the chairman of the Northern Governors Forum.
A source close to the governor also said that he (Aliyu) would attend the inauguration of any presidential campaign by aspirants from the northern part of the country.
When contacted, Niger State PDP acting chairman Mr Tanko Beji, confirmed the story, adding that “we must not be involved for now.”
Beji, however, said that the party could not stop individuals from going to Abuja for the launch of the campaign.
Meanwhile, the declaration fever reached feverish point in Minna, the state capital, on Tuesday, as virtually everybody was discussing it at press time.
Scores of vehicles had been volunteered to convey supporters and admirers to the event, while new campaign posters of the former military president also surfaced in many parts of the city.
Thousands of supporters, loyalists, as well as political associates of General Babangida had also been mobilised to Abuja from other parts of the country, to kick-start the campaign in grand style today.
Nigerian Tribune gathered that loyalists of Babangida in Lagos State were finalising travel arrangements on Tuesday evening while his supporters from Bayelsa were already in Abuja.
The actual number of mass transit buses hired by the organisation for the trip from Lagos could not be established by press time, but a source said many of the supporters would go by road.
In Bayelsa, over 300 supporters of the erstwhile military president left Yenagoa for Abuja, on Tuesday, in readiness for his declaration today.
The coordinator of the group in Bayelsa, Alaowei Opukeme, stated that the former president had all it took to lead the country, and, therefore, called on the people of the region to live above the politics of ethnicity and rally round IBB.
Both Babangida and Atiku had met in Abuja about three days ago, to come up with strategies on how they would approach the 2011 presidential election as a formidable team, in view of clamour by the North to reclaim power.
The two, again, met last night in Abuja, to review their strategies and plans for the coming elections, just as aides of the two gladiators disclosed that none of them disclosed details of their talks which they described as exploratory on the possibility of the two working together.
In an interview with the Nigerian Tribune, the media consultant to Abubakar, Mallam Garba Shehu, confirmed the meeting of his boss with IBB, stating, however, that the two usually met behind closed doors without any of their aides in attendance.
In the same vein, the chairman of National Democratic Party (NDP), Prince Chudi Chukwani, in an interview said Babangida and Atiku were working as a team in line with the order given them and other presidential aspirants to refrain from acts capable of making them to lose the scope of returning power to the North.
He said both had realised the dangers inherent in working at cross purposes, more so, having fought hard to halt the PDP from shutting the North out of the presidential contest through zoning.
However, General Babangida has refuted reports that he had picked the former governor of Rivers State, Dr Peter Odili, as his running mate, noting that the issue of running mate would be addressed by his team after the PDP presidential primaries.
He spoke through Chukuwuani, stating that the choice of his running mate was not his sole responsibility but that of his supporters, with whom, he said, the decision would be made collectively.
Meanwhile, over 24 pro-Jonathan political groups have relocated to Abuja, ahead of Saturday’s formal declaration of President Jonathan.
This is just as his campaign train, led by the Cross Rivers State governor, Senator Lyiel Imoke, moved to Port Harcourt.
A top government functionary who spoke on condition of anonymity, said aside from the political rally, President Jonathan was expected to commission some projects embarked upon by the government of Governor Timipre Sylva.

2011: War in social media •Jonathan woos Nigerians through SMS •Atiku takes campaign to Facebook, Twitter •Militants divided over Jonathan, IBB
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Written by Bolaji Ogundele, Idowu Samuel, Emmanuel Adeniyi and Kunle Oderemi Wednesday, 15 September 2010
BOTH President Goodluck Jonathan and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar took their ambitions to contest the nation’s number one position to another level on Tuesday,
when they launched serious campaigns through the Short Message Service (SMS), the Facebook and Twitter.

President Jonathan kick-started his electioneering ahead of his Saturday, September 18 declaration of interest to contest next year’s presidential election on the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Nigerian Tribune learnt that the president has started sending messages to some Nigerians, informing them of his decision to run in the election while at the same time soliciting for their support to stand by him in his resolve to transform Nigeria.
A text message sent from a customised number simply entitled “J. Goodluck” reads: “We are on the road to rebuild our Nation. Stand with me, stand for transformation.”
The message, which many described as a subterranean move by the president to create awareness about his September 18 declaration of interest and subsequently prepare the minds of Nigerians ahead of the day, has been seen as another ploy by President Jonathan to worm himself into the hearts of Nigerians.
A source close to the presidency has also described the president’s move as a welcome development, saying the message sent to the mobile phones of some Nigerians captured the mind of the president and his regard for the people of the country, as well as his preparedness to move the nation forward if given the mandate next year.
It will be recalled that the president, early this year, opened a Facebook account, where he exchanges ideas on sundry issues with Nigerians who visit the account.
Some people have, however, criticised him for practising Facebook politics, which, according to them, has made him appear a weakling who allegedly lacks administrative finesse to initiate and execute viable programmes capable of pulling the country out of its quagmire of socio-economic misfortunes.
It introduced a new twist to political campaigns in the country, which hitherto had been characterised by radio and television jingles, billboards, handbills, public rallies and advertisements in newspapers and magazines.
In a prelude to his official declaration on Saturday, the president’s campaign organisation subtly tried to curry favour with the public in his bid to retain his seat in 2011.
His strategy and message formed the basis of public discussions in many places, as people were found in clusters in many places in Ikeja, Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Apapa and Surulere and Yaba, Lagos State, on Tuesday, to debate it.
In some places, it elicited mixed feelings with some individuals claiming that it might be the handiwork of his adversaries, since he is yet to formally declare.
Meanwhile, former vice-president, Atiku Abubakar has, also, launched a new campaign website, which he said would give direct access to his supporters both within and outside the country to participate in his campaign programmes ahead of the 2011 presidential election.
The website, www.atiku.org, according to Atiku, aims at giving all Nigerians, including those living abroad, an opportunity to make input into his campaign.
“I want to run an inclusive campaign. I want to hear from all Nigerians and respond to their questions and concerns,’’ Atiku said on Tuesday in a statement released by his campaign office in Abuja.
The website, which was launched on Monday, attracted over 2,000 hits in less than 24 hours of its launch.
Atiku also opened accounts on the social networking sites, Twitter and Facebook, as a way of attracting younger Nigerians to support his candidacy and to buy into what he called his “message of hope, experience and visionary leadership.”
The social networking sites, said his campaign organisation, had generated over a thousand followers and supporters with exciting comments and contributions within 24 hours of launch.
Atiku has acknowledged and appreciated the inputs and the huge traffic of comments so far made and has called on other Nigerians to link up with him through these communication channels to make good things happen.
Atiku’s policy document containing his five key priority areas and how he plans to address the many challenges facing the country are on the website for the review and critique of Nigerians.
“The policy document was produced after many studies and brainstorming sessions by Nigerians of different academic and professional backgrounds.
“The initiatives have been reviewed and critiqued by many Nigerians. But no other platform gives us a wider forum for consultation with millions of Nigerians. I welcome Nigerians to review and critique the policy initiatives for us to move the country at a fast rate,” Atiku said.
Meanwhile, all may not be well on the home front of President Jonathan, as he gets set to declare his intention for the 2011 presidential race this weekend.
Apart from the rumoured division among the South-South governors over his ambition, Nigerian Tribune learnt from authoritative sources that top militant groups in the region may have joined forces with his rivals.
It was gathered that groups such as Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) and the Joint Revolutionary Council (JRC), are currently divided over Jonathan’s candidacy and the option of former military ruler, General Ibrahim Babangida (IBB).
It was learnt on Tuesday that some IBB allies had made contact with some former senior commanders of the MEND, who despite repenting from their former ways, still have a formidable voice in the politics of the Niger Delta.
The IBB associates were said to have made overtures to the ex-militants for their support.
Among promises by the General, Nigerian Tribune gathered, is the creation of new states in the region, massive infrastructural development and greater participation of communities in the share of oil revenue.
But Nigerian Tribune source, who was briefed on the development, said the militants promised to remain neutral, at least for now.
“From what I was told, they have chosen to remain neutral despite the temptation of dumping their own brother, Goodluck Jonathan. Given the fact that the race for the PDP ticket has become intense, it is better that they are playing safe, so as not to be seen as sell-outs in some quarters,” our source said.
The apparent crack within the ranks of top militants was also noticed on Monday as MEND, through its spokesman, Jomo Gbomo, severed links with a pro-Jonathan militant body, Joint Revolutionary Council.
More stunning to political watchers is the statement by MEND that it did not know JRC, with which it had jointly issued statements on issues of mutual concern, especially the crisis in the Niger Delta in the past.
The MEND’s reaction further confirmed insinuations that it was undecided about the fate of Jonathan and had decided in the best of interests, to remain apolitical to the events leading to the 2011 presidential elections.
The JRC had, in an attempt to express solidarity with President Jonathan, taken a hard stance on the Director-General of Ibrahim Babangida Campaign Organisation, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, declaring him a persona non grata in the Niger Delta.
Claiming that some persons were being bought over into the IBB camp, the JRC urged those who had chosen Jonathan to remain resolute in spite of these temptations.
“Let us commend all those who have chosen to remain resolute and fight the Jonathan cause, even in the face of grim persecution and great financial and social temptations
“We commend the likes of Chief Dumo Lulu Briggs, Professor Kimse Okoko, Chief Edwin Clark and all the governors of the various Bantustan states across the Nigerian State even though we are aware that certain governors in the Niger Delta secretly do not wish Jonathan well. Their time will come,” the militants stated through their spokesperson, Cynthia Whyte.
MEND said “for the record, there has never been a statement from MEND directed at Chief Dokpesi or anyone involved in the 2011 presidential race.”

Politicians put pressure on Jonathan to drop Sambo •He has already been endorsed -VP’s aide •S/South govs absent at president’s rally in P/H
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Written by Taiwo Adisa and Bolaji Ogundele Wednesday, 15 September 2010
AS the date picked for the declaration of interest in the 2011 presidential race draws near, some interest groups have intensified pressure on President Goodluck Jonathan to drop Vice-President Namadi Sambo as his running mate.
The president is due to declare his ambition to contest the 2011 presidential election on Saturday, September 18.
Sources within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) told the Nigerian Tribune that the groups gathered on Monday night in Abuja and made further presentations to President Jonathan through some influential political figures.
Sources said that though the pressure against Sambo had been on for some time, it intensified during the week ahead of the public declaration for the 2011 presidency by President Jonathan.
It was gathered that the pressure was coming from mostly politicians from the North-West, who believed that Sambo had failed to handle the opposition from the North creditably since his emergence as vice-president.
A source said the main complaint against Sambo was that he had failed to showcase his capacity to mobilise the North to queue behind Dr Jonathan so far.
It was gathered that some politicians from Kaduna were particularly angry that Sambo had allegedly allowed opposition to fester in Kaduna, his home state, where he ruled as governor for three years.
“Those opposed to Sambo as the president’s running mate have insisted that there is growing political sentiment against Jonathan’s presidency in the North, especially from prominent politicians of Kaduna origin, who are known to be very close to the vice-president and that, so far, he (Sambo) has not been able to handle them,” a source said.
Sources, however, said the president had not uttered a word against his deputy thus far and that it would not be an easy task seeking to convince him to drop Sambo as his running mate.
“The President is a listening person, but he has not given any indication that he has issues with the number two man. He has, so far, enjoyed chummy relationship with his deputy, so those seeking a change in the ticket appear to have an arduous task at hand,” a source at the presidency said.
But reacting to the story, Senior Special Assistant to the Vice-President on Media Matters, Umar Sani, told Nigerian Tribune that his boss had been endorsed as vice-presidential candidate at the last presidential campaign council meeting.
Meanwhile, governors of the South-South geopolitical zone were conspicuously absent in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, on Tuesday, at a rally organised to express support for the presidential ambition of Jonathan.
But Chief Press Secretary to the Rivers State governor, Blessing Wikina, was quick to dismiss insinuations over their absence, informing the Nigerian Tribune that his boss and four other governors were in Washington DC, United States, attending US-Nigeria bi-national commission meeting.
The absence of the governors did not, however, deter crowd, who defied a heavydownpour and trooped out to express their support for President Jonathan.
The rally, which was held at the famous Isaac Boro Park, was attended by a union opposition members in the PDP in Rivers State and supporters of incumbent governor, Rotimi Amaechi, among notable Niger Delta citizens.
Among those at the rally were elder statesman Chief Edwin Clark; former governor of Rivers State, Celestine Omehia; former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chibudum Nwuche; Chief Austin Opara; Senator Lee Maeba; Precious Ngelale; Senator Adawari Pepple, Senator George Sekibo and Chief Sergeant Awuse.
In their various speeches, they called on Nigerians to give their support for the actualisation of Jonathan’s presidency in 2011.
Chief Clark, who was the chairman on the occasion, said the rally was a confirmation that Rivers people were solidly behind Jonathan’s presidential candidature and urged people of the state to be united and steadfast in their support for the President.

LAUTECH: NUC inaugurates 7-man transition committee
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Written by Clement Idoko, Abuja Wednesday, 15 September 2010
THE National Universities Commission (NUC), on Tuesday, inaugurated a seven-man transition committee to take over the management of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, for the next three months.
NUC Executive Secretary, Professor Julius Okojie, who inaugurated the committee in Abuja, said it would be responsible for the day-to-day management of the university for the three-month transition period.
The committee, which has the Director, Executive Secretaries Office, NUC, Professor Chiedu Mafiana, as the chairman, also has the responsibilities for the sharing of the assets and liabilities of the university and, as well, conclude the process for the 2010/2011 admissions within the existing arrangements of the two states.
Other members of the committee include former Attorney-General of Plateau State, Professor Dakas C.J. Dakas; Mr Ahmed Mohammed; Mr Paul Osaji; Dr Chris Tamuno; Mrs Ubong Etuk and Dr N.B. Saliu, Deputy Director, NUC, to serve as the secretary.

PHCN workers threaten showdown with FG over privatisation
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Written by Hassan Ibrahim, Kaduna Wednesday, 15 September 2010
The planned privatisation of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), which was announced recently by President Goodluck Jonathan, has pitched electricity workers against the Federal Government and therefore are now planning for a showdown with the authorities if they go ahead.
Speaking at a retreat for officers of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) in Kaduna, on Tuesday, the General Secretary of the union, Comrade Joe Ajaero, said there was nowhere in the world where the power sector of any nation was entrusted to the private sector.
He said that they were prepared to fight the government to forestall this even if it means getting hurt in the process, adding that the decision of the Federal Government to go ahead with the privatisation of the power sector was not good for the development of any nation.
NUEE accused the Presidential Adviser on Power; Professor Bart Nnaji, of trying to take over the power sector through the back door, adding that as an interested party in the power sector, Nnaji’s company which was one of those licensed in 2005 had not contributed a single megawatt of electricity to the national grid.
According to him, “none of the about 30 companies that were licensed in 2005 has been able to produce a single megawatt and today, they are trying to hand over PHCN to a few individual.
“We are saying they should tell us where that is done in the world. But they have not been able to give us one example.”
He explained that today, the basis for their existence as electricity workers was being threatened and for the past five years, it had been the same way and they had decided to confront these issues of grandstanding by the government head on.
“We won’t be surprise if we get hot or bruised, but if we fail to fight, we will die and if we fight, we will survive. So, if there is need for us to fight, we will fight. Part of the problems we are facing is that other organizations that were confronted with this problem did not start the fight. If they had started the fight, we would have been able to consolidate.”

Ogun Assembly crisis deepens as G15 sits in Ijebu-Ode
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Written by Olayinka Olukoya, Abeokuta Wednesday, 15 September 2010
The protracted crisis rocking the Ogun State House of Assembly, on Tuesday, took another dimension as the Group of 15 legislators, suspended on Monday last week by nine legislators loyal to the state governor, Chief Gbenga Daniel was reported to have held a plenary session in Ijebu-Ode, where a vote of no confidence was passed in the governor.
The G15, led by Honourable Tunji Egbetokun, during the session accused Governor Daniel of being the brains behind the entire crisis rocking the legislative arm since the impeachment of Honourable Titi Oseni, in May 2008.
The lawmakers, in the resolution passed during the sitting, accused the governor of aiding and abetting illegality in the state and for non-compliance with the state laws and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The resolution read: ”The House resolved and passed a vote of no confidence in the governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel for aiding and abetting illegality in the state, for mismanaging of public funds, for sponsoring violence and violent gangs in the state and for non-compliance with state laws and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The lawmakers also resolved that the standing order of the House be suspended indefinitely.
The G-15 lawmakers were reported to have called on the state Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Musa Daura and the Director of the State Security Service (SSS), to order the immediate arrest and prosecution of the nine lawmakers, who they accused of breaking into the hallowed chamber of the House to hold what they described as “illegal sitting” on Monday last week.
One of the resolutions of the G-15 was the indefinite suspension of the Speaker, Honourable Soyemi Coker and other principal officers of his group, including the deputy speaker, Mr Ayo Edward-Odugbesan, Majority Leader, Honourable Tolulope Bankole and Honourable Abiodun Oluseyi Moses.
Other lawmakers in the G-9 faction/including Honourables David Kojeku, Musa Maruf, Joseph Adegbesan and Salmon Adeleke got three months suspension each.
The G-15 also declared the seats of Honourable Titi Oseni and Honourable Omosanya Solaja, who were suspended by the Egbetokun-led leadership but were recalled by the nine lawmakers at their sitting last week, vacant.
It added, “The House resolved that in line with Section 109 of the Nigerian Constitution that the seat of the following members Hon. Titi Oseni and Omosanya Solaja be declared vacant by the Speaker and it has been so declared.”
They urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct bye-election to fill the two vacant seats.
The Majority Leader in the G-15 faction, Honourable Michael Fasinu, who spoke with newsmen on the telephone, confirmed that the group met, saying that they has done nothing unusual by sitting outside the hallowed chamber.
He contended that the House, on two occasions, sat at the Cultural Centre in Abeokuta, where Governor Daniel was present, stating that there was an already a laid down precedent to what they did.
Fasinu explained that the important issue in the matter was the mace which was the House’s symbol of authority, adding that they used the mace at their Tuesday’s sitting.
In a swift reaction, the deputy speaker in the G-9 faction, Honourable Ayo Edward-Odugbesan, said the purported sitting of the 15 suspended lawmakers was a comedy — “Baba Sala show,” adding that the only authorised place for members of state legislature to sit was the state House of Assembly.

According to him, “anything contrary is null and void and should be disregarded, as stated by the Supreme Court in Joshua Dariye’s case.
“If they are not satisfied with the decision of Ogun State House of Assembly, where they were suspended on Monday last week, they should go to court. Also they cannot sit without the Clerk, the mace (which is within the assembly complex) and the staff of the assembly who are to write the reports/hazards.
“The legislature makes laws, the judiciary interprets and the executive implements. Who will implement law/resolution made in “beer parlour” in Ijebu Ode?”
Employees of Ogun House of Assembly were again on Tuesday barred from entering the Assembly complex by policemen.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the workers were prevented from resuming work on Monday after the Sallah break.

Osun PDP zones governorship seat to Ife/Ijesa
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Written by Tunde Oyekola, Osogbo Wednesday, 15 September 2010
The Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State on Tuesday, zoned the gubernatorial seat of the state to Osun-East senatorial district, comprising Ife/Ijesa zone of the state.
However, mixed reactions have trailed the announcement of the zoning some of the aspirants expressed disapointment with the announcement.
They claimed that there was no meeting, where such a decision was taken by the party.
A statement signed by the Director of Publicity of the party, Prince Adeolu Adeyemo, quoted the state chairman of the party, Alhaji Ademola Rasaq, as saying that the zoning of the governorship seat to Osun-East Senatorial District was in line with the zoning policy of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The party had at the beginning of this year zoned the same seat to both Osun-East and Osun-West Senatorial Districts, causing the former Secretary to the Osun State Government (SSG), Alhaji Fatai Akinbade and former Chief of Staff to the governor, Elder Peter Babalola, who hail from Osun-West senatorial district to resign their appointments was to take part in the contest.
The fresh decision of the party was received by the governorship aspirants, who appeared divided over the zoning arrangement of the party.
The two governorship aspirants from Osun-West senatorial district, Akinbade and Babalola condemned the action of the party on the grounds that the area had been excluded from the contest.
Alhaji Bakare Akomola, a PDP leader from Ayedaade Local Government of the state, who spoke on behalf of some governorship aspirants, said that the party decision was unacceptable, adding that it was uncalled for.
Akinbade, who described the action as a ruse said that there was no meeting where such decision was taken.
Akinbade, who said that he was still in the race maintained that those who were behind the illegal zoning were those who were desperate to impose candidate on the party from Osun-East.
Senator Iyiola Omisore, Honourable Gbenga Onigbogi, Diran Odeyemi and other governorship aspirants from the zone, commended the decision.

Bandits kill woman, cart away N28m from bank
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Written by Alphonsus Agborh, Asaba Wednesday, 15 September 2010
A gang of armed bandits, on Tuesday, attacked an old generation bank at Ogwuashi-uku, Delta State, killing a woman and allegedly carted away about N28 million from the bank, a few metres away from a the police station.
An unconfirmed report said, however, that three persons, including a fruit vendor, died as a result of stray bullets.
The robbers had earlier, on Monday, hijacked a Delta State government van with registration number DTGH 607, with the driver and another occupant of the car in Asaba, who were blindfolded and held in custody till the time of the operation in the bank.
Report said that the hoodlums arrived the bank premises at about 9a.m. and started shooting sporadically in all directions.
Many bank workers, including a security man attached to the bank, were seriously injured and were treated at the Federal Medical Centre.
Unknown to the police in Ogwashi-ukwu, the bandits were said to have looked briefly into the nearby police station when the D.P.O, Mr Niyi Ojopagogo, was allegedly holding the usual morning briefing with his men before striking.
The DPO vehicle was riddled with bullets while the woman hit by stray bullet was believed to be a fruit seller at Umuneze junction.

FG to establish cement technology institute
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Written by Ayomide Owonibi, Lagos Wednesday, 15 September 2010
IN a bid to optimise cement production capacity, the Federal Government has concluded plans to partner with stakeholders to establish a cement technology institute.
This was made known by the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Senator Jubril Martins-Kuye, at a stakeholders’ forum orgarnised by Abiten Limited, in Lagos, on Tuesday.
Senator Kuye pointed out that the institute would be a fulcrum for positioning as a net exporter of cement with a capacity of meeting needs of the ECOWAS sub-region and beyond.
“This institute would serve as a base to make cement adequate and availaible as a low-cost building material for the average Nigerian. We are partnering with relevant stakeholders to see that this institute becomes a reality.”
The minister also noted that the Federal Government was making efforts to attract new investors into the cement sub-sector. “We urge stakeholders to come and invest in the cement industry and aid the Federal Government to come up with the technological know-how and strategies that would help Nigeria to attain self-sufficiency in cement production by 2013,” he said.
Senator Kuye further noted that there was a review of the activities of the cement sector, which had culminated in the government granting specific concessions and incentives designed to accelerate the development and growth of the sector.
“Zero duty has been given on imported machinery and equipment for cement plants, as well as guranteeing access to uninterrupted supply of feedstock for energy generation at affordable price.”

FG decries European bias against Nigeria on investments
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Written by Leon Usigbe, Abuja Wednesday, 15 September 2010
VICE President Namadi Sambo has regretted the discriminatory attitude of European countries, which he said were refusing to guarantee companies doing business in Nigeria, whereas they granted such facility to those investing in other West African countries.
He observed during the 10th meeting of the Honorary International Investor Council (HIIC) in the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja on Tuesday, that while the United Kingdom granted guarantees to companies in Ghana for instance, it had failed to do so for those interested in coming to Nigeria.
He, therefore, stressed the need for the council to support Nigeria to build investors’ confidence in the country as huge opportunities for investment existed in all sectors in Nigeria.
Sambo said government had initiated deliberate policies to bolster investors’ interest in the different sectors, saying that as well as ensuring adequate security, machinery had been put in place to reform the Nigeria police.
On infrastructural development, he said government was looking on various ways to organise and stratify funding for projects in its quest to achieve the stated goals in the Vision 20:2020 programme.
According to him, areas being explored included concessional funds, from the World Bank, the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), the African Development Bank (ADB), the Yen Credit facility, Public Private Partnerships and bilateral funding.
Meanwhile, the HIIC had observed that the business environment in the country was yet to improve thereby causing lack of investors’ confidence.

Jega queries Niger state Inec boss •For allegedly romancing with Gov Aliyu
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Written by Dipo Laleye Minna Wednesday, 15 September 2010
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attaihiru Jega, may have issued a verbal query to the Niger State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Emmanuel Onucheyo, over an alleged romance with the Niger State government.
This was coming on the heels of a verbal war between the Niger State governor, Dr Muazu Baban-gida Aliyu and the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), governorship candidate in the 2007 election, Mr David Umoru.
Professor Jega’s query according to a source close to the INEC office in Minna, arose from a recent visit of Dr Onucheyo to Governor Aliyu during which he allegedly solicited for the support of the administration.
The same issue was the cause of the verbal war between Mr David Umoru and Governor Aliyu at the stakeholders forum, organised to sensitise the people ahead of the voter registration and election proper.
Nigerian Tribune learnt that Professor Jega, who read about the interaction between the Niger State REC and the governor in the newspapers reportedly put a phone call through to Dr Onucheyo asking for the details of the discussion.
It will be recalled that Professor Jega had instructed all his officers not to ‘romance’ with state governors as one of the ways of achieving a free and fair election in 2011.
Nigerian Tribune was told by an official of the commission, who was at the REC office when the call came in, that Dr Onucheyo denied seeking for assistance from the state government.