₦airaland Forum

[quote author=#Afanna link=topic=473585.msg6331535#msg6331535 date=1278276434][b]Kidnap scourge: Residents flee South-East
National News Jul 4, 2010
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By Emma Amaize
ASABA—SOME politicians and businessmen in Enugu, Onitsha and other major towns in the South-East are now fleeing to Asaba, the capital of Delta State, because of the activities of kidnappers in the region.

Vanguard learnt that some of the residents in Onitsha and other places in the South-East now consider Asaba as a safer place to reside in and that is why they were flocking the town, especially at weekends.

Delta State Police spokesman, Mr. Charles Muka, told Vanguard when contacted over the matter, that the police was not surprised that residents of the South-East were taking advantage of the peaceful situation in Asaba to come to the state.

He said the Delta State Police Command was, however, doing everything possible to ensure that criminals do not take advantage of the situation to infiltrate the state.

A chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in Oshimili North who resides in Asaba, Chief TonyOgbo, in an interview with Vanguard at Akwukwu-Igbo, yesterday, said, “Yes, the peace and security programme of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan is paying off in the state and people from the South-East who are running away from kidnappers are coming to Asaba to take refuge.”

“I have to give the governor kudos for this because I have friends in Enugu, Onitsha, Awka and other places, that run to Asaba every weekend to stay because of the tight security. The governor has empowered the police to make sure that they respond to rapid security threats in Asaba.

“You sleep in Asaba now with your two eyes closed. The governor has scored high in this area and I am happy with this development, knowing that before now, people were running away from the Warri axis of the state because of the activities of militants”, he said.

Investigations also revealed the gov has put in place new security measures, especially after the aborted post-amnesty confab by Vanguard newspapers in Warri, to contain the activities of criminals in the area. It was gathered that the safe security situation in Asaba was what made Nollywood actors and film producers from the Southeast and Lagos to take Asaba, as their second home.


http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/07/04/kidnap-scourge-residents-flee-south-east/[/b][/quote]

[b]Kidnap scourge: Residents flee South-East
National News Jul 4, 2010
Share |
By Emma Amaize
ASABA—SOME politicians and businessmen in Enugu, Onitsha and other major towns in the South-East are now fleeing to Asaba, the capital of Delta State, because of the  activities of kidnappers in the region.

Vanguard learnt that some of the residents in Onitsha and other places in the South-East now consider Asaba as a safer place to reside in and that is why they were flocking the town, especially at weekends.

Delta State Police spokesman, Mr. Charles Muka, told Vanguard when contacted over the matter, that the police was not surprised that residents of the South-East were taking advantage of the peaceful situation in Asaba to come to the state.

He said the Delta State Police Command was, however, doing everything possible to ensure that criminals do not take advantage of the situation to infiltrate the state.

A chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in Oshimili North who resides in Asaba, Chief TonyOgbo, in an interview with Vanguard at Akwukwu-Igbo, yesterday, said, “Yes, the peace and security programme of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan is paying off in the state and people from the South-East who are running away from kidnappers are coming to Asaba to take refuge.”

“I have to give the governor kudos for this because I have friends in Enugu, Onitsha, Awka and other places, that run to Asaba every weekend to stay because of the tight security. The governor has empowered the police to make sure that they respond to rapid security threats in Asaba.

“You sleep in Asaba now with your two eyes closed. The governor has scored high in this area and I am happy with this development, knowing that before now, people were running away from the Warri axis of the state because of the activities of militants”, he said.

Investigations also revealed the gov has put in place new security  measures, especially after the aborted post-amnesty confab by Vanguard newspapers in Warri, to contain the activities of criminals in the area.  It was gathered that the safe security situation in Asaba was what made Nollywood actors and film producers from the  Southeast and Lagos to take Asaba, as their second home.


http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/07/04/kidnap-scourge-residents-flee-south-east/[/b]

best Gov.

Gombe state.

http://www.gombestate.gov.ng/index.php

is oshomole a bini man?why are bini people so controversial.

see osho lo face

yorubaigbo.

[quote author=#Afanna link=topic=470598.msg6310194#msg6310194 date=1277916643][/quote]Location: Port Harcourt.

[quote author=#Afanna link=topic=471038.msg6310124#msg6310124 date=1277915706]look kind of fake.lol[/quote]

look kind of fake.lol

i saw pics on nigeria blog on facebook.

a cute yoruba lady.

:d

[b]Surrenders arsenals and deadly weapons of war

By John Nkwokocha

The embrace of the amnesty programme of the Abia state government by some self -confessed kidnappers operating in the state is a clear testimony that the package of the Abia state government unfolded by the Executive Governor, Chief  T.A. Orji, penultimate Sunday has already started to produce a positive result. This was demonstrated by surrendering of their arms, deadly weapons and sundry arsenals of battle by the enthusiastic kidnappers at the Government House, Umuahia.

In that first show of true repentance, the kidnappers turned up in good numbers as they were no fewer than twelve that gave themselves up in total renouncement of their dastardly trade.
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Their new found spirit is not only laudable but also worthy of emulation by those who are yet to cash in on the package, turn a new leaf and become once more rehabilitated members of the society. It should be stated clearly that time still beckons on their colleagues who are yet to make up their minds to be courageous and take full advantage of the opportunity by going to any of the three designated centres namely: Asa, Mbuto and Okpakiri  and disclose their complete data for record  in the amnesty register
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How kidnappers embraced Abia State amnesty package
Crime Alert May 31, 2010 …Surrenders arsenals and deadly weapons of war

By John Nkwokocha

The embrace of the amnesty programme of the Abia state government by some self -confessed kidnappers operating in the state is a clear testimony that the package of the Abia state government unfolded by the Executive Governor, Chief  T.A. Orji, penultimate Sunday has already started to produce a positive result. This was demonstrated by surrendering of their arms, deadly weapons and sundry arsenals of battle by the enthusiastic kidnappers at the Government House, Umuahia.

In that first show of true repentance, the kidnappers turned up in good numbers as they were no fewer than twelve that gave themselves up in total renouncement of their dastardly trade.

Their new found spirit is not only laudable but also worthy of emulation by those who are yet to cash in on the package, turn a new leaf and become once more rehabilitated members of the society. It should be stated clearly that time still beckons on their colleagues who are yet to make up their minds to be courageous and take full advantage of the opportunity by going to any of the three designated centres namely: Asa, Mbuto and Okpakiri  and disclose their complete data for record  in the amnesty register.


The kidnappers at the Goverment House, Umuahia
Recall that Governor T. A. Orji during a live broadcast in Umuahia Sunday May16 2010, offered a comprehensive amnesty package to all kidnappers and persons involved in one way or the other in the dangerous business and urged them to come out of the forest and other hiding places and lay down their arms within 14 days. In the same vein, they will embrace the governor’s programme in this respect and enjoy all the benefits implicit in the package.

Amnesty is simply defined as pardon. To put it succinctly, according to the dictionary, amnesty is ‘a general pardon especially for those who have committed crimes without prosecution’. Indeed, this is exactly what Governor T. A. Orji has demonstrated. And without fear of contradiction, the programme will be implemented to its letter. Also without mincing words, Governor T .A. Orji is committed to the programme as it is his tradition to drive to logical conclusion, all his policies and programmes. In other words, Abians should be rest assured that there is no going back on the amnesty policy of the government.

It is worthy to note that this is the Governor’s largesse to all those in the deadly act. Again, the Governor has displayed the spirit of a father with a large heart. This is quite unprecedented in the history of governance in recent time and remains as an unbeaten record.   It has become very necessary at this point in time to make this clarification because of the cocktail of feelings within some quarters as to how genuine the government’s move is, stemming from skepticism held by the public, especially against the backdrop of the controversies that trailed the Federal Government’s amnesty programme at the initial time when it was unfolded.

Of course, the pertinent question any critical mind will ask is Why was Abia state, being a member of NDDC, excluded from the Federal Government’s amnesty programme? Whatever the explanation is, it is a matter for another day. However, it is unarguable that the relationship existing between the Abia state government and the Federal government is very cordial.

It is therefore in the light of this, that Governor T.A.Orji is unrelenting in his strive towards making Abia state to key in the federal government’s amnesty package. At this juncture, one believes it is imperative to emphasis that the benefits are immense. First and foremost, for having truly embraced the amnesty, the kidnappers becomes fully integrated into the society without molestation nor stigmatization. Secondly, it is a statement of fact that the Federal Government’s amnesty programme which is on going, has sent 200 militants and kidnappers from the Niger Delta area for training in skills acquisition in China and South Africa.
The Abia state government will plug into this as kidnappers in the state give themselves up to the government. Another benefit is that those who are employable will be offered jobs to live a decent life. There is no gainsaying that overall, with an improved state of security, the economic growth of the state will be accelerated as confidence of investors will be rekindled.  Expectedly,  tourism will be boosted.

In achieving the grand objective of the government’s amnesty policy, all hands must be on deck. The yeomanly performance of The Nigerian Civil Defense Corps in Abia state is commendable, however, they should not rest on their oars.   Other security agencies including the Police, Army and SSS have a good role to play by cooperating with the state government. On the part of the Abia state government, Governor T.A.Orji has provided all the needed machinery and human capital, hence, this is a confirmation of the fact that his administration is not only responsive and responsible but also has a human face. Therefore, there is no doubt that the amnesty scheme will be a huge success soon. Security is a serious business as it is capital intensive but in the face of meagre federal allocation that Abia state government gets monthly, increasing the allocation will go a long way to help the state government realize its goal faster.[/b]

[b]Gunmen kill 3, kidnap 4 in Akwa Ibom
National News May 17, 2010 By Tony Nyong
UYO—NO FEWER than seven persons were kidnapped in Akwa Ibom State last week, four of whom were expatriate staff of Stemco Construction Company in Essien Udim Local Government Area of the state. An army corporal, a policeman and a civilian were killed in the raid which Vanguard gathered, was carried out at the construction site in which the expatriates were working.
Last week, unknown gunmen had also abducted the mother of one of the governorship aspirants in the state, Chief Ini Ekong Udonwa, after they shot several bullets at the marine engineer. Udonwa, who was shot in the leg after he attempted to escape from the kidnappers who were at his home, 30 minutes before his arrival, reportedly refused to part with the money he made from one of his recent transactions.

He was later rushed to an undisclosed hospital for treatment. Vanguard gathered that the abductors demanded N500m ransom for the elderly woman’s release even as they had earlier collected N10 million from Hon. Udom who is the Chairman Coalition of PDP Aborigines. Stemco’s officials who were abducted included its general manager, site manager and two other employees, who were working at the site of a link-bridge before the unfortunate incident.

The kidnappers, who were said to be in disguise, stormed the construction site with three vehicles loaded with arms. The State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Walter Rugbere, who led a team of police men to the family house of a serving Commissioner confirmed the attack on the expatriates. Rugbere told Vanguard that one of the kidnappers was shot dead by the police while another was receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital.

He explained that a lot of arms were recovered from the kidnappers, noting that the police had launched a manhunt for other fleeing members of the group.

Meanwhile, the State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, yesterday, condemned the spate of kidnapping of innocent citizens in the state.

Akpabio who expressed concern about the abduction of the septuagenarian mother of Udonwa, warned politicians to desist from playing politics with people’s lives and freedom.[/b]


It is strange to read this kind of story from Akwa Ibom. The state use to be crime free.

[b]20,000 Nigerians languish in UK prisons, says immigration lawyer
By MOSHOOD ADEBAYO, Abeokuta
Monday, May 17, 2010



Photo: Sun News Publishing
More Stories on This Section
A United Kingdom-based immigration lawyer, Mr. Fola Rahman, has said no fewer than 20,000 Nigerians are currently languishing in various prisons and detention centres across the European country for immigration offences.

Rahman, who spoke as the  guest speaker during the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) ‘Guest Forum’ organized in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital last Saturday  also disclosed that many of those in prisons include  pregnant women as well as the aged and youths.

The senatorial aspirant for Ogun Central Senatorial District seat in the
2011 elections also revealed how the British High Commission rakes in millions of naira daily from visa applications from Nigerians, who are desperate to leave the country.

He lamented a situation where many Nigerians were desperate to go abroad without seeking proper advice, the immigration lawyer said ignorance of the immigration laws in the UK accounted for the alarming rate of fellow Nigerians now in prison.

His words: “We have a lot of Nigerians abroad today that are stranded. They don’t have right documentations. Many are in prison now and their parents don’t know they are in prison. We have more than 20,000 and if you look at it that way, it’s serious,” he stated.

The immigration lawyer noted that there had been several changes in obtaining UK visas. “In 2007, the British government decided that if anybody is living in the UK without having correct documents, it is illegal. Before then, it was not illegal. You have to seek proper advice before going abroad. We need to enlighten our people: it is not to make it at all cost but to dignify yourself in things that you do,” he added.

On what he intends to do for Nigerians, particularly those from his state of origin, Rahman disclosed that his non-governmental organization, Fola Rahman Foundation, intends to open an office in Abeokuta where Nigerian youths willing to travel abroad could get proper counselling free of charge. The legal practitioner also disclosed that he sometimes had discussions with key Federal Government officials in London when the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua visited London on the plight of Nigerians languishing in jails.

“I was actually invited by the former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Michael Aondoakaa; I was there with the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and the then Internal Affairs Minister, Godwin Abbe. I was with them with Chief Jimoh Ibrahim in London. We discussed this matter and the government asked me to look at it so that we can do what they call prison exchange. “This means we can release their citizens who are in our prisons here and the UK government can also release Nigerians who are in prisons in the UK. So, I don’t know how far they’ve gone about that policy but I was involved in it during Aondoakaa’s regime.”

Rahman said his determination to inject new lease of life and quality representation for Ogun Central zone informed his desire to contest the forthcoming senatorial election. Commenting on the recent elections in Britain where three Nigerians won legislative seats, Rahman described the development as a beautiful start for Nigerians and Africans in the politics and governance of the United Kingdom.

He noted that many Africans had been encouraged by the electoral victory of United States President Barack Obama to participate in politics overseas. “It is a beautiful start for us. I believe the drive came in when Obama won the US presidential election. Before, we (blacks) don’t want to get involved in elections. But when those that are there don’t make the right policies, it affects all of us. Therefore, it is the responsibility of all of us to get actively involved in politics. I can see a day when a Nigerian born in the United Kingdom will one day become the prime minister,” he enthused[/b]

http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2010/may/17/national-17-05-2010-008.htm

[b]Isaac Arowosaye, an Ekiti State gubernatorial aspirant who owns a  home health care agency in Orange, New Jersey, has been arrested on Medicaid fraud charges.  A report by newjerseynewsroom.com of April 26 said Arowosaye, 53, submitted a false application to become a Medicaid provider, which he called "Be Kind Health Care Services," and fraudulently billed US Medicaid for $5 million in services that were never rendered or were authorized with forged physician signatures. He was charged with second-degree health care claims fraud, third-degree Medicaid fraud and third-degree tampering with public records, according to state Acting Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Riza Dagli.  The Ekiti governorship hopeful was arrested following cooperative investigation by the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor and the state Office of the Medicaid Inspector General.

Insurance fraud is common in the United States, and investigators often spend months or even years trailing suspects and digging through their records.  Arowosaye was eventually picked up close to his home.  The investigators also executed a search warrant and seized records at the offices of "Be Kind Health Care Services" at 289 Reynolds Terrace. He is being held in the Essex County Jail in Newark in lieu of $150,000 bail.

Irvington civil rights city records also shows that in 1993, the city of Irvington settled a lawsuit $30,000 in favor of Arowosaye and his wife, Emily, after police officers stopped them and searched them causing Mr. Arowosaye's pants to drop in public while his wife who was pregnant at a time was sexually assaulted by one of the police officers who patted her on the buttocks and breast while she was pregnant.

This time, the law seems poised to have the last laugh, as the State of New Jersey is said to be seeking full restitution from Arowosaye.  Last week, the Division of Criminal Justice reportedly filed an asset forfeiture case by which it would Arowosaye's assets.

"This is wonderful news," a Nigerian who heard of the arrest told SaharaReporters.  "Most Nigerians in this country are hardworking and honest people, but it takes just one crooked and greedy fool to imperil their years of work and damage their image."[/b]
It is not known if Mrs. Arowosaye was also arrested.  One source claimed that she was visiting Nigeria and conducting a media tour in preparation for her husband's gubernatorial prospects in Ekiti State. But unless Mr. Arowosaye, who is from Itapa-Ekiti, is very lucky, his political career is already over.
Full details at http://www.newjerseynewsroom.com/state/isaac-arowosaye-of-be-kind-health-care-services-inc-charged-with-5-million-in-medicaid-fraud

[b]
 
Date Published: 05/03/10

Fugitive Ibori escapes from Nigeria

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James Ibori 

Fugitive abd ex Delta State Governor, James Ibori has escaped from his hideout in the creeks, and out of Nigeria, Pointblanknews.com has learnt.

Ibori who was holed up amongst AK-47 totting militants in the delta swamp, bolted out of Nigeria, days ago,  top intelligence sources disclosed to pointblanknews.com Monday.

It was learnt that Ibori fled by boat with the assistance of some militants and political allies.

On wether the interpol would be  used to fish out Ibori, our source said " issue is,  before you involve the interpol, you must indentify his location, presently his location is not known, but the only thing we can confirm is he has left the shores of Nigeria"

However, our source maintained that since it would be difficult for Ibori to flee to the UK or the US, he is believed to be hiding in one of the neighboring nations, from where he could most likely flee to south America, a safe haven for fugitives.

Ibori, who was declared wanted by the EFCC for sundry allegations involving embezzlement, had been involved in a cat and mouse game with the agency.

Shortly after he was declared wanted over a petition brought by elders and opinion leaders of his state, Ibori went into hiding. From his hideout, he went to court to stop what his cronies tagged witch hunt by the EFCC. When he realised that the anti-graft agency meant business, he fled to his village Oghara, from where he was spirited into the creeks.

Few days later, operatives of the agency and a team of policemen stormed oghara, but they were resisted by a rented crowd, which threatened violence.

A source at the EFCC also confirmed the escape of Ibori. The source said all what has been emanating from the Ibori's camp had been diversionary. According to our source" all the noise about him being around , and has nothing to fear , or run away from, have been diversionary tactics by his men.
[/b]

[b]Gunmen kill 11 in Aba, Nnewi, P’Harcourt, bizman, 2 women abducted
From Henry Chukwurah, Ezedike Joshua,
Port Harcourt, Okey Sampson, Aba and David Onwuchekwa, Nnewi
Tuesday, May 4, 2010


Photo: Sun News Publishing
More Stories on This Section
No fewer that 11 policemen have been reportedly killed by gunmen in Nnewi, Aba and Port Harcourt, in the last 48 hours. Daily Sun learnt that gunmen numbering  about six, over the weekend shot and killed four mobile policemen at a checkpoint on the Aba–Ikot-Ekpene highway even as the hoodlums set ablaze the police Hilux van. They equally kidnapped a businessman traveling towards Akwa Ibom State.

An eyewitness account has it that the businessman who was traveling in a red Sport Utility Vehicle was flagged down at the Umuibe checkpoint by policemen on duty for a routine check, unaware that the businessman was being trailed. The men of the underworld, numbering  six and riding on three motorcycles, emerged from nowhere and opened fire on the policemen, killing three of them instantly.
Another policeman who ran into the bush with gunshot wounds was said to have died later. The gunmen also set ablaze the police Hilux van.

It was also gathered that after the gunmen had successfully overpowered the policemen, collected their guns, took the businessman and sped off to their hideout.
As at the time of filing this report, the whereabouts of the businessman whose identity has not been ascertained, remained unknown. The kidnappers were believed not to have demanded for ransom yet.
Last Tuesday, gunmen were also said to have killed two policemen at a checkpoint on the  Isiala Ngwa axis of the Enugu/Port Harcourt highway before heading towards Aba.

Area Commander, Nigeria Police, Aba, confirmed the incidents but said only one policeman was killed at Umuibe. He promised that his command would fish out the perpetrators. Wondering why it was only in the Aba axis of the state that violent crimes and kidnapping had persisted, he called on traditional rulers in the area to co-operate with the police in the fight against criminality in the commercial city and its environs.
Two weeks ago, two persons believed to be police officers were kidnapped along the Aba-Azumini highway.
In another incident, suspected armed robbers attacked and killed four policemen at a police checkpoint in Nnewi, Anambra State.

According to Daily Sun source, the men were killed on Sunday night at Uruagu Nnewi near St Mary’s Anglican Church, while they were on their way to respond to a distress call.
Daily Sun gathered that the policemen where on duty along Nnewi-Oba new road when they received the distress call.
But before they got to the robbery scene where they were directed by the caller, the hoodlums allegedly ambushed them. 

When Daily Sun contacted the Nnewi Area Commander, Mr John Amadi (AC) referred the reporter to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Awka, Mr Emeka Chukwuemeka (ASP).
The PPRO, when contacted, however, said he heard about the incident but did not have details, saying the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Mr Philemon Leha had visited the scene.
Also on Sunday, gunmen went on rampage in Port Harcourt, kidnapped two women in separate incidents and killed a Police Inspector.

Also, a police patrol van hit by kidnappers’ bullets caught fire while two bystanders were injured by stray bullets during a gun duel with policemen.
However, one of the abducted women, Mrs. Millicent Texas, a Ghanaian married to a Nigerian, was later rescued from the boot of a car in the early hours of Monday when the kidnappers met stiff resistance from another police patrol team.
Police authorities identified the slain police officer whose AK47 rifle was taken away by gunmen as Inspector Williams Ezeogu of the Elimgbu Police Station.

Four armed men were said to have kidnapped one Mrs. Rita Oparaocha of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing at about 8.45pm on Sunday at a spot behind Rumuokuta Girls Secondary School.
She was abducted in her red KIA Sorento car with registration number GK 246 RBC as she was driving to her house.
Several police patrol teams were consequently deployed to hunt down the gunmen and at about 9.30pm, a police squad from the Umuebulu Police Station accosted the hoodlums at Edegbelem village during which a police patrol van was hit.

It was gathered that about one hour later, at the Tank Junction the fleeing kidnappers were engaged in a gun fight with policemen from the nearby Elimgbu Police Station during which the Police Inspector was fatally hit and his rifle snatched by the kidnappers.
However, at about 2.30am Monday, yet another Police squad forced the fleeing kidnappers to abandon a Honda car from which the Ghanaian, whose Nigerian husband is a staff of Four Star Marine Limited, was rescued from the booth.
Confirming the incidents, Police spokesperson, Dr. Rita Abbey (SP) said the hunt for the kidnappers was in progress while investigation continues.

Similarly, a popular hotelier in Port Harcourt, Mr. Magnus Akpukwu was shot dead in his residence in the early hours of yesterday at his Rumuaghuolu area of the Rivers State capital.
Eyewitnesses said the gun-totting men shot indiscriminately into the air to scare the people. It was not clear whether any belonging of the deceased was stolen by the killers.
Police spokesperson, Dr. Rita Abbey (SP) said some eyewitnesses had been interviewed by the police to unravel circumstances surrounding the attack as well as the motive and identities of the killers.[/b]

[b]Don’t use Islam for violence, students warn terrorists
By Olalekan Adetayo, Ibadan, Published: Tuesday, 4 May 2010


     
Muslim students under the aegis of the Muslim Students Society, Lead City University, Ibadan chapter, have warned terrorists to stop hiding under Islam to foment trouble.



They said terrorism, both domestically and internationally, negated the tenets of Islam.



The society’s President, Mr. Afeez Lawal, made the call on Monday in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, at a news conference heralding the group’s 2010 Dawah (Islamic Preaching) Week.



Lawal commended Acting President Goodluck Jonathan for his efforts that led to the removal of Nigeria from the United States’ terror list, asking him not to look back until the war against terrorism was won.



He said that all hands must be on deck to ensure that the country’s image was projected rightly through positive behaviour.



He said his group was concerned about the negative perception being given Islam and Muslims all over the world with many people erroneously regarding them as terrorists or potential terrorists.



This, he added, informed the decision of the MSS to choose the topic of the opening conference of the Dawah Week as “Towards a terror-free society: Need for mental transformation.’’



He said, “There is a need for mental change because different acts of terrorism domestically and internationally are given undue affiliation with Islam of which the perpetrators are striking against the Islamic doctrine.”



Lawal said that terrorism was against the teachings of Islam.



“We, Muslim students and progressive Nigerians perceive terrorism as a criminal act against humanity. So, if anybody hides under the Islamic religion to terrorise the community, such person must be brought to book,” he added.



On the programme for the 2010 Dawah Week, he said the opening conference would be on May 8, with the National Missioner of NASFAT, Alhaji Abdullahi Akinbode, as guest lecturer.[/b]

[b]Jonathan to inaugurate Rivers’ gas turbine
By Chukwudi Akasike, Port Harcourt, Published: Tuesday, 4 May 2010


   ACTING President Goodluck Jonathan will on Thursday inaugurate the new 100 megawatts gas turbine facility in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.



The state-owned project, which is expected to be switched on by the Acting President, will boost electricity supply in the state.



According to a statement signed by the Acting Chief Press Secretary to the State Governor, Mr. Blessing Wikina, the inauguration of the gas turbine facility will form part of the activities of Jonathan, who will be on a three-day visit to the state.



Governor Rotimi Amaechi was quoted in the statement as saying that the Acting President would among other things inaugurate the Eleme Junction flyover project, the Rumuola-Rumuokwuta Road and Oginigba-Rumuobiakani Road and also inspect ongoing school building projects.



Amaechi said that the school projects, which had reached advanced stages would be inspected to see how the state’s new 24-model secondary schools would look like on completion. [/b]

[b]may declare 9-month power emergency today
By Obinna Ezeobi, Abuja, Published: Tuesday, 4 May 2010


     
   
Section of a Power Holding Company of Nigeria’s substation



The nine-month action plan that may guide the declaration of partial emergency in the power sector will be presented today (Tuesday) to Acting President Goodluck Jonathan by the Presidential Advisory Committee on Power, led by Prof. Barth Nnaji.



The Acting President, who recently constituted the Presidential Advisory Committee, retained the nominal headship, with the Minister of State for Power, Mr. Nuhu Wya, serving as the Vice- Chairman, may announce the policy decisions suggested by the committee in its report.



Invitation for the event was extended to the ministers of Power, Petroleum, National Planning and Niger Delta; Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Head of Service of the Federation.



Some other people, who were invited to the meeting include the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Inspector-General of Police, Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Managing Director of Power Holding Company of Nigeria and Managing Director, National Integrated Power Project.



Speaking to our correspondent on the telephone on Sunday, Nnaji confirmed that a detailed nine-month action plan had been prepared and would be presented to the Acting President.



He, however, declined to divulge the details of the report, insisting that it would be up to the Acting President to make the recommendations public if he accepted them.



According to him, “We are presenting a private advice to the Acting President. He is free to decide to accept or not.”



Our correspondent, however, gathered that the committee had recommended a restart of the implementation of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act, which was suspended in 2007 following the recommendation of Dr. Rilwan Lukman’s committee.



The reform will ensure that the Power Holding Company of Nigeria gets completely unbundled, with the generation, transmission and distribution entities operating independently.



Under that regime, each entity will be challenged to operate professionally and commercially.



Another key submission of the committee was the need to increase the price of gas supplied to thermal power stations by the oil companies operating in Nigeria to about $1 per standard cubic feet.



The increase will bring the price close to what the companies get when they supply gas for Liquefied Natural Gas as against the price of gas supplied to the power sector, which currently stands at 60 cents per standard cubic feet.



The oil companies have over time shown little commitment to supplying gas for power, claiming that the price set by the government could even not defray the cost of getting the gas from the ground.



Instead, the companies were more interested in supplying gas to the LNG export.



The increase in the price of gas will certainly lead to an increase in the cost of electricity outside the Multi-Year Tariff Order Plan prepared by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission.



The committee is said to be of the opinion that an increase in the price of gas will encourage the companies to supply more gas, which will improve the generation and supply of electricity and convince Nigerians to pay more for power.



Our correspondent also learnt that the committee suggested that there should be a reconstitution of the NERC, which had been run by an administrator since its chairman and the commissioners were suspended in 2009 over corruption allegations.



Investigations also revealed that the Action Plan did not include the National Integrated Power Projects, owned by the three tiers of government, even though any major policy decision to be announced by Jonathan would affect the projects coming up around the country.



On claims that he ought not to serve in the Presidential Advisory Committee since he was the Chairman of Geometric Power, which is building an independent power plant in Aba, Abia State, Nnaji argued that he was appointed by the Acting President because he was knowledgeable about the sector.[/b]

[b]2 die in well over N1000
Cover Stories May 4, 2010 By Emeka Mamah

KADUNA—THERE was confusion in the Kadara area of Sabon Tasha, Kaduna State, weekend, following the death of two young men inside a well.
Sources said the two young men dived into a well, rijia, in the area to recover a missing N1000 bill but did not come out alive.


An Igbo woman was said to be fetching water from the well in the neighbourhood, where her shop is located, when the N1000 note fell into the well. She reportedly asked anybody who could recover the money to do so on the condition that the recovered money would be shared equally.

A source told Vanguard: “A newly married man who was simply identified as Bosofa from the Jabba tribe in the state was resting in front of his house after watching the Chelsea versus Liverpool match on television at about 6.00 p.m on Sunday when some friends called him to try his luck in recovering the missing money to enable him collect N500.

“Bosofa who lived at 7, Kadara Street, reportedly ran to the adjacent street where the money fell into the well and took a fatal dive into the well.”

It was learnt that when Bosofa failed to come out, another youth also dived into the well to rescue him as well as recover the missing N1000 but also got stuck inside.

However, when the two men failed to come out of the well, the husband of the Igbo woman who had earlier advised his wife to forget the missing money raised alarm that attracted neighbours who removed the victims to a nearby hospital where they were confirmed dead.

Landlord sacks couple

The landlord was later invited following the ensuing confusion but he reportedly threw out the couple’s property, claiming that the couple had used the victims for money making rituals.

He was joined by angry youths who tried unsuccessfully to lynch the Igbo couple.

Vanguard gathered that the couple sneaked out to the police station where they took refuge, just as other Igbo neighbours in the area were reported to have gone into hiding following fears of mob attack.

At about 9.00 a.m., yesterday, when Vanguard visited the scene of the incident, policemen in two Operation Yaki vehicles were stationed in the area as some youths milled around smoking substances suspected to be Indian hemp.

One of the police vehicles had registration number AG 108 KJR while the other simply had fleet number 1001 written on both sides.

The policemen, led by an Inspector, were seen picking some items, including photographs from the heap of the property of the Igbo couple including wedding photographs, refrigerators, cupboards, pots and other household items that were seen scattered in front of both their shop and house.

The police at Sabon Tasha declined comments on the matter but Bosofa’s pregnant wife was said to have gone into “forced” labour while the Igbo couple have been detained by the police at the time of filing this report.

     [/b]

ICPC to arraign Ogbulafor today
By Gowon Emakpe


May 4, 2010 12:03AM
  The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Vincent Ogbulafor, will be arraigned today at an Abuja High Court for allegedly defrauding the federal government of over N200 million.

Principal Legal Officer of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which is prosecuting Ogbulafor, Paul Ahmed Bassi, told NEXT in a telephone chat, that Mr. Ogbulafor would have been arraigned yesterday but for the federal government’s declaration of Monday as Workers’ Day.

He said Mr. Ogbulafor has been personally served with the court processes and is expected to come and take his plea today.

“If he fails to come to court, we will apply for a warrant of arrest against him,” he said.

In the ICPC proof of evidence, a copy of which was made available to NEXT, Basil Momodu, an investigator with the Commission, would testify that the 2nd and 3rd accused persons refunded the various amounts they got as their share of the fraud at the National Economic Intelligence Committee (NEIC) to the coffers of the federal government. The proof added that the accused persons conspired to verify some fictitious contracts purportedly executed by companies in which they had interest, and thereafter proceeded to ensure that these companies were paid for the non- existent contracts.

Specifically, the PDP chairman was accused of abusing his position as the Head of NEIC, established by the Federal Government to verify debts owed local contractors, to approve forged documents presented by contractors as genuine, with a view to defrauding the government.

ICPC further alleged that Mr. Ogbulafor relied on such forged documents to certify that three fake companies successfully executed jobs worth over N200m.

At the last sitting of the court, the judge, Ishaq Bello, granted leave for the ICPC to prosecute Mr. Ogbulafor and four others on a 16-count charge of corruption and money laundering. The other accused persons are: Emeka Ebilah, Henry Ikoh, Jude Nwokoro, and Emmanuel Bosah.

Ready to hear pleas

The judge denied the request of Joe Gadzama, Mr. Ogbulafor’s lawyer, who had made frantic efforts to get a stay of arraignment, when he ruled that no such application was before him.

Mr. Bello said that though an application was filed, it had not been brought before him and, therefore, was not ripe for hearing. He said the commission can approach the court for a warrant of arrest if it observed any attempt by the accused persons to abscond before the date of arraignment.

According to the judge, since no preliminary investigations were underway in any magistrate court and investigations into the party chairman and his colleagues had been completed, the accused persons must be present on May 3rd, 2010, for plea taking.


Back

Sokoto Indigenes To Enjoy Bado 510 Housing Units


By Coleman Anaele Correspondent, Sokoto



Sokoto State Government has approved the allocation of 510 housing units in Bado, an outskirt of the ancient city, to the people of the state.

This was disclosed by Alhaji Muhammadu Jabbi Kilgori, the state commissioner of Health, while briefing newsmen in the state on the outcome of the state executive council meeting held at government house, Sokoto.

He said, after studying the report of the committee set by the state government to draw modalities for the allocation of the houses, the council approved 50 per cent allocation to civil servants of the state.

On the allocation formular, Kilgori said, 10 per cent of the housing units were allocated to civil servants of the state origin working outside the state, while another 10 per cent was allocated for special consideration.

Kilgori further disclosed that, 25 per cent of the houses were allocated to the general public, adding that state head of civil service will design the criteria of allocation as well as mode of payment by the state civil servants, while payment of house allocated to members of the public will be made as agreed by the allocation committee.

He explained that a three-bedroom house was approved to be sold at the cost of N5.5 million, while two bedrooms cost N4.36 million with 20 per cent discount, maintaining that the houses would be paid for within a period of 20 years.

Kilgori disclosed that during the state executive council meeting, an approval was made for the taking over of the 235 houses constructed at Mana out of the 500 awarded for construction, while 179 houses out of the 235 readily constructed are two flats respectively. He added that the council approved contract for the supply of water treatment chemicals to the tune of over N500 million.

[b]Igbanke is of the Ika tribe in Africa which constitutes Agbor, and up to the border towns of Alifekede down to Umunede. According to Omoregbe Nwanwene,

“six villages constitute Igbanke: these are Umoluah, Igbontor, Idumodin, Ake, Olije, and Ottah – all migrated from different places.”
It is also the case that the foundation of history of Igbanke indicates poignantly that for many centuries after the different villages of Igbanke had been founded, the Igbankes enjoyed absolute independence because they were not vassals of any other people. The name Igbanke arose from a combination of (the names of) two villages: Igbontor and Ake, after a thorough historical supremacy was established.

The government of Igbanke is presided over by the Eze, Enogies, Odioweres, Ndichies, Dikens, Okhiolors, and Okhialis. Each of these heads has his jurisdiction The jurisdiction could be stratified into three: The family level, the clan or hamlets and the villages. At the family level, the Okhilor (he is usually the oldest man in the family) presides. At the village quarters, the Okhilor is the head, while the Eze rules over the entire village. Igbanke is chiefly a patrilineal society and as such its women are seen as performing passive roles. The language spoken in Igbanke is Ika: It is a mixture of Delta Ibo and Oredo languages. Given that Igbanke has a mixed culture, its mode of conflict resolution includes influences from Edo and Delta.
Before any conflict could be managed or resolved, its cause is examined. In traditional Igbanke society, most conflicts have been triggered off by issues regarding Land, Power, and Money. Land is a primordial asset of the Igbanke people and so, there is often the die-hard feeling of ownership and attachment to it. The quest for power is mostly common amongst title holders and seekers. Power struggle could also be found within families. The causal factor of money cuts across all strata of the Igbanke society.A Case of Divorce Settlement
Marriage, in traditional Igbanke society is considered a very sacred institution. However, the culture permits polygamy. Cases of divorce are not rampant due to the patrilineal nature of the society. Nevertheless, cases of divorce are resolved with a great degree of traditional protocol which ultimately forestalls the practice of divorce. Procedures for divorce settlement are as follows:

Most of the time, the woman goes back to her family at the height of a crisis between she and her husband. Her refusal to go back to her husband has little or no effect to the divorce process. Except for cases of murder a woman will always be forced to go back to her husband’s house.

For settlement, the man’s kinsmen usually summon the woman’s relatives to the man’s house. The woman is asked first to narrate her case. She is given ample opportunity to "cry out" her emotions. The husband is thereafter asked to give his own side of the story. Depending on the degree of the conflict, the eldest in both families mediate the issue. In Igbanke, emphasis is placed on the values of society which glorify peace and harmony. Their minds are drawn to Iyiolor (a family deity that promotes peace in the family). An interesting aspect of conflict resolution at this level is that the couple is not asked whether they want their marriage, rather, they are told (by the mediators) why their marriage should continue. At the instance of a resolved conflict (divorce settlement) the woman is expected to prepare pounded yam with Ujuju soup (this is a special of the Igbanke people). Often, it is expected that her husband feeds her while she kneels in front of him under the watchful eyes of the elders. At the end, they are bound by nso (abominations) of Iyiolor; they are also bound by the sanctity of their marriage and their joint upkeep of their children – this becomes the agreement for peaceConflict management at the village level
Land is said to be a major asset in traditional African society. Conflict over land could arise as a result of problem of inheritance, farmland, settlement and boundary dispute. A major war that ensued between the Igbanke and Agbor people in 1895 was as a result of land. Omorogbe Nwanwene narrates the story accordingly:

"The genesis of the war dated back to early 1895. It started like a grain of mustard seed. It started due to accusations of land encroachment by the Agbor indigenes at the border lands. All these got to the apogee the moment an Igbanke woman on the border land(s) was abducted."
An Igbontor man known as Mgbako went to Agbor to get back his wife who went to farm and never returned. On getting to Agbor, he also was taken captive. The cause of this tragic phase of man’s inhumanity to man – taking a man’s wife illegally and then taking the husband prisoner for daring to ask for his wife is on something material: land. The news of this high-handedness spread over Igbanke with incredible rapidity.

First of all, an Igbontor general, Ojei, nicknamed Orimatun, went to Agbor on a friendly mission to get the release of Mgbako. He too was caught. Unable to kill him by any means, the people of Agbor asked Orimatun to go back to his people and tell them that they would never gain the release of Mgbako. All Igbanke leading men met and took a decision to send all Nwobu (untouchable) priests to Agbor to secure Mgbako’s release. But the people of Agbor killed them all. All overtures of peace from the Igbanke people of Agbor were turned down by the Obi of Agbor – Obi Osagbobu. Cosequently, the Igbankes regrouped with their warlords and war was declared on Agbor in 1895. The tumultuous war raged on until both villages saw the need basically for some reasons: The sacredness of life in the traditional religion; the intermarriage that exists between them; the long relationship that had existed between long before the war, and the need for peace.

The move for peace started with the Obi of Agbor extending fresh palm frond leaves to the Eze of Igbanke. Usually, the item is dispatched by a young lad (believed to be very harmless), clad with Ekwo-ochan (white traditional apparel). The lad is escorted by two warriors up to the boundary where he is left to deliver the item to the emissaries of the king at the other camp. If the other king is in support of peace, he accepts the fresh palm frond and sends the lad back with two of his servants bearing a white dove or a cork. But if he refuses, the lad will be sent back with a red cloth, or he could be killed. But in the case of the Igbanke-Agbor war, the peace move was taken. The moment the white dove was sent to Agbor, the war stopped. Delegates of both kings met at the boundary, performed the necessary sacrifices, killed a he-goat, spilled the blood in a hold right there at the boundary and planted a kola-nut tree right there. Till date, the area is still called Ogidon (a corruption of Ogi-udon: kola nut of peace).Igbanke is one of the biggest villages in Orhionwon Local Government with a very old traditions and one of this traditions is the Egwu New Yam Festivals. The Igbanke egwu new yam festival is a celebration of traditions, its takes place between the months of August and September every year.

The new yam festival starts with the traditional clearing of roads in the town by the youths. this roads are believe to be used by the spirits of the dead (Ndi Nmo) who are visiting the town for the festival. Also this roads are used by the title holders in going to the town shrine to offer sacrifices to appease the gods of harvest and for peace of the town.

The next step heralding the festival is the traditional painting ofthe walls with native chalks and red earths, (in this time all homes in the village is painted) and then the "Eka Mno" ceremony, the traditional announcement of the commencement of the new yam festival.Eka Nmo ceremonies are held at the palaces of the enogies of Ake, Idumodin, Omolua and Igbontor, on this day, the enogie invites sons and daughters of the town to witness the occasion, during the ceremony he announces the beginning of the annual festival and the announcement gives the title holders the permission to eat from the new yams. (Before then, title holders are not allowed – permitted to eat from the new yam)

During the Eka Nmo ceremony different musical groups are invited to entertain visitors. One of the features of the egwu new yam festivals is the "Oroko Dance",this is a group of traditional dancers made of men from all work of life and of all ages. This dance group goes from house to house in Ake and Obiogba and in each compound dances are held for a few minutes and the householders offer present ranging from palm wine to kolanuts and money as the occasion demands. The Oroko dance is the highlights of the festival as it is the delight of both old and young. At the last dance night where the stars do not sleep, all the dance step are repeated and the audience are keep in awe till day break.

Another major features of the festival is the communal eating together called the "Nil Ugwa", in this day every household cook pounded yam with different type of soup decorated with meats and dried fish. The villagers goes from house to house eating and offering prayers, among the meat presented by the household, a part is taken to the home of the oldest man of the town where everybody assembled in the evening to share it among one another according to age, it is an abomination for the man who is sharing the meat to leak his finger in the process. If by mistake he does, he need a special sacriefies to clean him of any anger of the gods. The "Nwa Ubu" Priest after the traditional announcement of the festival do not sleep in their normal rooms but outside in a hut build for this purpose till the end of the festival (on the Iha Ogugu day). This hut is decorated with native chalks and all sorts of carved images, here he receives his visitors and family members. Nwa Ubu is a god of harvest and the protector of the children of Igbanke town. (Nwa-Ubu nigbo, Ori Nkehin ne Oriewinke).

The other highlights of the festival events is often on saturday "Eke Market day", this day the town is agog with activities and different faces are seen along the road and in different house, almost every compound is filled with son and daughters of the family, visitors from far and near, this festival acts as opportunity to meet old friends who are in Oru-Oyibo in far away land.

The priests are to travel to the "Land of the Unknown" to appease the god of the spirit of the deaths, but before they embarked on this "hard" but joyful journey dances, exchange of native chalk powder (Nzun) and offering of prayers are held. The drummers bring out their best drums and entertain visitors and men and women dance to their satisfaction. The children are not left out of the show as they add colours to the day with the fire work "Kakados", a wooden stick with iron filled with matches like gun powder.

The priests left the shrine at about 4.00 p.m. and before this there is a little shower of rain an indication that the gods has washed their hands and accepted the offering given to her. The priests and their family members and visitors alike walk to a certain point and then only the priests have to go further to the "heart" of the valley where they bring back native chalks believe to be the heart of Nwa-Ubu god. This native chalk is believe to be the protector of the people of Igbanke

The Igbanke Egwu new yam festival is a festival worth the effort tovisit, when next you are near between the months of August and september, ask for the next date of the celebrations, you will be welcome.

==Conclusion An attempt has been made so far to demonstrate the process of conflict resolution in the traditional society of Igbanke. The efficacy of the traditional method cannot be ruled out by the day. The emphasis of the traditional model is on truth. It focuses, not on the practice of law, but on the course of justice. Conflict, at the traditional setting is not merely managed, but it is concertedly terminated. This is possible because so much emphasis is placed on the values of the community which strongly upholds peace and harmony. Nay, the Western model may gain from a true traditional African model of conflict resolution.


The Igbanke Egwu New Yam Festivals[/b]