₦airaland Forum

Ahead of the expected resumption of the Senate on Tuesday, the Coalition of Northern Youths Association, CNYA, has claimed that the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, is not morally qualified to retain the position by virtue of his arraignment at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, last week. It consequently requested him to step down for a more qualified Senator to preside over the affairs of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The group, which made this known at the end of its meeting in Kaduna over the weekend, declared its resolve to mobilize its members and senators to rally round Senator Barnabas Gemade to become the next Senate President in view of the corruption charges involving Senator Bukola Saraki.

In a statement signed by its national coordinator, Alhaji Abubakar Mohammed, the CNYA stated that the current crisis bedeviling the Senate President culminating in his arraignment at the Code of Conduct Tribunal last week has raised moral issues about his fitness to preside.

According to the group, “we strongly believe that Senator Saraki has no moral right to preside over the affairs of the Senate based on the allegations levelled against him by the Code of Conduct Bureau, and he cannot be facing trial and at the same time presiding over the affairs of the Senate. As such the best option left for him now, if he has conscience is to resign honourably and pave way for a new leadership in the senate’.

While pointing out that the entire world is watching to see how Nigeria will handle the Sarakigate, it therefore called “on the Senate President to do the needful by resigning without delay”

Mohammed added, in the statement, that in order not to create a leadership vacuum in the Senate and allow the opposition party, the PDP to capitalise on this, “we appeal to the previous contenders for the seat of Senate President such as Senators Ahmed Lawan and George Akume to jettison their ambition and support Senator Barnabas Gemade to become the next Senate President.

“This is the only way out of the quagmire, considering the fact that Senator Gemade has all it takes to superintend over the Senate,” it stated.

Justifying its choice of Senator Gemade, the group said it believed that Senator Gemade is going to entrench peace, unity and legislative decorum in the senate.

“We make bold to state that as a former minister, former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP and a two term Senator now in his third term, he has the capacity to steer the ship of the senate and forge unity among the senators from both the All Progressive Congress APC and the Peoples Democratic Party PDP”.

They called on the National Executives of the All Progressive Congress APC to see reason with their position and commence serious consultations among party stakeholders to ensure that the exit of Senator Bukola Saraki as Senate President will not spell doom for the party.

“We call on all APC Senators to throw away any toga of loyalty to any person and go for the best candidate which to us at this particular point in time is Senator Barnabas Gemade,” the statement concluded.

http://dailypost.ng/2015/09/28/northern-youths-to-saraki-youve-lost-moral-rights-to-preside-over-senate/

Rochas Okorocha, Imo State Governor, has reportedly suspended two permanent secretaries and other six substantive directors (names withheld), serving in the Imo State Civil Service, for alleged fraudulent acts.

Reports say apart from being forced to proceed on indefinite suspension without salary and pension, the government appeared bent on getting them to refund every penny they allegedly misappropriated.

Equally, sources disclosed that Okorocha had ordered that the dossiers of all those who either falsified their dates of birth or length of service, should be forwarded to him for proper disciplinary action.

Government’s action, which was aired severally on the airwaves of the Imo Broadcasting Corporation, IBC, Owerri, also ordered the affected officials to immediately hand over to the most senior staff in their respective establishments.

According to Vanguard, one of the affected officials, who allegedly defrauded the state government to the tune of N45 million, may be handed over to the anti-graft agency for interrogation and possible prosecution.

http://dailypost.ng/2015/09/25/permanent-secretaries-directors-suspended-for-alleged-fraud-in-imo/

YENAGOA – Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, on Thursday, emerged as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the December 5 poll.

He was chosen at the primaries of the party held at the Samson Siasia Stadium.

Declaring the result of the primaries in which Dickson was the sole candidate, Chairman of the PDP Electoral Panel and Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose said the incumbent polled 447 votes.

A total of 476 delegates led by former President Goodluck Jonathan were listed for the exercise.

According to Fayose, 452 delegates were accredited and five votes were voided while 24 delegates were absent.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/09/bayelsa-primary-dickson-emerges-pdp-gov-candidate/

Borno-based pastor, Kallamu Musa Dikwa, has advised the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to forget an amiable relationship with President Muhammadu Buhari.

CAN, which describes itself as the largest Ecumenical Body ever established in Nigeria and Africa, is made up of five blocs.

They are Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN); Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN); Christian Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (CPFN) / Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN); Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC) and TEKAN and ECWA Fellowships.

Dikwa, in an interview with DAILY POST on Wednesday, also gave reasons why Buhari will never recognise the Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor-led religious organisation.

He spoke against the backdrop of his suit against the Department of State Security (DSS) over his arrest and detention after his allegation and insistence that former President Goodluck Jonathan gave CAN N7billion to support his re-re-election.

Dikwa said: “The matter has been adjourned to October 21. I believe you recall that my case with them was because I narrated how Jonathan used Oritsejafor and John Kennedy Opara (Executive Secretary of Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission) to distribute N7billion to bodies under CAN and some influential so-called ‘men of God’.

“Oritsejafor is corrupt and on that basis, he and those around him should forget being close to the presidency. The Buhari I know will not have anything to do with them,” the cleric told our correspondent.

According to him, CAN got it wrong by displaying bias in the build up to the presidential election in March.

Dikwa disclosed that the body turned down Buhari’s request for a meeting because of its “blind support” for Jonathan.

“It is normal for an individual or a group to have a candidate. But when you take it to the extreme becomes an issue.

“Now, some Christian leaders are accusing Buhari of not recognising them. But I ask, why would he put them into plan or carry them along?

“Were they not alive when Oritsejafor and his team ignored Buhari? What effort did they make to ensure that he is granted audience to, at least, listen to his plan and other things he has to say?”

Dikwa stated that aside Buhari’s grouse that he was disregarded, the president views Oritsejafor as “a man not principled”.

“My brother, let me tell you this today: even Nigerians that are clean are finding it hard to have the ears of Buhari, talk less people like Oritsejafor and Opara.

“Don’t forget that the APC was at the forefront of the condemnation of how a jet belonging to Oritsejafor was used to ferry millions of dollars in cash to South Africa in that botched arms deal.

“APC has eyes and ears all over the place and their investigation showed that Oritsejafor knew about the whole thing that happened.

“Another reason he wanted Jonathan to return at all cost was because he was promised an oil bloc. Any one ready to argue this should come forward.”

The cleric revealed that Oritsejafor’s attitude and body language during the Jonathan-administration was widely condemned in the hierarchy of the Christian community but was not made public to avoid spreading dirty linens outside.

Asked to opine the way forward, Dikwa while urging President Buhari to be fair to Nigeria Christians because a good number voted for him, said a new CAN executive must be formed as a starting point.

He suggested the screening of candidates, to ensure that only those with impeccable character are allowed to lead the organisation.

Dikwa explained that it was the turn of the OAIC and TEKAN/ECWA blocs to produce the next CAN President as others have taken their turn.

“It will be a wise decision if Oritsejafor resigns but for a man who was parading himself like a top government official, I don’t see that happening.

“However, we expect that a executive will be constituted next March. I only hope that Oritsejafor will not succeed in his tenure elongation plan.

“He has already set that ball into motion and may use imposition as alternative, if his current plan fails,” Dikwa added.


http://dailypost.ng/2015/09/24/why-buhari-will-never-recognise-can-under-ortisejafor-musa-dikwa/

by Matt Duczeminski

Successful marriages last a long time. While working at the same place for twenty or thirty years can be monotonous, being married for the same amount of time should be anything but. In fact, successful marriages are so long-lasting simply because both parties actively keep things fresh. The love stories you hear about a couple on their 25th, 30th, or even 50th wedding anniversary all have one thing in common: they’ve done everything they can to keep the passion and intimacy in their marriage alive and growing.

They do so by:

1. Not taking life too seriously.

Life certainly won’t be all fun and games, but that doesn’t mean you have to be serious all the time. Never lose the flirtatious personalities you had when you started falling in love. Joke around with each other, play pranks on each other, even tease each other (nicely, of course). Be the one who can pull the other out of the dumps when they’re feeling low, and remind them how much there is to enjoy about life.

2. Follow passions together.

Find things you both like to do, and experience them together as much as possible. Don’t be afraid to try new things, either. I know I would never go to an art fair by myself, but I love exploring the different crafts and gadgets being presented while strolling through an exhibition with my wife. And she would never go to a Yankee game if it wasn’t for me, but we have dozens of inside jokes and memories that stem from sporting events in which we both ended up having the time of our lives. Always be open to an experience you know your spouse will enjoy.

3. Be physically present and loving.

Being physical in a marriage doesn’t necessarily have to do with sex. In fact, quite the opposite is true. Remember when you were younger and used to hold hands all the time, or kiss each other goodbye or goodnight? Never stop doing that. Always show love and affection for your spouse, no matter how “used to it” you feel you are. You should never be used to hugging your husband or wife, simply for the fact that one day you might not be able to do so.

4. Write out your feelings.

Don’t just tell your spouse you love them; show them in words. Write them little love notes or poems, and send them letters (even though you live in the same house!). Putting your feelings into written words will not only mean much more to them, but doing so will also refresh in your own mind the reasons you love and care for them so much. If you feel like your relationship has hit a snag or has become somewhat stagnant, get out some fancy paper and write to your loved one exactly what you’d say if they were sitting right next to you.

5. Give thanks and pray together.

Even if you’re not the religious type, recognize the spirituality and sanctity of your marriage. Look deep within your heart and soul, and within your spouse’s heart and soul, and truly get to the essence of what it means to be bound in holy matrimony. Recognize how incredible your life is having someone with you throughout the good and bad times, and give thanks to them, as well as to whatever higher being brought you together for the rest of your life. No matter what you believe in, true love is proof that there are mysterious powers beyond our control that guide us in our daily lives.

5. Spend quiet time together.

Take time to visit a place that is special to your marriage, and simply enjoy that time with no interruptions or outside thoughts. Take in the scenery together, holding hands while making a short, fleeting moment last forever. Let every other care and worry you have slip away, and know that in that moment, the only thing that matters is your relationship.

6. Talk things out.

Like I said, not every moment in your marriage will be perfect. Rough times are unavoidable. But they’re unavoidable for a reason. Instead of trying to skirt the issue, or pretend everything is fine, don’t be afraid to talk about what’s bothering you. There’s nothing worse for a marriage than bottled up feelings that will one day explode in fits of anger or rage. If you feel like your marriage has hit a snag, don’t go to your friends for advice; they’re not experts in your relationship. Go straight to the source. Talk to your spouse about the problem you’re both facing. It will be much easier to work through whatever’s irking you than avoiding the issue altogether.

7. Give thanks and pray together.

Even if you’re not the religious type, recognize the spirituality and sanctity of your marriage. Look deep within your heart and soul, and within your spouse’s heart and soul, and truly get to the essence of what it means to be bound in holy matrimony. Recognize how incredible your life is having someone with you throughout the good and bad times, and give thanks to them, as well as to whatever higher being brought you together for the rest of your life. No matter what you believe in, true love is proof that there are mysterious powers beyond our control that guide us in our daily life.

http://www.thetrentonline.com/7-ways-to-enhance-intimacy-in-marriage/

Akpororo will never cease to amaze us...

https://twitter.com/factorlaff/status/646758428619223040/photo/1

A letter written by founder and deposed Group Managing Director of defunct Intercontinental Bank Plc, Dr. Erastus Akingbola, to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan details how suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Senator Bukola Saraki and Mahmoud Lai Alabi fraudulently took over the bank.

In the document, Akingbola reveals private conversations he had with Aliko Dangote, Senator Saraki and Mallam Sanusi before he was taken out of the bank.

The 7-page letter dated February 9th 2014 was published by The Will:

http://www.thetrentonline.com/exposed-how-lamido-sanusi-senator-saraki-lai-alabi-fraudulently-acquired-intercontinental-bank-plc-read-3/

Actor Kenneth Okonkwo was on Monday, 21st September, 2015 appointed a United Nations Peace Ambassador in Awka, Anambra State. Congrats to him!

http://diamondcelebrities.com/2015/09/23/barr-kenneth-okonkwo-now-united-nations-peace-ambassador/

Nigerian singer, Wizkid was spotted with ex-Super Eagles player Osaze Odemwingie.


http://vibes247.com/wizkid-hangs-out-with-osaze-odemwingie-photo/?utm_source=&utm_medium=twitter

Leader of the Niger Delta Peoples Salvation Front (NDPSF), Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo Asari has accused the Department of State Security Services (DSS) of hacking into his Facebook account and disabling it.

In a statement delivered to the media on Monday, September 21m 2015, Rex Ekiugbo Anighoro, spokesman for Dokubo, said that the Facebook account of Asari Dokubo has been disabled by the DSS which serves as Nigeria’s Secret Police. The statement titled, Buhari and APC: Depotism and the Confiscation of Freedom of Expression: Time Bomb Waiting to Explode, the former Niger Delta warlord said, “The eclipse of freedom of expression is now abysmally manifest.”

Dokubo alleged the this clampdown by the DSS is part of a planned operation to arrest and detain opposition politicians, especially those operating on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter. He says he had began a serialized article disseminated via his Facebook page detailing the gaffes and hypocrisy of President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Although we are not surprised at this junta’s long awaited modus, it remains a sad commentary that we are back to stone age where press freedom is endangered,” Dokubo said.

The statement says that investigations revealed that President Buhari through his media aides had begun the systematic dismantling of accounts of all strong and key opposition voices in the social media network through frivolous petitions of ‘inciting public unrest and the making of hate speeches’ to management of Facebook in their desperate moves to control the network media space.

Co-incidentally, the Editorial Board of The Trent, Monday, had issued a statement in which the newspaper accused the Buhari government of intimidation and bullying of journalists and the press in order to “continue to manipulate the Nigerian people”.

The Editorial was prompted by an open threat to the newspaper’s Executive Editor, Aziza Uko which was published on the government’s official Aso Rock website and signed by a presidential spokesman, Laolu Akande.

“This open threat follows a disturbing pattern in the few months of Buhari’s presidency. It is just one more, in a series of bullying, and threats of arrest targeted at our journalists and Ms. Uko from minions of the government and Nigeria’s Secret Police.

The Nigerian public, the international community, democratic governments around the world, and human rights organisations have been placed on notice with regards to these strong-arm tactics.

President Buhari and his government need to be placed under close observation even as top-ranking officials are mooting the idea of a clampdown on individual and press freedoms by censoring social media in Nigeria. Such an undemocratic move, would amount to a despotic approach to governance by this regime.

Already, the Nigerian government is operating a secretive high-tech surveillance programme which it uses to spy on its citizens, tapping their phones, and hacking their email and social media accounts at will. These tyrannical operations, carried out in the name of “fighting Boko Haram”, are alien to a free and democratic society,” the editorial stated in part.

http://www.thetrentonline.com/clampdown-asari-dokubo-says-dss-has-shutdown-his-facebook-account/

if this is correct, i must say that PMB is an hypocrite.

Dayo Johnson Akure

The Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF and chieftain of the Afenifere, Chief Samuel Oluyemisi Falae Monday received the shock of his life on his 77th birthday as gunmen numbering over 20 invaded his farm in Ilado village, Akure north area of Ondo state and kidnapped him‎.

He was abducted at about 1pm and by 3.20pm, the abductors have demanded for N100m as ransom before the septuagenarian could be freed from their captivity.

The abductors of Chief Olu Falae have demanded for N100m as ransom before the septuagenarian could be freed from their captivity.

Over 50 policemen have been deplored to the village and it’s environ to search for him just as the state governor Dr Olusegun Mimiko has summoned an emergency state Security Council meeting on the matter.

Born on September 21, 1938, the former Finance minister was kidnapped by over 20 Fulani herd men who invaded his farm, attack his over 200 workers.

The 77-year-old politician was secretary to the military government of Ibrahim Babangida from January 1986 to December 1990 and was briefly the Finance Minister in 1990.

He ran for Nigeria’s president in 1999 on the joint platform of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and the All People’s Party (APP) against Olusegun Obasanjo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).


http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/09/abductors-of-olu-falae-demand-n100m/

God help us...

As controversy over the closure of the children’s wing of the Villa Chapel located inside Nigeria’s presidential quarters rages on, DAILY POST has uncovered fresh facts on the matter.

On Sunday, our correspondent was given an insight into the power play that has been going on inside the villa for weeks by Borno-based Pastor, Kallamu Musa Dikwa.

Dikwa, it could be re-called made the allegation that President Goodluck Jonathan gave the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) the sum of N7billion to support his re-election bid.

The Pastor, who is also Executive Director, Voice of Northern Christian Movement, made the disclosure following an earlier allegation by Rivers State ex-Governor Rotimi Amaechi that CAN received N6billion.

In a chat with DAILY POST on the Villa Chapel saga, he expressed dismay that President Muhammadu Buhari was yet to act on the fate of the children’s church despite the nationwide outcry.

Earlier in the month, presidential adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina denied the closure of the church by tweeting photos from service held on Sunday, September 6, 2015.

A tweet via his handle, @FemAdesina said: “President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB) orders Aso Villa Chapel shut? There is no such thing. It’s only a rumour spawned by fecund imagination gone into overdrive. PMB respects freedom of worship.”

However, speaking, Musa Dikwa challenged the presidency to also release most recent photos of the children’s church.

“Let them not deceive Nigerians. I can confirm to you that that section of the church has been converted to a storage room by Mrs. Aisha Buhari, wife of President Muhammadu Buhari.

“I don’t want to think that the President authorized her action, Nevertheless, he should have done something by now because it is a serious matter.”

Asked to state what items were being kept at the building, he responded: “I really don’t know, but I was reliably informed that she brought some items to the villa and could not get a place to keep them.

“To our dismay, she directed some staff to move the items inside the children’s church and then ordered it locked. The security operatives that initially blocked its entrance did so with her knowledge and I dare her to publicly deny.

“What my source told me is that Mrs Buhari said the children’s church is a safer place to keep the items. This is not right. Why would she insist on that particular building in a place as big as the villa? Is she saying there is no other safe place apart from a place of worship?”

The media had reported that due to the shut, the kids now use the office of the Chaplain, Pastor Joseph Sheyi Malomo, for their normal service.

But Musa Dikwa, called on Buhari to take action immediately to forestall disunity among Christian and Muslim communities in Nigeria.

“He promised to unite Nigeria; he promised not to marginalize any religion but what is going on inside Aso Rock is different.

“People like me that were security risks for throwing our weight behind President Buhari are now at risk again because of this action of his wife.

“I have lost count of the number of calls I have received since the news concerning the children’s church broke out. While some are threatening me, some are mocking me that I and others endorsed Buhari who seemed to have turned blind eye to this act.

“They are saying ‘see the man you said will bring change, are you seeing what is happening now. We hope you are satisfied. After all, we warned you but you didn’t heed our advise.'”

Continuing, the cleric recalled how he told the world that President Jonathan gave CAN N7billion.

“It is because we were tired of the corruption going on; we believed in the change mantra. So you can guess what I am going through in the hands of those who alleged that Buhari had a hidden Islamic agenda”, he added.

Musa Dikwa said he, however, believes Buhari will call his wife to order to avoid further damage.

He urged the president to remember the vow he made to Christian leaders he met before the presidential election in March.

The cleric further cautioned Buhari against punishing Christians for the refusal of CAN to grant him audience after he made the request in the build-up to the general polls.

“CAN is a body of Christian leaders, but it doesn’t even form 0.1 percent of the entire Christian community in the country.

“Besides, I have the document containing his own statement. He gave clear assurances and we will hold him by his words because no religion is greater than the other,” Musa Dikwa declared.

Mr. Adesina did not take the call by our correspondent, even as he was yet to respond to a text message to confirm the true state of the children’s church as at the time of filing this report.

Source: http://dailypost.ng/2015/09/21/how-aisha-buhari-ordered-closure-of-villa-chapel-childrens-church/

The Nigerian Copyrights Commission said it has confiscated pirated materials including former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s memoir, ‘My Watch’ among other materials.

The street value of the confiscated materials so far this year runs into billions of Naira, Director General of the NCC Barrister Afam Ezekude has said.

He disclosed this during a parley with newsmen over the weekend in Abuja.

He said the seized goods have been recovered from a number of states across the country.

The states include Kwara, Nassarawa, Abuja and Lagos where the highest recorded value reached N1.5 billion in one operation at Appa Wharf Terminal in April.

Literary works such as former president Olusegun Obasanjo’s memoir “My Watch,” foreign DVD’s and musical works are among a long list of copyrighted products which have been revealed in frequent reports produced by Mr. Augustine Amodu, the director of the enforcement department in Abuja.

A crackdown on illegal production and distribution of copyright work led to the arrest of eight people by the NCC in major areas around Kaduna Town on 22nd July while less than two weeks later after thorough surveillance headed by Mr Austine Amodu, over 4,700 copies of musical CDs, DVDs and VCDs estimated at N2 million were confiscated in Enugu state on 5 August.

Stakeholders and foreign and indigenous Book Publishers have since praised the efforts of the NCC’s fight against piracy at an international publishers meeting held in Lagos on 13 May this year.

Herna Van Wyk, the host and Regional Manager Africa for Elsevier –a company based in Amsterdam, personally thanked the commission, officers of the Nigerian Customs Services (NCS) and members of the Nigerian publishers Association (NPA) for their crucial roles in tackling illegal distribution of Nigeria.

Mr. Amodu has further assured that investigation has since commenced with a view to ensure the prosecution of all the arrested suspects.

http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/news/general/ncc-confiscates-copies-of-pirated-obasanjo-s-book-others/111584.html

na wa oooo...

The lawmaker representing the Ijebu North/Ijebu East/Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency, Honourable Adesegun Adekoya Abdel-Majid has warned all politicians parading themselves as ‘Awoists’ to stop shedding crocodile tears over the passing on to glory of the matriarch of the Awolowo family, Yeyeoba Hannah Dideolu Awolowo, HID.

According to him, those who denied to recognise the leadership of the late sage while he was alive and prevented him from reaching the Nigeria’s presidency had no business mourning her demise.

In statement made available to DAILY POST by his media office on Sunday, Adekoya equally lampooned those who he said conspired to destroy the legacy of the late sage, using his name to attain glory and political prominence while at the same time destroying the Afenifere institution, which he established, to carve an alternative platform for themselves.

He, however, called on the remaining true Awoist like Pa Ayo Adebanjo and many others who are now aging to reassemble and organise younger Awoists to take over the leadership of the Awo legacies because the death of Mrs. Awolowo will leave a vacuum too difficult to fill, and this cannot be left in the hands of some pretenders to the Awo’s name.

He expressed his resolve to personally lead in the reorganization of true younger members of the Awolowo political family in Ogun State and across the Yoruba nation around the ideals espoused by the late sage.

Honourable Adekoya further described the death of Mrs. Awolowo as a sad loss to the Yoruba Nation and Nigeria because she was a rare woman.

In his condolence message on the passing on of the matriach of the Awolowo dynasty, the lawmaker said: “Mama HID Awolowo was a quintessence of what a woman, mother and wife should be. The values of steadfastness, commitment love and devotion was never far from her as she stood firmly with her late husband in all his political journeys and travails.

“In Mama, we saw a rare demonstration of devotion and commitments to her husband’s course and she provided the much needed domestic and comradeship supports for Chief Awolowo to chart the positive political evolution and direction for the Yoruba nation when it was most needed.”

“We are consoled that she lived a fulfilled life and provided much guide, mentorship and advice for the political progress of the south west states envisioned by her late husband. She will be greatly missed as an agent of unity among the Yoruba people.

“On behalf of myself and family, the people of the Ijebu North/Ijebu East/Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency, I commiserate with his children and family on her demise,” concluded the statement.

http://dailypost.ng/2015/09/20/those-who-blocked-awolowos-presidency-should-not-mourn-hid-hon-abdel-majid/

President Muhammadu Buhari has commended President Jose Mario Vaz and the people of Guinea-Bissau for the peaceful resolution of the recent political crisis that left the country without a government for 37 days.

Buhari equally applauded the laudable role played in the resolution of the crisis by his Special Envoy, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo who was also adopted by ECOWAS as the regional body’s Special Envoy on the political dispute in Guinea-Bissau.

The President, in a statement by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, thanked Chief Obasanjo for a job well done and commended the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government for its steadfast commitment to peace, security and progress in Guinea-Bissau and the entire West African region.

He welcomed President Jose Mario Vaz’s acceptance of the solution to the recent political crisis proffered by Chief Obasanjo and congratulated Mr. Carlos Correia on his emergence as the new Prime Minister of Guinea-Bissau.

He urged President Vaz and Prime Minister Correia to work together harmoniously to move their country forward as envisaged by authors of the Guinea-Bissau constitution which splits the executive arm of government into the Presidency and the Premiership.

President Buhari implored all stakeholders in the development and progress of Guinea-Bissau to desist from any further actions that can jeopardize the stability of the country and its democratic future.

http://thenationonlineng.net/buhari-hails-obasanjo-over-guinea-bissau-crisis-resolution/

At least five persons have been killed in a gas explosion that occurred at a gas plant in Eliozu area of Port Harcourt.

The Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Muhammad, who confirmed the explosion to Vanguard on phone, said the Police was already at the scene of the incident to collate information.

According to him, they were refilling gas when suddenly the cylinder exploded.


”I am sure the number will be more than five because I saw some bodies on the ground when the explosion occurred. I was told it was a gas explosion. I hope this is true”, he said.


http://dailypost.ng/2015/09/17/breaking-five-feared-killed-as-explosion-rocks-port-harcourt/

DEAR SIR,
I want to express my appreciation for the way you have been running the affairs of our nation since you assumed office as our President, and Commander- in-Chief of Nigeria Armed Forces. At the same time, I want to use this opportunity to thank God for the successful conduct of the election that brought you to power.

However, I will advise that you take note of these areas of our national life:

1.That Nigeria is more divided along tribal, religious, and regional lines than

when you first led this country.

2.Corruption then was like a child’s play, compared to what we have today.

3.The rate of crime now is unprecedented in our nation’s history, because today there are other crimes such as ritual killings, armed robbery, terrorism, kidnapping, pipe line vandalism, illegal oil bunker), etc.

These are as a result of corruption, tribalism, nepotism and the type of constitution, laws or system we operate. The law that is so cruel and wicked to the poor but so compassionate and lenient to the rich. The law that sends the poor to five/ ten years jail for stealing a goat or hen but frees the rich and powerful for stealing billions of Naira/ dollars on so called technical ground, that must be stopped if Nigeria must survive.

Mr. President, there is need to make a policy statement on your mission to save our nation from total ruin and your vision for Nigeria for years to come. We love your sacrifice and patriotism when you and the Vice President gave 50% of your salary to your country. But you must go a step further, that all those who want to work for this country must do the same, especially, the National Assembly members, governors, ministers, commissioners, judges, head of government agencies, ambassadors, High commissioners, etc. There must be a determined effort to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor.

As the father of the nation, you must “take the bull by the horn”. I am not saying you should dictate to the people but there is need to tell our people why they must show patriotism and be ready to make sacrifices if we want to see Nigeria of our dream, beginning with all Nigerians, National Assembly Members, Labour union Leaders, students, Judiciary, Medical Workers, the Armed Forces, your party, that “a house divided against itself cannot stand”.

The North through the Emirs, the idea that “this is our time” should be put aside for the good of the country. Everybody should see himself/ herself first as a Nigerian, before place of birth or tribe. We should do things that will unite not divide us. If we want to see a united Nigeria, We must amend our constitution that any child born in any part of the country is a citizen of that state, and any law abiding Nigerian who lives and works for up to ten years in any part or state in Nigeria should be a citizen of that state.

Terrorism/investment

Mr. President, Sir, you will agree with me that it is cheaper to prevent crime than fight it. We should not forget the adage which says “if we want peace, prepare for war”. At the moment, the terrorists are ahead of our Security Forces/ Agencies when it comes to information, strategy, surveillance and possibly weaponry.

Where robbers take over a bank for two to three hours without hindrance and get away with their loot is unacceptable and embarrassing. The Government should have a “Task force of Army, Navy, Air force, Police, supported and funded by federal, State, and Private sectors as was done under former governor of Lagos State, Raji Fashola but it can be upgraded. Their duty amongst others is to monitor, constant surveillance, patrol the streets, high ways, Airport, seaports, starting from our borders, offices, etc, fight crime and corruption which today one not only perceives the odour, stares one in the face.

If we would attract foreign investors, then there is need to more work in our human relationships particularly at the airports. This is every visitor’s first place of call when they get to the country. So poor is our human relations that it’s a complete put off.

N NPC/ Oil:

The first refinery in Nigeria was built by Shell. So it is not out of place if the Government should introduce a policy that all companies given license to explore oil and gas, and is able to produce up to one hundred thousand (100,000) barrels per day, must build a standard refinery. Those who cannot do so should give way for those who are wiling so that, if possible, we should be able to refine all our productions and export to other African countries. This will help to create jobs and increase our foreign reserve. The Government must know the correct landing cost of imported fuel/ petroleum products to Nigeria. It would be better if it is duty free or 5% duty for logistics than for this subsidy to continue. The subsidy money can be used to build roads, rails, for electricity, schools, hospitals, etc.

Another area the Government should beam its search light on is the cost of running its activities and deliberate on plans to remove all the abnormalities in the constitution which is slowing down the progress of this country, encourages corruption and crime, and things that bring division among us instead of unity.

Government should assemble seasoned judicial Officials and patriotic lawyers to be headed by His Excellency, the Vice President being a seasoned lawyer himself, to amend those areas that have some irregularities and forwarded same to the National Assembly for consideration and onward passage into law. Create special Court to try cases such as corruption, armed robbery, terrorism, kidnapping, pipeline vandalism, ritual killings, for speedy dispensation of justice, even in the normal Court of Law.

The number of Ministers should not be more than twelve, USA and UK are example, and should be based on zones not states, that is, two Ministers from each of the six geo-political zones. The government should aim at using 40% of its revenue for recurrent expenditure and 60% for capital projects for now, and work towards 75% for capital projects after all the loopholes and leakages had been taken care of.

I pray that God will give you and your team, the wisdom of King Solomon to lead our people to the promise land. Amen.

Mr. Sam Imadonmwiyi, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Lagos.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/09/letter-to-president-operation-rescue-nigeria/

By Vincent Ujumadu

Awka – NO fewer than 167 persons,, who were alleged to be impersonators were apprehended during the just concluded Post University Matriculation Examination, Post- UME, of the institution.

It was gathered that the arrested persons have been handed over to security operatives .ion.

The university’s director of information, Dr. Emma Ojukwu said the affected persons would be charged to court soon.

Meanwhile, of the 30, 477 candidates who made the university their first choice institution and who were invited for the Post –UME, only 28,233 candidates turned up for the examination.

According to Ojukwu, it was noticed that following the stringent measures adopted by the University for the examination, many fraudulent candidates did not turn up for the screening for fear of being detected.

He said: “The University’s newly acquired Biometric Data Capturing Machines were fully deployed whereby candidates’ finger prints were matched with what we already have on our data base.

“There was also physical verification of claimed documents. The shortfall of 2,244 candidates who did not present themselves for screening may not be unconnected with the stringent processes of screening which eliminated impersonation to a large extent.”

He said that investigation of those arrested for impersonation and other malpractices showed that parents encouraged their wards to cheat, insisting that admission into the University was purely on merit.

He said further: “It is on record that some persons, including staff of the University who collected money to assist candidates secure admission could not succeed last year.

“As a result a staff of the university abandoned his work and ran away till today. The other one whose case was reported to the University administration has been dismissed from the university.

“It is also important to inform the public that some criminals have opened Facebook pages in the name of our Vice-chancellor, Prof. Joseph Eberendu Ahaneku. Our vice-chancellor has no facebook account or page.”

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/09/post-ume-unizik-apprehends-167-impersonators/

At least seven people were killed when a school building collapsed on Sunday in Jos, Plateau State.

A witness said Abu Naima Primary and Secondary School in Bukuru, Jos South local Government Area, said to be an Islamic school, collapsed on Sunday evening killing some of the pupils.

The incident happened at about 6:30 p.m. local time.

The witness, Awal Ahmed, told PREMIUM TIMES in a telephone interview explain that “so far 7 dead bodies have been evacuated from the building, but there are several others still in the building.”

According to Mr. Awal, the building collapsed at the time the pupils, most of them less than 10 years old – were being taught Sunday classes, which is believed to be attended by about 30 pupils.

The Zonal Coordinator, North Central of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Mohammed Abdulsalam, confirmed the casualty to PREMIUM TIMES.

Mr. Abdulsalam said rescue team of the agency arrived the scene, recovered 7 bodies, while five people were rescued but with severe injuries.

He said the injured persons have been taken to Plateau Specialist Hospital in Jos for medical attention.

He also said rescue efforts were ongoing and casualty nay increase as several other people were still buried in the rubble.


http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/189998-update-7-killed-in-jos-school-building-collapse-rescue-efforts-continue.html

Emmanuel Adebayor is now a free agent, after Tottenham Hotspur terminated his contract by mutual agreement.

The 31-year-old was left out of the club’s Premier League and Europa League squads and was not given a squad number, as he fell out of favour over the summer.

Adebayor failed to seal transfers to Aston Villa and West Ham, as he sought to run down the final year of his deal at Spurs.


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Tottenham terminate Adebayor’s contractBy Ifreke Inyang on September 13, 2015@dailypostngr1SHARESHARE TWEET SHARE SHARE 0 COMMENTS
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Emmanuel Adebayor is now a free agent, after Tottenham Hotspur terminated his contract by mutual agreement.

The 31-year-old was left out of the club’s Premier League and Europa League squads and was not given a squad number, as he fell out of favour over the summer.

Adebayor failed to seal transfers to Aston Villa and West Ham, as he sought to run down the final year of his deal at Spurs.

A statement on Spurs’ official website on Sunday said: “We can confirm that we have reached a mutual agreement with Emmanuel Adebayor which will see him released from his contract with the club.

“We wish Emmanuel well for the future.”

Adebayor made only 17 appearances in all competitions last season and scored twice.

http://dailypost.ng/2015/09/13/tottenham-terminate-adebayors-contract/

The founder of Living Faith Church aka Winners Chapel is not just a man rather he is a believer of everything that comes from above regardless of fact, below are the reasons why we are where we are:

* FAITH (1 John 5:4; Eph. 6:16)
“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” – 1 John 5:4

* THE WORD (John 1:1-12; Heb. 1:3)
“Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.” – Heb. 1:3

* THE SUPERNATURAL (Ps. 82:5-7; John 3:
“The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.” - John 3:8

* THE HOLY SPIRIT (Acts 1:1-8; Isaiah 10:27)
“And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing.” – Isaiah 10:27

* PROSPERITY (3 John 2; Ps. 35:27; Zech. 1:17)
“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” - 3 John 2

* PRAYER (1 John 5:14)
“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us.” – 1 John 5:14

* HEALING (Isaiah 53:3-4; Jer. 8:22; Matt. 8:17)
“That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.” – Matt. 8:17

* WISDOM (Prov. 24:3-4, Isaiah 33:6)
“And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the Lord is his treasure.” – Isaiah 33:6

* SUCCESS (Joshua 1:8-10)
“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” – Joshua 1: 8

* VISION (Prov. 29:18, Jer. 29:11)
“Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” - Prov. 29:18

* CONSECRATION (Hebrews12:14; 2Tim. 2:19)
“Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, the Lord knoweth them that are his. And let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. ” - 2 Tim. 2:19

* PRAISE (2 Chro. 20:20-22; Ps. 67:1-7; 149:1-9)
“And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah: and they were smitten.” - 2 Chro. 20:22

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winners%27_Chapel

The National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers on Friday said petroleum tankers were not affected by the Lagos State Government daytime operational restriction.

Tokunbo Korodo, the South West Chairman of the union, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos that “the ban had nothing to do with petroleum tankers”.

Korodo, who said petroleum tankers were not captured by the law, added that they could deliver products to any destination any time.

He said: “We are aware of this directive by the Lagos State Government, but the law did not restrict our trucks.

“Tanker drivers can move at any time to deliver its products. We are not affected by the traffic law.

“You can see that our tankers are working all round the clock to lift petroleum products and deliver at designated filling stations nationwide.”

Korodo, however, said the ban was to reduce incessant accident caused by articulated vehicles on Lagos State roads.

NAN recalls that the state government had on September 6 restricted the movement of heavy duty vehicles within the metropolis to between 9pm and 6am.

The government’s action followed the recent Ojuelegba trailer accident, which claimed three lives on September 3.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Oluseyi Whenu, said the movement of articulated vehicles contravened Section 2 (i) and 2 (ii) of the Traffic Law.

Whenu said the government would henceforth impound vehicles and the owners fined whenever there was a breach of the restriction order.

NAN reports that truck drivers under the aegis of the Association of Maritime Truck Owners said they would withdraw their trucks from the road with immediate effect over the restriction directive.

The Chairman of AMATO, Remi Ogungbemi, said it was difficult for members to comply with the state directive on the restriction due to security reasons.

Ogungbemi said the state’s policy restricting trucks’ movement to the night would be hard to comply with because the safety of trucks, drivers and the cargoes could not be guaranteed. NAN

http://dailypost.ng/2015/09/12/lagos-ban-does-not-affect-petroleum-tankers-nupeng/

A staff of the National Biotechnology Development Agency, NABDA, who allegedly attempted to dupe a National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) contractor, Liuideco Global Services Limited, on the pretext that he can help “kill” a pending investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has been arrested by the anti-graft agency.

The suspected fraudster, Samson Irefin was picked up by operatives of the EFCC in the early hours of Friday at the premises of a new generation bank in Abuja, as he attempted to collect the sum of N500,000, which he had demanded from his victim.

Wilson Uwujaren, EFCC Head of Media and Publicity in a statement said the sting operation was made possible by the courage of the would-be victim, who contacted the EFCC after Irefin made his approach, claiming he has influence in the EFCC to get him a soft-landing.

But convinced he had done nothing to warrant investigation by the EFCC, or a ransom to be spared the ordeal of investigation, he alerted the Commission, where he was advised to play along.

From that moment, Irefin was under close watch, with his every move being monitored by the anti-graft agency, culminating in his arrest Friday morning.

The suspect will be charged to court after investigation is concluded.

His arrest, however, brings to the fore the antics of some fraudsters, who have been going about, defrauding members of the public by demanding for money to stop the EFCC from investigating petitions supposedly written against them.

The Commission recalled that it has consistently warned members of the public not to fall prey to these fraudsters as no inducement could stop an investigation by the EFCC.

The statement urged members of the public to promptly report any solicitation, by either genuine or fake EFCC officials, to the nearest EFCC office or police station.

http://dailypost.ng/2015/09/11/efcc-nabs-nabda-staff-for-attempting-to-obtain-n-5m-to-kill-fraud-case/

those who know me know that i don't like money...

boys are smarter...

Ekiti State House of Assembly on Wednesday unanimously approved N19.6bn loan facilities for the state government.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the approval followed two different letters written by Governor Ayodele Fayose requesting the house consent to access the loans.

The letters are, “Consideration of the proposal of the State Government to Partake in the Excess Crude Account and Consideration of the Intention of Ekiti State Government to Partake in the Federal Government Bailout Package to pay Backlog of Workers’ Salaries.”

A breakdown of the loans showed that the state would access N10bn from Access Bank on 10-year and 9 per cent repayment arrangement.

Also, the state government would access N9,604,430,000 from Skye Bank on 20-year and 9 per cent repayment arrangement.

The Leader of the house, Mr Akinyele Olatunji, had appealed to members to give the request accelerated considerations.

Olatunji described the government’s intention as a good development, saying it would better the lives of Ekiti people.

Olatunji said, “Access to the N10bn Excess Crude Account and over N9.6bn Federal Government bailout loan, respectively is a good development for the state.

“The loans will enable the present administration provide basic infrastructure and social amenities for the people.

“If the government is able to access these loans, the government will be able to execute developmental projects.

“Apart from the loan being used to pay the backlog of workers’ salaries, it will also enable the government provide some basic social amenities in the state.”

The views of the leader of the house was corroborated by the trio of Messrs Gboyega Aribisogan (Ikole I), Deputy Speaker, Segun Adewumi (Ekiti West I), and Dele Fajemileyin (Gbonyin).

They described the decision by the state government to access the loans as the best way out of the current financial situation.

“If these loans are obtained, it will take care of government campaign promises to the people,” they said in their different contributions to the debate.

Earlier, the Speaker, Kola Oluwawole, had read the two executive letters from the governor requesting the house permission through resolution


http://www.punchng.com/news/ekiti-assembly-approves-fayoses-n19-6bn-loan-request/

EFCC recovers $6.55m, €248,340 from 49 suspects

NNPC, NIMASA, Amnesty under probe

Cash seized by EFCC in 90 days

•$3,902,229 and €248,340 (49 suspects) in MMIA
•$2,198,900 from a suspect at Lagos Airport
•$454, 050 (four suspects) at Aminu Kano Airport
•$99,000 (one suspect) at Azikiwe Airport, Abuja

Detectives are poring through the books of nine states as part of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration’s anti-corruption war.

Besides, the war seems to be yielding bountiful harvests, going by the performance of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

EFCC has filed 71 high-profile cases in three months.

The commission also seized over $6.555m and €248, 340 from 55 money laundering suspects at the airports in Lagos, Kano and Abuja.

The cash includes $3, 902, 229 and €248, 340 from 49 suspects at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos; $2, 198, 900 ( Lagos Domestic Airport); $454, 050 from four suspects at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano; and $99, 000 from a suspect at the private wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

A former top official of an agency and his mule might be arraigned in court as soon as an ongoing investigation into a $2.1m laundered cash is concluded.

The anti-graft commission said it had established links with its counterpart in Niger Republic on the recent arrest of some Nigerians smuggling hard currency to the Middle East.

The EFCC said it was probing activities of some past government officials in nine states.

Besides, it is investigating the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme, and the National Maritime and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

These disclosures are contained in an Executive Brief on the activities of the commission by its Chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde. It was exclusively obtained by The Nation.

Part of the brief reads: “Operational activities of the Commission have been stepped up in line with the current policy directive of the President, especially in public corruption related investigations.

”A total of 71 cases were filed in the various state and Federal High Courts between 1st June and 1st September 2015.

“ Only 31 of the cases have been arraigned, as the period coincides with the vacation of the Judges and pockets of labour strikes by some state judicial workers. Some of the high profile arraignments include: Ex-Governor Sule Lamido and two others(adjourned to September 28); former Governor Ikedi Ohakim (adjourned to September 30); and former Governor Murtala Nyako (adjourned to October 21); and ex-Governor Timpreye Sylva with no definite date

The EFCC said the trial of a former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mr. Steve Oronsaye, will come up on October 21, but added that it had referred the case to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta, for “reassessment based on the allegation of bias”.

“Other major public corruption and abuse of cases opened in the last three months include those involving; Akwa Ibom, Kebbi, Enugu, Lagos, Plateau, Benue, Kwara, Katsina and Cross River state governments, as well as Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Niger Delta Amnesty Program, and the National Maritime and Safety Agency (NIMASA).”

The brief added: “Laundering of crime proceeds through large cash transactions has increased, due in part to the new policy stopping the lodgment of foreign currency into local domiciliary accounts. Arrests and seizures made by the Presidential Committee on Trans-border Cash Movement at the International Airports are transferred to the Commission for further investigation.”

The brief added: “Suspects who either failed to declare or under-declare the currencies would be prosecuted under the Money Laundering Act 2012, as soon as the courts resume from their annual vacation

”The cash sum of $2, 198, 900 belonging to a former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) was intercepted at the Lagos domestic Airport from a mule conveying the money to Abuja on 8th July 2015. The suspects would be arraigned in court at the conclusion of the investigation.”

Regarding the smuggling of currency out of the country to the Middle East, the EFCC said it as in “close” contact with the anti-graft agency in Niger Republic.

The commission added: “We are in close communication with the Nigerien High Authority for Fighting Against Corruption and Related Offences (HALCIA) on recent arrests of Nigerians smuggling large volumes of foreign currency through Niamey Airport to the Middle East.

“We intend to contact the appropriate Authorities in Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Togo and Ghana for intelligence on current bulk cash smuggling trends by Nigerians.”

The EFCC confirmed the arrest of 10 crew members and detention of a vessel for alleged oil theft.

The document added: “ Ten crew members of MV PEACE who were arrested off Lagos Fairway Buoy by the Nigeria Navy Ship BEECROFT with suspected stolen crude oil were arraigned on 22nd July 2015 before Hon. Justice Idris of the Federal High Court Lagos. The trial was adjourned to 22nd September 2015.

“The case of MT EUROPORT, a vessel arrested by the Joint Task Force Operation PULO SHIELD on 15th June 2015 at Furopa Waterways in Bayelsa, will be in court as soon as the forensic report of the product sample is received from the Department of Petroleum Resources. Both vessels are detained in lawful custody.”

On advance Fee Fraud scams, the anti-graft commission said it has returned €20,540 and $6, 500 to some foreigners.

It said: “Although the Commission has drastically reduced the prevalence of rampant advance fee fraud in Nigeria, we continue to convict perpetrators and return their lost money to demonstrate that we have the capacity to provide justice to our local and foreign victims. Internet fraud has impacted our national image negatively.

Such direct cash restitution includes:-

€10, 540 to a Belgian citizen through the Embassy in Abuja on 2nd September;
$6, 500 to an American citizen through the Embassy’s Legal Attaché on 19th August; and
€10, 000 sent by direct bank transfer to a French victim, who is suffering from terminal cancer in June
The brief also highlighted the benefits of President Buhari’s interaction with the international community to anti-graft war in the last three months.

It said: “We received several valuable capacity building assistance from the United States Government through the Department of Justice, International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Institute of Peace, Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Other benefactors include; the German Consulate, Spanish Embassy, Interpol Singapore, United Kingdom National Crime Agency etc.

“The trainings were held in Abuja, Lagos, Dakar, Malta, Singapore, United States, Thailand, Spain, the Netherlands, Mauritius & China between June and September 2015.

“The United States Government through the FBI and the Homeland Security Investigations also donated a Forensic Recovery of Evidence Device (FRED workstation) and a currency detection/counting machine to the Commission in August 2015 to further strengthen our technical capacity.


http://thenationonlineng.net/buharis-anti-corruption-battle-rages-in-nine-states/

The Rivers State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja on Tuesday rejected an application for stay of its proceedings by Governor Nyesom Wike and his party, the Peoples Democratic Party.

The Justice Mohammed Ambros-led tribunal rejected the contention by Wike and the PDP that a ruling of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, had asked it to stay proceedings until it delivered all reserved rulings on all the respondents’ motions, which are seeking the dismissal of the petitioners’ petition.

Wike’s election as governor in the April 11, 2015 poll is being challenged at the tribunal by the All Progressives Congress and its candidate, Dr. Dakuku Peterside.

The proceedings of the tribunal were stalled on Monday because Wike and the PDP through their lawyers, Mr. Emmanuel Ukala (SAN)‎ and Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN), asked the tribunal to halt its proceedings because of the Court of Appeal’s judgment.
The tribunal had however adjourned till Tuesday requesting that it be served with the Court of Appeal’s ruling in order to decide on what step to take next.

Ukala and Adedipe on Tuesday maintained that the tribunal must stay proceedings in order to comply with the Court of Appeal’s judgment.
But, the chairman of the tribunal, Justice Ambrosa, after studying the Court of Appeal’s judgment on Tuesday observed that as against the request by Wike and PDP, the Court of Appeal in its decision delivered last Saturday, did not order stay of proceedings of the tribunal.
Justice Ambrosa said what the appellate court ordered, instead, was accelerated hearing in the petition.

‎The tribunal chairman read the content of the ruling aloud during the Tuesday’s proceedings.
‎According to what Justice Ambrosa read, the appeal by the Wike and the PDP on which the appellate court delivered judgment succeeded in part, to the effect that the tribunal was ordered “to resolve the issue of the locus standi of the petitioners and the issue of service of the originating processes raised by the appellants, but which were not decided.”

It also ordered the tribunal to accord the case accelerated hearing.
After reading the ruling, Justice Ambrosa promised to comply with the Court of Appeal’s ruling that it must rule on motions on which it had taken arguments but he called on the petitioners to continue their case for the time being.

The petitioners were to continue their case by calling more of their witnesses when PDP’s lawyer, Adedipe, opposed the move, asking the tribunal to first complying with the appellate court’s ruling first before continuing hearing the petition.

In response, the petitioners’ lawyer, Chief Akin Olujinmi (SAN), urged the tribunal to ignore Adedipe’s contention and continue with the trial.
Olujinmi asked anybody dissatisfied with the tribunal’s directive to go on appeal.

In a ruling Justice Ambrosa said the tribunal, having chosen to proceed with trial, would not reverse itself.
The petitioners later called some witnesses, among whom, was Clinton Ochonma, before proceedings were adjourned till Wednesday.

http://www.punchng.com/news/tribunal-overrules-wike-over-acourt-judgment/