₦airaland Forum

I hope he realises that he needs more than goodluck to run the country.

Nl folks pls leave GEJ alone, the said he is slow. So allow him to take his time, am sure we will hear from him next week. Chikena!!!

A religious fanatic is a "muslim".

We tend to forget our history lessons easily. Back in school our history teacher thought us how mohammed, uthman dan fodio and queen amina used the sword to propagate islam.
Over the years I have come to understand that islam means submission (converting infidels to allah @ all cost).
That's the ultimate goal of every “true” muslim. Forget their pretence.

A religious is a tru muslim.

What do u expect from a pady pady Govt.

By Austin Ogwuda, Asaba
COMMOTION broke out in Asaba yesterday evening  as two Hausa/Fulani cattle rearers allegedly stabbed a policeman to death  at the heat of argument with daggers.

The incident took place at about 6. 15 pm, yesterday along the Direct Labour Agency DLC road Asaba.

At the heat of the commotion, the policeman was  stabbed  in the stomach.

Eyewitness who simply gave his name as Charles told Vanguard that “when the officer was bleeding slumped, many people felt he has died and lynched the two of them instantly.

When this reporter visited the Police ‘A’ Division, a large crowed gathered while two corpses were seen on the ground.

It was not immediately ascertained if the stabbed policeman has died or hospitalized.
Contacted, the State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Charles Muka said “ about the  incident two Hausa/ Fulanis attacked a policeman with dagger and mob lynched the two of them.

But that policeman’s identity was yet to be known , we don’t know if he is from this command and whether is dead or the hospital he is"

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/01/2-cattle-rearers-kill-police-officer/?utm_source=&utm_medium=twitter

I don't need 50m, offer ringims balls den we can talk about the handover.

Fresh facts have revealed that the escape of   suspected mastermind of the Christmas Day bombing at St Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madala, Kabir Sokoto, was facilitated by Police Commissioner, Zakari Biu, with veiled backing from close allies of the Inspector General of Police, Hafiz Ringim.

Competent Police sources at the Force Headquarters told Pointblanknews.com that a recently promoted Commissioner of Police (CP) Biu in charge of Investigations at the Zone 7 Police Command in Wuse Abuja facilitated the escape of Kabir Sokoto.  

CP Biu, is from Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, which serves as the Headquarters of the Islamic sect.



The source hinted that Biu had ordered two of his men who are of the ranks of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) and Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) who are detailed to be in charge of the suspect to produce him for personal interrogation.

Pointblanknews.com gathered that CP Biu after the “personal interrogation” asked his aide to take the suspect for evening prayers within the premises of his office.

According to our source the whole the tale about how the team taking Sokoto to Abaji was ambushed by those loyal to the suspect was all a smokes screen.

Pointblanknews.com further learnt that, the police collaborators and their sponsors felt, to allow Sokoto face prosecution was a risk to huge, as he may be forced to reveal names of those behind the sect within the top echelon of the police.

"After the prayers, the CP's Aide came back to the office alone and after we were called to account for the suspect", the source revealed. 


But Police authorities had in a swift response issued a release that the CP Biu has been suspended immediately from office.

According to the release signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Deputy Commissioner of Police (CP) Emmanuel O. Amore said the Inspector General of Police Hafiz Ringim has approve the immediate suspension of the CP.


"The Nigeria Police Force wishes to confirm that a suspect was arrested in a successful Police operation and was rescued from a team of Policemen detailed to carry out further investigation in the matter. 


"The suspect was handed over to a Commissioner of Police for further investigation and he consequently detailed his men to take the suspect to Abaji in furtherance of investigation. In the course of undertaking this important procedure, the Policemen on escorts with the suspect were attacked by the suspected sect gang members and in the process the suspect freed.

"The Police view this development as a serious negligence on the part of the Commissioner of Police and have since been queried and suspended from duty. If a criminal case is established against him and his team, they will be prosecuted", DCP Amore said.
It was also learnt that the Commissioner had been under pressure from some top officials since the arrest of Mallam Sokoto on Saturday in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), leading to the controversy over where he was arrested and the agency in charge of his case.

A section of the media had reported that the suspect was arrested at the Borno State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja while a senior police officer had confirmed to our correspondent that he was arrested in Abaji, a suburb of the FCT during a joint agency operation.

It was also learnt that the pressure over the suspect might not be unconnected with the alleged involvement of two sons of a prominent Northern traditional ruler in the Madalla bombing.

According to our source, who prefers be anonymous because of the sensitive nature of the story, the suspect’s escape might have been stage-managed by the police as he was said to have been taken back to Abaji as part of the investigation where he was said to have been rescued by some militant youths who had laid siege in the palace.

The suspect, who is also known to be an arms dealer, was reportedly tracked down by the security forces and investigation had linked him to the sons of the traditional ruler who is said to enjoy political patronage from people in the corridors of power.

Sokoto was arrested with serving military personnel at the nation’s capital after several weeks of investigation.

http://pointblanknews.com/new/exclusive/3487-revealed-how-police-commissioner-zakari-biu-aided-escape-of-boko-haram-suspect.html

Northern Muslims should not be part of Boko Haram investigation, cos u never can who there sympathisers are among them, remember Anwer Awlaki.

Electricity

Gej should take responsibility for the present security issues in Nigeria. The last time I checked he is still the C in C.

Quoting authentic verses from the koran, no wonder islam is synonymous with violence.
Religion of satan

Boko haram is not the problem but the religion it promote. Muslims can't live in peace with non muslims.

We’ll bomb Jos at Xmas’
By Mariam Aleshinloye-Agboola, Jos
Sunday, December 18, 2011


•
Photo: Sun News Publishing
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Special Task Force (STF) on Jos crisis known as Operation Safe Haven has placed its men on red alert following fresh threat of violence by an unnamed Muslim group.

The group has issued a threat letter to bomb places of worship and merriment before December 26. The letter reads: “We, the entire Muslim of Plateau State, will never give up until we have our rights, we will use your boys to destroy you.

Nothing can stop us from bombing these areas before December 26, 2011.” The letter was signed by one Idris Musa.
The group named the targeted places to include Archbishop Court, ECWA churches, West of Mines, Civil Service Club, Lamed Pharmacy, Living Faith Church, Saminaka Viewing Centre, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Alheri, and St. Mulumba Church, Alheri.
Others include Melody Guest House, El-Kasim Guest House, Rukuba Road, Kowa Guest House, among others.

However, STF Media Officer, Capt. Charles Ekeoha, has advised residents to discountenance such threats as they were intended to create panic. He said the task force had placed its men on a 24-hour surveillance to counter any threat.
“I am assuring you that this Christmas will be the freest and most peaceful the residents will celebrate in recent times. We gave the same assurance during the Sallah celebrations and I am repeating the same assurance now.

“I know there are apprehensions and it’s written all over the faces of people. But they should not be afraid and allow some misguided people to spoil their day. We are equal to the task,” he assured. Meanwhile, three people are feared dead following an early morning attack on Saturday by unknown persons in Jwol and Foron, all in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

It was gathered that some unknown persons set fire to the surrounding villages and as the unsuspecting residents came out to put out the fire they were shot by the assailant.
This resulted in the death of two people, and at the time of filing this report one of the bodies was yet to be recovered.
According to director of a faith-base foundation, the Stephanus Foundation, Engr. Mark Lipdo, some people set fire “on surrounding bushes in Jwol, when people in the area came out to put off the fire, they were shot and two were killed, while a body is still missing.” He further confirmed that one other person was also killed in Foron in a separate night attack.

The missing person in the Jwol attack was identified as Mr. Dung Danjuma.
When contacted, Captain Charles Ekeocha said he was not briefed on the matter, while Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, ASP Jacob Apev, promised to make enquiry and call back. But at the time of filing this report the PPRO was yet to call.


http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/features/newsonthehour/2011/dec/18/newsbreak-18-12-2011-001.html

Hillary Clinton Vows to Support Global Fight for Gay Rights
Posted by Emily Rauhala Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at 8:50 am
Add a Comment • Related Topics: Gender, Human rights, Humanitarian aid, U.S. , American foreign policy, foreign aid, gay rights, Hillary Clinton, Hillary Clinton on gay rights, human rights, International Declaration of Human Rights, international relations, LGBT rights, secretary of state, speech, United Nations

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Tuesday vowed that the United States would help fight discrimination against gays and lesbians around the world. In what's being hailed as a 'landmark' speech, she marked Human Rights Day by announcing that the U.S. will use diplomacy and $3 million in foreign aid to help expand the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. Clinton argued that the definition of human rights can—and must—be amended to account for sexual diversity. "Some have suggested that gay rights and human rights are separate and distinct, but in fact they are one and the same,” she said. "Gay rights are human rights, and human rights are gay rights."

Clinton's remarks, which are worth reading in full, traced the development of the concept of human rights from the 1948 International Declaration on Human Rights to present day, describing how the fight for equality has shifted over the years:

In the 63 years since the declaration was adopted, many nations have made great progress in making human rights a human reality. Step by step, barriers that once prevented people from enjoying the full measure of liberty, the full experience of dignity, and the full benefits of humanity have fallen away. In many places, racist laws have been repealed, legal and social practices that relegated women to second-class status have been abolished, the ability of religious minorities to practice their faith freely has been secured.

In most cases, this progress was not easily won. People fought and organized and campaigned in public squares and private spaces to change not only laws, but hearts and minds. And thanks to that work of generations, for millions of individuals whose lives were once narrowed by injustice, they are now able to live more freely and to participate more fully in the political, economic, and social lives of their communities. Now, there is still, as you all know, much more to be done to secure that commitment, that reality, and progress for all people.

Today, I want to talk about the work we have left to do to protect one group of people whose human rights are still denied in too many parts of the world today. In many ways, they are an invisible minority. They are arrested, beaten, terrorized, even executed. Many are treated with contempt and violence by their fellow citizens while authorities empowered to protect them look the other way or, too often, even join in the abuse. They are denied opportunities to work and learn, driven from their homes and countries, and forced to suppress or deny who they are to protect themselves from harm. I am talking about gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people, human beings born free and given bestowed equality and dignity,who have a right to claim that, which is now one of the remaining human rights challenges of our time (Full transcript, via Towelraod).

"One of the remaining human rights challenges of our time." Those are strong words from the Secretary of State, and will come as a welcome surprise to those disappointed by the Obama administration's decidedly mixed record on gay rights. Obama drew criticism for choosing Rick Warren, a pastor who once compared gay marriage to incest, to pray at his inauguration. And, although he pushed for the end of the military's "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy, he has not personally spoken out in favor of same-sex unions. Clinton acknowledged that America's record on gay rights is "far from perfect," noting that LGBT citizens have endured violence, harassment and bullying. "We, like all nations, have more work to do to protect human rights," she said.

Critics will rightly point out that $3 million dollars is a relatively paltry sum and that the Secretary of State provided few details as to how the plan will be implemented. It's unclear, for example, as to what type of programs will be funded and what tactics the United States will use to bolster the fight for full equality, either at home or overseas. For instance, will aid be withheld from governments with egregious records on gay rights? And, of course, Clinton's plan will face opposition from the American right, particularly the hungry pack of Republican presidential candidates keen to bolster their ultra-conservative cred.

There will be protests, too, from those who insist that homosexuality is a 'western' problem, an import that is fundamentally at odds with religious and cultural traditions. Clinton counters this line of thinking—quite effectively, I think—by showing that traditions, like laws, have changed with time. There were—and, sadly, are—contexts in which violence against women and slavery were culturally acceptable. Today, "violence toward women isn't cultural; it's criminal," she said. "Likewise with slavery, what was once justified as sanctioned by God is now properly reviled as an unconscionable violation of human rights."

Of course, words, alone, are not enough. There is much standing between this speech and full rights (indeed, Clinton's audience in Geneva included representatives from countries where homosexuality is a criminal offence). But it's worth stepping out of the fissiparous political fray and savoring her hopeful sentiment, if only for a moment:

Wherever you live and whatever the circumstances of your life,whether you are connected to a network of support or feel isolated and vulnerable, please know that you are not alone.

http://globalspin.blogs.time.com/2011/12/07/hillary-clinton-vows-to-support-global-fight-for-gay-rights/


Read more: http://globalspin.blogs.time.com/2011/12/07/hillary-clinton-vows-to-support-global-fight-for-gay-rights/#ixzz1frEvUmTc

EMANY 01:
Thermal plant in kaduna:this people simply will not learn.
In anycase they will suffer the result of their folly soon.T he days are comming.

Amen!!!

Nigeria jaga jaga

Sambo expresses happiness over improved power supply
On December 7, 2011 · In News

Abuja – Vice-President Namadi Sambo on Tuesday expressed delight over improved electricity supply across the country.

Sambo made the observation at the meeting of the Presidential Action Committee on Power in Abuja.

He, however, directed the Ministry of Power to discuss with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and look into the problems militating against the evacuation of power.

Sambo also directed that the issue regarding the non-settlement of energy invoice by market operators should be discussed, while a feedback on the issue was given at the next meeting.

The vice-president, nonetheless, bemoaned the inability of the AfamPower Station, which was inaugurated in 1982 with an installed capacity of 726 megawatts, to work at full capacity.

Sambo noted that the development posed a serious problem to power generation in the country, adding that the station was still facing the problem of route survey and compensation.

He, therefore, directed the Ministry of Power to give a detailed report on the measures being taken to evacuate power from the Afam Power Station.

Besides, Sambo expressed support for the payment of electricity bills via pre-paid cards, saying that it was a convenient arrangement for electricity consumers.

In a related development, the vice-president also convened a meeting on the KadunaPower Plant Project that was expected to supply electricity to the KudendaIndustrial Area of Kaduna  State.

He said that the meeting was to find solution to the perceptible challenges which could hinder the project, which had the potential of generating 215 megawatts, from being inaugurated in 2012.

Sambo, who noted that the issue of land had already been settled, however, cautioned that the right of way already acquired should be protected, so as to prevent people from encroaching on the land.

Earlier, the Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji, briefed the meeting on the power supply situation in the country.

He said that the complaint of system failure had been addressed, adding that electricity supply had improved in the country.

On the Kaduna Power Project, Nnaji said that the machinery for the thermal plant had already arrived in the country, adding that they would soon be moved to Kaduna for installation. (NAN)


http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/12/sambo-expresses-happiness-over-improved-power-supply/?utm_source=&utm_medium=twitter


May be improvement 4 aso rock.

brother,i think no matter the level of madness Jubril Aminu displays,Oritsejafor the "area-boy" president of CAN is "madder" (forgive me using that word).Oritsejafor was inciting blind hatred and spreading ignorance against Islamic Banking in his press releases.such leaders who should be good examples should not sow seeds of division.so im not suprised at this mad reaction form Aminu.[/b]
[quote][/quote]From Gadafi, to Bin Laden to Uthman Dan Fodio and now Jubril Aminu, madness runs in their blood.

Lagos enforces ban against Okada, arrest 1,000

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Written by Femi Akinola, Lagos Wednesday, 07 December 2011 05:00
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The Lagos State government yesterday officially commenced the enforcement of the law banning the operation of commercial motorcycle (Okada) along highways in the state, arresting over 1,000 motorcyclists.

The exercise was jointly executed by men of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA,) and police. Our correspondent reports that at the Public Works Department area opposite the Radio Nigeria Training School at Shogunle, Okada operators were seen resisting arrest, saying it was wrong for the state government to ban them from operating on federal roads.

Some Okada riders however alleged fraud in the operation, saying some of their colleagues were bailing themselves with money ranging from N2, 000 to N5, 000.

When contacted, the state’s chairman of Motorcycle Operators Association of Nigeria, Tijani Pekis said the protesting Okada riders were not members of the association.

“I have alerted the Commissioner for Transportation, who promised to inform the police. Let me add that those people are expressway Okada riders, they are not my members, my members would not demonstrate for any reason at all,” he said.

The Commissioner for Transportation, Kayode Opeifa confirmed the development, saying the state government has actually commenced enforcement of the law banning Okada at prohibited areas.

“We are determined to ensure that the law is enforced and adhered to. We will deal with them within the confines of the law, certainly, we are not backing down,” he said.



http://dailytrust.com.ng/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=149362:lagos-enforces-ban-against-okada-arrest-1000&catid=1:news&Itemid=2

FRSC calls for ban of alcohol at motor parks

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Written by Doyin Adebusuyi, Ado-Ekiti Wednesday, 07 December 2011 05:00
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Sector Commander of Federal Roads Safety Commission (FRSC), Ekiti State command, Mr. Francis Udoma has asked local government authorities in the state to outlaw the sale of liquor and other intoxicants in motor parks in the state, and encourage the sale of good food, soft drinks and water instead.

Udoma also advised motorists to always ensure that passengers’ manifests are filled with the name of their next of kin.

Udoma, who spoke yesterday at a sensitization programme tagged, “Safer roads, fuller lives”, at the Akure Motor Park, Ado-Ekiti, lamented that some drivers embark on trips drunk, thereby endangering the lives of their passengers.

While promising that the commission would ensure an accident-free yuletide, the FRSC boss said the target of the commission is to actualize the UN decade of action from 2011-2020 by making Nigeria one of the 20 safest countries in road transportation.

“In December as in other months, drivers should ensure that they drive carefully, and not overload their vehicles. Those who know how to drive are those who drive carefully and get to their destinations safe.

Speaking at the occasion, chairman of the Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Kolade Ayodele Emanuel said government has given concession to transporters by reducing the cost of obtaining a drivers’ license from N15, 000 to N10, 000.

He said the reduction was based on complaints by drivers that N15, 000 was too much


http://dailytrust.com.ng/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=149361:frsc-calls-for-ban-of-alcohol-at-motor-parks&catid=1:news&Itemid=2

Obasanjo, Atiku unite for Nyako’s re-election campaign

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Written by Muideen Olaniyi Wednesday, 07 December 2011 05:03
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Former President and the incumbent Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BOT), Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, was named among the 57-man Adamawa State PDP Gubernatorial Campaign Committee which was inaugurated yesterday in Abuja.


The campaign committee headed by Vice President Namadi Sambo has PDP National Legal Adviser Chief Olusola Oke as Secretary with its membership comprising former PDP BOT Chairman, Chief Tony Anenih and the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar who were both present at the brief inauguration ceremony.



Members of the committee also include Senate President David Mark, Federal House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, the five PDP governors from the North East geo-political zone, all serving PDP senators and House of Representatives members and all ministers from the zone.

Others are PDP National Woman Leader Hajiya Inna Ciroma, PDP National Publicity Secretary Prof.Rufai Ahmed Alkali, PDP National Vice Chairman North East, Senator Paul Wampana, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, Alhaji Hassan Adamu, Dr Shettima Mustapha, Alhaji Umar Garba Chiza, the Special Assistant to the President on Political Matters, Barr. Ahmed Gulak, Alhaji Ibrahim Bunu, Alhaji Aminu Ahmed and Alhaji Isa Yerima.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, PDP Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje charged the committee to be honest in discharging the assignment, calling on the members to ensure victory for the party at the January 14, 2012 governorship election in Adamawa State.

Yesterday’s inauguration was also attended by Adamawa State governor himself Alhaji Murtala Nyako, Bauchi State Governor Isa Yuguda, Dr Shettima, Alhaji Bamangar Tukur, Alhaji Hassan Adamu, Senator Abdul Ningi, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Senator Bala Mohammed, Adamawa State PDP Chairman Mijinyawa Kugama and Senator Jonathan Zwingina among others



http://dailytrust.com.ng/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=149389:obasanjo-atiku-unite-for-nyakos-re-election-campaign&catid=1:news&Itemid=2

Father kills, buries 25-year-old son in shallow grave

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Written by Aliyu M. Hamagam, Minna Wednesday, 07 December 2011 05:05
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Mohammed Dauda Ndakotsu, a farmer in Washigi village in Gbako local government area of Niger state, has reportedly killed and buried his 25 years old son, identified as Mamodu in a shallow grave following a misunderstanding.


Daily Trust gathered that on December 1 the father of the deceased sought for the assistance of four other persons from the village to help him tie his late son with a plan to take him to police for intervention over what he referred to as the son’s violent attitudes.



Three other men were identified to have aided Ndakotsu to tie the deceased before taking him away on the pretext that he will be handed over to the police in Lemu village but was later discovered to have been killed in cold blood.

It was gathered that in a desperate attempt to conceal the murder of his late son, Ndakotsu hurriedly arranged and buried the deceased in a shallow grave and after returning home the next day told his wife, the mother of the deceased, Hajia Amina, that Mamodu was handed over to the police.

The mother of the deceased became suspicious of the matter because her husband could not tell her the prison where her son was kept and that informed her decision to go into search in the nearby bush, where she discovered the corpse of her late son in a shallow grave.

Amina was said to have reported the matter to the police in Dikkon Fulani and that led to the arrest of her husband, in which he later led the police to the shallow grave.

Contacted on phone over the matter, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Richard Oguche, said he was not aware of the matter as he was attending a workshop in Kaduna, but said the matter would be investigated.


http://dailytrust.com.ng/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=149398:father-kills-buries-25-year-old-son-in-shallow-grave&catid=1:news&Itemid=2

NCC to bar unregistered phone lines

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Written by Abdul-Rahman Abubakar Wednesday, 07 December 2011 05:09
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The National Communication Commission (NCC) will soon bar all mobile phone lines that have not been registered, Executive Vice Chairman of the commission, Eugene Juwah said yesterday.


Speaking at a meeting with Senate Committee on Communication, Juwah said the NCC has commenced verification of all registered SIM cards in the country and will soon bar all unregistered lines access to service.



According to him “we will soon bar all unregistered lines, when the verification is completed after which all lines making calls in Nigeria must be registered.”

Juwah blamed the poor services by operators in the communication sector on poor planning and vandalization of coaxial cables by hoodlums.

“It our believe at the NCC that the operators have failed to do proper planning because the number of subscribers have been increasing and more calls are being made , we thought that they needed to have invested more on expansion to avoid the congestion we are presently facing,” he said.

In his opening remark, Chairman of the Committee, Senator Barth Nnaji (PDP, Enugu), said the poor service being rendered by the operators is ‘unacceptable’.

He said “It is difficult to put calls through in this country, when you manage to do so, it is either the caller doesn’t hear the receiver or vice versa, while money is being deducted. This to us is not a fair deal.”

Nnaji said there is the need for NCC to take decisive action against operators that fail to improve quality of service saying “we will not just sit and watch Nigerians not get value for their money.”



http://dailytrust.com.ng/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=149380:ncc-to-bar-unregistered-phone-lines&catid=1:news&Itemid=2

…2-year-old baby kidnapped, abandoned over persistent cry

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Written by Bashiru Abdullahi, Port Harcourt Wednesday, 07 December 2011 05:06
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Two suspected kidnappers belonging to a gang of four, who allegedly abducted their neighbour’s 2-year-old baby girl, Rejoice Aradu in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, demanding a ransom of N10 million had confessed to have abandoned her because she was seriously crying, the police command has said yesterday.


The Rivers State Commissioner of police, Suleiman Abba, in a report, made available to Daily Trust, said the four arrested suspects, who conspired and abducted the 2-year-old girl on the 30th of November, on interrogation, told the police that they were forced to drop the baby not because the N10 million ransom demanded was paid but because the baby was persistently crying.



The Police Commissioner further explained that a team of Anti Robbery team arrested the gang of four suspects on 3rd November.

In a related development, the commissioner said two suspected kidnappers were also arrested in a separate incidents and three of their victims, one Chidi Agu and Chinedu Onwumereulor both residing at Psychiatric Hospital road Port Harcourt, who were kidnapped at the weekend, while they were returning from an end of year club meeting were also rescued Monday night following a tip off that led to the raiding of the hotloom’s hide out by the police.

He added that another victim who was hiding away from the hoodlums was also traced and rescued, pointing out that the suspects were making useful statements to the police and those efforts were being intensified toward arresting the fleeing member of the gang.



http://dailytrust.com.ng/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=149400:2-year-old-baby-kidnapped-abandoned-over-persistent-cry&catid=1:news&Itemid=2

Ex-Boko Haram spox goes to special jail

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Written by Atika Balal Wednesday, 07 December 2011 05:04
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[Konduga will spend his jail term in the custody of the State Security Service.]

A former spokesman for the Boko Haram sect was sentenced yesterday to three years in prison which he is to serve out in the custody of the State Security Service because of fears that he could escape if detained in a regular jail.
Ali Sanda Konduga pleaded guilty on November 22 to charges of criminal intimidation, which relate to threatening text messages sent to politicians during his time as a spokesman for Boko Haram, which is blamed for dozens of deadly attacks this year.

When he appeared for sentencing yesterday, Konduga asked the court to treat him with leniency and pledged to help authorities tackle Boko Haram.

Chief Magistrate Oyebola Oyewumi said, “In view of the plea for leniency, this court hereby sentences you, Ali Sanda Konduga, to three years in prison.”

The charges carried a maximum sentence of seven years.

Before pronouncing the sentence, Oyebola asked if he had any reason to ask for mitigation of his sentence.

Konduga, who spoke in Hausa through an interpreter, said, “I have already committed the offense, I plead for leniency. I want the court to be considerate in sentencing me or in the alternative discharge me so I can help bring an end to the Boko Haram crisis by providing whatever necessary information.”

Oyebola said, “In view of the plea for leniency and mercy of the accused person and based on the fact that he was tried summarily, the court can only sentence him to three years imprisonment as against the maximum seven years. By virtue of section 303 of the criminal procedure code, he should be kept in custody of the State Security Services.”

Prosecuting counsel Cliff Osagie had earlier asked that Konduga be detained in SSS custody in view of the recent prison breaks.

Shortly after his sentencing, Konduga spoke to journalists, praising God for the leniency shown to him by the court.

He said the Federal Government should to take their cue from the Hamas and Israeli prisoner swap and release Boko Haram members who are in detention as a means of rapprochement.

He also said the Joint Task Force (JTF), comprising military and riot police, must first stop their activities in Maiduguri if a truce is to be reached with the sect.

“If the government does this, the sect can work with them to reach a compromise,” he said.

Reacting to his father’s claim that he (Konduga) is mentally unstable, he said, “The Quran gives the father one quarter responsibility of the child as such I can’t say anything against him, but I know I am not insane. Since I was young, I never knew myself to be mentally unstable but if my father says so, then probably he noticed it when I was a child. I guess he knows me better.”

Konduga was first arraigned along with Senator Ali Ndume, who he accused of sponsoring him to undertake Boko Haram activities. Ndume pleaded not guilty to charges of passing classified information to an unauthorised person and of criminal intimidation. But his case was withdrawn from the magistrates court and four new charges were presented to a Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday.

The charges against Ndume include providing Konduga with politicians’ phone numbers and not disclosing information to authorities under Nigeria’s Terrorism Prevention Act.

At Konduga’s sentencing hearing yesterday, counsel to Ndume, Regina Okotie-Eboh, asked the court not to proceed with the sentencing because Ndume would be objecting to the jurisdiction of the court. She said the First Information Report (FIR) which was withdrawn by the SSS was tied to Ndume and Konduga.

But Oyebola said counsel to Ndume were in court on Monday and did not object when the SSS applied to withdraw the charges against Ndume. She said the court has the right to serve the trial of any accused person and to strike out the FIR by the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code.

Boko Haram has been blamed for dozens of attacks in Borno, Yobe and Bauchi states, mostly targeting security agencies. It also claimed responsibility for two bombings in this year, including a suicide attack on United Nations headquarters in August, which killed 24 people.


http://dailytrust.com.ng/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=149416:ex-boko-haram-spox-goes-to-special-jail&catid=2:lead-stories&Itemid=8

Over 20, 000 Muslims observe Ashura in Kaduna


Written by Sunday Isuwa, Kaduna Wednesday, 07 December 2011 05:01
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[Islamic Movement in Nigeria led by Sayyid Ibraheem Zakzaky in Kaduna yesterday]

Over 20,000 Muslims under the auspices of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria led by Sayyid Ibraheem Zakzaky in Kaduna yesterday joined the rest of the world in staging a peaceful demonstration to mark the day of Ashura in remembrance of the martyrdom of late Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
The procession, which was led by Malam Muhammad Mukhtar Sahabi held across the city.

In his address, Sahabi said that “through the Ashura tragedy, we have learnt that the victor and the vanquished cannot be determined by the immediate results of a battle or war, but by the long-term repercussions of the clash of their ideologies on the course of events and influence on the minds of men.

“We hold firm the belief that to uproot evil, one must act like the candle, who burns itself to give others light. True love for martyrdom is the one and only way of genuine revolution. While we feel afresh the anguish and pain inflicted on the Household of the Holy Prophet (SAW) on Ashura day, we re-echo the sayings of Imam Khomeini (QS): “Every day is Ashura, every land Karbala.”


http://dailytrust.com.ng/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=149388:over-20-000-muslims-observe-ashura-in-kaduna&catid=2:lead-stories&Itemid=8

By OLUWOLE FAROTIMI
Wednesday, December 07 , 2011


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No fewer than 12 pupils narrowly escaped death yesterday in Badagry when one of the buildings in a Lagos State Government owned school came down on the pupils. The building, located in the premises of Saint Paul Anglican Primary School, Igborosun in Badagry collapsed at about 10am while the pupils were in session.

Daily Sun gathered that the pupils were rushed to Badagry General Hospital for treatment of fracture and other injuries suffered .
Three of the pupils were said to be in critical condition while the others were recovering.

An eyewitness said the collapsed building was the only strong structure in the school compound until the early morning tragedy.
The incident threw the entire community into chaos, as most parents were said to have run to the school premises in search of their children.
According to him, “the prevailing peace in the school was immediately gone, forcing many to run for dear lives.

Most parents, who heard of the incident rushed to the school to ascertain the state of wellbeing of their wards,” adding that many, who could not locate their children rushed to the general hospital.
When contacted for comment and confirmation before filling this report ,the Police Public Relation Officer Samuel Jinadu said he was yet to get the report from the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the Badagry division.


http://sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2011/dec/07/national-07-12-2011-0025.html

From FEMI FOLARANMI, Yenagoa
Wednesday, December 07 , 2011

Governor Timipre Sylva
Photo:The Sun Publishing
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Governor Timipre Sylva on Tuesday reversed himself in his plans to inaugurate his campaign office ahead the February 2012 governorship election.
Sylva’s campaign was expected to have commenced with the opening of the campaign office on Wednesday, which is to be followed on Friday with the kick-off of his campaign with National Assembly, state House of Assembly and local government.

The campaign office, located, along Melford Okilo Expressway, has been a beehive of activities since Monday with the campaign Director General, Chief George Fente, having series of meeting with Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ward chairmen, youth and women groups.

Investigations revealed that the decision to call off the inauguration of the campaign might be unconnected to the advice from Sylva’s legal team that he should stay action on inauguration of any campaign since the matter was in court.
He was advised that going ahead with the opening of the campaign office and kick starting campaign would be viewed as preempting the court.
The Commissioner of Information, Orientation and Strategy, Chief Nathan Egba, however, said the issue of opening of the campaign office was misconstrued.

Egba explained that the governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Doifie Ola, and in a letter published in national dailies only intended to reassure his supporters of his commitment to actualize his ambition despite what he referred to as distractions from the Peoples Democratic Party.
While noting that the campaign office would be opened for his supporters for regular meetings, exchange of ideas and encouragement, he said the decision to open the campaign office was taken due to complaints by supporters of the governor that there was no rallying point for Sylva.

He said: “The position is that he is not launching any campaign. The director general of the campaign is just meeting with coordinators and other organizing officials who had been appointed long ago before this time to start making use of the campaign office as a way of encouraging them. It is not as if the governor wants to launch his campaign office or anything like that.

“The campaign office is open to receive the governor’s supporters. From Wednesday, people can come in and interact. The complaints have been that the supporters of the governor do not have a place to go and find out issues surrounding the governor. Some of the times that he is not in town all manner of rumours keep making the rounds and people need a place to clarify the issues.

“Even when he is town, not all Bayelsans have access to go to the Government House and see the governor. But they can now go to the campaign office and see the governor whenever he is in town. The whole idea of opening the campaign office is for the supporters of the governor to go there and seek information concerning him. It is going to be a rallying point for his supporters.

“Initially the governor had wished to be there, but we have realised that his presence there may be misconstrued to mean that he is either opening a campaign. So, we have decided that he will not be there in order not to give a wrong impression to members of the public.”


http://sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2011/dec/07/national-07-12-2011-006.html

From JAMES OJO, Abuja
Wednesday, December 07 , 2011


Photo:The Sun Publishing
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Hundreds of people with different kinds of disabilities stormed the National Assembly yesterday and paralysed activities for several hours. The protest was led by the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Tanko Almakura and Senator Bode Olajumoke, who were members of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disability (JONAPWD).

JONAPWD had the support of the International Republic Institute (IRI) to protest against the delay in signing the bill on disability, which was returned to the National Assembly by President Goodluck Jonathan for a rework.
Vehicular and human movement into and out of the National Assembly complex were halted as the blind, the deaf and people on wheel chairs formed a barricade at the main gate.
Mostly affected were visitors and hordes of government officials invited for engagements by various committees of the Senate and House of Representatives.

A detachment of police and plain cloth security men were able to convince the protesters to appoint a 15-member team to meet with the leadership of the National Assembly as they pleaded for understanding because of the security situation in the country.

The delegation was led by the Nasarawa State Governor, Almakura, Senator Olajumoke and the National Chairman of JONAPWD, Mr Danlami Basharu.
After presenting the letter of protest to the leadership, Almakura commended the response of the National Assembly to the demand of the physically challenged, saying they were warmly received.
“We were delighted that people with disability were appreciated by the leadership of National Assembly. We were received very friendly and they promised to expedite action on our request.

“We were in the National Assembly yesterday to remind the lawmakers that the bill on disability that was passed over a year ago was yet to be assented to and we feel it is not proper because people with disabilities were being discriminated against in appointment and employment.”

Governor Almakura said that the over 22 million disabled people in Nigeria were only asking for their rights and not for any favour, adding that with the huge population of disabled, it would be counter -productive to ignore such group.
He added that he loved to identify with the disabled persons so as to give them hope.


http://sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2011/dec/07/national-07-12-2011-007.html

From LAYI OLANREWAJU, Ilorin
Wednesday, December 07 , 2011


Photo:The Sun Publishing
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President Goodluck Jonathan has announced his readiness to offer explanations to Nigerians on the resolve of his government to remove oil subsidy. He made this submission just as he said the government was not unmindful of the hardship being faced by the average Nigerian.

Jonathan said this yesterday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital during the opening ceremony of the second quarterly meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC).

The president, who did not mince words on his resolve to go ahead with the planned withdrawal of oil subsidy, however, said efforts were in top gear to address the hardship being faced by Nigerians.

Aside creating job opportunities for the nation’s teeming youths, he said some sectors of the economy, especially agriculture would be strengthened to ameliorate the suffering of the citizens.

Jonathan, who harped on the need for government at all levels to see agriculture as a potential tool for eradicating poverty in the country, noted that poverty level of the people of the North-Central geo-political zone was lower than that of other five zones because of the high level of agricultural practice in the zone.
While congratulating NIREC for its contribution to the peace and stability of the country through its mediatory activities, Jonathan sued for its support in the implementation of government’s policies aimed at ensuring harmonious and peaceful coexistence of Nigerians of different faith.
Saying that God wanted Nigerians to live together in peace, the President quoted copiously from the Qur’an and Bible to show that peace was the fulcrum of Islam and Christianity.

In a remark, the President of Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN) NIREC co-chair, Pastor Ayo Oristejafor described the wanton killings in parts of the country by the Boko Haram sect as a declaration of war against the state.
He charged the Federal Government to tackle the Boko Haram menace decisively, saying that “this issue should be seen as a declaration of war on the nation.”

He added that “we should be concerned about the wanton daily killings of the innocent citizens. There is no substitute for peace, which we must all strive to achieve.”
The co-chairman of NIREC and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar said the council, since its inception in 1999 had been going round the country to feel the pulse of Nigerians on what should be done to move the nation forward.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Northern Governors’ Forum and Governor Mua’su Babangida Aliyu said “considering the current religious, political and socio-cultural challenges in some parts of the country, this meeting is very desirable and relevant as most of the conclusions that will be reached in this meeting today will help in complementing the efforts of government in meeting up the country’s socio-cultural and political challenges.”
On his own, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed said Kwara State was a direct beneficiary of NIREC as a result of the peace existing in the state.
He urged NIREC to harp on issues that unite Nigerians rather those that would divide the country.
He also enjoined the council to organize annual seminars for youths on the need to maintain peace and stability of the country.



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