₦airaland Forum

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has directed candidates for the 2018 UTME to start printing their examination notification slip from Tuesday, March 6.
The board’s Head of Media and Information Department, Dr Fabian Benjamin, said in Lagos on Sunday that arrangements had been concluded for the successful conduct of the exam scheduled to hold from March 9 to March 17.
“We have successfully conducted the Mock Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) on Monday, February 26, and based on that, we can confidently say, we are good to go.
“The mock UTME was to expose the candidates to the process as well as test the level of preparedness of the various centres.
“Candidates can now go ahead and print their examination notification slips from Tuesday.
“These candidates must ensure that these slips are printed before Friday, March 9, in order to familiarise themselves with the examination schedules as no form of excuse for missing the examination will be entertained.
“We want to warn that the board will not reschedule any examination for anybody and so any candidate that fails to adhere strictly to the examination schedule as stated in their slips should have himself or herself to blame.”
Benjamin, however, warned candidates not to go to their respective centres with prohibited items such as telephones, wristwatches, pens, and other devices.
NAN reports that over 1.6 million candidates are expected to write the examination in 602 centres across the country.
NAN
http://punchng.com/utme-print-notification-slip-from-march-6-jamb-tells-candidates/

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has said its government would not waste time in assenting to the Peace Corps of Nigeria establishment bill if voted into power in the 2019 presidential elections.

The party’s national publicity secretary, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, made this known in a statement while reacting to President Muhammadu Buhari’s refusal to assent to the Peace Corps bill passed by the national assembly in 2017.

The PDP stated that the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, lacked youth-driven ideologies and should be voted out in the forthcoming general elections for failing to create any job opportunities for the teeming jobless Nigerians as it promised during the 2015 pre-election campaigns

Ologbondiyan said, “The PDP noted with dismay how a party that promised massive job creation would decline assenting to such a bill meant to create millions of jobs for Nigerians”.

The party stressed that citing of financial difficulties as reasons for rejecting the bill as laughable, questioning what the APC administration was doing or has done with the so-called billions of naira it allegedly recovered in its witch-hunting fight against corruption.

The main opposition party maintained that voting the APC out of power was the only option left for Nigerians, declaring that the APC had nothing tangible to offer Nigerians rather than leading the country backward.

http://dailypost.ng/2018/03/03/will-happen-peace-corps-bill-regain-power-pdp/

Chief of staff to Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, Alhaji Ahmed Yayari, was on Friday arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Gombe.

The head of operations of the EFCC Gombe zonal office, Johnson Babalola who confirmed the arrest, said the arrest was connected to probe into alleged misuse of the 2015 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign funds.

“Yes, we invited Yayari among others to our office. We are still investigating the matter.

“The anti-graft agency would prosecute anyone found wanting once investigations are concluded,” he confirmed in a statement to newsmen in the state.

Babalola said that the governor’s chief of staff was invited to confirm his alleged involvement in the disbursement and diversion of the campaign funds.

http://dailypost.ng/2018/03/03/2015-pdp-campaign-funds-efcc-arrests-dankwambos-chief-staff/

*As it set up a12-man probe panel

By Joseph Erunke

ABUJA – THE Federal Government said Wednesday that there were still conflicting reports on the actual number of students abducted from Government Girl’s Science Technical College, Dapchi,Yobe State, recently by Boko Haram terrorists.

The National Security Adviser, NSA, Major General Babagana Mungusum, Rtd, who said this while inagurating a 12- man committee to unravel the circumstances leading to the kidnap of the school girls, tasked the committee not only to unravel the actual number of abducted girls but also their identity.

He described the abduction as worrisome, saying it was an embarrassment to the country at large.

“The committee is to determine the exact number of persons abducted alongside their identity as there are conflicting reports in this regard, to confirm the presence, composition, scale and disposition of security emplaced in Dopchi, as well as the school itself before the incident, “he said.

The NSA added:”The abduction of the school girls by the terrorists is a worrisome incident that requires deliberate, urgent and relentless efforts on the part of government.
“There has been conflicting reports from various quarters on the event that led to the abduction, the number of persons abducted, as well as their identity.

“This does not portray the country in good light. There have also been reports, especially in the social media which tends to support some level of inactivity by relevant organizations.

“Therefore, there is a need to verify the circumstances surrounding the abduction of these girls from the Government Girls Secondary School.”

According to him, “for the avoidance of doubt, I will quickly re-emphasis that the terms of reference of the committee are as follows: to determine the circumstances surrounding the abduction of the students from the school on the 18thof February.”

Other terms of reference includee “to determine the exact number of persons abducted alongside their identity as there are conflicting reports in this regard, to confirm the presence, composition, scale and disposition of security emplaced in Dopchi, as well as the school itself before the incident.”

They also include “to ascertain the existing communication in the Dapchi and their functionality.

“To suggest measures that can lead to the location and immediate rescue of the abducted girls.

“To recommend measure to be emplaced in preventing future occurrences, any other detail the committee may deem necessary.”

Mungonu added that “considering the importance of the issue and the urgency required to promptly address the terms of reference and associated concerns, you are to commence sitting immediately and submit your report to me in two weeks time.

“I, therefore, implore members of the committee to be objective in their findings in order to address this ugly development.

“I must emphasis here also that there is a lot of cynicism outside in the wider society.

“This is not the first time such incident has taken place. On the 14th of April, 2014, a lot of girls were abducted from a secondary school in Chibok.

“A committee was set by the previous administration to look into the circumstances that led to the abduction of those girls.

“What I want to emphasis to you is that this investigation has to be done with all the seriousness it deserves.

“This is not going to be another exercise in futility. We are using the money of tax payers to carry out this assignment and they are entitled to getting results for whatever this committee does.

“Again, the inclination to push things under the carpet, to be sympathetic to groups or organizations will not be tolerated.

“You must unravel everything. Where people are culpable, it should come out in your report.

He informed the committee that “the report also will be followed by a white paper. The president is extremely concerned about this incident which I have already told you, is beginning to cast a dark shadow on not just the administration but the country.

“The truth of the matter is that security is all embracing. It is not just for agencies of government.

“There is always an interface between the wider society and security agencies, especially in the context of the 21st century issues of insecurity. This time around, your work is going to permeate into the population not just in Yobe state, probably in Borno, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe states and so on and so forth.”

He added that “the basic motivation in this very exercise is to get result. I want results; this is not just going to be something theoretical, paper or suggestions that will end up on someone desk without anything happening.

“We must let the people of Nigeria know that we have taken this incident with all the seriousness it requires and we are going to solve this problem.

“I wouldn’t want a situation whereby you are going to be suppressed by any individual, any group or organisation or agency because we are not going to allow anybody to cover up anything in this matter.

“These are people’s children, our children and we must be seen to be doing the right thing.”

Speaking, Chairman of the committee, Real Admiral Victor Adedipe assured the NSA of the commitment of the members to ensure that the findings are authentic and unbiased.

Adedipe stated that given the current plight of the families, the committee will put in its best to unravel the circumstances that lead to the kidnapping of the school girls.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/02/theres-still-conflicting-report-number-abducted-dapchi-girls-identity-fg/

Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, PACAC, Prof. Itse Sagay, SAN, has declared that he prefers to work alone on a task than work with corrupt people.

He asserted that before someone could speak against corruption, such persons must purge themselves of the vice.


He made this assertion at a Dialogue of Organs of Government on Reform of Justice Sector and Campaign Against corruption, jointly organised by PACAC and the Federal Ministry of Justice, with the theme: ‘The imperative of cooperation of arms of government in a democratic dispensation’.

Speaking at the event, which held on Tuesday, Sagay insisted that paying lip service to the fight against corruption ridiculed the whole exercise, but pointed out that a repentant corrupt person was welcomed to join the fight against graft.

According to Sagay, “Fighting corruption cannot be lip service. You cannot be corrupt and be talking against corruption, it ridicules the whole exercise and the spirit of that struggle.

“And so we should purge ourselves of corruption so that we can stand on firm ground to speak. Some might have been corrupt in the past but if you purge yourselves then you are welcome. It ridicules the whole process when we see people waxing lyrical on anti-corruption whereas behind them, they have huge load of assets and other things which they corruptly acquired.

“So, collaboration and cooperation is essential because we need each other in order to succeed. But I think I will rather work alone than work with a corrupt person who is not sincere and is just making a fool of the whole country whilst preaching like a pastor about corruption.”

http://dailypost.ng/2018/02/27/rather-work-alone-corrupt-person-sagay/

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday in Abuja, said the All Progressives Congress ( APC ) -led Federal Government had stabilised Nigeria in spite of obvious challenges.

He stated this at APC National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

“I am happy to report that slowly and steadily, we have managed to stabilise the country and redirect the ship of state.

“We have restored prudence to the management of resources and confidence in Nigeria.


“We have stabilised the Naira and increased our foreign reserve from 20 billion dollars to 40 billion dollars. Inflation rate is down.

“With considerably less resources available to the country, we have improved all the indices towards a stronger economy,” the president said.

He added that credit should be given to governors of APC-controlled states, chairmen of the party in the states for contributing to stabilising the polity.

Buhari also commended the Armed Forces, the police and other security agencies for stopping Boko Haram and driving them from their bases.

He said that though the government was poised to defeat acts of terrorism in the country, it was difficult to completely isolate such act.

“No country, no matter how well secured can isolate acts of terror as we have seen in the United States, Europe, Asia and here in Africa.


“We must support our security agencies to safeguard our country so that the job of development as outlined in our manifesto can proceed without too much interruption.

“We cannot afford to fail in reminding Nigerians where we came from in 2015,’’ he stressed.

He particularly appreciated the party’s leadership and governors for their stewardship and for steering it to success.

The president noted that from the party’s resounding electoral victory in 2015, it had won elections in Edo, Kogi and Ondo states and had improved performance in the November, 2017 governorship election in Anambra.

According to him, the APC has moved from the party in government to the party of the Nigerian people.

He paid tribute to Nigerians who supported the government in spite of distractions from what he called “proponents of business as usual”.

Buhari charged APC members not to relax and take things easy because, according to him, elections are looming in the horizon.

He, therefore, urged the members to get their acts together and to cooperate with the Sen. Bola Tinubu reconciliation team to succeed.

This, he said, was critical to resolve existing differences among party members in affected states, restore order, manage differences and strengthen the party.

“It is perhaps inevitable that there will be differences of opinion within the party. If we resolve them, then we can build a genuinely democratic party.

“But, we must not lose sight of our common purpose as a party to break the mule of Nigerian politics and take the country to new heights,” the president stated.

While acknowledging that the “face of government has not met the expectations of many within the party”, he said that only a few appreciated the depth of the wrath when APC assumed power.

He explained that the APC government had spent the last two years trying to bring the country out of the mess it met it.

Buhari admitted that the stand-off between the Executive and the National Assembly slowed down the process of government within the period.

He, however, added that efforts were being made to resolve the differences so that the country could move forward.

Earlier, National Chairman of APC, Chief John Odegie-Oyegun, had thanked the president, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, governors elected on the party´s platform and its leaders for being supportive and available always in spite of challenges.

He noted that the party had a very tough year ahead, because of the governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun coming up in July and September, respectively.

“These elections are precursors of the national elections. It is therefore necessary that we treat them with great seriousness because they are elections we should do everything to win.

“They are signals and signposts, indicators of what is to come in 2019. Preparations are also well underway for those elections,” he said.

He pleaded with party members to do everything possible to minimise stresses and crises within the party and to remain in fighting shape ahead of 2019.

The chairman reiterated the support of the party´s leadership to the Tinubu reconciliation team.

NAN

http://thenationonlineng.net/apc-has-stabilised-the-country-buhari/

President Muhammadu Buhari has asked leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to brace up for the 2019 elections.

He said this on Monday when he hosted top members of the party at the presidential villa in Abuja.

Buhari thanked his party men for standing by him despite the “antics of the opposition”.

“I must heartily thank the party officials and members for the successes we have achieved in the 2015 elections in securing majority of the states, majority in the national assembly and majority in the state assemblies,” he said.

“We must remember that this resounding success would not have been achieved without the unity of purpose we exhibited in challenging and defeating an incumbent government.

“Those outstanding successes would not have been possible without your hard work, dedication, and above all, sacrifice. I wish to individually and collectively thank you all sincerely for believing in me and remaining steadfast party members despite distractions and antics of the opposition. This unity and success are needed now more than ever, because elections are now looming.

“Now that INEC has come out with the timetable for elections in 2019, the party should prepare itself for congresses at A. Wards, B. Local Governments, C. States and D. Centre.

“We should strictly follow the constitution of the Party in undertaking these party elections. We should ensure internal democracy and avoid short cuts and illegal maneuvers which have characterized the opposition party with the consequences that they are now divided.

“The APC has a history of conducting free and fair primaries whenever consensus about any candidacy is not reached. Regardless of the outcomes of the primary processes, it is imperative that we all work together to ensure the victory of our party.”

Buhari said his adminsitration had been able to introduce some reforms, accusing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) mismanaging the resources of the country.

“I must state at the outset that to succeed we must in all our actions and decisions follow strictly the constitution of our party. It is easy to forget that we succeeded a government with a record of unprecedented theft and systematic mismanagement,” he said.

“Nigeria was fast heading for a state of collapse. It is easy to forget the fuel subsidy fraud, arms fund diversion, depleted excess de Account savings, depleted foreign reserves, massive unpaid debts to contractors and suppliers amidst failure to invest or even maintain our infrastructure namely railways, roads, electricity, inspite of having earned over US$500 billion from Oil & Gas alone, during the 16 years of PDP rule.

“Lest we forget, we must always remind ourselves of the dire situation in which we came to office.

“Therefore we must not be shy in projecting our tremendous achievements from 2015 to date. The territorial integrity of Nigeria longer under threat. A number of security challenges still exist, but they exist in even the most well policed and well-secured countries. I am confident that the measures we are taking will tackle the acts of rural banditry, herdsmen/farmers conflicts, communal clashes, kidnappings and other crimes.”

He also spoke of the

I now turn to the party differences in various states. To this end, I have appointed a committee, headed by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, a leader of the Party, to reconcile differences in various states. We hope the committee will be given maximum support and cooperation to enable it to satisfactorily carry out its work and get the party united in purpose and in shape for the battles ahead.

I am very much aware of opinions and criticisms about the pace of government. In particular, the delay in appointments to boards of parastatals. Many boards have been inaugurated so far.

Before I conclude my address, ladies and gentlemen, please join me in paying tribute to the Party members and commend the APc leadership for its keen interest in getting the Party manifesto implemented in the States and at the Center.

Thank you may God bless our party and the country

https://www.thecable.ng/just-buhari-asks-apc-leaders-prepare-2019-elections/

James Ibori, former governor of Delta state, says Nigerians should be more concerned with whether the youth are ready to lead, rather than a mere generational shift at the nation’s helm of affairs.

According to him, what the nation needs is courage and vision as “age has nothing to do with good leadership”.

A lot of Nigerians have been clamouring for a generational shift in the country’s leadership.

The ‘Not too young to run’ bill — which gives the youth the better chance to contest in elective positions — has also been passed at the national assembly.

In an article he wrote, Ibori said politics is a “game of ideas and numbers” and that the Nigerian youth needs to pay “the required price.”

He argued that the call for President Muhammadu Buhari not to seek re-election so as to pave way for a youth to lead the country is unjustified.

“The choice we face is not that of ‘paedarchy’ or ‘paedocracy’ versus gerontocracy,” he said.

“This age-related argument should not be aimed at Buhari. The constitution gives him the right to seek the presidency for two terms. The argument for and against him should be based on his record of achievement.

“The young ones need to make the necessary sacrifice, study the problems facing the society, master how to solve the problems of the various parts of the Nigerian federation.

“Has the youth trumped the old in behaviour, morality, leadership, integrity and frugality? How have our youth fared in the professions, the military and the civil service? Do they even hold out any hope for the nation?”

Ibori said unlike the Nigerian youth, some of the world’s leaders including France President Emmanuel Macron —who was 39 years old when he emerged — and former US president Barack Obama had something to offer before coming on board.

“The election of a Macron in France may have galvanised a section of Nigerians to think that the time is now, he said, adding: “Macron did not contest for office solely on the basis of being a ‘youth’; he ran in a national election based on concrete ideas.”

Citing the case of Chukwuma Nzeogwu — who was 28 years old when he oversaw January 15, 1966, coup, Ibori said “ironically, the problem of Nigeria has been caused, in large part, by exuberant young men who were at the helm of affairs in the first decade of the nation’s independence”.

https://www.thecable.ng/ibori-not-buharis-age-nigerian-youth-ready-lead/

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday promised that his administration will leave no stone unturned to safely rescue all abducted Nigerians by terrorists.

He gave the assurance while addressing the recently freed abductees taken by terrorists in Borno State including ten girls and three lecturers.

The President said “While government was fully aware of the expectations of your families and the general public for their immediate freedom, the path to your freedom was painstaking and protracted. This was because the group responsible for your abduction were not only different but based in different locations that if not properly handled could result in dire consequences.


“I thank all the various security agencies for their professionalism throughout this process, as well as other agencies of government, sister nations in the Lake Chad region, the International Committee of the Red Cross who have contributed to this feat of bringing you all home safely.

“While thanking the security agencies and all those who facilitated this, let me clearly reiterate the resolve of this administration to ensure all persons abducted by the insurgents are rescued or released safely. This is especially against the backdrop against the recent incident where another group of girls were abducted on the 19th from of Government Science and Technical Girls College, Dapchi, Yobe State.”

According to him, he has already directed all security agencies to immediately ensure every effort is directed to ensure safety of the schools and students and safe return of the abducted girls to their families.

He added “Government remains unrelenting towards rescuing all those abducted. Government will also work closely with all stakeholders especially the United Nations and other donor agencies, voluntary organizations towards rehabilitating and resettling all those displaced as a result of all these conflicts, to quicken resumption of meaningful social economic activities.

“I remain very mindful of the pains and injury collectively meted out by the insurgents and we will ensure that government does not leave any stone unturned to degrade and contain these insurgents and ensure that complete peace returns to our land.

“Once again, I’m pleased to see that all of you are now free and will soon join your loved ones as well as be fully integrated back into the society.


“Nigerians sympathise with you on your ordeal and wish you welcome back to your families and friends.

“And I suppose the NYSC should give a certificate of discharge to the person that spent the remaining of her Service somewhere else (with abductors),” he stated.

He went on “This administration has been unrelenting in your rescue and freedom from your captors several months ago. I was terribly saddened by the incident of the abduction of June 20th last year and the brutal killing of six others on the spot along Damboa road, while heading for the burial of a close one in Askira Uba local government of Borno State.

“The second was the July 26th last year of the abduction of three university staff who were on official mission to explore the possibility of the exploration of oil at the Lake Chad Basin.

“I can assure that apart from your family members, every Peace loving Nigerian prayed for your safety and wished for your early release from the hold of your abductors.

“Your rescue on the 10th of February this year was a very huge relief to me personally as well as to all Nigerians.

“Let me say that this government treasure all the human lives particularly that of its citizens and following your abductions, the security agencies were directed by me to do everything humanly possible to ensure the safe release of every one of you and other persons under hold of the insurgents,” he said.

The Director General of Department of State Services (DSS), Lawal Daura listed the names of the abductees, who were brought to the President on Monday, to include Jummai Ibrahim, who was serving her NYSC at the time of her abduction, Esther Wazari Kwasina and Amina Adams Gomdiya, Gloria Bulus, Paulina Amos, Tani Audu, final year student in the University of Maiduguri, Fustina

He told the President that his organization chose the path of negotiation because it was considered as the safest.

“Because any forceful attempt to rescue the victims could endanger their lives. These negotiations took several months and the Department of State Services with support of the external elements of the group in diaspora and support from friendly countries and liaising with International Community of the Red Cross, made the rescue possible.”

He said that the process was slow due to the problem of dealing with two different groups based in different locations at the same time.

According to him, the negotiations took place mostly outside the country, even though subsequently finalized in the theater of operations.

He said “The negotiations were mainly centered on an attempt at conflict mitigation which includes the fate of arrested members of the insurgent groups especially, accepting to free by government those found not to be culpable in any criminal action. Also, possible cessation of hostilities especially the attacks with IEDs on innocent civilians, worship centers, schools and other public places in return for temporary stoppage of air strikes by helicopter gunships.

“Lastly, the negotiation was also centered on the possibility of granting amnesty to those willing to surrender and ready to lay down their arms by the federal government.” he said

Speaking on behalf of the abductees, a Lecturer and Doctor of Geophysics, Dr. Solomon Nicholas Yusuf, said that they lost hope completely while in abduction.

He said “While we were in captivity and we said with 180 million or more Nigerians, will Nigeria ever come to rescue us! We lost hope. Sir, you surprised us. After seven months for us in the university and eight months for the 10 ladies, Nigeria rescued us. This shows that the life of every Nigerian is important and is worth rescuing.

“Sir, we are grateful. You gave us hope when there was no hope and we are excited, we thank you Sir.

“We also want to appreciate the DSS, the Nigerian armed forces, and the entire team that worked together to make sure we regained our freedom. We appreciate the labour of love they have shown to us.

“We also want to appreciate Nigerians for praying. We were informed that the entire nation was praying for us and we were excited and we said oh God what is this? This is love. Sir, we are grateful.

“Sir, from the University, it is a golden opportunity for us to see you and to share our fears and concern because we were abducted while working for the nation. And right now going back home to us is still a nightmare because of our experiences.

“Sir we have this golden plea with all due respect. Sir, if there is an opportunity for us to be relocated and maybe given another job, Sir, this is our golden request. This is the only opportunity we have to share with you. But we appreciate everything done, the sacrifice you have given to us, thank you Sir,” he stated.

http://thenationonlineng.net/buhari-vows-rescue-abducted-girls-others/

Former Minister of Health, Prof A.B.C. Nwosu, has described Igbos as lazy thinkers, who are acting strangely ahead of the 2019 general elections.

According to him, Igbo were thinking that by merely supporting President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019, they will automatically become President in 2023.

Speaking with Daily Sun, Nwosu maintained that it would be difficult for an Igboman to emerge as President in 2023, because, “The Igbo are acting very strangely on 2019.

“They are some lazy thinkers, who think that if you let the present order continue, and after four years, you just go and pick it because it is your turn.

“It won’t happen that way. If the Igbo are not aggressive about who becomes president in 2019, and aggressive that they are in the centre of power, and they are represented in the centre of power, how can power where they are not represented be handed over to them in 2023?

“What if the power where they are not represented hands it over to another person? Then you see the persons again drag out their knives and matchetes and go into the local markets and start shouting, Enyimba Enyi.

“This is the time to struggle to be part of the presidency. They will either be the vice president completely and be represented in all national structures of power.”

http://dailypost.ng/2018/02/24/2019-igbos-lazy-thinkers-acting-strangely-prof-abc-nwosu/amp/

Leaders of the Tiv nation on Thursday accused the army of allegedly providing cover for armed herdsmen to take over the land naturally given to them by God.

They also expressed displeasure over the operation of a military exercise code-named “Cat Race” launched in the state by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) to restore peace in Benue State communities following attacks by armed Fulani herdsmen.

President of the Mzough U Tiv (MUT), Chief Edward Ujege, in a statement issued to the media in Makurdi, expressed reservations over the emerging trends of the military operation which he said has made the people be apprehensive about the real mission of troops deployed to the state.

Chief Ujege disclosed that since the flag off of the exercise, the military has been circulating pamphlets through its Department of Civil-Military Affairs, Army Headquarters which “confirmed that the military had come to provide cover for armed Fulani herdsmen to take over the land of the people.”

The translation on the pamphlets, Chief Ujege emphasized, portrayed a purported dialogue between the Fulani herdsmen and Benue farmers on their alleged resolution to shift grounds one both farming and cattle grazing activities in the state.

Part of the translation of the pamphlets reads:

Tiv farmer: I’m your brother and a farmer; my farm produce is just as important as your cattle.

Fulani herder: I will no longer destroy your farm produce and longer kill your people. You are my brother, we should live in peace.

Tiv farmer: I too will no longer rustle or kill your cattle. You are my brother, let us live in peace.

Ujege said it was clear from the flyer that the military has acknowledged that the Fulani herdsmen are responsible for the large-scale massacre and massive destruction in of farm crops in the state.


He regretted that instead of addressing issues of justice, reparation and compensation, the federal government is compelling people of the state to accommodate the perpetrators of the heinous atrocities.

“Moreover, there is no reference to the Open Grazing Prohibition and Establishment of Ranches Law 2017, which addresses the fundamental issues of making both the farmers and the herders coexist in peace. The military is not only silent on the law but has encouraged open grazing with all its concomitant consequences. This silence on the law points to the fact that they are not in its support and are not ready to ensure its enforcement”.

But the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 707 Special Forces Brigade, Major Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, in a swift reaction, countered the position of the Tiv leader saying “Operation Cat-race is not in support of any group”.

The Army spokesman, Major Ayeni said the role of the army in the crisis is to ensure the return of enduring peace in sacked communities and safe return of the Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs.

“All that the army needs to do here is to ensure that no Benue resident is killed or displaced from their homes, that is all we are doing. We want to ensure peaceful coexistence among the herders and farmers. We are not saying the Fulani herdsmen should not obey the anti-open grazing law enacted by the Benue State government.

“Let me inform you that we had arrested a Fulani herdsman yesterday and two others that wanted to attack Governor Ortom’s farm in Guma and with all these successes you should know that Operation Ayem A Kpatuma is not in support of any group and is not in the pursuit or criticising any group.”

“Our role is to make sure that Benue State is peaceful and one of the ways we are going about it is for the herders to know that either a Tiv man or an Idoma man or Igede man is a Nigerian like him and a herder who is not violent now is their brother.

“However in the course of the military exercise if we find a violent herdsman that want to kill or displace any person in Benue State, we get him arrested and that is why we arrested two people two weeks ago, and arrested another one for preventing the Tiv people from been peaceful in their own environment.

“So the way and manner we go in achieving a peaceful environment in Benue State especially in Guma and Logo local government areas of the state and Katsina-Ala local government is by using this psychological method to test these people that we are friends, don’t fight or pursue the other because we are one family. But however, if you saw anyone who want to kill you, report and we will get that person arrested and deal with him according to the law”, said Major Ayeni.

http://dailypost.ng/2018/02/22/benue-killings-army-providing-cover-armed-herdsmen-tiv-leaders/

Corruption is getting worse in Nigeria, according to the latest corruption perception index (CPI) released by Transparency International (TI) seen by TheCable.

While the country scored 27/100 and was ranked 136th in 2016, the latest CPI scores Nigeria 27 with a rank of 148 — a significant 12 places below where it was the previous year.

This will come as a blow to the President Muhammadu Buhari administration who came into office on the strength of his anti-corruption credential.

Although the administration has put many suspects on trial and seized assets of politicians and government officials, it has also been accused of condoning corrupt practices by top government officials.

The index, which ranks 180 countries and territories by their perceived levels of public sector corruption in the opinion of experts and business people, uses a scale of 0 to 100, where 0 is highly corrupt and 100 is very clean, according to TI.

More to follow…

https://www.thecable.ng/just-corruption-getting-worse-nigeria-transparency-international-releases-2017-index/

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday presided over the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held at the Council Chambers in Abuja.

The meeting had in attendance Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Secretary General of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha.

Federal Ministers including Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, Minister of State Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Heineken Lokpobiri and Minister of Budget and Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma were in attendance.

Minister of Mines and Steel Dr Kayode Fayemi, Minister of State Petroleum Resources Dr Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu and Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita, among others were also at the meeting.

https://www.channelstv.com/2018/02/21/osinbajo-ministers-others-at-fec-meeting-presided-over-by-buhari/

Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi has directed security agencies in the state to begin immediate arrest and prosecution of Fulani herdsmen caught carrying guns and other dangerous weapons across the state. The governor gave the directive at a stakeholders’ meeting aimed at dousing the tension triggered by the incessant herdsmen-farmers clash, which was attended by the representatives of farmers, Fulani herdsmen, security agencies and other stakeholders, at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan. Ajimobi also directed the immediate registration of herdsmen and possibly their cattle to separate genuine pastoralists from criminal-minded herders, as well as the convocation of a monthly stakeholders’ meeting at the state and local government levels. The governor said that a surveillance unit would be created under the Oyo State Joint Security Outfit, Operation Burst, to curtail the menace of cattle rustlers, murderous herdsmen and farmers who may take the laws into their own hands by poisoning cattle grazing on farmlands.

He called on residents to join hands with the government to secure the state by being vigilant and to always report any form of security breach to the appropriate security agencies instead of taking the law into their own hands.

The governor wondered why anybody would be carrying guns and other dangerous weapons all in the name of herding cattle, saying such a person should not be regarded as a herdsman but an armed robber. He said, “The flagship of our administration’s programmes and successes has been the maintenance of peace and security and we will not allow anybody to truncate this. Fulani people are good people; if not I will not allow my only son to marry a Fulani lady. We must separate criminals from the good people.


"Why will a herdsman be carrying gun? Henceforth, any herdsman found with guns should be arrested and prosecuted. Owners of cattle found grazing on farmlands and destroying crops should also be arrested and prosecuted, any farmer that poison cattle should also be arrested and prosecuted.

But, we must realise that some of these herdsmen come all the way from Niger Republic and Chad for grazing. Not all of these herdsmen are Nigerians. “The people have their roles, while the government also have a role to play in finding lasting solutions to the menace. We must all participate in the security of our communities. Yes, it is the responsibility of government to guarantee the safety and security of the citizens, but we cannot do it alone. “We must learn to live together in peace. A special surveillance unit will be created under the Operation Burst to curtail the excesses of those concerned and they will be adequately equipped and given necessary logistics.” The governor who advocated ranching as a long-term solution to the crises, enjoined the stakeholders to deliberate on a mutually-beneficial solution in the interim, stressing that ranching was the best global practice.

https://leadership.ng/2018/02/20/ajimobi-orders-arrest-prosecution-armed-herdsmen-oyo/

Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, over the weekend said, the huge investments by Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State at ensuring quality healthcare delivery would soon turn the state into a medical tourism hub in the country.

A press statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Bayelsa State Governor, Mr. Francis Ottah Agbo, says Chief Obasanjo, who stated this during a command performance in his honour at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, Government House, Yenagoa, said he would henceforth visit the state regularly to have his medical check-ups.


Obasanjo had during his three-Day visit to Bayelsa commissioned several legacy projects, including the World-Class Diagnostic Centre, Bayelsa State Specialist Hospital, the Bayelsa State Drug Distribution Centre in Yenagoa and the Aquaculture Village in Igbogene.

He also interacted with students of the flagship free Model Boarding School, Ijaw National Academy, Kaima as well as enrolling in the state Health Insurance Scheme, there by becoming an honorary enrollees of the scheme.


The former President, noted with satisfaction, the level of development that has transformed the state, especially in the area of education, health, infrastructure, tourism among others, stressing that, he would testify what he has seen to the world.

According to him, Governor Dickson’s placement of education at the top of his administration’s agenda, is a means to eradicate poverty, curb insecurity and create jobs for the teeming youths in the state, and called on investors within and outside the country to take advantage of the prevailing security, peace and stability in the state.

Chief Obasanjo lauded Governor Dickson for recognising and honouring past and serving leaders of the state for their immense contributions to the development and growth of the state. The former President described Dickson as an emerging statesman and a Transformational leader stressing that anybody who wanted to see transformation should come to Dickson’s Bayelsa.

Obasanjo thanked Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, political and traditional leaders, stakeholders as well women and youths in the state for their support and encouragement which has enabled the succeed so far.

In his remarks, former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan congratulated Governor Dickson’s policies, programmes and projects, which have led to the unprecedented level of development in all sectors of the state.

He also used the occasion to call on Bayelsans to continue to support the governor to consolidate on his achievements in the remaining two years of his tenure, stressing that, Bayelsa State is one of the safest, secure and stable states in the country for investments.

The former President Jonathan thanked Governor Dickson for providing the enabling environment for businesses to thrive, citing the collaboration of the government and the Azikel Group, as a sign of greater things to come for the State.

On his part, Governor Dickson thanked both former Presidents Obasanjo and Jonathan for their exemplary lifestyles and roles in the country and in the state, and called on leaders at all levels to collaborate with the government to ensure the attainment of a well secured, stable and progressive State.

Governor Dickson, who lamented the over-dependence on government’s resources, pointed out that, Dr. Azibapu Eruani’s Azikel Refinery has sent a powerful message to the investing public that Bayelsa is hub for investment in the country.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/02/will-henceforth-go-medical-check-ups-bayelsa-obj/

Governor Abdulaziz Yari has alleged that his administration gave security agencies 24-hour head-start to alert them on the impending invasion of communities in Zamfara by bandits that resulted in the death of 39 persons in Zurmi local government area of the state on Wednesday night.

Speaking Friday evening when he led five Northern Governors on a sympathy visit to the palace of the Emir of Zurmi, Yari said security agencies in the area have failed to tackle the problem of cross-border banditry and terrorism bedevilling communities in the area.

“Whatever humanly possible that needed to be done, we as a government have done to mitigate this disaster. But it does appear that security agencies are failing in their responsibilities.
“I feel let down facing the people of this state whenever I remember the promise I made to them that when they elect President Muhammadu Buhari into power, these killings will end. But unfortunately, things are now getting worse.



“As such, I urge you security agencies to up the ante so as not to lose this war. If you let us take issues on our hands, anarchy will reign which is not what we hope us.

“On this particular incidence, we had intelligence reports 24 hours before it happened that the bandits were grouping and ready to attack. I alerted the security agencies but unfortunately they sent inadequate personnel to confront these people from where they came from,” he said.

In his remarks, the Emir of Zurmi, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, said echoed what Yari said, adding that if not for the bravery of vigilante groups who confronted the bandits, the casualty figures would have been higher.

Giving insight into what really happened, the Emir alleged that 600 bandits made attempt to invade Zurmi but were repelled by vigilantes.
“They came on 200 motorcycles with three persons on each bike. Each of them was well-armed. We stationed 500 vigilante members who stood their ground and gallantly fought the bandits. Unfortunately, these same bandits turned their anger on travellers and other villagers on their way here, that was why we had 39 people killed.



“Thes terrorists are known to us. Their major hide-out is in a village called Kagara, very close to Bafarawa in Sokoto State, and a few kilometres from Shinkafi in Zamfara State. But despite several appeals to security agencies to storm the area, our appeals have failed.

“I need to state here that majority of weapons used by bad people in this country are brought in from this area. I had reason to personally inform Zamfara State Director of SSS sometimes back of a large cache of weapons being brought into the country but no concrete action was taken until the containers were moved away.

“I am happy that other Northern Governors are here because we believe the solution to this problem lies in cooperation among all of you.
“I don’t need to repeat here that we need a full battalion of soldiers here and in areas surrounding Maru, Maradun, Shinkafi and Zurmi LGAs,” the visibly angry Emir said.
He added that the people have been pushed to the limit and a negative reaction from them will have a devastating consequence on the continued peaceful coexistence of all communities in the area.

In his remarks, Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno appealed to the people not to lose patience. He sympathized with the victims and prayed to God to grant the deceased eternal rest.

In addition to Shettima and Yari, other Governors on the entourage were Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi and Umar Tanko Al-Makura of Nassarawa States.,

https://newtelegraphonline.com/2018/02/zamfara-massacre-alerted-security-agencies-24-hours-killing-failed-act-gov-yari/

President Muhammad Buhari arrived in Daura at about 5:20 p.m. on Thursday in an Air Force helicopter marked NAF -540 amidst cheers from supporters.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the president landed at the Daura helipad in company of his aides and close family members.

Among his aides were Bashir Kankiya, Chief Security Officer to the President; Lawal Kazaure, the Chief Protocol Officer to the President and Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity.

Mr. Buhari is in Daura to commiserate with members of his immediate family over the death of two of his sisters.

NAN reported that the president was received by the Emir of Daura, Farouk Umar and thousands of well-wishers.

NAN recalls that Aisha Mamman, wife of the President’s elder brother and Halima Dauda, the President’s niece and younger sister to his close associate had died recently.

(NAN)

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/258778-buhari-arrives-daura.html

A coalition of Buhari support groups, mainly young men and women are gathering for a one million march towards the re-election of President Buhari in 2019.

The groups are insisting that President Buhari should make a public statement, declaring his intention to run in 2019 by Monday or they will go to Court on Tuesday to compel him to do so.

https://www.channelstv.com/2018/02/15/supporters-march-towards-buharis-2019-re-election/

Nigerian Army on Wednesday declared the elusive leader of Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau wanted “dead or alive.”

The declaration was made by the Theatre Commander of Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Maj.-Gen. Rogers Nicholas, during a press conference in Maiduguri, Borno State.

Operation LAFIYA DOLE is currently battling to rout Boko Haram insurgents out of the North East.

According to Nicholas, “We are still looking for him. Whatever he is, we want him dead of alive.”

Nicholas called on insurgents to surrender before it was too late for them to do so.

The Theater Commander said those who surrender would be rehabilitated under the Federal Government’s Save Corridor programme.

http://dailypost.ng/2018/02/14/boko-haram-nigerian-army-declares-shekau-wanted-dead-live/amp/

The senate has confirmed seven nominees for the position of resident electoral commissioners (RECs) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

They were confirmed on Wednesday after the senate considered a report of the committee on INEC.

Presenting the report, Suleiman Nazif, chairman of the committee, said of the nine nominees referred to its committee for screening, only eight showed up.

Nazif said Eric Olawale, the nominee for Osun state, did not communicate to the committee the reason for his absence.

He said Monday Udo Tom, the nominee for Akwa Ibom state, was stood down for “further legislative action”.

“The [seven] nominees were duly cleared by the relevant security agencies; the police, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB),” he said.

“However, the nominee from Akwa Ibom state was stood down for further legislative consultation.”

THE CONFIRMED NOMINEES

Baba Abba Yusuf, Borno state

Lukman Abdulrahman Ajidaba, Kwara state

Segun Agbaje, Ekiti state

Cyril Omorogbe, Edo state

Yahaya Bello, Nasarawa state

Emmanuel Alex, Rivers state

Mohammed Magaji Ibrahim, Gombe state

The senate had suspended screening of nominees of the executive based on the decision of the Buhari administration to retain Ibrahim Magu as head of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) despite its opposition.

https://www.thecable.ng/senate-confirms-seven-inec-recs

Leadership is the problem, the problem is the leadership

Gbenga Adeniji

Revered playwright, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has said President Muhammadu Buhari is in a trance.
Soyinka, while reacting to a question on the three things he would tell the President if he meets him, stated, ” I will say Mr. President you are in a trance.”

He added that the sooner the President got out of the trance, the better for the nation.

Asked the form of trance the President was in, the Nobel laureate said, “I don’t know. So many unforced errors. Take for instance the suspended Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme, Usman Yusuf, reinstated by the President.
“What is that about? What is going on?”

Soyinka had earlier held a press conference in Lagos on the state of the nation titled ‘Nomads and Nation: Valentine card or valedictory rites.’
Details soon.

http://punchng.com/breaking-buhari-in-a-trance-soyinka/amp/

THE Concerned Indigenes of Kaduna Central Senatorial District, has said it has started making the process of recalling Senator Shehu Sani representing Kaduna Central senatorial district for working against President Muhammad Buhari and the senatorial district.


Speaking the newsmen in Kaduna on Monday, the leader of the group, Aliyu Saidu contended that the senator had not only betrayed his constituents but had declared war on them.

‘We the people of Kaduna Central unanimously support President Buhari in his effort to fix the economy and rid Nigeria of corruption and insecurity.

‘We send Senator Shehu Sani to the Senate to work towards the success of Buhari government and not work in the direction of it.

However, he said to the disdain of the group the Senator’s political behaviour and performance so far were a direct contrast to the yearnings and aspirations of the people of the district.

‘So far, he has nothing to show for except social media posts insulting the president and cheering his enemies. By his actions, the senator has caused more damage to the president and our great party as well as his actions have harmed our collective interest as a senatorial district.

‘it is regrettable that the party has failed to call Senator Shehu Sani to order for his open belligerence against the government and our party.

‘No individual no matter how highly positioned is above the party. We the people of Kaduna Central cannot afford to wait till 2019. We are ready to correct this anomaly through recall.

‘We hereby inform the world that we shall be exercising our available constitutional options by initiating a recall process against senator Shehu Sani. This will send a strong message that the people of Kaduna Central will never again entrust their destiny in the hands of any representative who is willing to ignore their needs in order to appease to a political godfather elsewhere.

In a question and answer session, the leader of the group affirmed that they can not wait for Tinubu’s committee because they were fed up with the Senator’s attitude.

‘He is not ready to change because the governor had in the past extended a hand of friendship to him. And each time, he comes out of the meeting, he did the opposite.

In his own reaction, Senator Shehu Sani contended that these amorphous and fake groups are nothing but Governor Nasiru Elrufai errand boys doing his bidding in the hope that it will buy him peace of mind.

He said they were sponsored goons, rabble-rousers and Elrufai’s foot Soldiers set to distract him and make noise.

Speaking through his special adviser on Politics and ideology, the senator noted further,’For close to 3 years Governor Elrufai has been using this sorts of fake groups to fight his cause and all have failed.


http://www.tribuneonlineng.com/constituents-threaten-recall-senator-sani-alleged-opposition-buhari/

Femi Fani-Kayode, former Aviation Minister, on Friday lambasted Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, for saying President Muhammadu Buhari is not supporting Fulani herdsmen.

The former Minister described Osinbajo as a, “poisonous dwarf” and a “dirty liar” for making such remark.

Referring to Osinbajo as “weak, lily-livered half man,” Fani-Kayode urged Osinbajo to “shut up.”

In a tweet, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Chieftain wrote: “Buhari is not in support of killer herdsmen – VP Yemi Osinbajo

“This dirty lie coming from the same poisonous dwarf that said we must “pray” for the Fulani terrorists who are slaughtering our people and that said that we must “crush” IPOB who never killed anyone.

“Has the dwarf no shame? Does he not fear God? Does loyalty to his principal mean he must betray his people and his faith and violate his oath of office?For how long will he defend the indefensible.

“When will this weak,lily-livered half man who claims to be a Pastor just SHUT UP!”

http://dailypost.ng/2018/02/09/fani-kayode-attacks-osinbajo-saying-buhari-not-supporting-fulani-herdsmen/

The Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 5, Mr. Rasheed Akintunde, says that a study by the police headquarters indicated that only slightly above 20 per cent of the policemen in the country are active and working.

He also said that the police had introduced measures to ensure that the other 80 per cent complement the hardwork of the active personnel for effective policing in the country.

Akintunde made these known during a familiarisation visit to the Bayelsa State Police Command, Yenagoa, on Thursday, as part of the tours of the commands under his watch.

The AIG said he was at command to have a first-hand feeling of the challenges facing his men and how they were faring.

He said, “The funniest thing is that only 20 per cent of the police personnel are the ones working, the rest are just there.

“Talking about 20 per cent working; if you look at it well, every ‘big man’ wants his own security, they want 30 men to secure them instead of supporting the whole community by saying we should give resources for police to do the work so that the environment will be secured. They only want security for themselves.

“Even religious leaders want personal security. So after all that, we find that it’s only 20 per cent remaining to guard other places. Even for government’s commission too, they can load 20 units for it whereas they need only seven, so that’s why the 20 per cent comes in.

“That is why when a DPO visits a station, he identifies those people and starts using them. You go to the Area Command, it is the same thing, the CP, it is the same.”

The Police boss noted that effective community policing must be hinged on a three-pronged pillars of sound integrity, hard work and professionalism, urging officers and men of the command to love their job.

He stressed, “You must satisfy three conditions to police well. First, you must have sound integrity, your integrity must not be in doubt. You must not bring those bad things into the job.

” The second thing is that you must be hardworking. Policing is not for the lazy persons. You must be ready at all times because you can be called upon at any hour of the day.

“The other part is that you must be professional. You must know what you are doing. Police job is very difficult for those people who don’t have integrity, who are not hardworking and who are not professional but very simple for a man who have these principles.

“The job is the best; let us put in our best. We are not supposed to be seeing other agencies doing our work if we are doing it perfectly. Agreed, we lack some equipment we are supposed to use. What I am appealing to you is that let us wake up so that we can beat our chest as policemen and say l can do this and that.

“But where we are lazing about; you see some of us running from pillar to post, looking for possible posting, looking for money that is not there.”

http://punchng.com/only-20-of-policemen-are-active-working-says-aig/

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has commended Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and his Ekiti State counterpart, Ayo Fayose, for visiting Benue state and extending assistance to victims of the recent violent attacks and other internally displaced persons in the state.

The party leadership, which had earlier visited Benue at the wake of the attacks, said the gesture by the two governors at a time the Presidency and governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have been turning a blind eye to the sufferings of the victims, underlines PDP’s commitment to the well-being of all Nigerians in line with its undying ideology and vision of its founding fathers.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, in a statement on Thursday, said it is disheartening that the Presidency had refused to visit Benue state recalling that when the APC governors visited, after many entreaties, they failed to show any form of empathy to the victims, a stance which further displayed APC’s disdain for Nigerians.

The party said that instead of APC empathizing with the people and ensuring that perpetrators of the attacks were brought to book, the party leaders have shown more concern for their selfish political interests across the nation.

The PDP urged the people of Benue state to be vigilant and continue to work with their leaders while assuring of its support always.

https://newtelegraphonline.com/2018/02/pdp-hails-wike-fayose-visit-gesture-benue-victims/

A former official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Kwara, Christian Nwosu, who is standing trial over alleged N30 million bribe to rig the 2015 polls, was on Wednesday in Lagos re-arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Nwosu was alleged to have received the money from a former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, to rig the 2015 elections.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ex-INEC official was arrested after Wednesday’s proceedings in another criminal case at the Federal High Court in Lagos.

EFCC charged Nwosu and one Tijani Bashir with receiving N30 million bribe from Diezani to commit electoral fraud.

They were arraigned along with Yisa Adedoyin, who pleaded guilty to receiving cash payment of N70 million from Diezani, who is also named in the charge as being “at large”.

Nwosu pleaded guilty when he was first arraigned, but changed his plea to `not guilty’ after he claimed that the EFCC had induced him to plead guilty.

On Wednesday, EFCC’s investigator, Mr Usman Zakari, tendered Nwosu’s account statements showing details of the N30 million transaction.

The witness said Nwosu received N17 million via his Diamond Bank account and another N13 million through his Union Bank account.

Zakari also tendered some land title documents allegedly acquired by Nwosu with some of the funds.
After the documents had been admitted in evidence, the prosecution closed its case.
The Defence Counsel, Mr Victor Opara, said his client would file a no-case submission, saying the prosecution’s case is baseless.

After the proceedings, Nwosu and other accused were arrested outside the courtroom.
NAN learnt that their arrests followed what EFCC source called “ fresh findings”.

In the charge, the prosecution alleged that the duo had on March 27, 2015 accepted gratification to the tune of N264 million from the former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Allison-Madueke.
They were alleged to have conspired to take possession of the money which sum they reasonably ought to have known formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act of gratification.

They were also accused of making cash payments to the tune of about N235 million which sum exceeded the amount authorized by law without going through a financial institution.

On count seven, Nwosu was alleged to have directly used the sum of N30 million which he ought to have known formed part of an unlawful act of gratification.

The offences contravened the provisions of Sections 15 (3), 16 (2) and 18 (a) of the Money Laundering Prohibitions (Amendment) Act, 2015.

http://www.tribuneonlineng.com/efcc-rearrests-inec-official-diezanis-alleged-n30m-bribe-rig-2015-polls/

Just be calm, the date for the mock exam will be announced in due course

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has announced the extension of registration for 2018 UTME till February 11, 2018.

The spokesperson of the board, Fabian Benjamin, disclosed this in a press statement made available to PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday evening.

The board had said in December that the sale of form and registration for all candidates including those from foreign countries will hold from December 6, 2017 to February 6, 2018.

“JAMB as a responsive organisation has taken the decision albeit with great hesitation to accommodate candidates who failed to register between the two months window period that ended at midnight of Tuesday, 6th February, 2018,” Mr. Benjamin said

The agency, however, said such extensions in future may involve some penalty.

“The failure of these candidates to register is unfortunate and the Board hastens to add that this culture of impunity will not be tolerated and indeed penalty may be imposed for late registration in future.

“Candidates are therefore strongly advised to take advantage of the extension to register as request for further extension would not be entertained,” the spokesperson said.

“For emphasis, 2018 UTME registration now closes at midnight of Sunday, 11th February, 2018.”

The board, however, said registration for direct entry candidates continues.

The board had also proposed March 9 to 17 as the date for the examination.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, is a Nigerian entrance examination board for tertiary institutions.

The board is charged with the responsibility to administer similar examinations for applicants to Nigerian public and private universities, monotechnics, polytechnics and colleges of education. All of these candidates must have obtained the West Africa School Certificate, now West Africa Examinations Council, WAEC, or its equivalent, National Examination Council, NECO.

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/257767-just-jamb-extends-deadline-registration.html/amp#click=https:///srCLUe0Qae

The Federal Government has earmarked N45 billion for the rebuilding of destroyed liberated communities in the Northeast.

The rebuilding of infrastructural facilities will fastrack the return of 2.8 million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their communities, including 90, 000 refugees yet to be repatriated from Cameroun.

This was disclosed yesterday by the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, while addressing dignitaries and members at a Town Hall Meeting for military and security agencies at Government House, Maiduguri.

He said the N45 billion, was specifically earmarked for the reconstruction and rebuilding of destroyed houses and public structures in communities that were liberated by the military in 2016.

Members at the meeting agreed that government should fight drugs abuse and integrate Civilian JTF into security force in Borno State.

His words: “Today’s meeting in Maiduguri, has enabled us identify the remaining challenges of security to lives and property. Boko Haram insurgents have been defeated, as the military and security have done a great of degrading the terrorists to the barest level.

“The Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj-Gen Rogers Nicholas is a man of the moment, after holding a successful town hall meeting along with the Ministers of Defense, Interior, Budget and National Planning, Mannir Dan-Ali, Abdulrahaman Danbazau, Zainab Ahmed
and Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State.”

He said the Borno State government has achieved and made life easier with the reconstruction and rehabilitation projects of the Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Settlement (MRRR) and Presidential Committee on North-East Initiative (PCNI).

Dambazau said that 90, 000 refugees are yet to be repatriated from Cameroun. He further disclosed that 80 per cent of the refugees are from Borno State. He feared that because of the insecurity of liberated communities in the state, the exercise has been differed to next month.

He said insurgents have been decimated by the military.
According to Mohammed: “Boko Haram cannot carry out coordinated attacks again; as it is a sign of weakness of insurgents. There is the need for more vigilance to bring an end to terrorism in the liberated communities of Borno and the Northeast.

Dan-Ali listed the successes of the military to include the degrading of the capacities of Boko Haram, destruction of several arms, ammunition and camps and the promotion of many officers and soldiers to their higher ranks.

He said the main challenge of the military, was the full Implementation of Safe Corridors, where insurgents are de-radicalised for integration.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army says 26 combatant Boko Haram insurgents have surrendered to troops of Operation Lafiya Dole.
It said the terrorists who surrendered from the Damboa general area of southern Borno also submitted their weapons to the troops.

A statement signed by Deputy Director Public Relations, Theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole, Col Onyema Nwachukwu on behalf of the Theatre Commander, Maj.Gen Rogers Nicholas told the insurgents that all Nigerians were delighted to witness their penitence and abandonment of Boko Haram’s hypocritical ideology and futile struggle.

https://guardian.ng/news/fg-earmarks-n45-billion-to-rebuild-liberated-communities-in-north-east/