N2.3bn scam: EFCC probes Bankole, others
National News Jun 22, 2010

By Emman Ovuakporie & Henry Umoru

ABUJA— Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mrs. Farida Waziri, yesterday, said the agency will set up a panel to look into the alleged N2.3 billion scam in the House of Representatives.

Waziri said this when members of the Progressives Reform Group visited her to submit a petition containing the allegations levelled against the leadership of the House.

She said: “It is my pleasure to meet you; you are welcome to EFCC’s headquarters. I am delighted to have distinguished Honourable members. I read in the papers just like any other Nigerian that a petition was coming and to be presented personally by Honourable members.

”And, this morning, I saw an advert in the newspaper and with the Secretary of the commission we were going through and we discussed it. I was just sending for the Director of Operations that we don’t even have to wait for you to bring in a petition before we look into it. We have started looking into this.

”And, I was talking of setting up a committee of diligent and loyal and hardworking officers to look at this when I was told that you were around.

“We will receive this petition and we will look at it critically with professionalism and we will do our own. And, whoever is responsible or is found wanting will be brought to justice.

”The law, as we say, is no respecter of persons. Nobody is above the laws of the land; everybody is equal before the law. And, this is what we have been preaching and this is what we have been trying to do. I am particularly happy when people discover that something is wrong, economic crimes wise, and they take it upon themselves to expose and to bring it to our attention.

Leader of the group, Mr. Dino Melaye, said: “what we are fighting is not the Speaker but corruption in the leadership of the House of Representatives.”

Melaye had earlier led the same group to the Secretariat of the Peoples’ Democratic Party where they submitted a similar petition to the National Chairman. Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo.

He added: ”We have decided to battle corruption the way it has never been fought before, we have seen propaganda in the media and blackmail, government should not be seen as a government of the greedy, by the greedy and for the greedy.”

”We have been crying out loud that fighting corruption and economic crimes is not the exclusive preserve of EFCC and ICPC, it is everybody’s fight, and it is every Nigerian’s fight.

”This is our country, as you stated, we don’t have any other country, we have just Nigeria. And, there is no place like home. Even those of you that have gone out, you can compare and see that home is home and that there is no place like home.

”We will be pained when our country is being run down as a result of massive corruption. I am in a position to say because as I sit here, I know what goes on and I feel so much pain,” she added

A lot of Nigerians are trooping to India to seek for medical help. Just yesterday, India was categorised like us. Nigerians are trooping to Ghana to take our children to schools there. And this is a big shame, we cannot continue like this.

“And that was why when I got so desperate, I said may be the only thing is to get a law like death penalty just like the Chinese. They are many like us and the death penalty is working.

Some Nigerians really hate Nigeria. If Nigeria was a human being, you can imagine Nigeria would not exist today. Nigeria is so battered. I am talking of various cases we are handling like Siemens, Halliburton, Daimler, and Wilbros. All these cases give us very, very bad image and a bad name that foreign investors are even scared to come in and do anything with us.

Recently, the UK Government has enacted a law on corruption. And I was told that some of our colleagues, when the Secretary of the EFCC went to the US recently, said they have a problem. They said when they come to do business with Nigeria, Nigerian officials must demand for bribe. When they pay, they go back there and American law is waiting for them and so what do they do.

We have to look inward and do something. Whatever it is that anyone can do, we have to salvage our nation.

For the National Assembly, the House of Representatives in particular, I have been worried, I think most Nigerians have been very concerned, because there have been scandals upon scandals in that House.

And that is the bastion of democracy and the hope for the common man. And all the citizens that sent you or voted for you there, they feel that you are there to protect them.

But when we have issues all the time, starting from Salisu Buhari’s certificate, Etteh matter, the car scam and now, I mean it is something that is worrisome.

I think with this step you have taken and the action that will follow, you need to sanitise the House of Representatives and make it like any other House anywhere in the world, make it a beauty of democracy. I am sure that you have travelled to other Houses and parliaments.

“The other day I watched there was a fight also and chairs were flying in the House of Representatives. Was it not so?
When you talk of the body of principal officers, we will swing into action and you will see what we are doing.”

“I thank you and I wish other Nigerians not to sweep anything under the carpet, it won’t help anyone. If you know or feel that something is wrong somewhere, bring it to our attention and help us to fight this war. It is very tasking, it is very dangerous, very, very tedious but we have to do it. And what is worth doing at all is worth doing well. “

19-yr-old drug suspect in police net
Latest News Jun 22, 2010

By Jimitota Onoyume
PORT HARCOURT—A 19-year-old drug suspect, (names withheld), has excreted another 39 wraps of substance, suspected to be cocaine in detention.

The drug suspect was arrested two weeks ago at the Port Harcourt International Airport by men of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, about to board an Air France AF 3031 flight to Paris.

On the day he was arrested, he excreted 71 wraps of the substance weighing 962 grammes. According to the Commander of the NDLEA at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Mr Julius Parah, the drug suspect excreted the substance precisely on June 17, and would be charged to court within the week. He said so far, he had excreted a total of 1.10 kilograms of the substance.

He said the NDLEA was still keeping the suspect to ensure that nothing was left in his system.

He said the drug suspect was not sure of the total number of wraps he was carrying.

Barth Nnaji Now Special Adviser on Power
, Head Presidential Task Force on Power •FG to spend N45.77bn on electricity subsidy
From Kunle Aderinokun and Sufuyan Ojeifo in Abuja, 06.22.2010

In line with his promise to strengthen the administrative structure to drive reform in the power sector, President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday named a former Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Barth Nnaji, as his Special Adviser on Power.
The Federal Government has also budgeted N45.77 billion for electricity subsidy in the 2010 fiscal year, Accountant General of the Federation, Mr. Ibrahim Dankwambo, said yesterday.

Nnaji is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering of the Universities of Massachusetts and Pittsburgh in the United States .
By his appointment, Nnaji will now head the Presidential Task Force on Power, which is saddled with the responsibility of developing and driving the action plan for the attainment of steady power supply in the country.
Jonathan had during his Presidential Media Chat on Sunday hinted that the appointment of the Special Adviser on Power would be announced yesterday.

He said so while responding to questions on the progress of reform in the power sector, which the Federal Government under the late President Umaru Musa Yar’ Adua set out to achieve.
A statement issued yesterday by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ima Niboro, said Nnaji is expected to work with other members of the Presidential Task Force on Power “to evolve workable strategies for rapid improvement of power generation, transmission and distribution in the country.”

He said members of the task force, which would report directly to the President and the Presidential Action Committee on Power, include the Permanent Secretary (Ministry of Power); Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC); Managing Director, Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN); Managing Director, Niger-Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC); and Director General, Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP).
Other members of the task force, according to him, are the Director-General Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE); Accountant-General of the Federation; Chief Executive, Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC); Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of two power distribution companies; CEOs of two generating companies; Director of Power in the Ministry of Power and the Senior Special Assistant to the President (Special Projects.)

According to the statement, “The newly-appointed Special Adviser will also work with seven Special Assistants who will oversee the monitoring of performance and progress on specific power sector issues in the areas of generation, transmission, distribution, fuel-to-power, the National Integrated Power Project, BPE, regulatory issues and other transition enablers, and labour issues.”
Jonathan had during the media chat hinted that the Federal Government might opt for privatization to bolster power generation and distribution.

According to him, “We believe that generation must be completely privatized. No matter what, if you bring government to continue to generate, you would never get anywhere.
“Distribution must be completely privatized because there have been some leakages through one way or the other. Government can concentrate on just transmission and; even that transmission government can still give it out to consultants at a particular arrangement.”
He said that for now, government was trying to see if some of the transmission and generation projects that were on-going could be completed soon.

Dankwambo, who spoke to select-journalists in Abuja, however said that the dream of uninterrupted power supply may not be realised any time soon as the Federal Government did not possess the requisite financial resources to develop the energy sector.
The private sector that would have supported efforts of the government by investing in the sector, he expalined, were not encouraged due to heavy subsidisation by the later .
Going forward, Dankwambo therefore advised the Federal Government to immediately deregulate the energy sector, so as to drastically improve electricity supply in the country.

He said with the long history of power price determination and its attendant adverse effect on the overall socio-economic development of the nation and its people, only full deregulation of the sector will create the needed incentives for potential investments required to turn around the sector.
“If the energy sector is not deregulated, the truth is that only the Federal Government will be able to invest because the necessary incentives to attract and encourage private sectors' investments are not there”, the AGF said.

Dankwambo decried the current arrangement where the cost per unit of power is N22 for government to purchase and thereafter sell for only N6. He insisted that such arrangement amounted to wastage of scare resources that would have been channeled into other productive areas of development.
“The current situation is unsustainable because government cannot afford to continue buying power from independent producers at N22 only to sell at N6 to the public, thereby incurring a huge loss of N16 per unit cost.

“This is definitely an abnormality that should not be allowed to continue in the overall interest of Nigeria ’s socio-economic development and growth,” he added.

LAGOS—FORMER Chairman of thei, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Alhaji Bello Lafiaj and his Personal Assistant, Usman Amali, were sentenced to a total of 16 years imprisonment, yesterday, after they were found guilty of conspiracy and abuse of office by a Lagos High Court.

They were arraigned in court by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, on a seven-count charge, bordering on conspiracy to commit fraud and abuse of office.

Lafiaji and Amali were initially arraigned on a five-count charge by the commission, but according to the amended statement of offence filed on January 29, 2009, the charges were later increased by the commission to seven.

The amended statement alleged that the accused persons, in November 2005 or thereabouts in Lagos, conspired to unlawfully receive from one Ikenna Onochie, a suspect with the NDLEA, 164,300 euros being exhibit seized from the suspect in order to release him and his vehicles from custody.

The accused were said to have conspired to use their offices to confer corrupt advantage upon themselves contrary to Section 26 and punishable under Section 19 of the Corrupt and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

Corrupt advantage

Specifically, Bello Lafiaji, was alleged to have, in November 2005, used his office as chairman of NDLEA to confer corrupt advantage upon himself by obtaining from one Gadzama Bashiru, N50, 000. Besides, the ex-chairman of NDLEA was also alleged to have unlawfully demanded and obtained N450,000 from Gadzama Bashiru, through one Garba Bawa Yauri.

They pleaded not guilty to all the seven charges.

During the trial, the prosecution called 12 witnesses, while the defence called five. Urging the court to return a guilty verdict on the accused persons, the prosecution described the charge as a classical case of corruption and manipulation of the system by the accused persons.

But the defence, while urging the court to discharge and acquit the two accused persons for lack of evidence, contended that the prosecution built its case on mere suspicion. It further argued that the charges were destined to fail from inception, adding that there were variations between the charges and testimonies of witnesses that came to testify in court.

The trial judge, Justice Olusola Williams, after reviewing argument of counsel, said in her judgment that there was no doubt that Lafiaji meant well for the Agency, as he raised the standard in the Agency, but that he became victim because of the amount involved.

The court held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, noting that the way Lafiaji ordered the money to be released was irregular.

The judge said the accused persons used their offices to confer personal advantage on themselves and, therefore, found them guilty as charged.

On the first count, the court handed a four years imprisonment; another four years on the second count; two years on the third count; two on the fourth count, two on the sixth count and two on the seventh count.

For Amali, the court sentenced him to two years on the first count, two on the second count; two on the third and one year on fifth count. The prison terms will run concurrently.

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2011: Forces against Jonathan in the South-South
From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
•President Jonathan
Photo: Sun News Publishing

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For casual observers of the politics of the South-South, the recent alarm by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State that some people are building a wall around President Goodluck Jonathan to hijack the Presidency and deny other people access to him was a foul cry.

But for close watchers of political events since the inauguration of Jonathan as President, Uduaghan ‘s alarm mirrors secret fears nursed by the six governors of the region who were perceived to have attempted to frustrate the emergence of Jonathan as acting-president at the height of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua hospitalization in Saudi Arabia.

The alarm also exposes the growing fears discussed in hushed tones among other ethnic groups that some people are selling the idea of Ijaw domination in the region to the Presidency as part of the 2011 presidential project.
For a region that would play a critical role in the 2011 elections if Jonathan as his body language suggests, eventually throws his hat into the presidential contest, then mutual suspicion, secret fears and politics of isolation are ominous signs that could abbreviate Jonathan’s 2011 presidential project.

Considering the fact that before now, he did not have a political machinery of his own in the region other than the position he occupies as Vice-President, Jonathan would need to rally members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the region behind him in the quest to clinch the PDP ticket if he decides to contest.

With the enormous influence the six governors enjoy as members of the Governors’ Forum, Jonathan must resolve all the contending issues in each of the six states and reassure the people by allaying their fears if he wants to enjoy their backing in the elections.

Edo State
The PDP in Edo is almost in disarray as “Hurricane” Adams Oshiomhole continues to decimate the party with many members defecting to the ruling rival Action Congress (AC). Since the Appeal Court affirmed his election as governor, Oshiomhole has left no one in doubt that it was a matter of time before he takes the state and by extension, the region with storm.

While Jonathan would need to deal with the crisis within the PDP in the state to shore up his support, he would also seek a strategy to handle the threat posed by Oshiomhole as a likely Vice-Presidential candidate to a strong Northerner in the 2011 elections.

As a former labour leader with a large followership especially among workers, Oshiomhole poses the greatest threat to Jonathan in the 2011 elections if he wants to take a shot at the Presidency. It was therefore, no surprise that Oshiomhole’s name was mentioned as part of those that financed the project that attempted to frustrate Jonathan becoming acting president

With the PDP only mouthing electoral reforms, Oshiomhole has endeared himself to Nigerians with his “One Man, One Vote,” campaign which other South-South governors have openly identified with as a means to retain the support of their people.

Though Jonathan and Oshiomhole enjoy a robust relationship based on mutual respect that dates back to the time when the former was deputy-governor, but being politicians in different political parties and with distinct political aspirations, Jonathan would need to face the reality that a rival presidential candidate would find Oshiomhole a capable instrument to neutralize the PDP’s chances in the South-South.

Delta State
Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan is a loyal member of the PDP and it would be easy for the state to easily overcome the pocket of crisis in the party to rally support for Jonathan. But the major problem is the attempt to brand Uduaghan a traitor and push for his replacement with an Ijaw man in the 2011 elections.

In Delta, there are distinct contending groups seeking political power. But the Ibori group since 1999 has been playing a dominant role. In 2007, James Onafefe Ibori, an Urhobo, single- handedly made his cousin and then Secretary to the State Government(SSG), Uduaghan to be Governor, though there were protests as other groups especially the Ijaw felt short-changed, but since 2007, Uduaghan has also endeared himself to the people with his programmes.

Under the Yar’Adua Presidency, Uduaghan was so confident of his political future because of the influence Ibori wielded under the dispensation. But the story is no longer the same. When Yar’Adua was critically sick and there was clamour for Jonathan to become Acting-President, Ibori was said to have recruited Uduaghan into the anti-Jonathan project. Now with Jonathan in the saddle, and Ibori fleeing Nigeria to escape arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Uduaghan has become the fall guy with Ijaw leaders in the state moving against him by branding him an Ibori boy before the Presidency.

It is not strange that since Jonathan’s installation as acting-president and later President, Chief Edwin Clark has become adamant about the reconstitution of the PDP executives in the state which is believed to be in the hands of Uduaghan.
But Uduaghan is ready to fight back and salvage his political career which some influential Deltans with connections to Aso- Rock want to destroy. It was no wonder that he made the declaration against his traducers at a meeting of Delta Elders.

Uduaghan was quoted as saying: “Let me state that no person or group of persons should try to build a wall around the Presidency and from that wall, start dispatching stories that are not true as well as blackmailing people. If you push everybody away, it may not be to our benefit because the Presidency cannot succeed in isolation”
“I have refused to be pushed away. Mr. President needs the Governor of Delta State and the Governor of Delta State needs Mr. President. I have easy access to Mr. President because Mr. President recognises that I am the Governor of a critical state in Nigeria”

And to exonerate himself from the allegation that he worked against Jonathan, Uduanghan added: “Contrary to the impressions being created by some persons, the state (Delta State) through the active participation of myself and members of the National Assembly from the state, were involved in the emergence of the then vice- president as Acting President and President. I remain unruffled by the actions of those painting negative pictures about how the President emerged”
Though he did not mention names, but investigations revealed that those he was referring to as trying to build a wall around Jonathan are Ijaws from the state who are trying hard to discredit the personality of Uduaghan to push for an Ijaw politician to become governor in 2011.

Already, the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, who was said to be initially angry with Uduaghan over the perceived role he was said to have played has mellowed down as evident in her recent visit to the state. But the problem now remains how Jonathan would be able to reconcile Uduaghan with his traducers who are mainly Ijaw pushing for one of their own as Governor in 2011.

Bayelsa State
This is the home state of Jonathan, where he was once deputy governor, acting- governor, governor, before he was elevated to become the running mate to the late Yar’Adua in 2007. Ordinarily, he should not have any problems here considering the fact that he is conversant with the political terrain. However, extant situation as regards the relationship between his wife, majority of his associates in Jonathan’s Committee of Friends and Governor Timipre Sylva is a source of worry.

As wife of the then Vice-President, Mrs. Jonathan seized every opportunity to attend functions in Bayelsa where she was enjoying a robust political relationship with the young Turks in the Sylva government who were angling to replace those calling the shots before the advent of the Sylva government.
But Sylva’s close relationship and unflinching loyalty to Yar’ Adua coupled with the allegation that he helped to bankroll the campaign to stop Jonathan’s emergence as acting-president has made Mrs. Jonathan to turn her back against Sylva’s government.

According to sources, since the inauguration of Jonathan as President, delegations of lawmakers have been going to Abuja to plead with Mrs. Jonathan generally called Mummy, on behalf of Sylva. Though impeccable sources said she is still angry but she has given signs that she is ready to forgive Sylva.

However, loyalists of Jonathan who have since merged with associates of Mr. Ndutimi Alaibe have never hidden their displeasure with Sylva’s government as they have carried series of attacks to lampoon his government.
Sylva has said it severally that he has no problem with Jonathan, though since their perceived frosty relationship became public knowledge, Jonathan has not uttered a word whether to confirm or deny it.
Just like Uduaghan, the Bayelsa State governor during the EFCC’s raid has also fingered some people as using the name of Jonathan to commit atrocities.

He said: “I would like to use this opportunity once more to correct an erroneous impression that the Acting President is behind all the travails of these people. I have personally spoken with the acting-president many times, and I very well believe that he himself does not have a hand in what is happening in Bayelsa. But of course, there are a lot of name droppers who probably also use my name and other people’s name to commit a lot of atrocities. These name–droppers are those to blame. What I want all Bayelsans to do is to fight those name –droppers so that they do not use the name of highly-placed Nigerians, great Bayelsa sons like the acting-president and associates to commit atrocities. We stand with the acting-president because this is the first time Bayelsa, nay the Ijaw people have produced somebody with a high office and it is our responsibility to support him. I stand firmly with the acting-president no matter the divisive intrusions of all those people who consider themselves closer to the acting-president than the rest of us. We are children of the acting-president and there are no better loved children”

As it stands now, the PDP family in Bayelsa is not one, and Sylva being a governor whose election would come in 2012 cannot be ignored as he presently controls the party executives unless it is reconstituted. There is an urgent need for Jonathan to resolve all outstanding political issues in Bayelsa that relates to mutual suspicion and fears of revenge for the PDP to go into the primaries and the general election with one voice.

Rivers State
Rotimi Amaechi appears to be one of the favourite governors close to President Goodluck Jonathan. But that does not seem to count for him, as his closeness to Yar’Adua borne out of the latter’s prompt directive that he should be inaugurated after the Supreme Court ruled in his favour is now being used against him.
Amaechi’s name was also mentioned as one of the South-South governors who secretly financed the campaign to stop the emergence of Jonathan as acting-president.

If it is by performance, Amaechi has no problem in securing second term, but in the PDP politics, other factors that relegates performance to the back seat comes into play.
It an open secret that Mrs. Jonathan being from Rivers State has more than a passing interest in the affairs of the state.
As wife of the Vice- President, her attempts to plant a foothold in the politics of the state was politely rebuffed by Amaechi who read correctly where she was going.

However, since Jonathan became President, it is now being openly discussed that an Ijaw speaking person preferably from Okirika where Mrs. Jonathan hails from, should also be allowed to rule the state.

That Mrs. Jonathan is not too comfortable with Amaechi was demonstrated during her husband’s first official visit to Rivers State after his inauguration as President. While President Jonathan was in Rivers, many had expected him to be accompanied by his wife, who is from the state, but she was not there but in Delta State, on another state visit.
Lately, mortal enemies of the Amaechi government led by Sir Peter Odili and Abiye Sekibo have found their voices back joining the PDP reform group, clamouring for reform as a prelude to re-launching themselves into Rivers State politics by exploiting their relationship with the First family.

Jonathan has a herculean task in Rivers State to reassure the Amaechi political family and other ethnic groups in the state that there is no grand plan to draft any Ijaw man into the governorship race.
He needs to deal with the threat the political interest of his wife and other people close to him pose in Rivers State to enjoy the support of the Amaechi political structure.

Akwa Ibom and Cross River states
Aside the fact that Governors Godswill Akpabio and Liyel Imoke respectively were also said to have shown indifference to Jonathan becoming acting president, they do not have any major issues with his associates.
But it is out in the open that Akpabio and Imoke no longer enjoy the support of their predecessors who would not mind if they exploit their relationship with Jonathan to stop their re-nomination.
But as of today, Akpabio and Imoke control the structure of PDP and the best bet for Jonathan if he decides to run is to work with the duo for them to deliver their states delegates to him.

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As the World Cup begins
By Sun News Publishing
Friday, June 11, 2010

Editorial Index

History is being made today as the first ever FIFA World Cup on African soil kicks off in South Africa. The opening match of the month-long event in Johannesburg is between the host country and Mexico. This is the first time a football event of this magnitude is taking place in Africa.

Already, South Africa has made elaborate preparations to host the world in what is regarded as one of the best organised football competitions in recent times. Hosting the world's most glamorous soccer tournament has cost the country some billions of rand in infrastructure upgrade, transport, security and other logistics. South Africa is not leaving anything to chance. It wants to make a huge success of the event. No doubt, the world will be treated to the best of African culture and hospitality.

Over one million visitors are expected to grace the event while billions of dollars in revenue will be raked in by the host nation. African countries will use the occasion to show what they can offer the world.
As Africa hosts the world, we encourage all African teams, especially the Super Eagles of Nigeria, to showcase their best football talents and style in the round leather game. As usual, the attention of all football fans will turn to South Africa to watch their favourite football idols at play.

We call on the officiating teams to be fair in handling the matches. We say this because poor officiating can mar an event of this magnitude. Besides, such shoddiness on the part of match officials detracts from the spirit of the competition, which is to promote unity and friendship through soccer. Let the players exhibit the spirit of friendship and happiness throughout the duration of the tournament.

Of all the continents, Africa and Asia have not won the World Cup. Therefore, in this competition, African teams should bear in mind Brazilian soccer legend, Pele's prediction that an African team would lift the famous trophy by 2010. But that prediction can only come true if African teams strive to win the Cup. And, they can win it if they apply their minds to it. We enjoin all our teams to ensure that what Pele has said actually comes to fruition in this tournament.
African teams should go into the competition with team spirit. After all, football is about teamwork and not necessarily individual talent. Our players should not be afraid of any side or any player.

At this stage of the competition, no team can be written off. In football, any team is capable of springing surprises at a time least expected. African teams should have confidence in themselves. They should have self-belief. Once they have it, they can perform wonderfully. Let us therefore promote our players and our team. Underrating our teams does not help in boosting their confidence level. Rather, it demoralizes the players.

We urge the Super Eagles to rise up to the occasion and spring surprises at the game. We believe the team can go a long way in the tournament. As they file out tomorrow to play their first match in the event with Argentina, let them do so with determination and win. We wish the teams success in their campaign for soccer laurels. Though, they said they would reach the quarter- final, we want them to reach the final and possibly win the Cup.

We also call on other African teams not to rest on their oars. This World Cup presents a good opportunity for an African team to win it. Let African teams shake up the world and grab the Cup.

Economically, South Africa has proved the potentials in African countries hosting the game. FIFA's initial skepticism in bringing the World Cup to Africa on the ground that it would not yield money has been shattered. Already, money is flowing in from ticket sales and other promotional activities. Let the money coming in rub off on African countries as well.

We call on world leaders to use the ambience the World Cup creates to make the world friendlier. As the world teams converge in South Africa, we say welcome to Africa and have a happy stay.

The group of lawmakers who on Wednesday gave the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole a 7-day ultimatum to resign or be disgraced out of office were yesterday told to shelve the idea or be ready to face the music.

The order was handed out to the progressives, made up of PDP members by the Leader of Opposition in the House, Ali Ndume, while reacting to the ultimatum. He said the leadership of the house was not in any mood to entertain a crack in its fold or among its members, warning that “Enough Is Enough”.

On Wednesday, 11 rep members led by Mr Dino Melaye and Ehioge West-Idahosa told journalists that the progressive group were in possession of incriminating documents confirming allegations of corruption since Bankole became the Speaker of the House. Spokesman, Eseme Eyiboh had responded, asking the so-called progressives to vacate their theatre or be absolved and join other discernible members to complement the current legislative engagements for executive action.

Ndume said the leadership of the house under Bankole had for so long restrained itself from applying the rod against members whose activities had been inimical to the stability of the House. As a principal officer of the house, he stated that the leadership believed in the spirit of camaraderie within its fold; the reason why it overlooked security reports against “erring members.” According to him, the chamber, under the leadership of Bankole was more in the mood to celebrate the rare feat the national assembly had performed in amending the 1999 constitution and the Electoral Act 2006, than give adequate time for plot to set it backwards based on sheer vendetta being pursued by some lawmakers.

The Minority Leader said by the time the House resumes, it would focus on more pressing national issues including the receipt of the amended constitution from the State Houses of Assembly and its eventual proclamation into law by the Federal Government, as well as the issue on state creation.

And for those listed in the progressives list, Ndume said they still had a good chance to make peace with the leadership between now and the resumption of the members from recess, failing to which the House would eventually wield the big stick against any member whose activities are considered divisive, inimical and dangerous to the survival of democracy.
“Each of those listed as members of the Progressive Group, had had very weighty issues pending before the House leadership, which warranted some measure of penalty, whereas the House had a change of heart in applying penalties owing to pleas from peace loving colleagues,” he stated.

Ndume reminded those calling for the resignation of the Speaker to realize that the law governing the House empowers the leadership to apply sanctions against any members who breached the Rules, adding that the leadership would not hesitate to sacrifice any member who may wish to stand between it and progress.

“What we had expected is that any member who had issues against the leadership would come forward and table such issue before the gathering of members most especially during the plenary, if only for the House to take common decision on such.
“We had done that before and several times too. That is why we hold executive sessions to resolve key issues common to the interest of every member. The law has never allows any member to vent his or her anger on the pages of newspaper, while ignoring the proper channels for doing so.

“I look at the set of people who issued that ultimatum to the Honourable Speaker and discovered that they are the same set of member raising the same issue at different times. They are colleagues to whom we ascribed much of integrity and high sense of acumen, law and order. We are not to join issues with them on the pages of newspaper and so we are seizing this opportunity to call them to order because enough is enough”.

The ANPP leader urged the Progressive group to present the documents against the Speaker for authentication, noting that it had severally uncovered many fake documents being bandied as tools for blackmailing the leadership, most especially during the car purchase scandal.

North double-speak over 2011 presidency
Politics Jun 10, 2010

By Emeka Mamah
For many political observers in the North, the recent statement by the northern socio-cultural group, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), to the effect that the North may not support President Goodluck Jonathan’s perceived ambition to contest the 2011 presidential election amounts to a volte face.

This is because, prior to the statement, ACF had been labeled as working for the ambition of the President. During the last meeting of the forum in Kaduna last April, the leaders stated that the ACF would scout for credible Nigerians to support in 2011, if an acceptable northerner is not found. According to ACF then, the north would shop for a candidate from any part of the country who can deliver electoral dividends to the people, instead of concerning itself with tribal or religious jingoists who have no credible plans for the Nigerian people.Addressing a press conference as part of the group’s 10th anniversary celebration, Chairman of the Anniversary Planning Committee, Brig. Gen. Mohammed A. Umar, said that the ACF has documented the qualities the president of Nigeria should have.

According to him, “the ACF was established to achieve certain objectives in a united and strong Nigeria and it is the belief of members of the forum that every part of Nigeria must be strong for the nation to move forward. That is what our founding fathers in the North like the late Sir Ahmadu Bello wanted. That is why he said let the independence of the country be delayed so that all parts of Nigeria will catch up. That was the aim of establishing the ACF. At that time, there were lots of social conflicts and those of you who were Kaduna know about this. Probably, it was because of what was happening in Kaduna that the leaders then said let ACF be established.

“Generally speaking, you will agree with me that even though we have social conflicts here and there, there is more peace in the North now than there was 10 years ago. Politically, you all know the situation we were faced in 2000. Today, we know more challenging issues have come up politically that require the total northern approach to it for the nation to get out of the wood.

If you look back, you will agree with me that not long ago when we have some political situations that needed attention, northerners were among the national leaders who provided the solution to the problem. So, we will say without any fear of contradiction that a lot has been achieved regarding the reasons for the establishment of the ACF in the overall interest of the nation. I want to say that ACF is a non partisan body. Of course when you participate in the governance of a nation, politics comes into it. What ACF says is that it is non partisan. ACF is not PDP, it is not AC

and it is not any other political party.But what the Northern Union (its splinter group) is probably doing is participating actively in the partisan politics of the country and nobody is saying anything against that from the ACF.

“What we are saying is that if you participate in active partisan politics, when the time comes, you cannot be a true arbiter. We have no quarrel with Northern Union and they have the right to do whatever they are doing.We are convinced that the ACF has succeeded. The first thing we handled was the Tiv/Jukun crisis when we moved into the area with our Emirs and Chiefs, literally living in tents until they saw that the problem was solved to some extent.

In other areas too, we had our Emirs, Chiefs, former service chiefs, former Inspector General of Police crisscrossing the northern parts of the country to solve some social problems. During the Oputa panel, the ACF mobilized northerners to make the position of the North known against the backdrop of certain misunderstanding and I think that the nation came out better informed about the North and that earned some respect for the North rather than the beggar impression that some parts of the country have about the ACF.”

However, shortly after this statement, coupled with the announcement by the former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, that he will contest the 2011 presidential elections, a cacophony of protests started from the North against the alleged political ambition of Jonathan. Among those who have publicly spoken against Jonathan’s perceived ambition are Senator Kanti Bello, the former adviser to President Shehu Shagari, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, a chieftain of the Democratic Party of Nigeria (DPN), Alhaji Hassan Mohammed Jallo, Senator JKN Waku, a civil rights activist, Comrade Shehu Sani, a foundation member of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT), Alhaji Isyaku Ibrahim and another chieftain of the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) from Kano State, Alhaji Abdurrahaman Dan-Mallam (Danmadami Daura).

Amid these discordant voices, the ACF made a U-turn and gave reasons why the North will not support President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2011 elections, even as it said that it is solidly behind the present administration of Jonathan because “it is a product of fate and constitutionality”.

The National Publicity Secretary of the ACF, Mr. Anthony Sani, made the organization’s position on the raging controversy of whether the North will support President Jonathan to run or not known in his reaction to Vanguard enquiries in Kaduna Monday.

Sani stated, “When you ask whether ACF and thus the North will go against Jonathan should he decide to run in 2011, you at once personalize the whole thing. To be sure, ACF is yet to receive any reports on this matter from its committee on political affairs. However, it is necessary to point out that ACF is in full support of Goodluck’s government because, it is a product of both fate and constitutionality. We pray the government succeeds in delivering on the promise of democracy.

But, when it comes to the politics of rotation, ACF must consider the fact of history that the South has had eight years and overriding need to preserve gentleman agreements in our mechanism of community living often manifested in social contracts among individuals and groups. The point being made is that a person who takes advantage of his vantage position to vitiate an agreement by his own party is most unlikely going to deliver on the promises of his own campaigns. What is more, it is morally preposterous for ACF to go against zoning at a time it is the turn of the North, especially when regard is paid to the fact that there are qualified candidates in the North, who can provide national leadership by way of order and direction”.

Those opposing Jonathan have been working on strategies to scuttle his ambition in case they fail to get the PDP ticket. Such strategies include, moving out of the party and supporting a consensus candidate in any other party even as they realize that the easiest way for them would be through the ruling party; thus the increased hype on the party’s gentleman agreement.But, there are other northerners who have openly supported Jonathan and have asked him to contest the 2011 elections but based on his performance between now and then. Those in this category include the former National Chairman of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), Comrade Adamu Song and the former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Mike Aondoakaa. These people are of the opinion that zoning is not constitutional and cannot be supported as it encourages mediocrity in governance. One noticeable feature is that most of the northerners opposed to zoning are not from the “core” North which is believed to have appropriated most of the top positions usually allocated to the area, including the presidency.

Apart from Niger State which has produced two military heads of state in the persons of Generals Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar, the other presidents of northern extraction are from Kano, Sokoto and Katsina. They include late Generals Murtala Mohammed and Sani Abacha Kano), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and late President Umaru Yar’Adua (Katsina) while Shehu Shagari and the country’s only Prime Minister came from Sokoto and Bauchi states respectively.

For those who support Jonathan, some people in the North see them as traitors as they are allegedly working with the enemies of the North to deny them of their right. According to this class of northerners, although zoning is not democratic, it has brought stability in the polity as most sections of the country believe that even if not now, their own people will one day occupy the number one political position in the country and preside over the sharing of the national cake.

For Comrade Adamu Song, the so-called northern unity is false because some sections are not regarded as real northerners. He also believes that some members of the ACF are mere paper tigers who have no political relevance in their local communities.

One of the problems which some northern leaders believe that the north will face while fighting to regain the presidency between now and 2015 is lack of unity. There is serious threat to northern unity and this threat may have manifested in the various ethno-religious crises in Bauchi, Plateau, Borno, Kaduna and Benue-Taraba (Tiv/Jukun) states among others.

Apart from the issue of those who are regarded as “core” northerners and states in the periphery, like Plateau, Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, Kogi, Niger, and Kwara, the introduction of Sharia law in some states with majority Moslem population is another problem which has made the north not to speak with one voice.

The intensity of the hatred between Christians and Muslims can be felt from the way some non-Christians wanted to scuttle the swearing in of Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, former Deputy Governor of Kaduna state, who became governor following the nomination of his former boss as Vice-President, Another aspect of the deep hatred also manifested at the Ahmadu Bello University, ABU, Zaria where the northern establishment refused to allow Professor Jonathan Nok, a minority Christian from Southern Kaduna to become the Vice Chancellor even after he emerged first in an interview that was said to have been transparently conducted by the authorities in November last year.

In the north, it is easier for a Muslim non-indigene to get a “juicy” political appointment than for a native who is an indigene. That accounts for a situation whereby some “northerners” who allegedly came to the country from Niger, Cameroun among other neighbouring countries enjoy more political patronages than northern Christians.

Certainly, all other things being equal, the scheduled 2011 presidential election will hold but what is not certain is between President Jonathan and his supporters on one hand and the north on the other, who will blink first. But, as a former member of the National Electoral Reform Committee, Mr. Festus Okoye said, “zoning is a creative, internal and inclusive arrangement of the political parties. The constitutional and legal requirements for vying for presidency do not include zoning. Zoning is an issue because other parties are weak”

North double-speak over 2011 presidency
Politics Jun 10, 2010

By Emeka Mamah
For many political observers in the North, the recent statement by the northern socio-cultural group, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), to the effect that the North may not support President Goodluck Jonathan’s perceived ambition to contest the 2011 presidential election amounts to a volte face.

This is because, prior to the statement, ACF had been labeled as working for the ambition of the President. During the last meeting of the forum in Kaduna last April, the leaders stated that the ACF would scout for credible Nigerians to support in 2011, if an acceptable northerner is not found. According to ACF then, the north would shop for a candidate from any part of the country who can deliver electoral dividends to the people, instead of concerning itself with tribal or religious jingoists who have no credible plans for the Nigerian people.Addressing a press conference as part of the group’s 10th anniversary celebration, Chairman of the Anniversary Planning Committee, Brig. Gen. Mohammed A. Umar, said that the ACF has documented the qualities the president of Nigeria should have.

According to him, “the ACF was established to achieve certain objectives in a united and strong Nigeria and it is the belief of members of the forum that every part of Nigeria must be strong for the nation to move forward. That is what our founding fathers in the North like the late Sir Ahmadu Bello wanted. That is why he said let the independence of the country be delayed so that all parts of Nigeria will catch up. That was the aim of establishing the ACF. At that time, there were lots of social conflicts and those of you who were Kaduna know about this. Probably, it was because of what was happening in Kaduna that the leaders then said let ACF be established.

“Generally speaking, you will agree with me that even though we have social conflicts here and there, there is more peace in the North now than there was 10 years ago. Politically, you all know the situation we were faced in 2000. Today, we know more challenging issues have come up politically that require the total northern approach to it for the nation to get out of the wood.

If you look back, you will agree with me that not long ago when we have some political situations that needed attention, northerners were among the national leaders who provided the solution to the problem. So, we will say without any fear of contradiction that a lot has been achieved regarding the reasons for the establishment of the ACF in the overall interest of the nation. I want to say that ACF is a non partisan body. Of course when you participate in the governance of a nation, politics comes into it. What ACF says is that it is non partisan. ACF is not PDP, it is not AC

and it is not any other political party.But what the Northern Union (its splinter group) is probably doing is participating actively in the partisan politics of the country and nobody is saying anything against that from the ACF.

“What we are saying is that if you participate in active partisan politics, when the time comes, you cannot be a true arbiter. We have no quarrel with Northern Union and they have the right to do whatever they are doing.We are convinced that the ACF has succeeded. The first thing we handled was the Tiv/Jukun crisis when we moved into the area with our Emirs and Chiefs, literally living in tents until they saw that the problem was solved to some extent.

In other areas too, we had our Emirs, Chiefs, former service chiefs, former Inspector General of Police crisscrossing the northern parts of the country to solve some social problems. During the Oputa panel, the ACF mobilized northerners to make the position of the North known against the backdrop of certain misunderstanding and I think that the nation came out better informed about the North and that earned some respect for the North rather than the beggar impression that some parts of the country have about the ACF.”

However, shortly after this statement, coupled with the announcement by the former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, that he will contest the 2011 presidential elections, a cacophony of protests started from the North against the alleged political ambition of Jonathan. Among those who have publicly spoken against Jonathan’s perceived ambition are Senator Kanti Bello, the former adviser to President Shehu Shagari, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, a chieftain of the Democratic Party of Nigeria (DPN), Alhaji Hassan Mohammed Jallo, Senator JKN Waku, a civil rights activist, Comrade Shehu Sani, a foundation member of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT), Alhaji Isyaku Ibrahim and another chieftain of the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) from Kano State, Alhaji Abdurrahaman Dan-Mallam (Danmadami Daura).

Amid these discordant voices, the ACF made a U-turn and gave reasons why the North will not support President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2011 elections, even as it said that it is solidly behind the present administration of Jonathan because “it is a product of fate and constitutionality”.

The National Publicity Secretary of the ACF, Mr. Anthony Sani, made the organization’s position on the raging controversy of whether the North will support President Jonathan to run or not known in his reaction to Vanguard enquiries in Kaduna Monday.

Sani stated, “When you ask whether ACF and thus the North will go against Jonathan should he decide to run in 2011, you at once personalize the whole thing. To be sure, ACF is yet to receive any reports on this matter from its committee on political affairs. However, it is necessary to point out that ACF is in full support of Goodluck’s government because, it is a product of both fate and constitutionality. We pray the government succeeds in delivering on the promise of democracy.

But, when it comes to the politics of rotation, ACF must consider the fact of history that the South has had eight years and overriding need to preserve gentleman agreements in our mechanism of community living often manifested in social contracts among individuals and groups. The point being made is that a person who takes advantage of his vantage position to vitiate an agreement by his own party is most unlikely going to deliver on the promises of his own campaigns. What is more, it is morally preposterous for ACF to go against zoning at a time it is the turn of the North, especially when regard is paid to the fact that there are qualified candidates in the North, who can provide national leadership by way of order and direction”.

Those opposing Jonathan have been working on strategies to scuttle his ambition in case they fail to get the PDP ticket. Such strategies include, moving out of the party and supporting a consensus candidate in any other party even as they realize that the easiest way for them would be through the ruling party; thus the increased hype on the party’s gentleman agreement.But, there are other northerners who have openly supported Jonathan and have asked him to contest the 2011 elections but based on his performance between now and then. Those in this category include the former National Chairman of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), Comrade Adamu Song and the former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Mike Aondoakaa. These people are of the opinion that zoning is not constitutional and cannot be supported as it encourages mediocrity in governance. One noticeable feature is that most of the northerners opposed to zoning are not from the “core” North which is believed to have appropriated most of the top positions usually allocated to the area, including the presidency.

Apart from Niger State which has produced two military heads of state in the persons of Generals Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar, the other presidents of northern extraction are from Kano, Sokoto and Katsina. They include late Generals Murtala Mohammed and Sani Abacha Kano), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and late President Umaru Yar’Adua (Katsina) while Shehu Shagari and the country’s only Prime Minister came from Sokoto and Bauchi states respectively.

For those who support Jonathan, some people in the North see them as traitors as they are allegedly working with the enemies of the North to deny them of their right. According to this class of northerners, although zoning is not democratic, it has brought stability in the polity as most sections of the country believe that even if not now, their own people will one day occupy the number one political position in the country and preside over the sharing of the national cake.

For Comrade Adamu Song, the so-called northern unity is false because some sections are not regarded as real northerners. He also believes that some members of the ACF are mere paper tigers who have no political relevance in their local communities.

One of the problems which some northern leaders believe that the north will face while fighting to regain the presidency between now and 2015 is lack of unity. There is serious threat to northern unity and this threat may have manifested in the various ethno-religious crises in Bauchi, Plateau, Borno, Kaduna and Benue-Taraba (Tiv/Jukun) states among others.

Apart from the issue of those who are regarded as “core” northerners and states in the periphery, like Plateau, Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, Kogi, Niger, and Kwara, the introduction of Sharia law in some states with majority Moslem population is another problem which has made the north not to speak with one voice.

The intensity of the hatred between Christians and Muslims can be felt from the way some non-Christians wanted to scuttle the swearing in of Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, former Deputy Governor of Kaduna state, who became governor following the nomination of his former boss as Vice-President, Another aspect of the deep hatred also manifested at the Ahmadu Bello University, ABU, Zaria where the northern establishment refused to allow Professor Jonathan Nok, a minority Christian from Southern Kaduna to become the Vice Chancellor even after he emerged first in an interview that was said to have been transparently conducted by the authorities in November last year.

In the north, it is easier for a Muslim non-indigene to get a “juicy” political appointment than for a native who is an indigene. That accounts for a situation whereby some “northerners” who allegedly came to the country from Niger, Cameroun among other neighbouring countries enjoy more political patronages than northern Christians.

Certainly, all other things being equal, the scheduled 2011 presidential election will hold but what is not certain is between President Jonathan and his supporters on one hand and the north on the other, who will blink first. But, as a former member of the National Electoral Reform Committee, Mr. Festus Okoye said, “zoning is a creative, internal and inclusive arrangement of the political parties. The constitutional and legal requirements for vying for presidency do not include zoning. Zoning is an issue because other parties are weak”.

“If we cannot find a candidate with the right qualities in the North, we will support anybody from any part of the country whom we discover to have these qualities,” the forum stated.

Nigeria's problem is not policy, It is IMPLEMENTATION and CONSISTENCY. It is high time Nigeria administators start adopting the principle of continuity. It is continuity that makes any establishment or organization stands. If every leader that comes into position comes up with their policies and put aside the the one in place before their tenure, Nigeria will NEVER grow because every 4,4 years , we'll be having different policy, that will never be fully implemented in the tenure if onle becuase of DUE PROCESS. I think the National Assembly should find a way of including a clause in the constitution that will facilitate continuity of some national policy made towards growth. Continuity and Consistency in policy is what we need.

Nigeria's problem is not policy, It is IMPLEMENTATION and CONSISTENCY. It is high time Nigeria administators start adopting the principle of continuity. It is continuity that makes any establishment or organization stands. If every leader that comes into position comes up with their policies and put aside the the one in place before their tenure, Nigeria will NEVER grow because every 4,4 years , we'll be having different policy, that will never be fully implemented in the tenure if onle becuase of DUE PROCESS. I think the National Assembly should find a way of including a clause in the constitution that will facilitate continuity of some national policy made towards growth. Continuity and Consistency in policy is what we need.

‘Nigeria to Generate Power from Nuclear Tech by 2019’
From Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja, 06.11.2010

Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) has said Nigeria can commenceelectricity generation through the use of nuclear energy by2019 with an initial capacity of 1000MW.
Director General and chief executive of NAEC, Dr. Erepamo Osaisai,made this known yesterday when he received the House ofRepresentatives committee on Science and Technology on a visit to theNuclear Technology Centre, Sheda, near Abuja.

Osaisai who conducted the visitors round some ongoing nuclear projectsat the Nuclear Technology Centre said an additional capacity of 400mw would be generated by 2019 through the nuclear energy programme of theFederal Government.

Among the projects inspected were a multi-purpose researcher’s hostelwhich was awarded at the cost of N482 million and the one for theconstruction of low and intermediate radioactive waste storagefacility which was awarded at the cost of N401 million.

“All things being equal, Nigeria will generate 1000mw of nuclearelectricity by 2019 and an additional capacity of 400mw 10 yearsthereafter," Osaisai said, stressing that NAEC had commenced fullimplementation of the National Strategic Programme put in place by thefederal government for nuclear power generation.

While calling for adequate funding for the successful implementationof the nuclear energy programme, the Director General assured that the Commission would do everything possible to ensure that Nigeria joinsthe comity of nations using nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

‘Nigeria to Generate Power from Nuclear Tech by 2019’
From Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja, 06.11.2010

Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) has said Nigeria can commenceelectricity generation through the use of nuclear energy by2019 with an initial capacity of 1000MW.
Director General and chief executive of NAEC, Dr. Erepamo Osaisai,made this known yesterday when he received the House ofRepresentatives committee on Science and Technology on a visit to theNuclear Technology Centre, Sheda, near Abuja.

Osaisai who conducted the visitors round some ongoing nuclear projectsat the Nuclear Technology Centre said an additional capacity of 400mw would be generated by 2019 through the nuclear energy programme of theFederal Government.

Among the projects inspected were a multi-purpose researcher’s hostelwhich was awarded at the cost of N482 million and the one for theconstruction of low and intermediate radioactive waste storagefacility which was awarded at the cost of N401 million.

“All things being equal, Nigeria will generate 1000mw of nuclearelectricity by 2019 and an additional capacity of 400mw 10 yearsthereafter," Osaisai said, stressing that NAEC had commenced fullimplementation of the National Strategic Programme put in place by thefederal government for nuclear power generation.

While calling for adequate funding for the successful implementationof the nuclear energy programme, the Director General assured that the Commission would do everything possible to ensure that Nigeria joinsthe comity of nations using nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

guy is it free tell us more

had one  you must be a madman as your name imply had one let me tell if nort think that this country belong to them along ,if i were goodluck i will spilet this country into two yes they should go and rear cow in the bush.

Re: quit notice Reps Give Bankole 7 Days To Resign
« #5 on: Today at 12:12:42 PM »

Bankole should go and kiss President Jonathan's "ring", else he may not survive the plot. Remember the role he played while Yar'Adua saga lasted. Ogbulafor has gone, he may well be the next

i support 4 that coment yes he should so now before it will be 2 late.

nigerian are like a dog were by when a big dog is eating no matter how good he may be with the samll ones he dosent allow them to eat even to come closer to the food Alhaji Adamu Maina Waziri is the Minister of Police Affairs and Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Yobe State. In this interview, Adamu says about N1.6 trillion has been earmarked for the training, employment, rehabilitation, social support, image rebranding of the Nigerian Police over a six year period. He is also in support of the party’s zoning system to enable President Goodluck Jonathan contest in 2011http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/05/29/rotational-presidency-brainchild-of-south-east-waziri/
They decide who does what and horse-trade amongst themselves within each party to decide who becomes what and alienate the ordinary Nigerians, denying them of the chance to choose the type of people they want as their leaders. I think that we should address the kind of democratic practice within the political parties and nominations for office because when people are nominated, Nigerians will lose the chance of choosing the people they want.http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/05/29/there-was-no-zoning-policy-in-pdp-uwechue-ohanaeze/
The strategy cannot be far fetched. The people were completely despondent, over laboured by the crass intolerance of the ruling class, the few elements who were pauperized them, who have made them slaves in their own land. There was a total lack of development, in fact Edo State was not a state that could be navigated from anywhere.http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/05/28/edo-south-needs-proper-representation-in-senate-says-urhoghide/MR. Bukhari Bello, presently the subject of speculations for the chairmanship of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has a history of rebellion to the very system that has upheld electoral fraud in Nigeria.http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/06/02/bello-a-rebel-with-a-cause/Ekiti has not ceased to be in the news especially over the 2007 general elections which is still in contention in the state. Few weeks ago the Election Petition Tribunal, affirmed Governor Segun Oni’s victory in a petition by Action Congress candidate AC, Dr Kayode Fayemi, who has indicated his intention to go on second appeal. http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/05/30/2011-presidency-it-ll-be-unfair-for-zoning-to-disqualify-jonathan-says-sen-arise/Well, Dr Ogbemudia is our leader and father and he believes in the autonomy of the party in every senatorial district. And that is where I stand. There must be internal democracy in the state PDP where you allow leaders and the people of other districts to elect their representatives. Each senatorial district must be allowed autonomy of its own. Without that the party cannot go any where in the state.http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/05/28/why-i-disagreed-with-anenih-senator-uzamere/ my iadivice to nig is they should allow goodluck to contest 4 2011 said by evansmopol or evans4god

nigerian are like a dog were by when a big dog is eating no matter how good he may be with the samll ones he dosent allow them to eat even to come closer to the food Alhaji Adamu Maina Waziri is the Minister of Police Affairs and Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Yobe State. In this interview, Adamu says about N1.6 trillion has been earmarked for the training, employment, rehabilitation, social support, image rebranding of the Nigerian Police over a six year period. He is also in support of the party’s zoning system to enable President Goodluck Jonathan contest in 2011http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/05/29/rotational-presidency-brainchild-of-south-east-waziri/
They decide who does what and horse-trade amongst themselves within each party to decide who becomes what and alienate the ordinary Nigerians, denying them of the chance to choose the type of people they want as their leaders. I think that we should address the kind of democratic practice within the political parties and nominations for office because when people are nominated, Nigerians will lose the chance of choosing the people they want.http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/05/29/there-was-no-zoning-policy-in-pdp-uwechue-ohanaeze/
The strategy cannot be far fetched. The people were completely despondent, over laboured by the crass intolerance of the ruling class, the few elements who were pauperized them, who have made them slaves in their own land. There was a total lack of development, in fact Edo State was not a state that could be navigated from anywhere.http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/05/28/edo-south-needs-proper-representation-in-senate-says-urhoghide/MR. Bukhari Bello, presently the subject of speculations for the chairmanship of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has a history of rebellion to the very system that has upheld electoral fraud in Nigeria.http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/06/02/bello-a-rebel-with-a-cause/Ekiti has not ceased to be in the news especially over the 2007 general elections which is still in contention in the state. Few weeks ago the Election Petition Tribunal, affirmed Governor Segun Oni’s victory in a petition by Action Congress candidate AC, Dr Kayode Fayemi, who has indicated his intention to go on second appeal. http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/05/30/2011-presidency-it-ll-be-unfair-for-zoning-to-disqualify-jonathan-says-sen-arise/Well, Dr Ogbemudia is our leader and father and he believes in the autonomy of the party in every senatorial district. And that is where I stand. There must be internal democracy in the state PDP where you allow leaders and the people of other districts to elect their representatives. Each senatorial district must be allowed autonomy of its own. Without that the party cannot go any where in the state.http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/05/28/why-i-disagreed-with-anenih-senator-uzamere/ my iadivice to nig is they should allow goodluck to contest 4 2011 said by evansmopol or evans4god

Alhaji Adamu Maina Waziri is the Minister of Police Affairs and Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Yobe State. In this interview, Adamu says about N1.6 trillion has been earmarked for the training, employment, rehabilitation, social support, image rebranding of the Nigerian Police over a six year period. He is also in support of the party’s zoning system to enable President Goodluck Jonathan contest in 2011http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/05/29/rotational-presidency-brainchild-of-south-east-waziri/
They decide who does what and horse-trade amongst themselves within each party to decide who becomes what and alienate the ordinary Nigerians, denying them of the chance to choose the type of people they want as their leaders. I think that we should address the kind of democratic practice within the political parties and nominations for office because when people are nominated, Nigerians will lose the chance of choosing the people they want.http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/05/29/there-was-no-zoning-policy-in-pdp-uwechue-ohanaeze/
The strategy cannot be far fetched. The people were completely despondent, over laboured by the crass intolerance of the ruling class, the few elements who were pauperized them, who have made them slaves in their own land. There was a total lack of development, in fact Edo State was not a state that could be navigated from anywhere.http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/05/28/edo-south-needs-proper-representation-in-senate-says-urhoghide/MR. Bukhari Bello, presently the subject of speculations for the chairmanship of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has a history of rebellion to the very system that has upheld electoral fraud in Nigeria.http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/06/02/bello-a-rebel-with-a-cause/Ekiti has not ceased to be in the news especially over the 2007 general elections which is still in contention in the state. Few weeks ago the Election Petition Tribunal, affirmed Governor Segun Oni’s victory in a petition by Action Congress candidate AC, Dr Kayode Fayemi, who has indicated his intention to go on second appeal. http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/05/30/2011-presidency-it-ll-be-unfair-for-zoning-to-disqualify-jonathan-says-sen-arise/Well, Dr Ogbemudia is our leader and father and he believes in the autonomy of the party in every senatorial district. And that is where I stand. There must be internal democracy in the state PDP where you allow leaders and the people of other districts to elect their representatives. Each senatorial district must be allowed autonomy of its own. Without that the party cannot go any where in the state.http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/05/28/why-i-disagreed-with-anenih-senator-uzamere/

Alhaji Adamu Maina Waziri is the Minister of Police Affairs and Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Yobe State. In this interview, Adamu says about N1.6 trillion has been earmarked for the training, employment, rehabilitation, social support, image rebranding of the Nigerian Police over a six year period. He is also in support of the party’s zoning system to enable President Goodluck Jonathan contest in 2011http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/05/29/rotational-presidency-brainchild-of-south-east-waziri/
They decide who does what and horse-trade amongst themselves within each party to decide who becomes what and alienate the ordinary Nigerians, denying them of the chance to choose the type of people they want as their leaders. I think that we should address the kind of democratic practice within the political parties and nominations for office because when people are nominated, Nigerians will lose the chance of choosing the people they want.http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/05/29/there-was-no-zoning-policy-in-pdp-uwechue-ohanaeze/
The strategy cannot be far fetched. The people were completely despondent, over laboured by the crass intolerance of the ruling class, the few elements who were pauperized them, who have made them slaves in their own land. There was a total lack of development, in fact Edo State was not a state that could be navigated from anywhere.http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/05/28/edo-south-needs-proper-representation-in-senate-says-urhoghide/MR. Bukhari Bello, presently the subject of speculations for the chairmanship of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has a history of rebellion to the very system that has upheld electoral fraud in Nigeria.http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/06/02/bello-a-rebel-with-a-cause/Ekiti has not ceased to be in the news especially over the 2007 general elections which is still in contention in the state. Few weeks ago the Election Petition Tribunal, affirmed Governor Segun Oni’s victory in a petition by Action Congress candidate AC, Dr Kayode Fayemi, who has indicated his intention to go on second appeal. http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/05/30/2011-presidency-it-ll-be-unfair-for-zoning-to-disqualify-jonathan-says-sen-arise/Well, Dr Ogbemudia is our leader and father and he believes in the autonomy of the party in every senatorial district. And that is where I stand. There must be internal democracy in the state PDP where you allow leaders and the people of other districts to elect their representatives. Each senatorial district must be allowed autonomy of its own. Without that the party cannot go any where in the state.http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/05/28/why-i-disagreed-with-anenih-senator-uzamere/

yes oh we are waching god we see true in there hand

With Pele's prediction that an African team would win the FIFA World Cup by the end of the last century having proved wide off the mark, Africans are desperate for the continent's first finals to witness a meaningful achievement.

Many see a semi-final place for one of the African contenders at South Africa 2010 as an absolute must, especially with the backing of a football-mad people that are sure to support their home side first and any other African nation as second option.

Considering that Cameroon at Italy 1990 and Senegal at Korea/Japan 2002 are the only African sides to reach the quarterfinals of the world's showpiece football event and that no FIFA World Cup has ever had more than one African side in the knockout rounds, it seems a tall order. And while there is no doubt that the continent has continued to produce some of the world's best players, the inconsistency of its national teams has left many scratching their heads.

However, typical of Africa, optimism somehow triumphs in the face of any odds, and many legendary figures, past and present, have gone on the record predicting success. For current players, the idea of lifting the spirits of the continent's people to the level of ecstasy is the ultimate.

“My teammates and I want to make history and want to change the way the world sees African football. I hope that we'll be the team that is going to go to the Final and win the competition,” said injury-worry Didier Drogba, who may miss the tournament with a broken arm, but who captains what many consider to be the most talent-laden side on the continent.

Ghanaian legend, Abedi Pele, has also been in bullish form, hinting that there is a good chance for ultimate glory in the Final on 11 July. He is, however, also careful to insist that, at such a difficult event, in which the draw was not particularly kind to the African hopefuls, performance may matter more ultimately than advancement.
“It's going to be a very tough tournament for the African teams,” Pele, who has two sons, Andre and Rahim Ayew, on the current Ghana team, admitted to FIFA.com.

“They have tough groups and it's not going to be easy for them to get out. There is a theory that says this is the best time for an African team to win the tournament, maybe that is true. We will have to wait and see, but whatever happens, I think our teams will do us proud.”

Pele no doubt has in his mind the success of his home country at the end of last year in the FIFA Under-20 World Cup, when Ghana broke through to become the first African winner of the competition. Many of those impressive youngsters have worked their way into the Black Stars side and shone at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year in Angola.

Another team on the up is South Africa, which has not lost in 12 matches, and is hitting peak form at just the right time under veteran boss, Carlos Alberto Parreira. And the host of the FIFA World Cup typically gets a huge boost from its home crowd, which will surely be the case for Bafana Bafana. South African great, Lucas Radebe sees potential for the host to reach the semi-finals, but he also stressed that how far the African teams advance is not the ultimate measure of success.

“This World Cup is not only about football, it's about Africa reinventing itself," said the former Leeds defender. “Of course, we want success on the field, but at the same time, we would like to see this event as a success off the field. We want the world to trust Africa.

Street Soccer specialists, 401 Road Planners of Ajegunle last weekend emerged the winners of the maiden Gulder Ultimate Five-a-Side tournament rounded up at the mobile Astro Turf of the National Stadium, Lagos.  The team achieved the feat after a 3-2 win over after hard fighting Talent Builders FC of Island in a pulsating final match played before a capacity crowd.
The runner up had beaten the winner in the round robin qualification matches and were set to repeat the feat but failed to lift their game in spite of vociferous fans that were rooting for them from the commencement of the match.
After a goalless first half, Kabiru Nosiru  got the opener for Talent Builders few minutes into the second half and the team had several opportunities to double the lead but wasted the chances even failed to make use of the their opponent’s one man down for a foul challenge.  However with few minutes left of play, Okuoka Happiness equalized for Road Planners from penalty spot to level the score to 1-1 at full time and took the game to the mandatory penalty shoot- out and while Talent Builder’s goal keeper Ahmed Ajagbe stopped two kicks, his opposing number, Oguomah Daniel stopped three kicks to win the match for his team.
The win thus made the Ajegunle based team the winner of the Ultimate N5 million cash prize while the runners up had N2 million for their effort.  Royal Eagles of Warri beat hard fighting Royal FC of Aba by a lone goal to pick the bronze medal and earn a N1 million for the effort.
Kabiru Nosiru of Talent Builders won the Most Valuable Player of the tournament while Okuoka Happiness of 401 Road Planners was the Highest Goal Scorer of the competition.
In his closing remarks, the Marketing Director of Nigerian Breweries, Jacco Van der Linden, commended all the teams that took part in the competition for their conduct through out the competition from the zonal stage up to the final event in Lagos.
“To us at Nigerian Breweries, all the participants are winners in their own right while 401 Road Planners are the Ultimate winners among the contestants and we have bigger plans for all the participants next year,” he commended.
Over 750 teams participated in the competition across the nation and all the players are non Professional and Amateur league participants.

The attention of the governing council of the Richmond Open University has been drawn to your newspaper – The Nation, Sunday Edition dated 12th April 2009, in which the Richmond Open University was falsely listed as "illegal university" among others, as you are aware that The Nation newspaper is highly respected and since we have no axe to grind, we decided to request you to kindly publish this rejoinder after you must have gone through the certified true copy of the Federal Court Judgment in favour of the Richmond Open University enclose hereby for your retention and for future guidance in order to avoid unnecessary libel and for your highly esteem newspaper not to toe the path of infamy.
The truth of the matter is that: Judgment Between:
Richard Open University
Vs
1. Professor Peter Okebukola
2. National Universities Commission
3. The Federal Government of Nigeria
4. Inspector-General of Police, Nigeria Police Force
His Lordship Hon Justice A.L Allagoa-Judge in a final judgment dated 14/7/2006 Decreed as follows:
I answer the only question in the Originating Summons in favour of the Plaintiff to wit:
"In the interpretation of section 39(1) & (2) of the 1999 Constitution, the National Universities Commission’s act Cap N81 L.F.N 2004: the Richard Open University is not an illegal private university, justifying the action of 1st, 2nd and 3rd Defendants, having answered the question in favour of the Plaintiff. I hereby grant prayers (a) (b) (c) (d) and (f) as prayed on the Originating Summons. Relief (e) is a consequential relief for an Order for exemplary/aggravated damages 1st, 2nd & 3rd Defendants in favour of the Plaintiff."
This is the judgment of the Court:
(a) That in purview of section 39 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution; Richmond Open University established for the dissemination of information, knowledge, ideas and opinion is not an illegal private university.
(b) That the Acts, Declarations by the 1st and 2nd Defendants the Agents of the 3rd Defendant through the National Press particularly Wednesday, April 26, 2006 ‘Daily Independent’ to wit that Richmond Open University. Arochukwu, Abia State is illegal, and to close down the illegal operations of the institution" is a flagrant violation of S.39 (1) & (2) of the 1999 Constitution.
(c) That S.4 and 5 of the National Universities Commission’s Act cap N81, relates to powers and functions of the 1st and 2nd Defendants to advise the president and the Government of the State, through the Ministers, on the creation of new universities and other degree – granting institutions in Nigeria, and has no provision which can legitimately limit or restrict the right of the private individual to establish a university.
(d) That the said acts/declaration by the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Defendants is illegal, arbitrary, unconstitutional, null and void.
(e) Exemplary/aggravated damages in the sum of N5 million against the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Defendants in favour of the Plaintiffs.
(f) Perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from interfering in the institution, Richmond Open University established for the dissemination of information, knowledge, ideas and opinions. Being a Business Economic Enterprise which the Plaintiffs have right to own and operate under the constitution and the defendants have no power to abolish or close except as provided for under the statute.
The public must know that neither the National Universities Commission nor the other defendants filed any Notice of Appeal against the final decision of the Federal High Court in suit No.FHC/EN/CS/76/2006, delivered on Friday, 14th day of July 2006.
Take Notice
that Nigeria being a constitutional democracy, the rule of law an due process must be our creed. It is court judgments that made Amaechi & Peter Obi the Governors of their respective states, including some governor’s like Governor Sullivan Chime, Governor Oshiomhole, Governor Theodora Orji Abia State, the Independent National Electoral Commission did not jump into the Atlantic Ocean. Now that Richmond Open University has defeated National Universities Commission; Julius Okojie Executive Secretary of NUC must stop insulting the Nigeria Judiciary by obeying court judgment.
Further Take Notice
that in our democracy all the governments in Nigeria as well as organizations and individuals must know how to due process of law and this they can vindicate by resorting to the courts for redress in the event of any grievance. In a society where the rule of law prevails, self-help is not available to the Executive or any arm of government, and NUC must stop using the police unduly against the university.
The likes of NUC, Julius Okojie by their unconstitutional acts in flagrant violation of a subsisting Court judgments against NUC, in favour of a law abiding corporate citizen, Richmond Open University is a clear invitation to anarchy and totalitarianism which are antitheses to democracy and constitutional government.
Hon. Chima U. Nwafor
Registrar/Secretary, Richmond Open University