₦airaland Forum

As usual
Dumb and crazy people being sentimental.Texazzpete and yusufi well done abegi!!!
Take my words they will never understand you as clear as it is just like there bigot CAN representative.Don't bother sweating it at all.Lets just make it happen. I mean the Pro Islamic banking fellows.While CAN wonders over how to setup its own version.If not go back to its conventional banking.
For me the sultan has spoken after several comments credited to the CAN bigots for weeks now.It is timely and i never thought he would.So lets see why we will not have Islamic banking we love so much.Simply because Oriesojofor aka CAN bigot feels up to it.Not because of any justifiable treat.All treats suspicion comes from one quarters CAN over this NIB issue.Without any substantial proof and always trying to manipulate facts and water down issues after they hit a dead end.Nonsense!Crying over lies,there will be violence!Brain washing xtians into thinking its war.Simply because of a service to a possible 50% population.What hypocrisy!!!
What is secular?If not our own mutually acceptable laws that preserves the rights of others and encourages the rights to aspire for anything peaceful and developmental.If it vex them, make in the name of secular adopt Russian laws or North Korean laws!

E - The Sharia Court of Appeal of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.



260. (1) There shall be a Sharia Court of Appeal of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

(2) The Sharia Court of Appeal of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja shall consist of -

(a) a Grand Kadi of the Sharia Court of Appeal. and

(b) such number of Kadis of the Sharia Court of Appeal as may be prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly.

261. (1) The appointment of a person to the office of the Grand Kadi of the Sharia Court of Appeal of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja shall be made by the President on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council, subject to confirmation of such appointment by the Senate.

(2) The appointment of a person to the office of a Kadi of the Sharia Court of Appeal shall be made by the President on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council.

(3) A person shall not be qualified to hold office as Grand Kadi or Kadi of the Sharia Court of Appeal of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja unless -

(a) he is a legal practitioner in Nigeria and has so qualified for a period of not less than ten years and has obtained a recognised qualification in Islamic law from an institution acceptable to the National Judicial Council; or

(b) he has attended and has obtained a recognised qualification in Islamic law from an institution approved by the National Judicial Council and has held the qualification for a period of not less than twelve years; and

(i) he either has considerable experience in the Practice of Islamic law, or

(ii) he is a distinguished scholar of Islamic law.

(4) If the office of the Grand Kadi of the Sharia Court of Appeal is vacant or if the person holding the office is for any reason unable to perform the functions of the office, then, until a person has been appointed to and has assumed the functions of that office or until the person holding the office has resumed those functions, the President shall appoint the most senior Kadi of the Sharia Court of Appeal to perform those functions.

(5) Except on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council, an appointment pursuant to the provisions of subsection (4) of this section shall cease to have effect after the expiration of three months from the date of such appointment and the President shall not re-appoint a person whose appointment has lapsed.

262. (1) The Sharia Court of Appeal shall, in addition to such other jurisdiction as may be conferred upon it by an Act of the National Assembly, exercise such appellate and supervisory jurisdiction in civil proceedings involving questions of Islamic personal law.

(2) For the purpose of subsection (1) of this section, the Sharia Court of Appeal shall be competent to decide -

(a) any question of Islamic personal law regarding a marriage concluded in accordance with that law, including a question relating to the validity or dissolution of such a marriage or a question that depends on such a marriage and relating to family relationship or the guardianship of an infant;

(b) where all the parties to the proceeding are Muslims, any question of Islamic personal law regarding a marriage, including the validity or dissolution of that marriage, or regarding family relationship, a foundling or the guardianship of an infant;

(c) any question of Islamic personal law regarding a wakf, gift, will or succession where the endower, donor, testator or deceased person is a Muslim;

(d) any question of Islamic personal law regarding an infant, prodigal or person of unsound mind who is a Muslim or the maintenance or the guardianship of a Muslim who is physically or mentally infirm; or

(e) where all the parties to the proceedings, being Muslims, have requested the court that hears the case in the first instance to determine that case in accordance with Islamic personal law, any other question.

263. For the purpose of exercising any jurisdiction conferred upon it by this Constitution or any Act of the National Assembly, the Sharia Court of Appeal shall be duly constituted if it consists of at least three Kadis of that Court.

264. Subject to the provisions of any Act of the National Assembly, the Grand Kadi of the Sharia Court of Appeal of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja may make rules for regulating the practice and procedure of the Sharia Court of Appeal of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.



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F - The Customary Court of Appeal of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.



265. (1) There shall be a Customary Court of Appeal of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

(2) The Customary Court of Appeal of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja shall consist of -

(a) a President of the Customary Court of Appeal; and

(b) such number of Judges of the Customary Court of Appeal as may be prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly.

266. (1) The appointment of a person to the office of the President of the Customary Court of Appeal of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja shall be made by the President on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council, subject to the confirmation of such appointment by the Senate.

(2) The appointment of a person to the office of a Judge of the Customary Court of Appeal shall be made by the President on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council.

(3) Apart from such other qualification as may be prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly, a person shall not be qualified to hold the office of President or a Judge of the Customary Court of Appeal of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, unless -

(a) he is a legal practitioner in Nigeria and has been so qualified for a period of not less than ten years and, in the opinion of the National Judicial Council he has considerable knowledge and experience in the practice of Customary law; or

(b) in the opinion of the National Judicial Council he has considerable knowledge of and experience in the practice of Customary law.

(4) If the office of the President of the Customary Court of Appeal is vacant or if the person holding the office is for any reason unable to perform the functions of the office, then, until a person has been appointed to and assumed the functions of that office, or until the person holding the office has resumed those functions, the President shall appoint the next most senior Judge of the Customary Court of Appeal to perform those functions.

(5) Except on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council, an appointment pursuant to the provisions of subsection (4) of this section shall cease to have effect after the expiration of three months from the date of such appointment and the President shall no re-appoint a person whose appointment has lapsed.

267. The Customary Court of Appeal of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja shall, in addition to such other jurisdiction as may be conferred upon by an Act of The National Assembly Exercise such appellate and supervisory jurisdiction in civil proceedings involving questions of Customary law.

268. For the purpose of exercising any jurisdiction conferred upon it by this Constitution or any Act of the National Assembly, the Customary Court of Appeal shall be duly constituted if it consists of at least three Judges of that Court.

269. Subject to the provisions of any Act of the National Assembly, the President of the Customary Court of Appeal of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, may make rules for regulating the practice and procedure of the Customary Court of Appeal of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Dangote Cement to begin production in Ivory Coast
By Franca Ochigbo, Abuja and Osagie Otabor, Benin 9 hours 51 minutes ago
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Dangote Cement is set to start production in Ivory Coast.

This coincides with the Dangote Group’s signing of an agreement to site a cement company worth N329 billion in Edo State.

Commissioner for Information and Orientation Mr Louis Odion, who spoke about the factory at the weekend in Benin City, said the economy of the state would improve.

Odion spoke during a stakeholders meeting with proprietors of the hospitality industry to acquaint them of the law imposed on goods consumed and services rendered in hotels, restaurants and events centres.

Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Donald Osikhena said the next phase of Oshiomhole’s administration is industrial revival after road construction and changing the face of infrastructure in schools.

He disclosed that over 50 bags of cement have been produced at the Okpella Cement factory since test running began.

"Edo State is the gateway of the nation. That is why we are striving to improve on our infrastructure, which were dilapidated before the Comrade Governor took over the mantle of leadership. If we have availability of funds, we will improve the infrastructure and the hospitality industry will thrive well," he added.

In a related development, Chairman, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, dropped the hint about the take-off of the Ivory Coast Cement Plant at a meeting with the President of Cote D ‘Ivoire, Alassane Quattara, in Abuja.

He said investment outside the country would boost Nigerians foreign earnings through repatriation of proceeds.

"We have got approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to invest about $3.9billion outside Nigeria, especially in neighbouring African countries, and Ivory Coast is one of them.

"The cement factory was almost starting in Ivory Coast, but because of the war, we had to abandon it. Now that the war is over, we will start the business all over again.

"We will have a discussion with the Cote D’Ivoire minister of Trade and see how we can go back there to commence the process of building cement factory in the country.

"The company will look at other areas of investment as President Quattara　 has requested.　Now that some of the French business businessmen have left Ivory Coast,　 Nigerians will use the opportunity to invest in the country.　

Speaking, the President of Cote D ‘Ivoire Alassane Ouattara　 called on Nigerian businessmen to come and invest in Ivory Coast, assuring that the just ended Cote D ‘Ivoire war has created business opportunities for investors from all over Africa.

Jonathan must seize this moment – Yakasai

Tanko Yakasai was ex-president Shehu Shagari’s Adviser on National Assembly matters. He is a respected northerner and elder statesman. In this interview with Augustine Madu-West in Kano, he spoke on the just concluded April election which he described as not only transparent, but free, fair and credible. He condemned the mayhem that trailed the presidential election in some part of the northern states saying it is uncalled for even has he pressed the need for improved security in the country via the creation of job opportunities for the teeming jobless youth.

Excerpts:



•Yakasai



You have witnessed the three elections, the National Assembly, presidential and the governorship, so what is your general impression?

Well my impression particularly about the governorship election is not impressive based on what I saw when I went for accreditation in my ward, I found out that the turn out was very low as compared to the two previous elections and I also to radio Nigeria, Kaduna, their reporters from different parts of the North painted the same picture of low voters turnout, except in Zamfara where they reported huge turnout. This is an irony because the state Assembly and governorship elections are supposed to pull more crowds because they are closer to the electorate. I think this situation came about due to the crisis that happened last week and some people for that reason lost interest in the remaining parts of the election. Others may have stayed away because the outcome of the result of the last election was contrary to their expectations coupled with the possible fear of violence like the one that occurred last Monday. Definitely the turnout was low.

That violence was it the best response to the outcome of that election which General Buhari lost?

Well, people as you know have their own understanding of things, have their own approach. We use to contest and lose election in our days and what we do is that immediately the election is lost, we set up a committee to go round the affected areas gather evidence, we sit down, analyse the evidence and find out why we lost. If in the process we realise of our own action and inaction we acknowledged that, and prepare to make amends for the future and where we lost as a result of manipulation of results, we go to court. Election is such an important aspect of our life and as such we can not boycott, otherwise you will be given your opponent the change to take advantage. Well what can you do when people have taken a decision on how they want to approach issues? You have no choice in situations like that.

So far, international and local observers have adjudged the elections credible, free and fair, and transparent, in your own opinion was the election actually free and fair?

I think it is because the international observers and others were unanimous in their declaration that the election was free and credible, the allegations of rigging only came after election and after the counting and the complain was misdirected because it should have been at the spot where the alleged rigging or malpractices were perpetuated. For instance, how do you explain that people alleged that there were rigging in Imo, Enugu, Port Harcourt and yet people are reacting in Kano, in Sokoto. What have people of Kano got to do with it. For instance the party that was protesting did very well in Kano and in about 16 states in the North, so on what bases would their members protest? Here (Kano) they got 1.6 million votes. I would rather agree with the conclusion of the observers that the election was conducted credibly and was largely free and fair. Anybody who is not satisfied should go to the electoral acts and see what step he or she should take.

Before the context proper, General Mohammadu Buhari ruled out the possibility of challenging the outcome of the presidential election in court. He appears to have changed his mind with the decision to proceed to the court to challenge President Jonathan’s victory. How do you see this?

I have been a politician, and if you are one you will understand what is in a politician’s mind from what he did not say and not from what he has said. Buhari said he will not go to court, but his party may go to court, so the question is what is the difference between General Buhari and his party? So, we politicians are very clever people; we know how to manipulate things to give them different meanings. But I think they are going to court.

Goodluck Jonathan has emerged Nigerian President at least another four years beginning from May 29. What in your opinion should be in his priority list?

Well he should take in my opinion, the issue of job creation should be taken as one of his priorities; in fact any Nigerian President should see that as a challenge. To create job, you must address the issue of agriculture, resuscitating dormant industries that we have in this country and to resuscitate the industries you must address the issue of power that we have been talking about for so many years without any tangible achievement. I hope in the next 12 months, this country will witness a remarkable difference in terms of electricity, power generation and distribution so that our industries will be resuscitated and made viable once more. Most of the troubles we are having in this country, armed robbery, hooliganism, drug addiction and so on are due to lack of job. Most people who are gainfully employed cannot engage in such negative act. Job creation should be a priority, the issue of agricultural development and provision of power should be looked into for the resuscitation of our industrial set up. Again the issue of security, law and order, I know the government is trying and I know the issue of security is a very expensive project. We have over 150 million Nigerians and the number of policemen we have is nothing to write home about; I hope the President would see the need to improve upon this with intensify training of not only the police but officers and men in other security agencies and also voting sufficient money for properly equipping the security agencies with modern equipment, because modern policing requires highly sophisticated techniques that can handle any situation at any given time. In the recent riot in Kano, I saw security lapses. The rioters started from Kuruna Asebe and trekked, not on vehicles on foot to Sharada, which is some distance, say 10km and wrecked their havoc there burnt down Gali Na’Abba’s house and office of Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido and moved down to Gandu-Albasa where they burnt down two houses of Alhaji Bashir Tofa and also moved to the city where they also destroyed the house of Galadiman Kano, Alhaji Tijjani Hashim, set fire there and moved to the palace of Emir of Kano and caused destruction there. No single policemen challenged them, nobody stopped them. They took about three to four hours unleashing their havoc on innocent people and yet no police intervention. They would have torched my house but for the fact that my children were around and formed a vigilante group only God knows what would have happened. It was later some of my children talked to the Deputy Commissioner of Police who dispatched armed security men to my house.

Do you truly see this disturbance as political?

Whether you like it or not since it’s an event that happened after an election or following an election, it is political. Again most of the people attacked are politicians. You see, their enemies took advantage of the situation. They may have been nursing grudges and looking for an opportunity to do what they did to them. It is not due to the election per se, because here in Kano no party complained of rigging. All the parties accepted the result and therefore there was no justification for anybody to come out and protest let only unleashing terror on innocent citizens. Well, like I pointed out earlier, this situation was brought about by the desire to loot, which is a by-product of joblessness. There was protest in Egypt and people did not go to steal or loot; they rather safeguarded people’s property. Well, you can say the situation in Egypt virtually everybody in it seemed to be doing something tangible unlike here in Nigeria.

What about the area of anti-corruption campaign?

It has not been pursued with the kind of vigour Nigerians had expected. I wish to see more efforts being made. There are two snags in this campaign. One is that our legal system is such that if you have money you can hire the best lawyer in the world who will create some technicalities in the court to set you free. Look at the case of former Senate President Adulphus Wabara, the Iyabo Obasanjo, former Minister of Education Prof. Ozuji over the bribe issue. There are so many of them, they all escaped on technical grounds. There are a number of prominent people who are in court for the past four, five years nothing has happened. They are moving about freely without remorse enjoying their looted wealth. So, our legal system has been part of the problem in fighting corruption. I remember the EFCC chairman, Farida Waziri advocating the establishment of Financial Crime Tribunal, which would have gone a long way in dealing with the high level of corruption in the country but the National Assembly is nonchalant about this and I don’t know why.

[quote author=Chyz* link=topic=724526.msg8824296#msg8824296 date=1312080187]Abia State
Capital:  Umuahia
Main Towns:  Aba, Akwette, Bende, Afikpo, Arochukwu
Points of Interest:  National War Museum at Umuahia where relecs of the Nigerian civil war and inventions are displayed.  Aba - foremost electronics and indigenous technology city.  Akwette - Blue River Tourist Village, Uwana Beach Akwette is also famous for its unique weaving industry.  Aba Central Market.
Agricultural Resources:  Yams, Cassava, Oil Palm, Rubber.
Natural Resources:  Oil, Salt

Adamawa State
Capital: Yola
Main Towns:  Yola, Jimeta, Numan, Mubi
Agricultural Resources:  Guinea Com, Maize, Cattle, Fish, Millet, Cotton.
Points of Interest:  Three Sisters Hill - three hills that stand side by side.

Akwa Ibom State
Capital:  Uyo
Main Towns:  Abak, Eket, Etinan, Ikono, Ikot Abasi, Itu, Oron, Uyo, Ikot Ekpene, Ukanafun.
Natural Resources:  Petroleum, Salt, Iron, Coal, Gold, Clay, Limestone, Laterite and Gravel.
Agricultural Resources: Largest Palm Forest in Nigeria
Points of Interest:  Ibeno  famous for yatching and swimming, Oron Museaum - collection of finest carvings in Africa, Opobo Boatyard.  Natural sand beaches at Ikot Abasi.

Anambra State
Capital:  Awka
Main Towns:  Onitsha, Awka, Njikoka, Amawbia
Natural Resources:  Iron Ore, Limestone, Coal Fine Clay, Marble and Silica Sand, Lead, Zinc, Petroleum and Natural Gas.
Agricultural Resources:  Cocoa, Palm Oil, Maize, Rice, Cassava.
Points of Interest:  Ijele masquerade from Aguleri, Omaba festival, Yearly yam festival, Odinani Museum at Nri.  Anambra State is historically known for great craftsmanship, The River Niger with the famous Niger bridge links the bustling commercial town of Onitsha with ports at Port Harcourt, Burutu and Warri in Delta State. 

Bauchi State
Capital:  Bauchi
Main Towns:  Bauchi, Gombe, Azara, Misau, Jama'are, Ningi, Billiri, Dass.
Natural Resources:  Columbite, Gold, Cassilerite, Coal, Limestone, Iron Ore, Antimony, Marble,
Agricultrual Resources:  Millet, Coffee, Cottom, Buinea Corn, Maize, Yams, Tomatoes.
Points of Interest:  Yankari Game Reserve with warm spring at Wikki Lame Burra Game Reserve, Tomb of Late Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, first Prime Minister of the Federation.

Benue State
Capital:  Makurdi
Main Towns:  Gboko, Katsina_Ala, Otukp, Ida, Dekina, Ankpa, Aliade, Vaneikya.
Natural Resources:  Coal, Limestone, Petroleum, Tin, Columbite.
Agricultural Resources:  Coffee, Rice milling, Seed crushing for oil.
Points of Interest:  Enchanting scenic view of the Rivers Niger and Benue confluence.  Ushango Hills.  Enemebia Falls, Kwaghir theatrical display, Ingongh Dance, Alekwu masquerade Ogagany Dance, Pleasant beaches, numerous fishing festivals.


Borno State
Capital:  Maiduguri
Main Towns:  Borno, Bade, Fika, Biu, DGwoza, Nguru, Geidam, Gas, Konduga,Monguno, Potiskum, Bama.
Natural Resources:  Clay
Agricultural Resources:  Tomatoes, Carrots, pepper Isorghum.
Points of Interest:  Kyarimi Park in Maiduguri - sightseeing for animal and bird lovers, Shehu of Borno's Palace, Lake Chad, Sambisa Game Reserve, Fishing festival at Gahsua (Usur) Ngeji Warm Springs.  Leather tanning & ornamental leather work.

Cross River State
Capital: Calabar
Main Towns:  Akampa, Ikom, Obubra, Odukpani, Ogoja, Ugep.
Agricultural Resources:  Cross River is extremely rich in fish production - major commercial psecies of fish include shrimps, croakers, catfish, the bonga and shark.
Points of Interest:  Obudu Cattle Ranch.  Agboin Falls and Kw Falls near Oban.  Gamer Reserve at Okwangwo in Obudu local government and Boshi Game Reserve.

Delta State
Main Towns:  Warri, Sapele, Ughelli, Effurun, Forcados, Ozoro, Orerokpe, Agbor.
Major Ports:  Warri, Koko, Burutu, Forcados handle a substantial part of the nation's trade.
Agricultural Resources:  Rubber Crude Oil, Plywood, Timber.
Points of Interest:  Sandy beaches of Asaba Koko Port Ajagbodudu, Olu's Palace.  ATP Timber and Plywood Factory at Sapele

Ebonyi State
Capital:  Abakiliki
Main Towns: Abakiliki, Afikpo, Izzamgbo, Iboko, Aba Omege, Okposi, Uburu, Edda, Onueke
Natural Resources:  Cement, lead, zinc, salt
Aricultural Resources:  Rice, Yam, Groundnut
Points of Interest:  Ganymede Chapel is the historical site where the first governor of the Eastern Region was buried.  Nkalagu cement factory, Modotel, Ebonyi Hotel, modern golf course.  Abakiliki was one of the oldest towns in the Eastern Region that displayed annual agricultural shows through the initiative of Dr. M. Okpara.

Edo State
Capital:  Benin City
Main Towns: Agbor, Ubiaja, Uromi, Auchi, Ekpoma, Sabongida-Ora.
Agricultural Resources:  Produces about 80% of country's Rubber and Crepe.  Timber, Palm Produce, Cocoa.
Points of Interest:  Royal Palazce at Benein, Benin Museum, Benin Moat, Emotan Statue, Somorika ills, Udo Tourist Centre, Benin is famous for its unique bronze, brass, ivory works of art.

Enugu State
Capital:  Enugu
Main Towns:  Abakaliki, Nsukka, Oji River.
Agricultural Resources:  Rice, Yam, Cashew Nuts, Cassava.
Natural Resources:  Coal, Lead, Limestone, Gypsum.
Points of Interest:  Miliken Hill, Nike Lake, Iva Valley Coal Mines.

Imo State
Capital: Owerri
Main Town:  Okigwe, Orlu, Oguta, Afikpo.
Natural Resources:  Lead, Zinc, White Clay, Natural Gas, Limestone, Salt.  Imo State is a major oil producing state.
Agricultural Resources:  Cassava, Oil Palm, Rubber, Cocoa, Rice, Maize, Yam.
Points of Interest:  Oguta Lake Holiday Resort with its sand beaches.  The Rolling Hills of Okigwe.  Amusement Park at Owerri.  The Nekede Botanical Zoological Gardens.  The Palm Beaches Tourist Village at Awomama.

Kano State
Capital:  Kano
Main Towns:  Dambatta, Bumel, Gwarzo, Hadejia, Karaye, Kano, Ririwan.  Kano is one of the ancient Hausa Kingdoms where custom and tradition still play important roles in the life of local communities.
Natural Resources:  Tin, Columbite, Casseterite.
Agricultural Resources:  Wheat Groundnut, Cotton, Agriculture is the major economic activity and offers employment to more than 90% of the people.  Kano is well recognized as a center for traditional arts and crafts such as leather work, weaving, pottery and wood carving.  Exquisite Kano leather works are exported to Europe and North America.
Popluar Markets:  Kurmi, Sabon-Gari and Kantin-Kwan (all in Kano municipality).
Popular Markets:  Kurmi, Sabon-Gari and Kantin-kwan (all in Kano municipality).
Historical Places/Festivals:  Emir's Palace, Baturiya Birds Estuary, The Ayanduwa Fishing Festival, Ancient City Walls and Gates first built about 900 years ago.  The Gidan Makaman Museum, Koofar Mata Dyeing Pits--believed to be the oldest in Africa, 35 Acre Kano zoological Garden at Gankum Albaba, Kurmi Market.  Kazaure Rock Ranges.  Famous Tiga Dam.

Katisina State
Capital:  Katsina
Main Towsn:  Daura, Katsina, Dutsin-ma, Malumfashi, Funtua, Manikankia, Kankari, Batsari, Mastu, Bakori, Jibiya.
Natural Resources:  Large deposits of Kaolin and Asbestos.
Agricultural Resources:  Groundnut, Maize, Cotton, Guinea Corn, Rice, Yam, Onions, Tomatoes, Wheat.
Points of Interest:  Wall that surrounds Katsina-900 years old with its seven different gates.  Emir's Palace in Katsina and Daura.  Kusugu well in Daura is of historical importance.

Kebbi State
Capital: Birmin Kebbi
Main Towns:  Birmin Kebbi, Gwandu
Natural Resources:  Gypsum, marble, and Kaolin
Agricultural Resources: Millet, wheat and Guinea Corn
Points of Interest:  Argungu Fishing Festival - a major international event featuring regatta, cultural dances, agricultural air, drama, motor rally and archery competition.  Kanta Museum in Argungu is also a tourist attraction in this state.  Famous for traditional arts and crafts, beads, words, glassware.

Kogi State
Capital:  Lokoja
Main Towns:  Okene, Kabba, Lokoja
Natural Resources:  Iron ore, marble
Points of Interest:  Old buildings used by the Royal Niger Company when it had a royal charter over Nigeria.  The Iron of Liberty-located in the compound of the first primary school in Northern Nigeria.  Kogi Stte is also famous for "the Okene" cloth, woven with rich thread into exquisite styles of varying colours.  The confluence of Rivers Niger and Benue at Lokoja, Borgu Game Reserve.
Important Festival:  Ekuechi festival of the Ebirras.

Kwara State
Capital:  Ilorin
Main Towns:  Jebba, New Bussa, (Kainji), Offa, Oro, Orru-Aran, Ajase-Ipo, Obange, Bode-Sa'adu, Esie.
Natural Resources:  Coal, Limestone, Marble, Iron, Ore, Feldspar, Clay, Tin, Talc, Gold.
Agricultural Resources:  Cotton, Cofee, Cocoa, Kolanut, Tobacco leaves, Berniseed, Palm Produce.
Points of Interest:  Esie Stone Image at Esie Kudn Igbomina-Ekiti area of the state.  Kwara State has two of the largest dams, namely, the Kainji and Jebba, major sources of hydro-electric power for the country.  Mungo Park Monument at Jebba.

Lagos State
Capital:  Ikeja
Main Towns:  Ikorodu, Epe, Badagry, Lagos, Mushin, Oshodi, Shomolu.
About 60 percent of the total industrial investment in Nigeria is in Lagos State and 65 percent in Nigeria's commercial activities also take place in the State.  It hosts the nation's two largest seaports-Apapa and Tin Can Island.  There are more than 2,000 industries of various sizes and description in Lagos State.
Points of Interest:  Seaside attraction and resorts at Bar Beach, Victoria Island, Badagry, Lekki Penninsula.  National Museum which houses important relics such as the traditional Benin Bronzes and the replica of the Festac '77 symbol.
Important Festivals:  Eyo Masquerade, eld to celebrate memorable occasions of the death of an important person, especially a distinguished member of the royal family.


Niger State
Capital:  Minna
Main Towns:  Bida, Kontagora, Agaie, Kuta, Lapai, Padogari, Mokwa, Zungeri, Wushishi.
Natural Resources:  Rice, Maize, Sorghum, Groundnuts, Millet, Sheanut, Beans, Soya, Cotton.  Niger state is well-known for arts and culture, including hand made pottery, glass beads, bangles, mat making, brass works, embroidery and dyeing.
Points of Interest:  Guara Falls in Boru Village, Zuguma Park, Zuguma, Shiror Hydroelectric Dam, Mungo Park's Cenotaph.


Ogun State
Capital:  Abeokuta
Main Towns:  Aiyetoro, Ijebu-Igbo, Ijebu-Ode Ilaro, Odeda, Ogbere, Ota, Owode, Sagamu, Idogo, Iperu.
Natural Resources:  Large deposits of Limestone, Chalk, Phosphate, Clay, Kaoline, Stones.
Agricultural Resources:  Cocoa, Rubber, Timber, Kolanuts.
Points of Interest:  Oba's Palace at Ake, built in 1854 as the official residence of the Alake, the traditional ruler of Egbaland, is noted for its heavy concentration of antiquities and relics.  The Centenary hall at Abeokuta, Birikisu Sugbo Shrine in Ijeu-Ode.  Olumo Rock.
Important Festivals:  Agemo, Obinrin Ojowu, Egungun, Oro, Igunnuko Masquerades.

Ondo State
Capital:  Akure
Main Towns:  Ado-Ekiti, Ondo, Ikere-Ebkiti, Ilawe-Ekiti, Owo, Efon-Alaaye, Oko-Akoko, Ikare-Akoko, Ise-Ekiti.
Agricultural Resouces:  Ondo State is the leading Cocoa producing area in Nigeria.
Points of Interest:  National Museum at Owo which houses the wood and ivory carvings, brass and bronze works, excavated at Egbaren Estate, Owo in 1971, Ikogosi Warm Spring, Idanre Hills Igbokodo Water Front, Ipole-Iloro Water falls, Oko Marie Hills at Oka-Akoko, Ebomi Lake at Epinmi-Akoko, Aiyetoro Holy Apostle Community.


Oshun State
Capital: Oshogbo
Main Towns:  Ile-Ife, Ede, Ilesha, Ejigbo, Iwo, Igbajo.
Agricultural Resources:  Cocoa, Coffee, Soyabeans, Kola-nuts, Tobacco.
Natural Resources:  Marble, Tin Columbite.
Points of Interest:  Oshun Shrine at Oshogbo, Opa Oranmiyan at Ile-Ife, Places of Owa Obokun in Ilesha and the Oni, Ife City Walls at Ile-Ife.

Oyo State
Capital:  Ibadan
Main Towns:  Ogbomosho, Oyo, Isyin, Saki, Eruwa, Fiti.  Ibadan, the state capital is the largest indigenous city in Africa, south of the Sahara with a population of about 1.4 million.
Mineral Resources:  Tin, Gold, Columbite and Marble exist in commercial quanties.
Agricultural Resources:  Tobacco, Cocoa, Palm Produce, Beans, Platain, Cassava, Maize, Kolanuts.
Points of Interest:  Ibadan university Zoo, Agodi Zoological Garden, Mbari ARts Center.
Traditional Festivals:  Egungun, Ode-Ibadan

Plateau State
Capital: Jos
Main Towns:Akwanga, Awe, Bukuru, Barkin Ladi, Keffi, Lafia, Langtang, Nassarawa, Pankshin, Shendam, Von.(Now in nassarwa state )
Natural Resources:  Jos is the cradle of Tin mining operations on the Jos Plateau.
Agricultural Resources:  The State  has unique and beautiful climate that is conducive for the production of many crops and livestock varieties that flourish in both tropical and temperate environment, for example cotton, groundnuts, rice, Irish potatoes, maize, soyabean.
Points of Interest:  Plateau state has a very rich cultural heritage.  The Nok culture one of the earliest iron smelting cultures dating between 500 BC and AD 200 is associated with the area.  The National Museum at Jos, the oldest in the country.  Museum of Traditional Nigerian Architecture, containing various architectural designs of major Nigerian ethnic groups.  Jos wildlife Safari Park, Zoological Gardens.  Asop Falls, Kura alls, Wase Rock, Kerang volcanic Mountain where the population Swan brand spring water is produced Shere Hills.

Rivers State
Capital:  Port Harcourt
Main Towns:  Bonny, Bori, Ahoada, Town Brass, Buguma, Yenagoa, Abonema, Akassa, Okrika, Degema.
Natural Resources:  Crude Oil, Natural Gas
Agricultural Resources:  Oil Plam, Citrus fruits, Coconut, Banana, Cassava.
Points of Interest:  Isaac Boro Park, the zoo which as a wide variety of animals, Nigeria's first petroleum refinery at Elesa Elema, Water Glass Boatyard.  Isaka Holiday Cruise Island, Oil well at Oloibiri.  The Riverine town of Bonny with the beautiful Finima Beach.  Monument of King Jaja of Opobo and the relics of the Akassa raid of 1859.  Slave transit hall at Akassa.  The Ogidi Shrine at Nembe.  The Onne Port.

Sokoto State
Capital: Sokoto
Main Towns:  Gusau, Yelwa, Gwandu.  Sokoto is a major centre of Islamic scholarship in Nigeria.
Mineral Resources:  gold, Clay, Kaolin, Gypsum, Salt, Marlbe, Granite, Flipper and Limestone.
Agricultural Resources: wheat, Maize, Millet, Guinea Corn, Rice, Beans, Groundnut, Cotton, Sugarcane, Tobacco.  Livestock production is a major activity in Sokoto State.
Points of Interest:  Sokoto State has a rich history of culture and traditional festivals as well as many sites of historical or religious value which are of abiding interest to both scholars and tourists.  Dyeing or closes - Fulani attires and wrapper known as "Wagambari," Famous Moroccan leather products of trans - Saharan trade era has its roots in Sokoto.  The museum, Emir's palace, Gibadi Rocks ancient fossils that are believed could provide a clue to the origin of the tomb of Usman Dan Fodio.

Taraba Sate
Capital Jalingo, Gembu, Takum
Main Towns:  Gembu, Takum
Agricultural Resources:  It has soothing termparate climate with a rich vegetation that not only caters for herds of cattle but also grows a very poplar and unique tea which is now being processed for export because of the richness of the flavour.
Points of Interest:  Enchanting Mamilla Plateau Gashaka and Karimbela Game Reserves present and alluring scenery to tourists and visitors.

Yobe State
Capital:  Damaturu
Main Towns:  Potiskum Nguru.
Agricultural Resources:   Millet, wheat.
Points of Interest:  Biu Plateau which has a very conducive tourist weather condition.(It is not in Yobe but Bornu south )[/quote]The above information is outdated and obviously wrong to an extent.

Nigeria: 'Kaduna is the Problem of the North'

Ismail Mudashir And Christiana T. Alabi

29 July 2011



interview

Kaduna — The Anglican Archbishop of Kaduna State, Most Reverend Josiah Idowu Fearon, holds a PhD in Islamic Studies. In this interview, he speaks on the recurrent sectarian crises in the North. He traced the history of such crises and suggests solutions. Fearon also speaks on the plans to introduce non-interest banking in the country.

As someone who is very familiar with Christianity and Islam, what would say about the recurring religious clashes in the North?

The problem we are facing today as far as my own limited understanding is concerned, it is not something that was planned. I maintain that it was not planned. However, as students of Sociology, particularly, Sociology of religion, a good number of us saw the indices, saw the signs, what people in the area of conflict resolution called early warning signs, we saw that coming and in order not to go too far, I will begin with the 2011 elections.

Majority of Nigerians were very happy, the desire by the then sitting president and now president to have a fair and credible election. Knowing Attahiru Jega and the role he played with the university set-up, a lot of people were excited with his calibre accepting to chair INEC. That really gave everybody something to look forward to. However, the ruling party (PDP) created a problem, this zoning or no zoning and because of that, there was a northern group led by Ciroma wanting a consensus candidate within the PDP. Before then if PDP were able to resolve this within their party, we may end up with a credible election which Mr. President promised us.

Alas it didn't happen. But before then, campaigns were fairly okay but when the northern effort to present a candidate flopped, CPC now came up with Buhari and from the failure within the PDP to produce a consensus candidate, that is, the northern effort been made, actually now brought in the role of religion. If you look at history, the failure of Atiku to come out was what actually gave room for PDP presenting Goodluck Jonathan and CPC presenting Buhari as a Muslim and a Christian candidate. When this happened, I felt like running away from Nigeria because everybody saw, no matter what happened after that.

Secondly, the ordinary northern person especially the poor, the uneducated were made to look forward to this election been what was going to give them liberation, what was going to solve their problem of poverty, unemployment and what have you in the person of CPC candidate. Then from certain part of the north, a presidential candidate of PDP Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, some saw him as someone coming to give them liberation to the areas in the north where we have minority Christians. Those were the signs everybody saw and by the time we got to the presidential election, everybody could see. The CPC became , like an aircraft that is about to take off with full speed and full power. That was where we were by the time we got to the presidential election. So there was no way of aborting it, aborting it would have led to a crash and of course, because of the hype CPC did not win, Buhari did not win while Goodluck Jonathan won. To support what I am saying, you will see that the state where we had the cataclysm are all the states where CPC won. So that is where religion has played a very negative role, everybody is saying this was the fairest election Nigerian has ever had, but why this, if it was the fairest, why the killings? So for me, we have seen the negative role, the manipulation of religion, this is what has brought us to where we are today.

Are you saying the crisis was caused by CPC and PDP attacking each other? Why do you think was it so?

Well, that is what I am saying. The people who were made to understand that Buhari is the solution, CPC is the solution, we are going to change PDP from PDP government to CPC government, it did not happen, so they felt betrayed, they felt cheated and they felt that there is no hope. Unfortunately because of their level of understanding, most of these people forget that the CPC running mate was a Christian and you know I wrote against it because I didn't like that concept of a Pastor running as a vice president. I wrote against it and I still maintain it, it was wrong because it is like getting up today and say if I have a party at all, I will leave the church. I already have a constituency, there was no way I was going to be fair, that was my rationalization and I made it very clear that it was wrong to have had a pastor. It's like having an emir or an Imam, it's wrong, you can't do things like that. So the people didn't even see in Buhari's running mate a Christian, so it even made it worst.

Many people believe that the pots-election riots were first political but later assumed a religious dimension.

What do you think exactly happened in Kaduna?

Kaduna is the problem of the northern part of this country and until we resolve the Kaduna problem, it is going to be very difficult for the North to be united as it used to be or like its southern part. It is going to be very difficult, you will see that it actually degenerated, now there is no trust anymore, there is no confidence anymore, neighbours have become enemies, why? Will one say it is because President Jonathan won the election or because Buhari lost? I think there are deeper reasons and this is where we have to be very open and honest with ourselves, we have always had this problem between the northern part of Kaduna and the southern part of Kaduna. The election crises gave room for the old scores to be settled, that is the way I look at it. Until we are able to go back to where we were after the Sharia crisis, we have a long way to go and it means you and I as a Muslim and as a Christian, we just have to find ways of respecting each other, making our contributions because everybody has a role to play when it comes to integration, development and social responsibility.

Why and how has Kaduna become the problem of northern Nigeria as you said?

Uh, that is why people say Kaduna is tumbin giwa, kowa ya zo ya diba (i.e. a melting pot). In my research, I discovered that a significant number of the civil servants that served in the North from the northern part of the country have properties here in Kaduna, so everybody has a vested interest in Kaduna. So whatever goes on in Kaduna affects other parts of the country. We were peaceful here and we were trying to integrate and it was working then but to show that it hadn't taken root, you saw what happened because of simple loss of election. It was an impulsion and I disagree with people who usually maintain that it was pre-planned, I feel it was spontaneous and as everybody knows it started with PDP and CPC. So to show that the old wound hadn't fully healed, otherwise, tell me why people will attack churches and co? The Christians from the southern part of Kaduna always felt marginalized and they've always felt that the Hausa/Fulani do not respect their culture. These are hard facts and I will say the truth because I want to die well, I want to die happily in Kaduna because this is my part of the country. This is why I am in love with the Sultan, he is one of the objective and fair leaders that we have today in the northern part of this country.

Kaduna used to be the capital of the North during the era of the Sardauna and the North was so united. Why are we now in this mess and what is the way forward?

This mess we find ourselves has a lot of reasons. One, politics has become the most paying job in our country today. Those we elect or select into political offices don't have any sense of accountability, they come to campaign, they say we are going to build the roads, we are going to make sure there is water, we are going to make sure the schools have teachers, teachers are paid and the classrooms are well furnished, but nothing happens and no one gets up to ask councillor or local government chairman about his promises; so we are made to serve them and when it is time for another election, they come again to tell us we are going to give you poverty alleviation.

Poverty alleviation in the North means sharing money to some people monthly. So politics is the most paying job. Secondly, there is no accountability and because it is the most paying job, I want to be governor so I will do everything possible to ensure I unseat Yakowa and Yakowa will do everything to make I do not unseat him. These are some of the problems we are facing and until there is a reform within the electoral system in this country, we are wasting our time, it's a cycle, unless something is done, 2011 will be a joke. Unless there is that reform when firstly, political offices are made less attractive that has to be done. I pity President Jonathan, he has a hard task. Secondly, INEC itself has to be reformed and Justice Uwais's recommendations are there. I believe it's about time we began to clamour for independent candidate, candidates that the people themselves want. And thirdly, there is so much indiscipline in the political parties, in fact most of the political parties are now like cult where you have a cabal within, the cabal tells every other member what to do because there is no justice, no fairness so people are really disgruntled and you know this takes us to the suicide bombers.

What do you think of the agitation for the creation of a new state for the southern Kaduna areas?


Well, that is a very emotional, emotive, political question but you know I don't run away from hard facts. My worry about that is from what I have seen. You know I am a Nupe man from Lokoja in Kogi State. You know in Kogi State today, we have Igalas with us, they were formally in Benue, they clamoured and clamoured until they came to Kogi. We don't have peace in Kogi, so creating Kogi from a part of Benue has not solved the problem. I know with a state, you will feel like, well, this is our own state; I think I am still thinking seriously and looking at the country where we have similar problems. You see, the problem here is exactly the same as it is in Kogi State, there is no way a Lokoja man can be governor of Kogi State because of our population, we are tiny. Look at the history of Kogi State to date, we have always had an Igala man so, it's a question of agreeing, I don't want to use the word zoning anymore but it is a question of giving every segment of Kaduna State a sense of belonging.

I ran into trouble with Buhari over ex-Gov Alli’s security vote – Ex-journalist John Africa
On July 31, 2011 · In The Gallery

By Simon Ebegbulem, Benin

Goodnews Eche (aka John Africa), a former journalist, was a confidant of the former governor of the defunct Bendel State, the late Prof.Ambrose Alli. He was features editor and later political editor of the state owned Nigerian Observer. John Africa was one of those who initiated the formation of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) being one of the key figures in the defunct Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission, OMPADEC, where he met the incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan. As a journalist in Observer, he achieved popularity due to his ability to forecast pool results then. Today, that power is still with him. In this chat, he recalls his coverage of the late Alli administration and describes the incarceration of the former governor by the Gen. Muhammadu Buhari military junta as wicked, adding that the action led to his untimely death. He discloses how he was pressured by the military to implicate the late governor. Excerpts:

Background
I had a humble background and I had always loved to be a journalist or a lawyer. However I became a journalist. I went to University of Lagos and later University of Benin. I worked in the Nigerian Observer as a reporter and later political editor. Later, I went into business.

I was the chairman of the Contractors Union of the OMPADEC. OMPADEC headquarters was moved from Lagos to Port Harcourt. But government was frustrating the commission with funds, sometimes we fought the government to force them to release money. I was not only the chairman of contractors, I was also the chairman of the consultants body. I had the opportunity of meeting important people including President Goodluck Jonathan who was an assistant director in OMPADEC then.

What we call NDDC today is part of the things we negotiated with government. The then leadership of OMPADEC mismanaged the commission’s funds, leading to contractors being owed huge sums. This led to demonstrations. When Gen. Abacha died and Gen.Abdulsalami Abubakar came in, he set up a commission of inquiry and also made efforts to pay the contractors. Aluko committee was saddled with the responsibility to identify those to be paid. Half of the money was released and some of the OMPADEC contractors received their money. But government could not pay all the money promised to the contractors.

I have seen you spoke passionately about the 1983 military intervention which led to the incarceration of the then former governor of the defunct Bendel State, the late Prof. Ambrose Alli, who you covered as a journalist. Can you tell us some of those things you knew about him?

Prof. Ambrose Alli was a very humble man. At the time he won his nomination as governor, he did not have money as a professor. He rented a house in Edebiri Street in Benin City. I was close to him and did all I could to project him in the media before he won election to become governor. When Buhari overthrew Shehu Shagari, even though I did have any official position in his (Alli) cabinet, I was one of those very influential during his administration. I remember that when Alli was arrested and incarcerated with a number of other Nigerians, there were a lot of allegations levelled against them.

One of them even involved me. There was a time some journalists came from Lagos to interview Alli but, because of his busy schedule, they were not able to see him. And the journalists knowing that I was also a journalist based here, they approached me for assistance. I tried to talk to the governor on their behalf. I booked an appointment but it was not possible for them to see him that day.

But because they had spent several days in Benin, they ran out of funds. They could not even pay their hotel bills. So I told the governor they needed to be helped. The governor agreed but said he did not have money to give them. I told him to find money and that security vote was meant for things like this. He now sent me to the office of the Secretary to the Government. I went there and met a gentle man. I told him the governor needed money to take care of some journalists.

He prepared a voucher and made me to sign. I took the money and went to give Alli who in my presence gave the money to the journalists. When the Buhari government came in, that was one of the charges levelled against him and his political adviser, Patrick Eche. Eche knowing I was very close to the governor must have asked them to go and ask me about the money.

I was the features editor then in Observer. So they came to my office to ask me. I told them that I was the one who signed for the money. But they told me to deny because it was like the instruction Buhari gave them was that they should look for things to nail the sacked civilian governors. I told them I would not be able to deny. But they threatened to lock me up.

Sensing danger, I agreed to say I did not sign for the money. So when I got there, I saw Patrick Eche, Alli’s adviser, an innocent man being incarcerated. When they gave me paper to write and deny, I could not deny.

I wrote in the paper that I signed for the money. The officers saw it and became very angry. They held me for two hours thinking of what to do with me. So while I was waiting and they were not saying anything to me, I strolled to where I parked my car without looking back and drove away. They held Eche for two weeks even after I told them I signed for the money. If you look at what Buhari did to people then, you will know that he does not have some of those qualities that people are crediting him with. He was determined in his injustice to ensure that these politicians were jailed. You saw the way some of these politicians were convicted for eighty years and even more than that.

Buhari is not a democrat. The Alli I knew was not a corrupt person. Many years after Alli left government, you can see his house. It is a modest bungalow built with the N3,000 loan he applied for as a professor before he became governor. When he applied for that loan, New Nigerian Bank was not eager to grant it.

But when he was declared governor, Alli said it openly, and I was a witness, that had he not become governor, the loan he had been battling for over two years would not have been approved. It was that money he used to build the only bungalow he had in Benin City. But he was one man that will not keep malice. That is the kind of person he was and that is the kind of person Jonathan is from what I know of him. But I was discouraged from joining partisan politics due to what I saw during the Alli regime. There was so much deceit, falsehood and people who did not believe that government should work for the people.

You said you have premonition that the nation may break up in 2014.

God tactically brought Jonathan from his humble background to take the mantle of leadership. And in the vision I had about the presidency of Nigeria, Jonathan’s ascendency was made possible by God. And God has said since Jonathan is the chosen one, righteousness must begin from his family. Going by that, the war against corruption is half won.

If the president is incorruptible, you cannot blackmail him. If the president is a man of justice, it is easy for the inspector general of police to follow, ministers will follow. And from the vision I had, there should be constitutional amendment that will make it possible for a president to run a single term of five years. With that, everybody will make sacrifice and that will make it easy for the presidency to go round. The tension arising as a result of succession will die down.

The Boko Haram problem or militancy are products of injustice even though their resort to violence is evil. You do not get justice with injustice. There is no justification for violence, only dialogue can bring peace to the nation. I started seeing vision as a young person in secondary school. Once, the Lord revealed to me that if Jonathan fails, then this country will break up in 2014. So we need to go into prayers to ensure that Jonathan gets it right.

There must be social transformation. Except there is what we call social transformation, politically, economically and socially, we will not be able to galvanize the unity, the force that is required to develop our country. Jonathan should have a government of integration. He should bring all the groups on board so as to have a sincere and total reconciliation.

Tambuwal’s resignation: Buhari, Atiku, David-west, Sagay, Reps lampoon Obasanjo over – Vanguard

Former Presidential candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, and former Petroleum Minister, Professor Tam David-West, yesterday joined members of the House of Representatives in dismissing with a wave of the hand, the call by former President Olusegun Obasanjo on the Speaker of the House, Aminu Tambuwal and his Deputy, Emeka Ihedioha to resign from office after two years to allow for the rectification of the zoning policy of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Ex-President Obasanjo had told party leaders in Abuja Tuesday that the violation of the zoning principle through the election of the duo was a fundamental breach that should be revisited.
Source: Vanguard Newspapers

;d ;d ;d ;d ;d

PDP rejects Obasanjo’s bid to force Speaker out
By Yusuf Alli, Abuja 9 hours 32 minutes ago
Font size: Decrease font Enlarge font
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo Former President Olusegun Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s bid to get Speaker Aminu Tambuwal and others to step down in 2013 has failed.

The Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday night overruled Obasanjo.

Besides, they decided that Obasanjo’s proposal should not be part of the meeting’s resolution.

Although they rejected Obasanjo’s proposal, the trustees set up a seven-man panel to look into zoning and party discipline.

Some BOT members asked Obasanjo to put the PDP in the Southwest in order before making any demand for a higher stake for the zone.

It was gathered that President Goodluck Jonathan, who spoke briefly at the meeting, backed the decision of the majority.

Most BOT members were shocked by the address of the ex-President, which they felt could ignite a deeper crisis in PDP, it was learnt.

Sources at the meeting said Obasanjo had hardly ended his controversial address when some BOT members began to protest.

"All those who spoke condemned the speech, which they described as unexpected.

"They asked Obasanjo to exercise caution in making inflammatory remarks that could affect the rapprochement policy of President Jonathan."

A BOT member from the Northeast was quoted as saying: "The ex-President should not have made such a statement because the party cannot dictate to the House of Representatives what it should do.

"What does Obasanjo want to achieve by setting the South against the North again when the party is already trying to resolve the stalemate?"

Another BOT member from the Northwest said:

"For some of us who stood for change during the April general elections and voted for Jonathan, the people of the North have ganged up against us.

"For us to decide here and ask Tambuwal and others to step down will lead to fresh anger against the administration of Jonathan. We should not go back again."

A member from the Southeast said: "We asked Obasanjo whether it is the fault of anybody that the PDP lost completely in the Southwest during the last election.

"Our position is that the ex-President should go back to the drawing board in the Southwest and put PDP in good shape to be able to win at the poll.

"The electoral loss of the PDP in the Southwest may take the next 20 years to recover. So, instead of concentrating on recovery, he is asking some principal officers of the House of Representatives to step down."

An official of the BOT said: "At the end, members overruled Obasanjo and even decided that the recommendation of the ex-President should not be part of the resolutions of the session.

"I can tell you that 99 per cent of members of the BOT rejected Obasanjo’s recommendation."

Asked of the disposition of the President, the official said: "Jonathan accepted the wish of the majority."

It was also gathered that while some BOT members supported November for the National Convention of the party, the National Working Committee members wanted March.

An NWC member said: "We may table the guidelines for our National Convention before the National Executive Committee on Thursday (today). We initially thought that the ward congresses should start on September 3 but we have shifted that to February 2012.

"But the National Convention has been tentatively scheduled for March 2012.

"It is left to NEC to ratify the convention guidelines."

Former Vice -President Atiku Abubakar yesterday said ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo’s warning on the demise of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) if zoning is not revisited is sheer display of hypocrisy.

Abubakar took a swipe at Obasanjo in a statement in Abuja against the backdrop of the ex-President’s call on Speaker Aminu Tambuwal and his Deputy Emeka Ihedioha to resign as a precondition for reviving zoning.

The former Vice-President described the call as an insult on the intelligence of Nigerians.

Abubakar recalled that Obasanjo was the biggest beneficiary of zoning and rotation of power, which made him to occupy the presidential seat for eight years.

Abubakar said: "It is surprising that former President Obasanjo is now posturing as the apostle of zoning when indeed, he was the one who did everything to destroy that equitable means of power sharing among all sections of Nigerian.

"Obasanjo’s arbitrariness and despotism were largely responsible for the destruction of the noble objectives of zoning," Abubakar said rather than taking responsibility for ruining the party in the Southwest, the former President is now deceiving Nigerians on the issue.

"It is on record that Obasanjo has no respect for the PDP constitution. He remains the problem in the PDP and governance in the country by trying to control every President he deems to have installed in power: something he could not have tolerated from others while he was in power.

"Obasanjo has no power to determine the fate of the Speaker and his Deputy, which is absolutely the responsibility of the House members who voted them freely into office."

The House of Representatives yesterday lambasted former President Olusegun Obasanjo for calling on Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal to resign in 2013 in order to correct the zoning arrangement of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Rep Victor Ogene (APGA, Anambra) who spoke to newsmen on the issue said Tambuwal was not a Speaker of the PDP but of the House of Representatives.

Ogene maintained that it was absolutely improper for the former President to have called for the resignation of Tambuwal because he was not a member of the House of Representatives.

^^^^^ Thank you.Exactly what i had in mind.He is just being idiotic like the Obj himself.The days of Obj and Atiku was like all for one and one for all until they decided to fight on issues very unimportant to Nigerians.

okay what is wrong with proper dressing.We follow oyinbo sotay person go tell you say where white define dressing we pass am !!!! someday people go where pyjamas or bikini come office in the name of fashion before we go begin ask the difference between wears for official functions and sleeping or casuals.

@Negro _Ntns & ak47mann
Do you think it is everybody that talks on issue that knows what he is doing or saying.Easier said than done.Also easier to blame than really accept your flaws.Last i checked this man wasn't talking peace during Obj but snuffing life out of other Nigerian people other than his Yoruba kinsmen.This victims include Northerners,ND and Igbos.Is that his way of SNC or promoting unity.using the militant OPC he founded.
The country is just full of hypocrites and self centered looneys

^^^^Well that is politics.if they don't do well then why not.he is saying they need to becareful.You can get kicked out if you are not active.

Senate President David Mark may not end well-Prophet Ekong Ituen PDF Print E-mail
Written by freeuyo reporters   
Sunday, 24 July 2011 00:10
Prophet Ekong Ituen
Interview: Actually, when it comes to accurate prediction like Nostradamus of old the man who saw tomorrow,another man that really comes to mind is prophet Ekong Ituen, the president /founder of Christ Deliverance Ministries CDM,Lagos. Prophet Ituen is known for making accurate prediction that always come to pass. Recently, before April 2011 polls he predicted that the incumbent Governors of Oyo and Imo States in the
persons of Adebayo Alao-Akala and Ikedi Ohakim will be defeated while he predicted a win for President Goodluck Jonathan. He also predicted that there was no solution to bomb blast yet, in 1995 he predicted that a former Nigerian president will die before the middle of 1996, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe died in may 1996.
He predicted that Abacha and Diya will clash, this prediction came when no man expected it but it was a vindication of sorts when Abacha alleged that Diya had planned a coup to topple him and the duo finally parted ways. He further predicted the collapse of Abacha's transitional programme and his sudden death, this to mention but a few, All these were published in Nigerian dailies ahead of time. In this interview he spoke with our reporter on the state of the nation and the way forward.

Sir, congrats on your recent predictions.

Oh that is good, it gives me much joy that God has honoured what he said through me, I am happy to be his mouth piece but all glory should go to him because according to the bible, no man can do these except God is with him. I thank God Almighty for the enablement and Grace upon me but it should be noted that right from my early stage in ministry, i have by the special Grace of God predicted a lot of things that came to pass, you can go through records and media then you will discover the reality and authenticity of my predictions. For instance, God told me early this year to tell Nigerians what will be the outcome of April polls and I did that accurately because whenever God said anything to me it is always a done deal. Today you can see that Goodluck Jonathan has won, Alao-Akala and Ikedi Ohakim have been defeated as earlier predicted, I can assure you that every other prediction will come to pass because God is not a liar.

What is your spiritual insight on the country?

You are meeting me well because am just back from a prayer/fasting programme where I sought the face of God concerning our nation, am glad to tell you that God has spoken again and I will tell you now without fear of controversy.There will be a new state for south east geopolitical zone before the expiration of this tenure/administration but there will be a serious disagreement on where the state capital will be located. Senator David Mark, the president of the senate may not have it easy this time around. I have seen a lot of trials and persecution awaiting him, he should pray against political embarrassment or impeachment. Former President Obasanjo is playing his last days in politics, I urge him to retire from active politics because he will be messed up by his party. He should pray against political humiliation, he will find it difficult to retain his seat as PDP chairman Board of Trustees, PDP will experience a serious leadership crisis that will shake the foundation of the party. The newly elected Governor of Oyo state Senator Abiola Ajimobi may not end well as he will have a serious problem with his party, he should be careful of sycophants and betrayers around him that will make him to take wrong decisions and step on toes of those that helped him to power.

How do you assess the security situation presently?

Honestly, we need God in this area because it is God that watch over the city(Psalm 127 :1) but you could remember that before now I predicted and published in the media. I said in the area of security that things will get worse, there is no solution to bomb blast yet, I just pray we don get to the level of Iraq and Afghanistan, there will be many political assassinations while kidnapping will be on the increase but we can reverse all these through prayers. This was exactly what I predicted because that was what God told me. To answer your question, I know Government has tried a lot to put an end to this but as a priest of God I advise Federal Government to include prayers to every approach to the above. We need God's intervention because from the look of things human efforts have failed. The security challenges in the country needs divine intervention than ever before, the solution lies on prayers. I urge the Federal Government to invite men and women of God who are spirit filled with spiritual endowment to a solemn assembly as intercessors for intercessory and fervent prayers,with this I have a strong conviction that God will deliver our country from evil machination of the devil and his human agent but it is advisable for all hands to be on deck to save the nation from embarrassment.

Your advise to president Jonathan

Spiritually speaking, Goodluck Jonathan is one of the few Nigerians who have the interest of this country at heart, he actually want to move this country forward. God sent him to Nigerians and Nigerians irrespective of tribes and religion voted him to power, I urge him not to be distracted or discouraged by some unscrupulous elements who are bent in destroying this country but let him be courageous to do the good work God has committed into his hands and I know he will certainly succeed because God is always with him.

If it's true i don't think its such a bad idea.It is also practice in countries outside Nigeria just like the 4yrs ,2 terms system.I would say a better look at it may save cost and allow for easy rotation.rather than all this elections spending every 4 yrs by INEC.Like someone rightly said,lets scrap immunity from the executive to allow for scrutiny.They can have the single term but with more powers from the led to probe or kick them out when they act useless.
I just hope all means well not some PDP wayo o!

Wish it was true !!!!

Even the PDP functions,campaign and everything is covered by Fed funds.

Reasons, the usual gimmick.I hate your religion in a friendly way

Cool banking strategy.I want to bank with you guys.Thats if you could show me how thunder can transfer my funds to my account without burning

rumba dance!!!!!!

Make i laugh
Not only is Boko haram a treat,He would fit the victim of a kidnapper with the money he sits on.
Another take is churches also get robbed and pastors beaten blue black over offerings in there possession.The likes of Pastor Adeboye with a single hit could make the criminal so rich.So my take is he is likely a Target for armed robbers,Kidnappers and extremist.
Not to talk of political figures.Honestly i think Adeoye may not be so much on the agenda of Boko haram considering his neutral and balance character as a friend to all.While on the other hand religious extremism is definitely an issue.
So does he require security?I say why not if the treats are real.

The leaflets read in part, ‘’Greetings in the name of our Lord and most gracious saviour and shield, Jesus Christ.
‘’Recent happenings in the body polity of our dear nation, Nigeria, compel us once again to reiterate our view and commitment.
‘’Akhwat Akwop will ever be at the forefront of the struggle for the emancipation of northern minorities (Christians and Muslims) from continued oppression and inhuman savageries”.

They say a group for the minority yet sound strictly christian.Na our type of hypocrisy be that.where will the minority tribe of Muslim belief stand then.I have said this once o!Let the security handle this thing.Because by the time you attack them alot more will go down and the ripple effect would have caused so much damage you will hardly have sleep.Lets not think always that violence and militia can bully any nation or interest group into accepting position.It could just trigger more damage on the aggressors or defenders.I am very sure by the time you initiate your attacks even Muslims of Minority states residing in Muslim states may be your victims.That way you could have the violence and reprisals even in the so called middle belt.
Do you know how many minorities of xtian beliefs exist in dormant Muslim states?The Hausa-Fulani population and influence/power should not attacked this way.You will only deny us sleep and our relatives and friends in harms way all over the north.Even Kaduna is too big for you.
If you were going to fish out and hit strictly boko haram targets then i would ordinarily ignored but your treat will set the entire middle belt/North on fire and brooder targets, beyond political rivalry and you guys and us may hardly have a home to lay our heads and sleep.Your actions will turn Northern xtians against Muslims in an all out conflict.
Lets be mindful of the life and property that could be at stake here.
While they try to identify who is and who is not,the thing will obviously turn religious.Even where they are trying to find allies from Muslim minorities.when they attack from there tone,It shall be Muslim targets.

That's some awesome gist.That is why playing with fire is not advisable.You may start it but may not be able to predict it's end.When the Igbo man started the killing and coup he didn't know just how far that would come back to hunt him.When the Northern senior officers thought of the counter coup they never thought the NCO will become uncontrollable.So the ripple effects goes on and on.To blame one person or group will be wrong.Every group played a significant role.

You should also know that after the coup you said Ironsi shouldn't have trusted the Northern officers.That is simply why the North too, felt the Igbo officers in the force remain a serious treat to them unlike Ironsi, they learnt a valuable lesson about dealing with the treat.

Are you sure if the north had stop at Ironsi,the other Igbo officers wouldn't go for another counter coup?So you see the Igbos suffered a crushing defeat in there own game and that is the fact.All the north did was respond and eliminate a treat to secure there interest.You don't expect them to fold arms and watch you spite and bring carnage to them or there folks.

Lastly i would still say our beloved Yoruba folks played the best part to survive unharmed and in the long run become a unifying actor.Like today and always.They are a good example and truly calculative about there actions.

kettykin:
@ Aji the death of Abacha was not done by Nigerians but by CIA Abiola was murdered by nigerians.     To make it easier for you if Abiola was outtara of ivory coast he probaly would have been jailed by Gbagbo . But Henry okah even though a militant could not be jailed by UMYA . At a time all yoruba generals was jailed by Abacha . Such is the stupidity of the life of yorubad .

am still pondering the possiblilty of ijaw and ibo soldiers sparing sambo in the event of an untoward action. That lives David mark as another option.

The North will not suffer hunger but will be go into a path of steady decline of economic .military . Technology and social power like yemen

Yes and that is why i have always supported the clamor for resource control because the north can make itself economically viable when the governors are made to generate revenue.So if we are not the worst in natural resources in the world then why worry.Oil money may not come but surely it won't stop us developing economically if we choose to.I believe so.I have gone to places in the north and seen things that could be a source of significant economic growth if properly harness or developed.The stupid northern governors are just so use to cheap source of income every month.When they realize its gone or denied,then they get digging on what they have to offer from within.So we may not be USA but definitely can match the south if we choose our future path carefully and only invest in what is important.Don't forget that today Brunei has alot of money from such enormous resources.hardly do they stand as the best in the world even where there population is few.I Believe when we split, the competition will drive a sort of cold war.Where no one will like to be left behind.Encouraging patriotism and progressive governance.Rather than the current ethnicity or regionalism.

Bliss4Lyfe:
Eh! Na total war be that because we no go agree. Let God punish them with that Igbo Army Chief  in position.

The onslaught will make second world war look like child's play. In the case of the Hausa, it will be a return to the good old dayz of poverty if there are any left from our onslaught. They won't use our seaport or come anywhere near our borders without drawing fire to themselves.

Famine and Poverty will finish them after we impose a total blockade on them in the desert North. 
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Mumu desiring to be an Ode,keep fooling yourself.despite all your wrong insinuations,farm produce and food in general moves largely in one direction.From the North down to the south.Meaning you can keep the ports and we shall continue to feed so where will your dreams of starving us come from.Lastly our imports can come from neighboring nations.just like the current car smuggling and legal movement of commodity into Northern Nigeria via Niger, Cameroon,chad to Sokoto,Katsina etc While we can trade with our neighbors.Incase your are too hostile.Move our stuff outside.Some will say Agriculture is done basically in the middle belt.Keep dreaming.You need check farm produce reaching the middle belt in large quantity.From grains to livestock.Beans,Onions,tomatoes,grains,some vegetables.There are a few crops we can't cultivate.This are mostly tuber crops and some vegetables.Even the breweries and confectioneries you, get there raw materials largely come from the core north.Easy way to find out ask the lorry drivers at such places the sources for the commodity. In return we shall redirect all Hydro power from kanji into the north and start our industries shed you guys off.We could also sell the excess for monies if we can't use all.To nations like chad in return for there new found oil.This are possibilities i imagine.In a real scenario we may explore other opportunities.SO sorry to disappoint you.We shall not die.During the civil war all we mostly got was weapons not food.It is the south that needed the food aid the most.We shall only discover more of our true selves