₦airaland Forum

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By Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja


Acting President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday described cyberspace as one of the greatest threats to Nigeria’s existence and challenged the military to concentrate a serious attention on this ‘theatre of war.’

Osinbajo who made this submission while delivering a speech at graduation ceremony of the senior course 39 of the Armed Forces, Command and Staff College, Jaji, Kaduna, described the cyberspace as battle ground against Nigeria’s unity, reasoning that the internet had become the harbour for hate, provocative and inciting speeches capable of destabilising the nation.

The acting president who further described the cyberspace as currently designed as a theatre of war in the 21st century, added that it had become the platform for articulation of terrorist activities as well as offensive expressions and tasked the military to see the cyberspace as a conventional battle field to which it must deploy forces.

Arguing that the cyberspace had equally become the training school for the production and use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), Osinbajo further described it as the avenue for promotion of secession and quit ultimatum by some South-easterners and Northerners in recent times.

“Another lesson is that in the 21st century the theatre of war is increasingly shifting to cyberspace. Terrorist organisations, purveyors of hate speech, all of these and many more who seek to destabilise the world are busy staking out territory on the internet, and scoring significant victories and conquests for themselves.

“As members of the Armed Forces, with a mandate to protect Nigeria from all forms of internal and external aggression, you will increasingly be judged as much on the basis of your success online as on your successes on the conventional battlefield.

“The internet has altered or disrupted every industry we know of: politics and elections, business and commerce, governance; and is changing the very nature of warfare. Websites teaching on how to make and use IEDs and other explosives are numerous.

“Today a great deal of the threats facing Nigeria are being nurtured and cultivated in the vast spaces of the internet. The rumblings of secession, the dangerous quit ultimatums to ethnic groups, the radio stations and blogs that spew divisive speech and exploit our fault lines; all of these are now to be found online.

“This means that the military and its officers and men must itself devote resources and talent to these new battlefields, where mindless verdicts on the continued unity and existence of Nigeria are daily being delivered.

“As you make your way out of the hallowed halls of this institution, into the ‘field’, as you would describe it, you have huge roles to play in the way Nigeria turns out in the years and decades ahead,” he said.

Osinbajo also lamented that ethnicity and religion had become effective tools for bargaining in Nigeria, pointing out that “when you hear a person say that my tribe has been marginalised usually what he is saying is appoint me.”

Observing further that ethnicity and religion have become tools of defence, Osinbajo added that when people are charged for looting public funds, they claim that they are being victimised because of their religion and tribe.

Citing countries such as Italy, India and United States as countries which share the same diversities with Nigeria, he said the success stories of their fusion had only shown that Nigeria did not necessarily need to be a perfect union before it could be a great country.

Describing the Nigerian elite as Nigeria’s major problem, he was swift to add that the elite were confronted with the challenge and wonderful opportunity to build a new nation devoid of cynicism, division and suspicion.

“A new nation built on trust, consensus, love for one another and love for our country is possible. A nation where the rulers do not steal the commonwealth, where every Nigerian is safe to live and work, where the state takes responsibility for the security of each and every Nigerian, where the state knows every Nigerian by name and can find and locate each one of us, a Nigeria where the Ibo or Ijaw man can live peacefully in Sokoto, and the Fulani man can live peacefully in the Niger Delta,” he added.

The Chief Examiner reportedly told her to leave the examination venue, but she insisted that if the Chief Examiner was ready to help, as requested, she was prepared to pay in kind. The alarmed Professor and Examiner told her it was not part of his function to do what she wanted. The UTME, he said is a merit-based examination.

The woman, not giving up, asked for the hotel where the Professor was staying. She offered to join him in the hotel later in the day! In another state, an invigilator lured a young lady to the control room with the promise that if she would co-operate with him, he would help her to pass the UTME. Other invigilators caught the two of them and promptly reported the matter.

When the young lady’s mother was informed about what had happened, her response was most unusual. She was not willing to press charges, or talk about the scandal. She was in fact not bothered at all. She would rather talk about something else. What did she want? She wanted JAMB to compensate her daughter with additional 10 marks or more, to make up for the sexual harassment. We were all alarmed. Strange things really happen

How mother offered to pay in kind for daughter to pass 2017 UTME – Abati

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/06/shocking-mother-offered-pay-kind-daughter-pass-2017-utme-abati/

Samson Folarin


A Lagos State Magistrate's Court sitting at Ebute - Meta has ordered the remand of two men, Adedoyin Oyekanmi, 23; and Erinmole Adetokunbo, 26; for allegedly beheading a seven - year - old boy, Kazeem Rabiu.

The magistrate, Mrs . O . A . Fowowe- Erusiafe, said the two defendants should be remanded in custody pending the release of legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.

PUNCH Metro learnt that Oyekanmi and Adetokunbo, a pastor, had lured the boy from his parents’ house on Sotunyo Street to the church’s premises on Oke - Oniburokun Street, Odokekere, Ikorodu.

They were said to have beheaded him and buried the head around the church’ s altar, while the body was kept in a canal.
Adetokunbo was later apprehended by residents.

He was said to have confessed to the crime , naming Oyekanmi as his accomplice .
The duo reportedly led detectives to the church, where the victim ’ s remains were recovered.

A mob was said to have destroyed the church and asked the police to release the suspects to them for jungle justice.

The suspects were later transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Yaba.

The police, at the end of investigation , arraigned the two men on Thursday on three counts of murder.

The charges read in part, “ That you , Adedoyin Oyekanmi and Erinmole Adetokunbo, on June 7 , 2017, at about 2 pm on Oke -Oniburokun Street, Odokekere , Ikorodu , Lagos , in the Lagos Magisterial District , did conspire among yourselves to commit felony , to wit : murder, thereby committing an offence.

“ That you , on the same date , time and place, in the aforementioned magisterial district, did kill one Kazeem Rabiu, aged seven , by cutting off his head with a cutlass , thereby committing an offence.

“That you, without lawful justification or excuse, dismembered the remains of one Kazeem Rafiu , aged seven . ”

The police prosecutor, Sergeant Maria Dauda, said the offences were punishable under sections 233, 223 and 165 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, Nigeria, 2011.

The defendants' pleas were not taken , just as they were not represented by any counsel.

The prosecutor filed an application for their remand in prison, citing Section 264 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State, Nigeria, 2011.

The magistrate remanded them in prison and adjourned the case till July 24, 2017.

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By RITA OKOYE


Nollywood actress and producer, Sapphire Ogodo, has aired her views on why celebrity marriages are crumbling like a pack of cookies.

According to the star actress of ‘Church Prostitute’, most of her married colleagues are arrogant and unfaithful to their spouses.

“Most of these celebrities never wanted marriage, they just wanted to try and see if the society would accept them. When they are with their spouses, they would keep other men in different places to satisfy themselves.

“They are always with one Senator or the other, or attending one society party or the other. After seeing and mingling with all those big men, they get home and their husband says one thing, they respond with one thousand things because they are not seeing the sexiness in him again. We need to retrace our steps,” she says.

The mother of two also delved into the trending issue of domestic violence, which has become the major grounds of celebrities’ troubled marriages.

“Women should generally learn how to be submissive to their husbands. The feminist and ego raves have taken over the industry. Every woman wants to be a man and be in charge.

“Your husband raises his hand on you, for nothing? No! He can’t. He is not a beast.

Tell us, what did you do? Already you are an actress, so your husband always have it in mind that you have tendencies to cheat, so he is always on the look out. So, you have to be careful,” Ogodo stresses.

Meanwhile, the actress has unveiled plans to kick off a reality TV show, ‘Actors Unleashed,’ to harness immense talent for Nollywood.

According to her, the show is aimed at discovering new talents for the movie industry and also to promote originality and culture.

“‘Actors Unleashed’ is borne out of the need to discover and groom new talents and also to promote more of the Nigerian and African culture,” Ogodo explains.

Speaking further, Ogodo said top Nollywood producers are currently backing the idea, which will discover the next big thing in Nollywood and promote them to their full potentials.

“Many producers like Emem Isong and Kunle Afolayan are waiting for this project to kick off. A winner will emerge because there are plans to spot new talents and next big faces in Nollywood.

“We have commenced the sale of forms and interested contestants are to visit the website to know how they can apply. Auditions will be held in six state capitals – Benin-City, Calabar, Enugu, Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, respectively. Dates and venues will be announced soon.

“‘Actors Unleashed’ promises to be action packed and entertainment filled from start to finish. Successful contestants will be camped in the house for two weeks. The show will air on both local and cable TV and viewers can vote for their favourite contestants.”

By CHIMA AKWAJA,


Contrary to the widely reported misrepresentations about Etisalat Nigeria’s debt obligation to the consortium of 13 banks, facts emerged yesterday that the actual amount being owed the lenders by the telecommunication firm is $500million (N165bn).

Checks by our correspondent revealed that Etisalat has serviced the $1.2bn loan by more than half of the total amount being owed its creditors since 2013 and what actually remained to be paid is far less the amount being reported in the media.

“The actual outstanding on the Etisalat loan is about $500m (i.e. N165bn). This is in view of the fact that Etisalat has efficiently serviced the $1.2bn loan up until earlier this year when discussions with the banks regarding the repayment restructuring commenced. I can confirm to you in confidence that the company has made repayment of over 50 per cent of the original loan so far”, a source within the banking consortium disclosed.

During a visit to the Etisalat’s corporate head office at Banana Island and its annex office at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, both in Lagos, our correspondent observed that normal activities were going on as workers went about their duties unhindered.

A senior management team of the company, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told our correspondent that the announcement by Emirates Telecommunications Group Company (that is The Etisalat Group) of Abu Dabhi, United Arabs Emirate to pull out of the Nigerian telecommunication arm was not a sign of bankruptcy or insolvency.

According to him, “What has effectively happened is a change in ownership and not a receivership, bankruptcy or winding up so operations will continue to run and subscribers can continue to access services on the network as usual.”

He further allayed fears of any job lose stating that there were no plans to lay off the staff of the company. He explained that, “the discussions with the banks have been on for a while and Etisalat has met its obligations to staff during this time. So long as the business continues, and from all indication it will, the company will sustain its side of the bargain.”

The senior official also assured that the company’s day-to-day operations would not be disrupted in any way and that subscribers would continue to enjoy excellent customer experience on its network during and after the transition period.

It would be recalled that the $1.2bn loan, a medium-term seven-year facility, was obtained by the company for the purpose of expanding its network and improving the quality of service on its network. Due to the economic downturn of 2015 and consequently sharp devaluations of the Naira which negatively impacted on the value dollar-denominated loan, Etisalat ran into difficulty in its repayment plan. This led the company to request the banks for loan restructuring, a request which did not go down well with the lenders.

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Etisalat United Arab Emirate (otherwise called Etisalat Group), the parent company of Etisalat Nigeria, on Tuesday, notified the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange that it has pulled out of Nigeria.

Recall that earlier on Tuesday, a consortium of banks led by Access Bank Plc and other Nigerian and foreign banks, announced that they had taken over the management of Etisalat Nigeria, putting a final seal on the protracted negotiations between the firm and its creditors.

In the notification letter, Etisalat UAE informed the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange of its decision to transfer its shares in Etisalat Nigeria to the appointed security trustee of the consortium of banks led by Access Bank Plc.

Confirming the decision of Etisalat UAE to divest its shares, Chief Executive officer of Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Matthew Willsher, in a press statement made available to The Daily Times said: “Our renegotiation with the banks are not yet over, but our shareholding structure is evolving. This morning, Etisalat UAE notified the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange of the forthcoming transfer of their shares to the appointed security trustee of the banks. The exact nature and timing of the transfer is still under discussion, but we expect the final transfer to be done in a coordinated manner”.

“Discussions are also ongoing to address the different management, technical and IP-related implications of the move, including continued use of the Etisalat brand name to trade in Nigeria.

“This was always one of many possible outcomes. The business will of course continue to operate, because any planned exit will be carried out in coordination with the banks, regulators and shareholders.

“Our immediate priority though is to ensure that there is no disruptions to day-to-day operations of the business. In spite of the changes that lie ahead, we aim to maintain continuity through our focus, capabilities, and values.

“So, we will continue to focus on the customer. Our commitment to delivering results through innovation, operational excellence and quality of service will endure. And we will also be guided by our core value of passion for excellence, integrity, One Term- One Mission, Growing our people and Empowering our people.

“The business outlook remains challenging, but our re-negotiations so far allow us to refocus our energies on the financial, operational and strategic priorities that will help

However, the Federal Government on Tuesday waded into the controversy surrounding the takeover of Etisalat Nigeria, by a consortium of banks, led by Access Bank.

The Federal Government, in an unequivocal statement, declared that lender banks cannot take over Etisalat Nigeria, the number four mobile phone provider in the country, without regulatory approval.

The government, through the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the telecommunications industry regulator, said that they have a few regulatory hurdles to cross.

Although NCC did not explain what the regulatory hurdles were, the consortium, led by Access Bank, and some foreign banks had insisted that they have taken over the management of the telecom’s provider.

Tony Ojobo, Director, Public Affairs, NCC, said on Tuesday that the lender banks must take note of relevant provisions of the Nigerian Communications Commission Act (NCA) 2003, as well as, the relevant provisions of the laws guiding the transfer of licences issued operators by the telecoms regulator.

Ojobo drew the attention of the lender banks to Section 38 and Sub section 1 of the NCA, which spells out that,

“The grant of a licence shall be personal to the licensee, and the licence shall not be operated by, assigned, sub-licensed or transferred to another party unless the prior written approval of the commission has been granted.”

According to the Nigerian telecoms’ regulator, Sub Section 2 of the same provision equally states that, “A licencee shall, at all times, comply by the terms and condition of the licence and the provision of this act and its subsidiary legislation.

“The NCC wishes to assure the over 21 million Etisalat subscribers that it will do all within its regulatory power to ensure that Etisalat subscribers continue to enjoy the services provided by the operator,” the Commission said.

According to Ojobo, “the Commission has taken proactive steps to cushion the impact of the takeover”, adding, “This is without prejudice to the ongoing effort between Etisalat and the banks towards negotiated settlement.”

Although the NCC spokesman did not give further details of the measures that have been taken to cushion the impact on Etisalat Nigeria subscribers, but he gave a ray of assurance.

“Whilst the banks and Etisalat are working at resolving the issues, the Commission wishes to assure subscribers that they will continue to enjoy the services provided by Etisalat,” Ojobo added.

According to him, “In view of the development, NCC wishes to reassure all stakeholders in the telecommunications sector, in particular, the subscribers on the Etisalat Network, that the Commission will ensure that the integrity of Etisalat Network is not compromised.”

Earlier on Tuesday, a consortium of banks, led by Access Bank Plc and other Nigerian and foreign banks, announced that they have taken over the management of Etisalat Nigeria, one of the telecommunications providers in the country, putting a final seal on the protracted negotiations between the firm and its creditors, which has, since June 15, led Etisalat to relinquish its ownership and control over the company.

Consequently, following the collapse of talks to reach agreement with the banks on debt restructuring plan in the protracted $1.72 billion (about N541.8 billion) debt impasse, the firm’s creditors ran out of patience and resolved to take possession of the company.

The takeover is coming on the heels of the failed effort by Emerging Markets Telecommunications Services, EMTS, promoted by-one time Chairman, United Bank for Africa, UBA, Hakeem Bello-Osagie, to reach agreement with the banks on debt restructuring plan.

However, EMTS Holding BV, established in the Netherlands, has up to June 23 to complete the transfer of 100 per cent of the company’s shares in Etisalat to the United Capital Trustees Limited, the legal representative of the consortium of banks.

The notification letter, with reference number, Ho/GCFO/152/85, and dated, June 20, 2017, signed by Etisalat Group Chief Financial Officer, Serkan Okandan, said efforts by EMTS to restructure the repayment of the syndicated loan by a consortium of banks to Etisalat Nigeria had collapsed.

“Further to our announcement dated, 12 February, 2017, Emirates Telecommunications Group Company PJSC, “Etisalat Group,” would like to inform you that Emerging Markets Telecommunications’ Services Limited “EMTS” (“the company), established in Nigeria and an associate of Etisalat Group with effective ownership of 45 per cent and 25 per cent ordinary and preference shares respectively, defaulted on a facility agreement with a syndicate of Nigerian banks (“EMTS Lenders”).

“Subsequently, discussions between EMTS and the EMTS Lenders did not produce an agreement on a debt restructuring plan.

“Accordingly, the company received a default and security Enforcement Notice on 9 June, 2017, requesting EMTS Holding BV (EMTS BV) established in the Netherlands, and through which Etisalat Group holds its interest in the company) requiring EMTS BV to transfer 100 per cent of its shares in the company to the United Capital Trustees Limited (the Security Trustee”) of the EMTS Lenders by 15 June, 2017.

“Subsequently the EMTS Lenders extended the deadline for the share transfer to 5.00 pm Lagos time on 23 June 2017,” the filing said.

Etisalat has been under pressure since 2016, following the demand notice for the recovery of a $1.72 billion (about N541.8 billion) loan facility it obtained from a consortium of banks in 2015.

The loan, which involved a foreign-backed guaranty bond, was for the mobile telephone operator to finance a major network rehabilitation and expansion of its operational base in Nigeria.

Due to its inability to meet its debt servicing obligations agreed since 2016, the consortium, prodded by their foreign partners, threatened to take over the company and its assets across the country.

But, the intervention of the telecom sector regulator, Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, and its financial sector counterpart, the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, persuaded the banks to rethink their threat and give Etisalat a chance to renegotiate the loan’s repayment schedule.

Meanwhile, Engr. Lanre Ajayi, CEO Pinet Informatics and Immediate Past President of Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), in a telephone interview with The Daily Times, said that the purported takeover of Etisalat by the banks is not a healthy development for the telecom industry in Nigeria, as he expected the company
and the banks to resolve the issue amicably.

He said: “Again, it shows the state of our economy and the environment that the telcos operates. The impression people and government have about the telcos before now is that they are making money in the country.”

“This development has gone to show that they are not making money based on the recession and the operating environment. If the Company was really making money, then they could have been able to repay the debt, or come to amiable settlement.”

“We need to come up with appropriate policy to ensure that this situation does not occur again.”

However, according to the Nigerian telecoms’ regulator, Sub Section 2 of the same provision equally states that, “A licensee shall, at all times, comply by the terms and condition of the licence and the provision of this act and its subsidiary legislation.”

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Posted by Geoffrey Ekenna

Barring any hitch in plans, northern power brokers, in concert with their influential counterparts in the South, have commenced the search for presidential candidates who they intend to push for the 2019 election.

While the godfathers as well as foot soldiers of the secret plot are mostly members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), they are looking beyond the party for the candidates.

This is even as the possible presidential running mate will still emerge from the South-West. In this regard, the fate of acting President Yemi Osinbajo hangs in the balance as far as the permutation is concerned.

Those behind the plot for the new presidential candidates are hoping that President Muhammadu Buhari would not contest the 2019 presidential election.

But the plan appears to run contrary to the pronouncement made by the national chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, that the party would still field President Buhari as candidate in 2019 in spite of his fragile health.

An impeccable source close to one of the camps behind the plan confided in our correspondent that at least, three serving governors, as well as two serving senators are being touted as possible candidates to replace Buhari.

They are Governors Kashim Shettima (Borno), Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe), Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (Sokoto) and Senators Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Kabiru Gaya, who were both governors of Kano State at different times.

All, except Dankwambo who belongs to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), are of the ruling APC.

“From the look of things, the president, who is currently on medical follow-up in the UK, might not have the energy to face the rigour of political campaigns for the 2019 election.

“While some might be praying for the unforeseen so that their political empire will blossom, what we are praying God to grant us is to give Mr. President enough strength to complete the remaining period of this term, so that we can redraw our political architecture in the country.

“Already, some elders from the North with deep contacts in the South have started consultations on the way forward for the nation with regards to 2019. Those who set the tone for Buhari and the APC are still there and they are talking.

“From all indications, this time around, the search will be expanded to other parties, including our most vociferous opposition, which is the PDP.

“But we cannot just face the burden of the name. So whatever it is that happens, whoever the lot falls on even outside the APC, he will join us in our party,” the source, an influential member of the APC, said.
It was gathered that talks in this direction commenced in March during Buhari’s first medical trip abroad this year.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who is said to be actively involved in the push, was reportedly rooting for Kwankwaso until last month when he allegedly drafted in Dankwambo. He is the only known southerner involved in the plot.

The Gombe governor served as Accountant General of the Federation under Obasanjo. If plans work according to the former president’s game, Dankwambo may dump the PDP for APC towards the end of this year.

For both Kwankwaso and Gaya, movers of the plot are banking on the voting strength of Kano while Tambuwal’s youthful advantage as well as his deep contacts in other zones, are being considered as assets for him.

For Shettima, he is said to be considered on the strength of his position as chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, a group he has led with maturity for over two years.

But the need to placate the devastated North-East is also paramount in the thinking of those behind the plot.

Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a former Governor of Jigawa State, Dr. Sule Lamido, are currently battling for strength, preparatory to the 2019 presidential elections.

Currently, Atiku is in APC while Lamido is in the PDP, whose fate is hanged on the awaited judgement of the Supreme Court.
Atiku and Lamido are revving up their machines, preparatory to what would be an imminent showdown for the presidency.

Atiku has been on the presidential scene for some time, having contested in 2007 and 2011 and losing the ticket of the APC to Buhari in 2015. But Lamido, who completed his eight years as governor of Jigawa State in 2015, is staking a strong claim for the presidency. He has, in fact, declared his bid.

New Telegraph learnt that owing to the uncertainties surrounding Buhari and Osinbajo in the race, Atiku has opted to shun the Bola Tinubu-led South-West block of the APC, preferring rather to court the leadership of pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, and some former governors in the South-West, who he believes would be able to work for him when the real battle starts.

It was gathered that those who have been contacted by Atiku towards his project include Afenifere leaders, former Governors Gbenga Daniel, Rashidi Ladoja and Adebayo Alao-Akala, among others. It was gathered that Atiku believes that he does not have much problem in the South-East and South-South zones if he picks the ticket of any party.

A source close to the former Vice President told New Telegraph that the decision to side-step Tinubu and the South-West block of the APC now was based on the feeling that should Buhari not run in 2019, Tinubu might be a major deciding factor in the selection of the candidate of the APC.

Although Atiku has not foreclosed eventually working with the group, “he is not banking on their support because Osinbajo might be thrown into the mix.”

The source said: “By our calculation, if Buhari is not running, Osinbajo might want to give it a try. We are not sure he will run, but definitely, the South-West block of the party, where he comes from, has a commanding influence and might decide what would happen. We believe it may not be in our favour based on past history. So, we are looking at new alliances in the zone.”

It was further learnt that Atiku is keeping his cards close to his chest, considering different options that may be available to him.

One of such options could be picking the ticket of the PDP if the Ahmed Makarfi faction wins at the Supreme Court.

Although Atiku has maintained overtime that he remained an APC member, it was learnt that the Makarfi group are putting pressure on him to return to the PDP if the Supreme Court rules in their favour.

Another source in Atiku’s camp said: “There are many options. There are many offers, but you know Turaki is in the APC. But you also know politicians. The decision of the Supreme Court either way could change a lot of things with the PDP. If that ruling comes soon, then the field might be opened wider than it is now. But different groups have approached Turaki. That is for sure.”

It was learnt that Atiku is also considering picking his Vice President from the South-East. “It would be a surprise if he didn’t pick his running mate from the South-East. He has a good working relationship with the zone and the South-South. You know with the APC, the likelihood is a North/South-West ticket. So, the deciding factor would be the South-East and South-South,” said a source.

But Atiku also fears that should the ruling favour Senator Ali Modu Sheriff and his camp, the PDP might not be an option. That is premised on the feeling that even Sheriff has presidential ambition.

New Telegraph also learnt that while the Supreme Court judgement is awaited, Lamido is working seriously to pick the PDP ticket either way it goes. An aide of the former governor told New Telegraph that Lamido believes that he represents the best option for the PDP to return to power in 2019.

According to the aide, Lamido will begin full consultation with former governors, ministers, PDP leaders and Board of Trustees (BoT) members after the Sallah celebration. The Eid-el- Fitri comes up next week.

“By the beginning of July, whatever happens, you will see us in full action. Lamido believes that he is the unifying factor in the PDP. He has hosted the 36 state chairmen of the PDP before. He will begin full consultations after the Sallah. We strongly believe that we will beat the APC in 2019, if the party goes into that contest as one. There is no hiding place for APC,” the source stated.

But one factor that is playing between the aspirants is the looming image of former president Obasanjo. While he may not be opposed to a Lamido candidacy, that of Atiku is a nightmare to Obasanjo. The Lamido camp believes strongly that the Obasanjo’s support is not difficult, considering their relationship. But a ruling of the Supreme Court in favour of Makarfi could complicate the matter for Lamido, who is seen as being sympathetic to Sheriff.

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The recent coup alarm in the country, SaharaReporters has exclusively learned, was partly on account of disenchantment within the ranks of junior military officers, who are angry that many of their contemporaries were retired from service, while senior officers who have exhausted their mandatory years of service have been retained.

The retention of the senior officers already overdue for retirement, military sources told this website, has stagnated the careers of junior officers, who have been prevented from rising to the ranks of Major-General in the Army, Air Vice Marshal in the Air Force and Rear-Admiral in the Navy.

Documents available to SaharaReporters showed that the mandatory maximum number of service years in the military is 35 years after commission. This is boldly stated in the Harmonized Terms and Condition of Service (HTACOS). HTACOS was promulgated in 2012 to create parity among all service arms and prevent envy and disharmony. Paragraph 02:10(b) of the HTACOS states that military personnel are to be retired from service on the attainment of a specific age on specific ranks.

A Major-General in the Army, Air Vice-Marshal or Rear-Admiral in the Navy is expected to be retired from service upon attainment of the age of 56. A Brigadier-General in the Army, Air Commodore or Navy Commodore is due for retirement once he attains the age of 54.

Currently, however, the leaderships of the three service arms, said sources, have been ending the careers of junior officers not in their good books and illegally extending the careers of senior officers beyond the stipulated 35 years in disregard of the HTACOS.

Military sources blamed this development on ethnic considerations and senior officers’ friendship with service chiefs, with whom they were course mates.

SaharaReporters’ investigation revealed that this has led to serious congestion in the senior officers’ cadre, leaving no room for competent junior officers to be elevated into it.

Our investigation revealed that at least 12 senior officers are currently benefiting - illegally - from the age on rank rule or have stayed in service for more than 35 years.

In this category is Major-General Pat Akem. Having been born on 23 July 1960, he is approaching 57 and should have exited the service last year when he turned 56 in line with the HTACOS. Military sources told SaharaReporters that he owes his continued stay in service to his closeness with acting President Yemi Osinbajo, with whom he is a pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God. He is also said to have worked with the United Nations in Somalia at the same time with Mr. Osinbajo.

Also included is Major-General JGS Hamakim, incumbent Director-General of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre. Born on 12 December 1960, he is approaching 57 and was commissioned in June 1982.

Both facts show that he is in breach of the age on rank rule as well as years spent in service. He is said to be from Biu in Borno State, the same town as the Chief of Army Staff, Major-General TY Buratai. Another Army officer is Major-General A.O Amusu, who clocked 35 years in service this month.

In the Navy are Rear-Admiral GA Anyankpele, a member of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Regular Course 28, who is approaching 57 years, having been born on 15 June 1960; Rear-Admiral A.A Dacosta, born February 1961 and member of NDA Regular Course 28; Rear -Admiral E.G Ofik, born April 1961 and member of NDA Regular Course 29; Rear-Admiral BM Oguntola, born May 1961 and a member of NDA Regular Course 30; as well as Rear-Admiral JO Okojie, born on 31 May 1961 and member of Nigerian Navy Course 1.

The Air Force also has, at least, a quartet of officers in breach of the age on rank rule and the mandatory number of years of service. Leading this pack is Air Vice-Marshal (AVM) J.M Gbum. Born 15 May 1960, he was commissioned into the Nigerian Air Force on 12 September 1981.

AVM Gbum was a member of CMTC 5 and was senior to the current Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar. He was tipped to succeed the current Chief of Defence Staff, Major-General Gabriel Olonisakin, when the latter was rumored to have been retired last December.

Also on the list is AVM A. A Iya, born in December 1959 and commissioned into the Nigerian Air Force in May 1982. So are AVM C.T Gudi, born on 15 February 1961 and commissioned in the same day as AVM Iya, and AVM TV Udoh, born on 16 March 1960.

Sources told SaharaReporters that the duo of AVMs Iya and Gudi were course mates to the current Chief of Air Staff and have benefited from three illegal extensions affecting age on rank and maximum number of years in service.

The same sources disclosed that two other course mates of the current Chief of Air Staff, AVMs F.B Nyokoko and C.N Chukwu, born 24 April and 13 August 1960 respectively, were retired last year.

“The violation of statutes and extant laws has given rise to retirement of competent officers, who could not be promoted due to lack of vacancies. There is now open grumbling about the situation, which may have resulted in the coup scare,” explained a source.

lalasticlala

CHUKWUDI Dumeme Onwuamadike, aka Evans, reigned with terror. He struck his victims when they least expected. His vicious kidnapping runs were the ‘scarecrow’ in Festac town and its environs.
Whenever his men struck, their victims’ relatives battled with the pain of raising money to secure their freedom. While his notoriety lasted, Evans’ name gave the deep pockets in the festival town shivers. Not a few rich businessmen in the neighbourhood have relocated for fear of being abducted. To escape from his dragnet, others fortified themselves with armed security operatives.

A source told The Nation that one of his victims, Elias Ukachukwu, is still traumatised by the memories of cruel treatment meted to him by Evans and his gang members. Ukachukwu, a businessman, who used to engage in physical exercises in Satellite Town, Festac, was kidnapped by Evans’ gang in November 2015. They were to later demand an additional sum of $1m claiming family members were rude to them during negotiation.

‘’He used to come to NATCO open field in Satellite Town before he was abducted by Evans’ and his gang in 2015. Since he was freed from the captivity of Evans a few months ago, the unassuming businessman has been keeping to himself. Although, he still visits the field for light exercises not every week anymore, but he is a bit withdrawn because he has not overcome the trauma of his abduction by Evans.’’

‘’Until Evans was apprehended, Ukachukwu was afraid for his life and he thought that he might be kidnapped again by Evans going by the disposition of the billionaire kidnap kingpin towards his family members’ ‘unruly’ attitude during ransom negotiation.’’ How Evans treated his victims Evans and his gang used to scroll their victims’ mobile telephones to see their bank alerts. This was how the notorious kidnapper used to know the financial worth of victims.

This informed why he was hard-hearted towards them and would not back down on whatever amount he demanded as ransom from victims to regain their freedom.

Sources said that his victims’ refusal to pay requested ransom was usually met with brutal assaults. One of such cases, was that of a forex dealer who operates from Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers Association (ASPAMDA) Market tucked inside the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex along Lagos- Badagry Expressway late last year.

Unknown to the victim, his mobile telephone had been searched by Evans and one of his messages had revealed a certain amount posted into his bank account with a new generation bank. When he was asked to pay a certain ransom and he said that he had no such money, he was shot in his legs. ‘’Evans never reduced his ransom and refusal by his victims to pay on time attracted severe punishment including being shot. There was a case of a man who operated a bureau de change inside ASPAMDA Market at the Trade Fair Complex. He was seized in the evening while leaving the market for home. His phone was searched and they found that a sum of N50 million was forwarded to his bank account a few days earlier.

Evans demanded for the money and the man explained that the money was paid by a customer who needed dollars equivalent and that he had since concluded the transaction. ‘’The man pleaded for a reduction of the ransom money but Evans would have none of the man’s explanation.

Evans then ordered his men to shoot the man on his legs to force him to pay the money. The fear of being killed made the victim to beg his family members on the telephone to look for the money by all means which was paid before he was freed. ‘’As we speak, the man (victim) now uses crutches to walk after he was freed upon the payment of ransom.

The same treatment was given to some of his victims who were not among those featured in the media.’’ Relocation The fear of being abducted by Evans led to the mass exodus of businessmen from Festac, Amuwo Odofin, Ojo and Satellite town. The Nation gathered that some of the fearful businessmen relocated to Ajah, Oshodi, Ikeja and other communities in Lagos suburbs, while many others who stayed back contracted the services of policemen and operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSDC).

Investigation revealed that the relocation had become inevitable following anticipated attacks by the abductors prowling the affected communities. One of those who fled from his home in Satellite town was the owner of a popular electronics firm in Alaba International Market, Ojo, who relocated from the community shortly after one of his friends fell victim to Evans.

Several forex dealers in ASPAMDA Market were also said to have moved out of the market after they became the target of Evans with some of them held in his enclave for several months till the money demanded as ransom was paid. A highly placed source said: ‘’The situation was so bad that rich residents of Festac, Amuwo Odofin, Ojo and Satellite Town, especially many of them who are successful traders in Alaba International Market and ASPAMDA Market, feared for their lives and bolted. Many of them have not returned as I speak.

‘’Others who cannot relocate had to pay heavily for their security by seeking the services of armed policemen and civil defence corps. One of them is a businessman and owner of an oil and gas firm in Festac, who had to request for the protection of his life by armed operatives of civil defence corps after police authorities withdrew its men who were initially his personal guards. The arrest of Evans has however brought animated joy to businessmen and residents who praised the police for apprehending the kidnap kingpin.

A resident of Festac identified as Ambrose urged security forces to mop up remnants of Evans’ gang and other dare-devil kidnapping gangs who have turned Festac and its environ into their colony. He said: ‘’ I want to commend the police for their commitment to security of lives and property by arresting Evans and some members of his terror gang.

However, I want to urge the police and other security forces to consolidate the feat by apprehending fleeing members of his gang as well as members of other kidnapping gangs terrorising this part of Lagos State. ‘’I am also of the opinion that these criminal gangs have their informants in the community, therefore, detectives should fish out those who are giving out information about victims to these criminals, so as to contain the sceptre of abduction not only in these communities but in Alaba International Market and ASPAMDA Market.’’

A community leader in Festac, Chief Willie Nnorom, urged the state government and security forces to initiate proactive security measures that would effectively contain kidnapping and other criminal activities in the area. ‘’ To this end, I want to admonish both the Lagos State government, police and other security agencies to come up with proactive security initiatives that can wipe out kidnappings and other criminal activities including armed robbery in this community.

Also, there is need to liaise with residents’ associations, business groups and community leaders in crime fighting. The synergy is necessary in the area of intelligence sharing which is vital in combating crime. The operations of the Neighbourhood Watch set up by the state government should be strengthened with modern tools and gadgets to expose and apprehend criminals too.’’

lalasticlala

Members of the All Progressives Congress have begun to jostle for the position of the suspended Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, at the National Working Committee of the party.

Lawal was the National Vice Chairman (North- East) of the APC until his appointment as the SGF.

Saturday PUNCH gathered in Abuja on Friday that the delay in holding the inaugural bi-annual APC National convention is affecting plans to hold the ward and zonal congresses from where the new National Vice Chairman is expected to emerge before it is ratified by the National Convention.

For now , three persons namely: Alhaji Usman Iya -Abbas, Umar Sani (Sanda ) and the pioneer APC National Vice Chairman, North- West , Umar Duhu, are leading the park of contenders.

Of the three, Duhu is said to be making a strong case for a comeback having stepped aside in favour of Lawal, as part of the APC merger agreement.

Duhu who hails from Adamawa State , is considered a loyalist of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is a chieftain of the APC. He hails from the same constituency with former Political Adviser to ex -President Goodluck Jonathan , Ahmed Gulak , as well as a former Adamawa State Acting Governor , James Ngilari.

Meanwhile, preparations for the national convention are expected to begin in full swing as the month of Ramadan draws to a close.

Saturday PUNCH gathered that the party leadership is proposing to send four persons to meet with Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, to choose a date for the convention.

A highly placed member of the party ’ s National Working Committee, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the media, said four senior party officials are being proposed.

He said , “For now , our National Chairman, Chief John Odigie - Oyegun, our Secretary, Mai Mala Buni, National Organising Secretary, Senator Osita Izunaso and the Chairman of the Progressives Governors ’ Forum, Rochas Okorocha , are the ones likely to meet with the Acting President.

“ We have yet to agree on a date but it will be soon after the fasting period because we must hold the convention this year that is one thing I know . When a date is fixed then we can set up a convention committee involving all stakeholders.”

Attempts to get official comments from the party ’ s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, were unsuccessful. Calls to his mobile telephone indicated that it was switched off , and response to a text message sent to him was still being expected as of the time of filing this report.

lalasticlala

CROWNWEALTH019:
Ekiti state remains one of the beat state in Nigeria


By the way, is it your graveyard?

“We met among ourselves (housewives) to discuss how open defecation affects us, affects our children, how we have so many flies in our communities.

“We suggested and agreed among ourselves what could be done to make our husbands responsive to the challenge and we resolved to hold fast to no sexual relations except they build toilets in each household.

“Now there is no house you visit that does not have toilets, nobody defecates in the open anymore, we are all aware of the dangers, ’’ Mrs Lydia Bisong , a woman and a resident of Obanliku Local Government, Cross River, said.

Obanliku Local Government is located in the northern senatorial district of Cross River and it is one of the rural communities targeted to make Open Defecation - Free by Global Sanitation Fund.

The community recently met the requirements as stipulated in the protocol for certification of ODF and was pronounced open defecation - free community, courtesy of GSF ’ s Rural Sanitation and Hygiene Promotion in Nigeria.

But some housewives in the area said something stunning, among others, contributed to attaining ODF - status to make the local government area the first open defecation - free in the country.

During the declaration of the community open defecation -free, the women in Obanliku said they always encouraged their men to build toilets before coming close to them for sex.

Pointing out the importance of sustained sanitation and hygiene , Mr Jerry Ashua, the Chairman , Obanliku Local Government Area, said there had been reduction in deaths from sanitation - related diseases since the introduction of RUSHPIN.

He said apart from the initiative of the women in the area, staff of the local government collaborated with the traditional rulers to introduce a fine of N20,000 as punishment for anyone caught defecating in the open.

This feat notwithstanding, Minister of Water Resources Suleiman Adamu expressed concern that Nigeria was reported to be among nations in the world with the highest population practising open defecation.

“This poses a great challenge to women, girls and those in vulnerable conditions, and impacts negatively on the health and economy of the populace, ’’ he said.

The minister, however, explained that the implementation of sanitation and hygiene programmes would promote behavioural change towards ending open defecation in the country.

Alluding to the minister ’s opinion , Mr Tim Connell, the Country Director, United Purpose , Implementing Agency of the RUSHPIN Programme , said there should be the emphasis on sanitation to meet the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

He also noted that Bekwarra Local Government Area in Cross River was about to attain open defecation - free status, promising that the organisation would replicate the success story in Obanliku in other local government areas.

To achieve this, Mr Nanpet Chuktu , the RUSHPIN Programme Manager, said within four years of programme implementation, 1,859 communities had been reached with hygiene messages.

He said no fewer than 600,000 persons now lived in open defecation - free communities in the six local government areas in the two states — Cross River and Benue.

He noted that the agency used Community Led- Total Sanitation model to encourage the communities to build and use toilets, while adopting behavioural change as a means of promoting hygienic habits.

In spite of this , observers note that there have been lapses in the programme scale - up , issues of insecurity in some communities in Agatu Local Government Area in Benue and non - payment of counterpart funds by the two state governments.

In the light of this, therefore , Mr Emmanuel Awe, the Chairman, National Task Group on Sanitation, Awe, advised Benue and Cross River to speedily pay up their counterpart funds to scale up sanitation and hygiene in the states.

He cautioned the states that the GSF; the sponsors of RUSHPIN programme, had threatened to withdraw funding by September if the two states failed to pay.
Awe said GSF had also said that if the two states failed to meet this demand , it would stop funding.

Similarly, he said the organisation had urged states that desired sanitation and hygiene scale - up to show interest.

He said that it was saddening to note that the two states had not been able to pay up counterpart funds for the upgrade of the programme.

He expressed concern that lack of water and sanitation had impacted negatively on the economy , health and productivity.

Awe said the payment of the funds was an opportunity to scale - up sanitation and hygiene in the states to reduce the prevalence of diseases.

Observers recall that the Federal Government had in 2014 signed an agreement with GSF , resulting in the provision of five million dollars by GSF for the project implementation in six local governments in Benue and Cross River.

In spite of this intervention, observers believe that without counterpart funds settlement, there may be delay in meeting the Open Defecation - Free Country target for Nigeria by 2025 .
NAN

Ahead of the 2019 general elections, three Igbo groups, the World Igbo Youth Congress, WIYC, the Igbo Students’ Association, ISA, and the South-East Women Professionals, SWP, have shortlisted prominent Igbo politicians to run for presidency.

The decision came after their extra-ordinary general congress held in Enugu on Friday.

This is coming few days after the Ohanaeze Youth Council, OYC, equally declared that there would be no going back on the Igbo presidency in 2019.

The OYC had declared that should it not realize Igbo presidency in 2019, it would see to the actualization of Biafra in 2020.

Similarly, the three Igbo groups, which met in Enugu shortlisted the Deputy Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweremadu, former Anambra Governor, Peter Obi, Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, former Abia Governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, immediate past first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, among others.

The groups equally lambasted Igbo leaders over their recent visit to the Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo at the Aso Rock, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

A communique issued after the meeting was signed by Dr. Ugwu Francis, Deputy President General, WIYC, Comrade Francis Njoku and Glory Izuora, President and secretary, respectively of ISA, and Dr. Mrs. Nkem Nwuzor and Dr. Mrs. Helen Dike-Orji on behalf of the SWP.

It read: “We are outraged over the recent self-serving visit of some Igbo leaders to the Aso Villa Abuja. While we respect their right as Nigerians to visit any place of their choice, we are against the use of such trips for the pursuant of personal glory and goals.

“We observed with dismay that rather than present basic issues affecting the Igbo nation, they merely went there singing songs of ‘Nigeria unity.’

“It is a common knowledge that Ndigbo are grossly marginalized in every sphere of the nation, including the position of presidency.

“These cries of marginalization have consistently fueled Biafra agitation and the only way to end these agitations is to demonstrate, not just in words, but in practical terms that Ndigbo are part owners of the Nigeria project.

“Consequently, we declare that those hosted by Osinbajo did not represent Ndigbo in any form but their personal interests.

“So, having examined these issues, we hereby align ourselves with the position of the Ohanaeze Youth Council Worldwide as we kick-off today an aggressive campaign for Igbo presidency.

“The following names have been shortlisted as presidential candidates of Igbo extraction: the Deputy Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweremadu, former Anambra Governor, Peter Obi, Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, former Abia Governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, immediate past first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, Air Comodore Ebitu Ukiwe, (rtd.), Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (rtd.), Oby Ezekwesili, Prof. Pat Utomi, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, Senator Hope Uzodinma, among others. These and many more will pass through screening by the Igbo Presidency Project Committee.

“We assure them that efforts are on top gear and funds shall be mobilized across the world for their campaign.”

Islie:
http://iharare.com/wife-makes-video/