₦airaland Forum

[b]“Firstly, the operation was ours not the military’s; we called them in. We chose middle of the night for two reasons. One: To avoid civilian casualty or stray bullet incidence that may arise from exchange of the anticipated gun battle. Two, those guys are mostly found there at dusk.

“The thing is they pretend to be law-abiding citizens during the day. Agreed that, they all have what they do for a living but most use this to cover their evil deed. You’ll find that some sell suya, sachet water, or do ‘mai ruwa’ (water-selling cart-pushers) and ‘mai shayi’ (food sellers). Others hawk goods in traffic, clean vehicle windscreen, sell fruits, ride keke (tricycles), etc.

“And let me add that the same suspect who gave us the information and took us to Apo legislative quarters is a keke rider at Garki market. In fact, he was busy loading passengers the day we picked him up. Some were already seated, while he was calling for more.

“So you see that the claim that they have a means of livelihood is a decoy. True, some in that building may be clean, but going by the information we had, a good number of insurgents were in that building.

Survivors’ claim of innocence

“We hear such statements every day. It is because this one happened in Abuja, that’s why some of them are looking for sympathy of Nigerians and international community. It is for the attention.

“In Yobe, Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, Kano and other places where the sects strike, you have cases like this. They all occupy a building, tell you they have one job or the other and before you blink, you’ll find weapons everywhere.[/b]


The obvious was surely stated above, and without sentiments, as Nigerians we must be divorce of bias. Reports and evidence abound across states of the federation, of arrest of Boko Haram Elements who have been dislodged from their strongholds in some north east states, for instance some where caught around Badia - Ijora area of Lagos state not too long, even at ogere in ogun states and recently at Alaba Rago area, close to Lagos state university (LASU) Ojo, in my area along Lagos -Badagry expressway. Without any ethnic and religious sentiments, one has to be security conscious and alert of the antics of these young Hausa guys living close by and who during the day engage in one menial job or the other, however though, some of them use these avenues as their legitimate means of survival, but must we wait for these Boko Haram elements to strike before our security agencies act, then same Nigerians we start condemning for inefficiency and lack of proactiveness.

Let's ponder on this as discerning thinkers, if the SSS and Military operatives had wanted to kill or massacre all the occupants in the uncompleted building on the said operation, would they not have done it successfully, killing all squatters outrightly?

The grand patron Tinubu himself!!!.......i sure know more of ur dirty and shady deals will keep coming out....This is truly not the type of National leader or so called Patriot, we want to steer the wheel of the future of our great country.

All these Atiku antics and that of his cohorts are geared towards realising his selfish and inordinate ambition of becoming the the president elect in 2015 general elections.....of a truth this is not the type of leader we want in nigeria...no...no...no...not again.

The Nigerian government had suspended telephone services in Borno since May.
Telecommunication services have been restored in Borno State, the hotbed of the Boko Haram insurgency.
The Federal Government suspended all GSM services in the state since May following the declaration of a State of Emergency there.
Satellite phones, which were becoming popular among middle class and rich residents, were also banned by security forces, who used the telephone black-out as a tactic to limit communication among members of the insurgents.
Two other states where emergency rule was declared, Adamawa and Yobe, had their telephone services restored earlier in the month.
The defence headquarters spokesperson, Chris Olukolade, told Reuters that the telephone services were restored “in reaction to the improved security situation and to relax the environment and ease tensions,”
More details later…

http://premiumtimesng.com/news/141302-breaking-gsm-services-restored-in-borno.html

Buhari’s Spokesman Accuses ACN Governors of Corruption, Says They Award One Kilometer Road For One Billion Naira

General Mohammadu Buhari’s Spokesman and Chieftain of the Save Nigeria Group, Mr. Yinka Odumakin has accused the Governors of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, of awarding one Kilometer of Road construction for N1 Billion.
Boasting about his knowledge of Yoruba political leaders, Odumakin said, “I can tell you authoritatively that the most dangerous and terrible tendency in Yoruba politics is the house of deceit that Tinubu represents.”
Odumakin, a spokesman for General Mohammadu Buhari, on his facebook wall recalled how he dragged former Governor Alao Akala to the Economic and Financila Crimes Commission, EFCC, for awarding One Kilometer of road for
N50 Million and said most Yoruba leaders are “greedy.”
Odumakin, a spokesman for General Mohammadu Buhari said:
“Between 1999 and now, I’ve related at close quarters with most actors in the Yoruba political space at close quarters and I know the weaknesses and strengths of all.
“I can tell you authoritatively that the most dangerous and terrible tendency in Yoruba politics is the house of deceit that Tinubu represents.
“Only those who have sold their souls will ignore this fact … There has never been any such greedy bunch in our nation- not under “Demo” or even PDP.
“I took Akala before EFCC in 2010 for awarding roads at N50m per km in all the LGs in Oyo state. Today your Asiwaju is collecting N1b per km across South West.
“When Tinubu turned “60″ ACN states contributed N1b for a bash, nobody tried that in Yorubaland before.
“Chief Adebanjo was chairman of AD in 1999 and not one relation of his got a ticket unlike your Tinubu whose wife is a senator,son in law a Rep, Sister in law a House member in Lagos and daughter now Iyaloja via imposition .
“Your grouse with the old men may be for reasons you have not stated but you know they are far more honorable than a million Bola Tinubu.”

http://pointblanknews.com/pbn/exclusive/buharis-spokesman-accuses-acn-governors-of-corruption-says-they-award-one-kilometer-road-for-one-billion-naira/

A vessel carrying imported gasoline has exploded in Lagos killing and injuring yet- to- be determined number of people according to Nigeria's National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

The explosion occurred around 1 am Nigerian time at the Atlas Cove jetty in Apapa area of Lagos. The raging fire is still ongoing as at 10 AM as firefighters and the NNOPC battle to shut down pipes at the jetty.

http://saharareporters.com/news-page/petrol-barge-explodes-near-atlas-cove-jetty-lagos

In an employable skills test conducted by employers of labour recently in Lagos, most of the corps members have through their performances justified claims that most graduates are not employable.

The corps members proved this at a job fair organised by New Horizons Computer Learning Centre, Lagos, in collaboration with the Lagos NYSC at the Main Auditorium of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) where corps members were subjected to a live job interview session as part of the exit programmes for the batch.

At the end of the live interview that featured five corps members from shortlisted entries of over 1,500 applicants, Mr. Olubiyi Ogundipe, a First Class graduate of Chemical Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) emerged as the only applicant qualified for employment with New Horizons as ICT teacher.

Ogundipe who was presented a letter of employment on the spot by Mrs. Dan-Abia came first in the live interview session watched by other corps members with a total of 14 points while the other four candidates had 11, 8, 7 and three marks respectively.

The NYSC Director-General, Brigadier Nnamdi Okore-Affia while speaking to the outgoing Batch B 2012 corps members through the Director, Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED), Mrs. Mary Dan-Abia, said corps members should get set for their next lines of action after their passing out parade slated for today.

According to him, the present practice of NYSC is in line with the ongoing reforms of the 40 years old scheme which has the mandate to develop the spirit of self development, reliance, and entrepreneurship of corps members.

"Have you asked yourselves or make up your mind on what you want to do after discharge? Ask yourselves what your visions are. What have I achieved during the service year. Was it a jamboree of sorts for 12 months? Am I ready for the employment market or ready to create wealth around myself? he asked the corps members.

He explained that if they cannot answer the above questions honestly, then they still have a lot of thinking and planning to do, maintaining that life outside the camp will only favour those who are prepared.

On her part, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs. Adenike Adeyemi while explaining the purpose of the job fair said, the pioneer live job interview organised for the Corps members was basically to further prepare them for future challenges, stressing that those who are able to attend the interview test would see firsthand the nitty-gritty of job interview and also prepare them as employer of labour.

According to Adeyemi, the job fair would be a symbolic annual event to mark end of the service year for corps members in the state and to create a platform for those not cutout for vocational skills to secure immediate job opportunities with employers of labour at the ceremony.

The Managing Director, New Horizons Computer Learning Centres, Mr. Tim Akano tasked corps members on the need to acquire additional expertise in the Information and communications Technology in order to remain relevant in the global ICT driven job market.

He enumerated such fields to include project management, e-business skill, oracle skill, software programming, CISCO, Adobe and security skill system in order to be relevant in problem solving chain in organization.

http://allafrica.com/stories/201306061132.html

The military Thursday claimed that it had killed a top commander of Boko Haram, Abubakar Adam Kambar, designated "global terrorist" by the United States along with two others on June 21, 2012.

The US Department of State designated Kambar along with Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau and Khalid al-Barnawi as Specially Designated Global Terrorists under section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224.

It described al-Barnawi and Kambar as having ties to Boko Haram, and close links to al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, a designated foreign terrorist organisation.

However, the Nigerian military, according to a report thursday by Agence France Presse (AFP), claimed that Kambar was killed in an operation last year, though Washington had not confirmed the death.

Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed Suleiman said Kambar was killed on March 18, 2012, three months before the US label.

Defence spokesman, Brigadier General Chris Olukolade, said that might have been because information had not been properly passed along, but could not give further details.

Another military spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Sagir Musa, also confirmed the death but declined to give details on why the US designation would have been issued afterwards.

"We trailed him to somewhere. He didn't want to be arrested, so we gunned him down," Suleiman told AFP after a briefing to journalists in Maiduguri where he mentioned Kambar's killing.

US officials in Nigeria were not immediately available to comment.

During the briefing, Suleiman called Kambar "the main link with al-Qaeda and al-Shebab," referring to Somalia's Islamist insurgent group.

Security sources had previously estimated Kambar to be in his mid-30s and a native of Borno State.

He was said to have been an active member of Boko Haram at the time of a 2009 uprising in Maiduguri, which was crushed by the military.

According to security sources, he fled Nigeria after the uprising was put down but eventually returned.

http://allafrica.com/stories/201306070427.html

The U.S. has placed a bounty of $7 million on the Boko Haram leader.
The Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), has urged Nigerians not to see the U.S . $7 million (N1.1 billion) ransom on Abubakar Shekau– leader of Boko Haram sect– as interference in the nation’s affairs.
Professor Bola Akinterinwa, the NIIA Director-General, made the plea in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos on Thursday.
He said it should rather be seen as a step in the right direction.
The $7 million dollars ransom was part of the $23 million posted on Monday by U.S State Department’s Reward for Justice programme. It is to help track down Mr. Shekau and some leaders of Al-qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb spreading terror in Nigeria and other West African countries.
“There is nothing like the U.S Government’s interference in this case. Activities of Boko Haram are by the day assuming a worsening dimension that Nigeria alone cannot handle.
“Boko Haram is a terrorist group and terrorism is an international virus that should be dealt with through the right surgical operation. This is simply what the U.S is doing.
“Due to international relations, other countries of the world have the right to support Nigeria in curtailing the activities of Boko Haram.
“So, Nigerians should see the U.S gesture as a welcome development,” Mr. Akinterinwa said.
Mr. Akinterinwa said that the “Nigerian Terrorists Act” also applied to its allies and friends to ensure protection of lives during emergencies.
The director-general said that there was a development in international relations, which has “made nonsense of the UN Charter on non-interference clause.
“Also, the Constitutive Act of the African Union has abrogated the OAU Charter provision on non-interference by providing for intervention when the need arises.
“In the same vein, issues of fundamental human rights do not fall within the domestic preserve of any country,” he said.

http://premiumtimesng.com/news/137849-u-s-not-interfering-in-nigerias-internal-security-by-placing-bounty-on-boko-haram-leader-niia-boss.html

The Senate will still deliberate the proposals.
The Senate president and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and their deputies, would be entitled to life pensions once they quit office; and presidents and governors, as well their deputies, will no longer be eligible for twin four-year terms, according to constitution amendment proposals submitted by a Senate review committee Wednesday.
Under the law, a single six-year term will replace the current double four-year terms for chief executives; but serving president and vice, Goodluck Jonathan and Namadi Sambo, and serving governors, will not be eligible for the provision.
However, Senate President David Mark, and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu; as well Speaker Aminu Tambuwal and deputy, Emeka Ihedioha, will be the first beneficiaries of the life pension, provided they are not impeached from office.
The current 1999 constitution only allows life pension for the president and vice.
The far-reaching recommendations proposed by a review committee headed by Mr. Ekweremadu are far from becoming laws as they are yet to be debated and approved by the senate plenary, concurred by the House of Reps and assented to by at least 24 state Houses of Assembly.
But the proposals detail sweeping changes to Nigeria’s law books that if all approved, will touch on nearly all key sections of the executive, legislature and the judiciary arms of government.
The senate’s submission will be considered when the chamber resumes from a two-week break, and the House said it will receive and debate its report when it reconvenes.
The senate committee said the single term clause was necessary for chief executives, to deal with the “distraction” often associated by re-election bids.
“Considering the financial expenses often associated with the re-election and to ensure that executive heads are freed from the distractions to be able to concentrate on public policy issues, a provision for a single term of six years for president and governors is made,” Mr. Ekweremadu said.
The committee’s review focused on limiting the often overbearing powers of presidents and governors.
Under the new constitution, governors will no longer be able to control local government funds or refuse elections at the third tier as the shared account between local governments and states will be abolished to allow local governments to receive direct payments from the consolidated account.
Benefiting councils will be those democratically elected, a stipulation that targets governors’ penchant for foisting caretaker committees on the councils for years without elections.
The law also separates the office of the Attorney General of the Federation from that of the Minister of Justice, with provisions that insulate the Attorney General from the influence of the president.
If passed, federal attorney general, as well as states’, will have powers to order investigations.
The attorneys general will serve for seven years single term maximum and funding to that office will be drawn on first line charge- not subject to the appropriation of the National Assembly or respective state assemblies.
Under the proposed constitution, while the president and governors retain their rights to sign or withhold their assents to bills coming from the national or state assemblies, such discretion must be communicated to the respective legislature within 30 days otherwise, the passed bill becomes law automatically.
The provisions also detail clear procedures for a vice president or a deputy governor to succeed a late president or one incapable of taking the oath or discharging the requirements of the office- an effort targeted at avoiding a repeat of the controversies of the late Umaru Yar’Adua presidency and the transition to President Jonathan.
The senate said under exigencies of death, incapacitation, or others, the vice president or deputy governors will ascend to power and complete the term, but will no longer be qualified to stand for election to the office of the president or governor.
If such provision had been in place, President Jonathan would be ineligible for election in 2015.
The review also replaces the word “Force” in the Nigerian Police Force wit “Service”.
The president’s powers were further nipped with the establishment of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Abuja, an office that will be independent of the president and will be elective.
Offices to benefit from first line charge funding, also rose from the present three-National Assembly, Independent National Electoral Commission, and the Courts – to include Attorney-General of the Federation; Auditor-General of the Federation; Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal, Commission; and National Human Rights Commission; efforts directed at stripping the offices of influence of the president.

http://premiumtimesng.com/news/137769-senate-proposes-life-pension-for-its-leaders-cuts-powers-of-presidents-governors.html

The Federal Government was working towards completing the 1,994 abandoned rural electrification projects across the country.

The Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, said this at the commissioning of three injection sub-stations in Lagos on Monday.

“President Goodluck Jonathan is working hard to ensure that all abandoned rural electrification projects were completed soonest.

“It is on record that the rural electrification agency was moribund before Jonathan came on board. The agency, which is saddled with rural electrification, has been scrapped,’’ he said.

The minister said Jonathan had, however, revived the agency and pumped funds for its effectiveness.

“You will agree with me that most of the projects were abandoned when they were at 90 per cent completion. Today, huge rural electrification projects have been penciled down for completion.’’

He said there was no way government could bring development and value chain into the rural areas without effective electricity, adding that electricity was the key to farm produce and preservation in the rural.

Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Executive Officer, Ikeja Distribution Company, Mr Chris Akamnonu, called for more government support.

“This will be more useful, especially in the area of the burnt 150MVA transformer at Ikeja West.

“That is why we are imploring the Minister to assist with more funds to replace the burnt transformer and complete other projects within the zone.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister had promised to replace the 150MVA transformer with a 300MVA transformer.

“This was to accommodate the planned expansion and increase in power supply across the network,’’ he said.(NAN)
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/06/fg-to-revive-1994-abandoned-rural-electrification-projects/

Chris Okotie and his former keyboardist engage in a brawl.
An upset magistrate at the Ikeja Magistrate Court, Lagos, on Thursday dispatched a former keyboardist of the Household of God Church, Dafiaghor Okiotor, to prison for contempt of court.
The magistrate, Oshodi Makanjuola, while accusing Mr. Okiotor of flouting her directives to desist from posting the court proceedings on social media; also announced that she is withdrawing from the case.
“I have two publications here,” Mrs. Makanjuola said, brandishing two pieces of paper.
“One is saying: Countdown to Reverend Okotie suit, let us find out if Okotie is too big to come to court.
“The other says: Hallelujah! Okotie Chris gets a dubious judgment…,” the magistrate read from the papers.
“You even had the effrontery to publish my picture on a Sahara Reporters newspaper
Ms. Makanjuola called in the police to take Mr. Okiotor out of the court despite the defendant’s plea that she hears his own side of the story.
“I don’t want to hear anything from you. A matter that is still subjudice before me,” said the furious magistrate.
“I hereby disengage myself from the case. The case file should be sent to the chief magistrate for re-assignment to another magistrate,” she added.
Mr. Okiotor, 40, is facing a three count charge including threatening and preventing Mr. Okotie, the General Overseer of the church, from preaching to his congregation as well as conducting himself in a manner capable of breaching public peace.
At previous sittings, Kola Dopamu, counsel to Mr. Okotie, had consistently sought to draw magistrate’s attention to media publications and Facebook posts on Mr. Okiotor’s wall.
At the last sitting, Mr. Dopamu raised the same “concerns” but the magistrate described it as mere “hearsay.”
“I’m not aware of anything being written by anybody,” Ms. Makanjuola had said.
Also, an earlier effort by Mr. Okiotor’s lawyer, Robert Igbinedion, to get the court to issue witness summons on Mr. Okotie was turned down by the magistrate.
Mr. Igbinedion had tried to convince the court to invite Mr. Okotie to come and present the church’s CCTV recordings on July 10 and 15, 2012, the days the defendant was accused of assaulting the “man of God.”

http://premiumtimesng.com/news/136957-upset-magistrate-sends-rev-okoties-former-keyboardist-to-jail-over-facebook-posts.html?utm_source=&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=upset-magistrate-sends-rev-okoties-former-keyboardist-to-jail-over-facebook-posts

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Ambrose Alli University chapter, has expressed concern over the spate of kidnapping of its members.

The alarm is coming at a time Mrs. Theresa Aluede, wife of the Dean of Faculty of Education, Prof. Raymond Aluede was abducted by suspected kidnappers.

According to the union, the development, which has seen some other members’ spouses kidnapped in recent time, is already impacting negatively on the lecturers’ primary assignment.

ASUU in a statement by Prof. Fred Esumeh and Dr. Stanley Omoikhoje, Chairman and Secretary of the union respectively, alleged that nothing had been done to apprehend the kidnappers of the Dean’s wife.

The statement made available to DailyPost reads “We wish to bring to public notice the disturbing and unending spate of kidnapping of our members and/or their spouses in Ekpoma and its environs. In fact, the kidnapping of members of ASUU or their wives now occurs on a daily basis, the recent being the kidnapping of the wife of Prof. Raymond Aluede, Dean of Faculty of Education, while on her way back from work.



“In the recent past, Prof. O. P. G. Nmorsi of the Department of Zoology; Prof. (Mrs.) C. O. Isiramen, of the Department of Religious and Cultural Management; wives of Prof. J. E. A. Osemekhian and Dr. Ken Imarenezor of the Department of Physics and Microbiology were kidnapped, with untold hardship visited on them.

“It is important to note that kidnapping in Ekpoma, especially cases involving ASUU-AAU members have become so frequent that our members now live in fear. In fact, when you get a phone call from your spouse now, you have to think twice before answering it.

“A university is basically an institution set up for the purpose of teaching, learning and research. Teaching and learning cannot take place in an environment where fear reigns supreme and insecurity is the order of the day.

“We believe this ugly trend has become a pattern and pervasive, because little or nothing has been done to apprehend the hoodlums as they seem to be having a free day in their nefarious business. It is our belief that those who perpetrate the crime persist and thrive in it because they get away with little or no disturbance”, the statement said.

http://dailypost.com.ng/2013/05/30/ASUU-decries-incessant-kidnaping-of-lecturers-in-edo/

A plane was "on fire" flying over central London an eyewitness has said.

One person told Sky News: "As you looked up you could just see the flames being chucked out of the engine ... It was on full fire when we saw it."

Both runways were shut at Heathrow Airport where the British Airways aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing due to an "aircraft fire."

The incident is not thought to be terror related and all passengers are safe.

A statement from British Airways said: "The BA762, Heathrow to Oslo service, returned back to Heathrow shortly after take-off due to a technical fault.

"The Airbus A319 aircraft was carrying 75 customers. The aircraft landed safely and emergency slides were deployed and we are currently caring for our customers.

"Emergency services attended the aircraft. We will be carrying out a full investigation into the incident."

One picture shared on Twitter appears to show the engine that was not on fire exposed as it is overworked.

London Fire Brigade crew have said they believe that the fire is now out.

There is speculation that the plane had run into a flock of birds.

The plane landed on the northern runway which remains shut but the southern runway has now been reopened.

http://news.sky.com/story/1095039/plane-on-fire-flying-over-central-london
http://www.naijapundit.com/news/breaking-news-aeroplane-on-fire-flying-over-central-london

GMB should stop playing this do or die politics. Constructive criticism and true patriotism entail keeping the unity and project Nigeria alive void of any threat to its sovereignty.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) and delegates to the 66th World Health Assembly (WHA) yesterday lauded Nigeria for leading global efforts aimed at reducing mother and child deaths.
Also, the Minister of State for Health, Muhammad Ali Pate, was singled out for special recognition at a high level side event for ministers and senior participants to advance goals and objectives of the Global Strategy for Women and Children’s Health to end preventable maternal and child deaths.
The minister was particularly commended for the success of the “Save One Million Lives Initiative” launched last year by President Goodluck Jonathan for saving 218,000 lives, putting one million women on antenatal care, reaching 46 million under-five children with Vitamin A supplementation, and achieving 78 per cent Routine Immunisation (RI) coverage within one year.
Describing Pate as a “super hero” because of the success of the “Save One Million Lives Initiative”, the Assistant Administrator for Global Health, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Dr. Ariel Pablos-Mendez said the initiative was one of the efforts under the global initiatives with a focus on linkages with the United Nations Commission on Life-Saving Commodities for Women and Children, which President Goodluck Jonathan co-chairs with the Norwagean Prime Minister.


In his presentation on “Save One Million Lives” initiative, Pate listed lack of commodity and health workers as the two major causes of maternal and child deaths in Nigeria, which caused his ministry to adopt a new approach which focuses on delivery.
“The Save One Million Lives focused on the delivery side rather than the input,” he said.
Pate further explained: “The initiative addresses vaccine preventable diseases, diarrhoea diseases and health workers training and posting to rural areas. It boosted the workings of the Midwives Service Scheme (MSS). We recently recruited additional 6,000 health workers and launched a pilot scheme to scale up conditional cash transfer that encourages women to bring forward their children for immunisation and attend antenatal care.
“We have made progress with routine immunisation, which has risen to 78 per cent. We are planning to use mobile health to empower health workers. We can confidently say we saved 218,000 lives in 2012, put one million women on antenatal care and 46 million children on Vitamin A and vaccines.”

http://www.informationng.com/2013/05/who-commends-nigeria-for-reducing-women-children-deaths.html

*Ex-militants protest against governor

The Police yesterday apologised to the Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, over the action of some its men in the crisis rocking the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

The police authorities assured that they would make amends in righting all the wrongs inadvertently made by its officers.

Also, youths, numbering over 2000, believed to be former militants under the umbrella of Rivers People Assembly, RPA, yesterday gathered at Isaac Boro Park, Port Harcourt, chanting anti-Amaechi slogans.

The new Assistant Inspector- General of Police, AIG, in charge of Zone 6, Jonathan Johnson, acknowledged that police officers and men in the Rivers State Command might have made errors in the discharge of their constitutional duties in the recent political events in the state.

He applauded the gesture of Amaechi in improving the welfare and operations of the Police in the state.

Johnson stated this when he led a delegation of senior police officers in the zone on a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House, Port Harcourt yesterday.

The AIG said he had directed the state Commissioner of Police, Mbu Joseph Mbu, to ensure that there was no security breach in the state.

He said: “So, we will take note of all these mistakes and we will correct them. I am assuring you, we will correct them. If there are lapses noticed, let us know so that we can make amends.

“And I also want to thank you (Amaechi) that for all you have done for us and the others that you are going to do. We shall continue to appreciate because you know requests from the police will never stop coming.

“Every human being that has served or is going to serve (the Nigeria Police Force) sometimes is susceptible to some errors here and there and when that comes to forefront, it is incumbent on that very particular person to say we shall amend.

“I know when these issues of withdrawal of security from some staff officers of yours came, there were agitations here and there.”

Johnson added that he had instructed Mbu to replace the police orderlies from the Anti-Terrorism Squad withdrawn from some top officials with policemen from the Special Protection Unit.

He commended Amaechi for showing understanding and support for the police, while promising to communicate this to his boss in Abuja.

“We have always been at the wrong side of history because of one thing or the other but you (Amaechi) show understanding in our mistakes, you show understanding in our service and that is why you’ve provided all these things.

“We remain grateful to you on behalf of the Inspector- General of Police. We say a big thank you.

“I must show gratitude because I’ve heard so much about your activities, when your government singlehandedly sponsored the development and training of our ATS (Anti-Terrorism Squad) centre here in Rivers State.

“We have it on record, your numerous activities of assistance to the command and to the mobile police force.

“I can also see what I have seen on the road yesterday, the new patrol vehicles here and there, that is to show your demonstration of love for the police force”.

The AIG promised to use trained policemen from the ATS to fight kidnapping and other vices in the state.

Amaechi thanked him and his delegation for their visit, but appealed to the police not to play politics with the security of lives and property of the people of the state.

“We should not play politics with security. The only responsibility enshrined in the constitution for both the President and the state governors is that we swear to an oath that we will protect lives and property and we are beginning to have that challenge in Rivers State.

“I want you to kindly convey to the Police Command that we are beginning to have security challenges in Rivers State and we should not forget that you may play politics with every other thing but one place you don’t play politics with is the security of the lives of our people who elected us to offices and it will not be to the interest of Rivers people if we go back to the era of 2005, 2006 and early 2007,” Amaechi said.

The youths drawn from the 23 local government areas of the state with white T-shirts and different inscriptions said they were tired of Amaechi’s style of administration, which they said had impoverished the Rivers people.

Also, another set of youths under the aegis of Peoples Democratic Party Rural Empowerment Advocacy Projects, PDP Youth- REAP, yesterday called for the probe of the governor and some principal officers of his administration.

The spokesman of the youths, Martyns Mannah, said: “Rivers people can’t stay and watch him (Amaechi) challenge President Goodluck Jonathan who comes from the South- South and desires to contest in 2015.”

Mannah alleged that the governor had sidelined the real owners of the PDP in the state and blocked those that opposed him.

He said: “We want Amaechi to tell us the whereabouts of the two jets Odili left behind and real owners of the Bombardier aircraft,” denying that the protest was sponsored.

The leader of the Niger Delta Vigilante Force, Ateke Tom, and women who came in buses took part in the protest.

At a press briefing also yesterday, the group called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, to “unravel the circumstances surrounding the ownership and documentation of the bombardier jet (owned by Rivers State) after funds had been duly appropriated by the state government.”

The state Coordinator, Warigbani Ezekiel, also condemned the activities of the state House of Assembly over the suspension of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council executive without recourse to due process.

Meanwhile, Mbu has banned demonstrations and rallies in the state, saying that any group that wanted to carry out protest must first seek clearance from the command.

He gave the warning yesterday in Port Harcourt at a briefing by Johnson, saying that the police would no longer allow protests in the state without its approval.

“From today, there will be no procession… Whoever does that without permission will be arrested,” he said, adding that the police would use minimum force to arrest defaulters for prosecution.

Johnson, however, backed the continued presence of policemen in the headquarters of Obio/Akpor LG Secretariat.

He also urged the Speaker of the State House of Assembly to see the commissioner of police on the alarm he raised over the planned assassination of Amaechi, himself and some top government officials.

“If that allegation is true, he has the opportunity to prove it,” the AIG said.
http://nationalmirroronline.net/new/police-apologise-to-amaechi-reinstate-speakers-security-aides/

he Nigerian troops sent to Mali for peace keeping operations are to remain in Mali for now, contrary to speculations that they would be withdrawn to face the domestic crisis in the country.

This was in a press statement by the Director Defence Information Brigadier General Chris Olukolade in Abuja.

There were media reports that Nigerian troops were being withdrawn from Mali to face the insurgency in some parts of Northern Nigeria is not true.

“The report therefore in a section of the press that Nigerian troops are to be withdrawn from Mali to face the ongoing insurgency is complete falsehood.’’

“There is certainly no need for such action now as the human and material resources of the Armed Forces of Nigeria are being meticulously deployed and quite able to meet its present internal and external assignments.’’

Rotation of troops

The story of troop withdrawal from Mali may have been brought about by the rotation of troops in various missions which is a normal practice in the military circles, he said.

The Defence spokes person said this is a routine and should not be misunderstood or misrepresented to misinform Nigerians and the international community.

‘’As a matter of fact the normal and scheduled rotation of troops in various missions will continue.’’

‘’ This routine should not be misunderstood or misrepresented to misinform Nigerians and the international community.’’

‘’ These times are too sensitive for anyone to engage in unnecessary sensation, speculation or rumour mongering on military affairs please.’’

Nigerian troops are currently deployed for the African-led International Support Mission to Mali (AFISMA)

Brigadier General Chris Olukolade reassured Nigerians that the troops were capable of tackling the current challenge of insurgency in some parts of northern Nigeria.

He said that the current situation in the country was too sensitive for any sensationalism or rumor mongering.

http://voiceofnigeria.org/Nigeria/Nigerian-troops-to-remain-in-Mali.html

To me, i disagree with the stance of the Legislator, even though, as the emergency rule is in place, i think the amnesty should still continue side by side, depicting a carrot and stick approach, where the boko haram elements are free to choose which one to embrace.

Demdem: Yes oo, i think we need a woman this time. Berem, come show ur self.

I Concur with you.

I love this, opposition is not all about destructive criticisms but constructive and participatory governance for the overall well-being of the state. At any point in time, superiority of reasoning and patriotism should be allowed to prevail. Thumbs-up for Mallam RIBADU

The bite of the State of Emergency imposed on Borno, Yobe and Adamwa, has started to come down hard as the military authorities have just announced a Dusk to Dawn curfew in Adamawa. This is beside the massive build up of heavy artillery and sophisticated weapons as well as surge in troops in those states. The statement from the military authorities which was signed by the Public Relations Officer of 23rd Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Yola, Lt. Jaafaru Mohammed Nuhu advised residents of the area to abide by the terms of the curfew.

The statement reads as follows;

“Sequel to the Presidential declaration of state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states by the President and Commander-in-chief of the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Goodluck Jonathan, a 6 pm to 6 am curfew has been imposed on Adamawa state.

“All law abiding citizens are advised to abide by the curfew,”

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-22557727
http://www.naijapundit.com/news/emergency-rule-bites-even-harder-as-military-imposes-dusk-to-dawn-curfew-in-adamawa

A Chieftain of the Action Congress of Nigeria, and a one time gubernatorial candidate in Adamawa State, Chief Maurice Vunobolki said the declaration of the state of emergency in Adamawa and other states was an issue that has been long overdue.

Chief Maurice Vunobolki made the disclosure on Wednesday, while reacting to the Emergency Rule declared on Adamawa, Yobe and Borno States, by President Goodluck Jonathan.

According to him, “The declaration of the State of Emergency in Adamawa and other states was not received with mixed reactions. It was a decision long over due.

Adding that, “Cognizant attention was not paid to the unfortunate security challenge particularly in Adamawa state before now, because the governor and his cohorts in government were direct beneficiaries of the terrorist activities.



He decried that, “Huge sums of monies have hitherto been unilaterally and unconstitutionally withdrawn from both State coffers and Local Government Joint Account, in the name of confronting security situation in the state, but these monies end up in private pockets.

The Action Congress of Nigeria Chieftain, further lamented that, “Terrorists have laid siege on Maiha, Madagali, Hong, Song, Girei, Ganye and Mayo belwa Local Government Areas with tendencies to continue in other Local Government Areas unabated.

Vunobolki further explained that, instead of handling the security challenges, the Adamawa State Government used the security apparatus to intimidate opposition in the state.

Stressing that, “With the state of emergency imposed on these states, the military in those states will henceforth, within this period, exercise their discretion to deal with any terrorists or their sponsors. And it is our hope that military formations in those states would not compromise.

“Enough of these mindless killings of innocent citizens, and wanton destructions of public and religious institutions in the country”.

He called on the Federal Government to empower the military formations in the affected states with all the needed support to put an end to the ongoing brutality.

http://dailypost.com.ng/2013/05/16/emergency-rule-in-adamawa-it-was-a-decision-long-over-due-vunobolki/

National Chairman of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur on Wednesday revealed that the terrorists behind the unending crises in the Northern parts of the country had concluded plans to secede and declare their own State before the Federal Government struck on Tuesday and declared emergency rule in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states.

Alhaji Tukur who made the revelation in Abuja while receiving in audience a group of journalists from Kaduna State who paid him a courtesy call said that President Goodluck Jonathan settled for emergency rule in the affected states for the sake of unity, peace and stability of Nigeria as a nation.

According to him“Mr President took the last option of declaring a State of Emergency because the terrorists were becoming more daring. They were even planning to declare a state of their own and these happened because many of us believed that the menace of terrorism has been a problem for the north alone.”

Alhaji Tukur, while expressing absolute confidence in the ability of the nation’s armed forces and other security agencies to make the State of Emergency work in the affected states, pleaded with politicians and other stakeholders to rally round the government with every means in their capacity to make the fight against terrorism succeed.

Speaking on why the emergency rule was extended to his state, Adamawa, Alhaji Tukur said that the consideration of the government was that since Borno and Adamawa were geographically contiguous, it made a lot of sense to engage terrorists within the zones broadly in an attempt to break their network and areas of stronghold.

According to him, “though Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states will be feeling the heats of the State of Emergency at the moment, all states of the federation must begin to guard their borders, as a proactive measure for limiting the scope and space for operations of terrorists.

http://www.tribune.com.ng/news2013/index.php/en/component/k2/item/11988-troops-flood-borno-yobe-adamawa-begin-operation-secure-borders-terrorists-plotted-secession-before-fg-struck-tukur
http://www.naijapundit.com/news/boko-haram-was-planning-to-declare-their-own-country-tukur

he Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati on Wednesday said the president action of declaring a state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states does not violate any part of the Nigerian constitution.

Mr Abati, who disclosed this in an interview with Channels Television, said thought the constitution gave President Jonathan the power to declare a state of emergency on any state where there is a breakdown of public order and public safety, it does not empower him to remove democratically elected officials.

President Jonathan had on Tuesday imposed a state of emergency on Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states as a step in curtailing the growing tide of insurgency in northern Nigeria.

In a nationwide broadcast, the President drew his power on section 305(3 (c) (d) (f) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, which states that the President shall have power to issue a state of emergency only when “there is actual breakdown of public order and public safety, there is a clear and present danger of an actual breakdown of public order and safety in the federation or any part to require extraordinary measure to restore peace and security or to avert such danger” and there is any other public danger which clearly constitutes a threat to the existence of the Federation.

http://www.channelstv.com/home/2013/05/15/emergency-rule-why-jonathan-didnt-remove-governors-abati/

Following the break down of law and order in some parts of the country President Goodluck Jonathan has declared a state of emergency in three states to wit: Borno,Yobe and Adamawa. The declaration made pursuant to section 305 of the Constitution requires the approval of both houses of the National Assembly. While appealing for approval of the declaration the National Assembly should appropriate adequate funds for upgrading the security of the nation.

In the face of incessant terrorist attacks, kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes the Federal Government ought to stop playing lip service to the security of life and property in the country. It is not sufficient to deploy more troops to the affected states if the terrorists and other nihilist groups have more sophisticated weapons than the Joint Task Force.

However, President Jonathan deserves commendation for acting within the ambit of the constitution. Unlike President Olusegun Obasanjo who illegally removed elected governors under the guise of a state of emergency President has not dissolved democratic structures in the affected states. That is in order because an elected governor can only be removed by impeachment, resignation or on ground of infirmity of body or mind and NOT through a state of emergency. For the avoidance of doubt the proviso to section 11 (4) of the constitution which empowers the National Assembly to take over the legislative powers of a state in case of emergency states that " nothing in this section shall be construed as conferring on the National Assembly power to remove the Governor or the Deputy Governor of the State from office".Having complied with the constitution with respect to the state of emergency in 3 states President Jonathan should henceforth demonstrate to Nigerians that the days of presidential impunity are gone for ever in the country.

Femi Falana SAN.

http://saharareporters.com/article/declaration-state-emergency-3-states-femi-falana

Former FCT Minister, El-Rufai, had said in his book that he made payments to the FCT judiciary.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Aloma Mukhtar, has fired a query in the direction of Lawal Gumi, the Chief Judge of Federal Capital Territory, seeking explanation over an annual grant made to the FCT judiciary by the FCT administration during Nasir El Rufai’s administration.
Mr. El Rufai had said in his recently published book, The Accidental Public Servant, that his administration decided to budget an annual grant in support of the FCT judicial system to make some procurement.
“…We also decided to budget an annual grant to support our judiciary to procure court recording and automation equipment…,” Mr. El Rufai said.
Now, a coalition of over a hundred and fifty anti-corruption organisations, under the umbrella of the Civil Society Network Against Corruption, CSNAC, want the Chief Justice to investigate the use of the said budget and its legality.
In its petition, signed by its coordinator, Olarenwaju Suraj, CSNAC made a case that the outcome of the investigation be made for public for the respect and integrity of the judiciary.
“We are aware of these grants/ allocations were outside the FCT budget. We are therefore, by this petition demanding that the National Judicial Council ( NJC) undertake a thorough investigation into these allocations, their legality and use; and make public the outcome(S) of the investigation to guarantee the respect for and the integrity of the judiciary.
“This demand is in line with other investigations of the NJC, under your leadership, to sanitize and reposition the judiciary,” CSNAC said.
Following the petition, Ms. Mukhtar asked Mr. Gumi to explain the details of the budgetary allocation.

 In the query dated May 6, 2013, she demanded that Mr. Gumi give details of the annual grants.
“I forward herewith a petition dated 2nd April, 201 against you by one Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju, Chairman of Civil Society Network Against Corruption on the above subject matter. The petition is self- explanatory. I shall be glad to have your comments within three week from the date of receipt of this letter, please,” said Ms. Muhktar.
The Accidental Public Servant
Mr. El Rufai’s book has generated a lot of controversy since its launch earlier in the year. The autobiography details some of the happenings within government circles during the former minister’s various positions in government.
Some of those mentioned have, however, denied some of the statements and actions attributed to them in the book.

http://premiumtimesng.com/news/134405-el-rufais-book-causes-chief-justice-of-nigeria-to-query-abuja-chief-judge.html

True talk, fraud is pervasive in all facets of the country, and in particular the political fraud is cancerous to the well-being of the nation, for instance look at the declaration of state of emergency in some troubled north east states that was greeted with encomium by the vast majority of the civil populace is already coming under attacks by the oppositions party and some northern interests, who in time past have also accused the presidency of inaction. If they had a better solution to the crises and are sincere and patriotic to the unity of this country, they should have sheath their sword and be ready to offer what the solution to the insecurity could be to the govt and atleast, the record would be there, that offer such

Ijeoma Obasi: just imagine a step which a vast majority of Nigerians have yearned for that finally came and all of a sudden, a character jumps out from nowhere to criticize a decision that was taken in the interest of peace. so what makes Lai Mohammed think that the resolution for Emergency rule came within the box. moreover, since he thinks outside the box, what is his own take on this issue. i am beginning to question the sanity of Lai Mohammed.

GUY, love this your submission.....i gbadun u line of reasoning.